Ahmedabad to Host Inaugural Hyundai World Archery Para Series in 2026
India's First Hyundai World Archery Para Series
India is gearing up to host the Hyundai World Archery Para Series (WAPS) for the first time, welcoming over 100 athletes from 20 nations for a five-day event scheduled from September 5 to 9, 2026, at the renowned Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, as announced by the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office.
This significant event is being organized by the Archery Association of India (AAI) with backing from the Government of Gujarat, the Sports Authority of Gujarat, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Competitors will participate in various categories, including Recurve Open, Compound Open, W1, and Visually Impaired.
Grand Opening Ceremony
The official inauguration is set for September 4, 2026, at The Forum - Hotel & Convention, located near Club O7 in Shela, Ahmedabad. The ceremony will be attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated, "The opening ceremony, themed 'Every arrow tells a story of courage,' will honor the determination and excellence of para-athletes, showcasing their skills on an international stage."
Gujarat's Emergence as a Sporting Hub
According to Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi, "Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's leadership, Gujarat has become a prominent venue for international sports events. Hosting this series in Ahmedabad will further enhance Gujarat's reputation as a key destination for major sporting competitions and provide a global platform for para-archery."
Global Participation and Indian Athletes
The competition will see participation from athletes representing India, China, Great Britain, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Slovakia, the USA, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cyprus, Czechia, Iraq, Russia, and Sri Lanka.
Notable Indian athletes include Harvinder Singh, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Champion; Sheetal Devi, a World Para Archery Champion and Paralympic medalist; Rakesh Kumar, an Arjuna Awardee and World Para Archery medalist; and Paralympian Shyam Sunder Swami.
A Milestone for Indian Archery
Arjun Munda, President of the Archery Association of India, expressed pride in hosting the Hyundai World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad, stating, "This event will provide our athletes with a world-class competitive opportunity and inspire future generations. The choice of Ahmedabad underscores India's growing ability to host significant international sporting events and our commitment to inclusivity in sports."
Virendra Sachdeva, Secretary General of the Archery Association of India, added, "Hosting this series marks a pivotal moment for the sport and the development of the Para Archery ecosystem. It presents an opportunity to showcase the quality of Para Archery to a broader audience and foster connections within the global Para Archery community."
This event is a crucial step towards establishing India as a regular venue for international Para Archery competitions, with plans to host additional events in 2027, including the Asia Cup Archery tournament.
Conclusion
As Ahmedabad prepares to welcome athletes from around the globe, the Hyundai World Para Archery Series 2026 is set to elevate Gujarat's status in the international sports arena while celebrating the inspiring stories behind each arrow.