Hyundai World Archery Para Series (WAPS)-2026 was inaugurated virtually by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on September 5, marking a significant milestone as it is being held for the first time in India. The championship, taking place at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, runs until September 9 and sees participation from athletes from various countries.

Notable attendees at the event included Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Arjun Munda, President of the Archery Association of India. In his address, Shah expressed his pride in hosting this prestigious event in his parliamentary constituency.

Shah highlighted the commitment of the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to establish India as a leading global sports destination. He articulated his vision for Gujarat to not only host competitions but also to serve as a hub for athlete training and the manufacturing of sports equipment.

Strengthening India’s Sports Ecosystem

Addressing the Indian athletes participating in the World Para Archery Championship, Shah acknowledged the presence of a robust 29-member Indian team and praised athletes like Harvinder Singh and Sheetal Devi, recognising their inspirational role. He expressed optimism that this event would showcase more world-class talent.

Looking ahead, Shah noted that Ahmedabad is preparing to host the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030 and is a strong contender for the 2036 Olympics. He mentioned the city is currently hosting approximately ten international events in 2023, positioning it as a significant player in the global sports arena.

Moreover, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, associated the event’s timing with the festival of Janmashtami, linking it to cultural symbols of courage and discipline represented by the bow and arrow. He reiterated the Prime Minister’s motto of ‘Khele Te Khile’ to indicate the comprehensive development of the sports sector in India.

Future Developments in Sports Infrastructure

Patel emphasised the ongoing initiatives to develop sports in Gujarat, such as the ‘Para-High Performance Centre’ in Gandhinagar, funded with Rs. 316 crore. Additionally, he mentioned financial support of Rs. 10 lakh to every para-athlete competing in the Paralympics, enhancing the environment for athletes.

The State Government also aims to nurture archery at a grassroots level, training 1,000 athletes across 28 schools. The Chief Minister advocated for increased participation and investment in sports as India progresses towards hosting major international events.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi remarked that the World Para Archery Championship is not merely a competition but a celebration of human spirit and determination. He noted it is the fifth international event hosted in Ahmedabad over the past six months, indicating significant growth in the region’s sports infrastructure.

Leadership and Recognition in Archery

Arjun Munda expressed gratitude towards the State Government for organising the championship on such a grand scale, affirming the continuing legacy of archery from ancient times to modern-day. He noted that Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding Indian sports towards new heights.

World Archery Executive Director Juan Carlos Holgado presented the ‘Para Archer of the Year’ award to Sheetal Devi, celebrating outstanding achievements in para archery. The event, organised in collaboration with the Archery Association of India, the Government of Gujarat, and the Sports Authority of India, attracted a diverse group of participants, including officials and coaches from across the globe.

The WAPS-2026 will feature competitions across various categories, including Recurve Open, Compound Open, W-1, and Visually Impaired, showcasing a significant array of athletic prowess from around the world.

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