World Archery Para Series 2026: India to Host Historic Event in Ahmedabad

Why in News?

India is set to host the Hyundai World Archery Para Series (WAPS) 2026 for the first time. The international para-archery competition will be held from 5–9 September 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

About World Archery Para Series 2026

The World Archery Para Series brings leading para-archers from different countries together for international-level competition.

The Ahmedabad edition will feature competitions across major para-archery categories, including:

• Recurve Open
• Compound Open
• W1
• Visually Impaired

The event provides athletes with an international competitive platform while increasing the visibility and recognition of para-archery.

Who is Organising the Event?

The event is being organised by the Archery Association of India (AAI) with support from:

• Government of Gujarat
• Sports Authority of Gujarat
• Sports Authority of India (SAI)

The selection of Ahmedabad also reflects India's increasing capacity to organise major international sporting competitions.

Participating Countries

Athletes from 20 countries are expected to participate in the series. These include India, China, Great Britain, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Slovakia, United States, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cyprus, Czechia, Iraq, Russian Federation and Sri Lanka.

Thus, the event brings together athletes from Asia, Europe and North America.

Leading Indian Para-Archers

• Harvinder Singh: Harvinder Singh is one of India's leading para-archers and became the Paralympic champion at Paris 2024. His achievements have played an important role in increasing the visibility of para-archery in India.
• Sheetal Devi: Sheetal Devi is among India's most prominent para-archers. She has emerged as a World Para Archery Champion and Paralympic medallist, becoming an important face of India's para-sports ecosystem.
• Rakesh Kumar: Rakesh Kumar is an Arjuna Awardee and World Para Archery medallist. He is among India's experienced international para-archery competitors.
• Shyam Sunder Swami: Paralympian Shyam Sunder Swami will also be among the prominent Indian competitors at the tournament.

What is Para Archery?

• Para archery is the competitive form of archery designed for eligible athletes with disabilities.
• Depending on their classification, athletes compete in different categories and may use assistive devices permitted under competition rules.
• International para-archery includes both Recurve and Compound events along with specialised classifications such as W1.
• Para archery is also part of the Paralympic Games.

Understanding the Major Categories

• Recurve Open: Athletes use a recurve bow, the type of bow traditionally associated with Olympic-style archery. Eligible para-athletes with physical impairments compete under the classification rules applicable to this category.
• Compound Open: Athletes compete using a compound bow, which uses a system of cams and cables to assist in drawing and holding the bow.
• W1 Category: W1 is designed for athletes with significant physical impairment affecting both the upper and lower limbs. Specific equipment and competition rules apply to this classification.
• Visually Impaired Category: This category enables athletes with visual impairment to participate in competitive archery using appropriate adaptations and assistance permitted under the rules.

Why is Hosting the Event Important for India?

1. First World Archery Para Series in India : Hosting the tournament for the first time represents an important milestone in the development of India's para-sports ecosystem.
2. Boost to Para Sports :  International competitions provide Indian para-athletes with greater exposure to world-class competition without always having to travel abroad.
3. Encouraging Inclusive Sports:  The event strengthens the idea that sporting infrastructure and opportunities should be accessible to athletes with different abilities.
4. International Sporting Destination: Hosting more than 100 athletes from 20 countries strengthens India's profile as a destination for international sporting competitions.
5. Inspiration for Young Athletes: Successful Indian para-athletes such as Harvinder Singh and Sheetal Devi can inspire more young athletes to enter competitive para-sports.
6. Preparation for Future Events: India is also expected to host international archery events in 2027, including an Asia Cup Archery tournament. The Ahmedabad event can therefore contribute to institutional experience in organising future international competitions.

Why Ahmedabad?

• Ahmedabad has increasingly emerged as an important centre for hosting major sporting events.
• The Sabarmati Riverfront will provide the main setting for the competition.
• Hosting an international para-sports tournament also provides an opportunity to demonstrate accessible sporting infrastructure, event management capability and international-standard facilities.
• The event can further strengthen Gujarat's position on India's sports tourism and sporting-event map.

Para Sports and India

• India's performance in international para-sports has improved considerably in recent years.
• Achievements at the Paralympic Games and other international competitions have increased public attention towards para-athletes.

India's progress can be strengthened further through:

• Accessible sports infrastructure
• Identification of talent at the grassroots level
• Specialised coaching
• Sports science support
• Financial assistance
• International competition exposure
• Accessible training centres
• Greater media visibility

Hosting international tournaments within India can complement these measures.

Challenges for Para Sports in India

Despite growing international success, India's para-sports ecosystem continues to require sustained development.

Important areas include:

• Availability of accessible sporting facilities
• Identification of para-athletes at grassroots level
• Availability of specialised coaches
• Access to modern sporting equipment
• Financial support for athletes
• Sports science and rehabilitation facilities
• Regular domestic competitions
• International exposure
• Public awareness and media coverage

Addressing these issues is necessary for creating a sustainable pipeline of para-athletes.

Way Forward

• India should use major international events such as the World Archery Para Series to create a long-term para-sports ecosystem rather than treating them merely as individual tournaments.
• Greater emphasis should be placed on accessible infrastructure, grassroots talent identification, professional coaching and sports science.
• Schools, universities and local sporting institutions can also play an important role in identifying athletes with sporting potential.
• India should additionally seek to host more international para-sport competitions, helping domestic athletes gain exposure while strengthening the country's capabilities as a global sporting destination.

Key Facts for Prelims

FAQs