Sheetal Devi Honoured with ‘Para Archer of the Year’ Award; 108 Archers from 19 Countries to Compete
Ahmedabad, September 5: Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah virtually inaugurated the Hyundai World Archery Para Series (WAPS) 2026, being hosted in Ahmedabad for the first time in India.
The prestigious international championship is being held at the Sabarmati Riverfront from September 5 to 9, 2026, bringing together 108 para archers from 19 countries, including a strong 29-member Indian contingent.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Archery Association of India President and former Union Minister Arjun Munda were among those present at the inaugural programme.
Welcoming athletes from across the world, Amit Shah said that hosting the championship in his parliamentary constituency was a matter of great pride. He said that under the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving towards becoming one of the world’s leading centres for sports.
Gujarat to Become a Global Sports Hub
Shah said Gujarat is preparing to emerge as a global hub not only for hosting sporting competitions but also for athlete training, world-class sports infrastructure and the manufacturing of sports equipment.
He further highlighted Gujarat’s potential in sports engineering and medical science, particularly in the treatment and management of sports injuries. He said the state is expected to develop into an important centre for athletes from across the world seeking advanced sports medicine and related facilities.
Encouraging Indian athletes participating in the championship, Shah praised para archers including Harvinder Singh, Sheetal Devi, Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sundar Swami and Payal, describing them as an inspiration for the nation.
Expressing confidence in India’s growing sporting ecosystem, he said the tournament would provide a platform for more athletes to emerge as future international champions.
Shah also invited visiting athletes to explore Gujarat’s rich tourism destinations, including Somnath, Dwarka and Ekta Nagar, and experience the state’s hospitality.
Ahmedabad Eyes Major Global Sporting Events
Highlighting Ahmedabad’s growing importance on the global sports map, Shah said the city is set to host the centenary edition of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is also a strong contender for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.
He added that Ahmedabad is hosting around 10 international sporting competitions during the year, reflecting the city’s rapidly expanding sports infrastructure and organisational capabilities.
‘Khele Te Khile’ Brought 360-Degree Transformation: Bhupendra Patel
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed the athletes on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami and said that the bow and arrow have historically symbolised courage, discipline and dedication in Indian civilisation.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra, “Khele Te Khile” (Those Who Play, Flourish), has brought a 360-degree transformation in India’s sports sector.
Patel said sports are no longer viewed merely as a means of winning medals but have become an important instrument for personality development, youth empowerment and nation-building.
Referring to initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh, launched in Gujarat during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister, and the nationwide Khelo India programme, Patel said the sports ecosystem has expanded significantly, including in the field of para sports.
The Chief Minister said that Asia’s advanced Para High Performance Centre is being developed in Gandhinagar at an estimated cost of Rs 316 crore.
The Gujarat government also provides financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to each differently-abled athlete participating in the Paralympics, while medal winners are recognised through the Khel Pratibha Puraskar.
At the grassroots level, around 1,000 players are receiving archery training across 28 schools in the state.
Para Sports a Celebration of Human Potential: Harsh Sanghavi
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the championship was not merely a sporting competition but a celebration of human potential, determination and the power to overcome challenges.
He said this was the fifth international sporting tournament hosted in Ahmedabad within the last six months, reflecting Gujarat’s rapidly growing sports infrastructure and capabilities.
Sanghavi noted that archery is a natural strength among youth from tribal regions, with several talented athletes emerging from these areas and bringing laurels to the country.
He said Gujarat is committed to developing a strong sports ecosystem and has made a provision of Rs 66 crore for sports during 2026-27.
Referring to Khel Mahakumbh, he said that the sporting initiative, launched during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, now witnesses the participation of more than 75 lakh players every year.
Sanghavi also highlighted the upcoming Para Sports Training Centre in Gandhinagar, which will be equipped with advanced facilities, including AI and sports science technologies.
Arjun Munda Hails Historic Event
Archery Association of India President Arjun Munda thanked the Gujarat government and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for organising the prestigious World Para Archery event during the auspicious Janmashtami period.
He said the championship represented a unique connection between India’s ancient archery traditions and the achievements of modern-day archers.
Munda added that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian sports, including archery, are receiving renewed direction, infrastructure and international recognition.
Sheetal Devi Receives ‘Para Archer of the Year’ Award
One of the highlights of the inaugural ceremony was the presentation of the ‘Para Archer of the Year’ Award to World Para Archery champion Sheetal Devi.
The award was presented by Juan Carlos Holgado, Executive Director of World Archery, in recognition of Sheetal Devi’s outstanding contribution and achievements in international para archery.
Archery Association of India Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva outlined the programme and championship schedule.
The event is being organised by the Archery Association of India (AAI) in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, Sports Authority of Gujarat and Sports Authority of India.
108 Archers from 19 Countries
A total of 108 para archers from 19 countries are participating in the championship.
Besides India’s 29-member contingent, athletes from China, Great Britain, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Slovakia, the United States, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cyprus, Czechia, Iraq and the Russian Federation are taking part.
The competition will feature some of the world’s leading para archers across Recurve Open, Compound Open, W1 and Visually Impaired categories.
The World Archery Para Series 2026 is expected to further strengthen Ahmedabad and Gujarat’s position as an emerging destination for international sporting events, while providing a major platform for para athletes to showcase their talent, determination and sporting excellence before a global audience.
