Gandhinagar: Gujarat is aiming to emerge as a global centre for sports competitions, athlete training, sports engineering and sports-related medical science, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said while virtually inaugurating the Hyundai World Archery Para Series 2026 in Ahmedabad.
The international para archery championship is being held in India for the first time and is taking place at the Sabarmati Riverfront from September 5 to 9, 2026. The event brings leading para archers from several countries to Gujarat and adds to Ahmedabad’s growing calendar of international sporting events.
Gujarat Eyes Global Sports Hub Status
Addressing athletes and officials, Amit Shah said Gujarat is working towards becoming a major global sports hub under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He said the state’s ambitions extend beyond hosting international competitions. Gujarat is also looking to strengthen facilities for athlete training, sports equipment manufacturing, sports engineering and medical science related to sports injuries.
Shah said Ahmedabad’s growing international sports profile could help establish Gujarat as a destination for athletes from across the world.
He also highlighted Ahmedabad’s ambitions in major global sporting events, noting its selection to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and India’s efforts to host the 2036 Olympics.
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29-Member Indian Para Archery Team Competes
A strong 29-member Indian team is participating in the World Para Archery championship.
Shah encouraged the Indian contingent and highlighted para-athletes including Harvinder Singh, Sheetal Devi, Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sundar Swami and Payal as sources of inspiration.
The championship features competition across four categories:
- Recurve Open
- Compound Open
- W-1
- Visually Impaired
The tournament 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.
Gujarat Expands Para-Sports Infrastructure
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat has been strengthening its sports ecosystem through initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh and the national Khelo India programme.
He highlighted the state’s investment in para-sports, including the development of a Para-High Performance Centre in Gandhinagar at a cost of ₹316 crore.
The state also provides ₹10 lakh financial assistance to every para-athlete participating in the Paralympics, along with the Khel Pratibha Puraskar for winners.
To strengthen archery at the grassroots level, Gujarat is training 1,000 athletes across 28 schools.
Patel said sports should not be viewed only through medals and competitions, but also as an important tool for youth development and nation-building.
₹66 Crore Allocated for Sports in 2026-27
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the World Archery Para Series is more than a sporting competition and reflects the determination and potential of athletes.
He noted that it is the fifth international tournament hosted in Ahmedabad in the last six months, underlining the city’s growing sports infrastructure.
Gujarat has allocated ₹66 crore for sports in 2026-27, while the Khel Mahakumbh now attracts more than 75 lakh athletes every year.
Sanghavi also highlighted the development of an Asia’s largest para-sports training centre in Gandhinagar. The facility is planned with advanced infrastructure, including artificial intelligence and sports science capabilities.
Archery Opens Opportunities for Tribal Youth
Sanghavi pointed out that archery has traditionally been a strong sporting discipline among young people in Gujarat’s tribal areas.
The state’s efforts to expand training and infrastructure could provide more opportunities for talented athletes from these communities to enter competitive sports.
The combination of grassroots training, high-performance facilities and international tournaments is aimed at creating a stronger pathway from local talent development to elite-level competition.
Sheetal Devi Named Para Archer of the Year
The event also brought recognition for India’s para archery talent. World Archery Executive Director Juan Carlos Holgado conferred the Para Archer of the Year award on World Para Archery Champion Sheetal Devi.
Archery Association of India President and former Union Minister Arjun Munda welcomed the international athletes and thanked the Gujarat government for organising the championship.
He said the tournament reflects the determination and competitive spirit of modern archers, while also highlighting India’s growing presence in international archery.
Ahmedabad’s Growing International Sports Calendar
Amit Shah invited participating athletes to explore Gujarat’s tourism destinations, including Somnath, Dwarka and Ekta Nagar, during their stay.
The event also brought together international officials, coaches, judges and athletes, including representatives from World Archery and World Archery Asia.
With the World Archery Para Series adding another major international event to Ahmedabad’s calendar, Gujarat is increasingly linking sports infrastructure with tourism, youth development and economic opportunities.
The state’s focus on high-performance facilities, sports science, grassroots training and international competitions could help create a wider sports ecosystem. For para-athletes in particular, the emphasis on dedicated infrastructure and financial support could strengthen pathways for participation and excellence at national and global levels.
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