India dominates Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para Series with 13 medals as Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitates champions, highlighting rising para-sports excellence, strong government support, and growing global recognition ahead of upcoming Asian Games challenges.
India’s para-archery contingent delivered a commanding performance at the Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para Series, emerging as the top-ranked nation with a remarkable haul of 13 medals. The tournament, held in Thailand from March 30 to April 4, featured 113 athletes from 21 countries, showcasing elite talent from across the Asian and Pan-American regions.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, today met and felicitated the Indian contingent, applauding their exceptional achievements and reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening para-sports in India.
India secured 7 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals, finishing well ahead of Indonesia, which claimed second place with 6 medals, and host nation Thailand, which secured 5. The Indian squad, consisting of 39 members—including 21 athletes, 5 coaches, 3 support staff, and 10 escorts—demonstrated depth, discipline, and dominance across multiple categories.
Stellar Individual Performances
Among the standout performers was Toman Kumar, a TOPS athlete, who clinched three gold medals in the Compound Men Open, Mixed Team, and Men’s Team events. Sheetal Devi, another TOPS athlete and one of India’s brightest para-sport stars, secured two gold medals in team events and a silver in the Women Open category.
Payal Nag made headlines by winning two gold medals, emerging as a powerful new force in para-archery. Padma Shri awardee Harvinder Singh contributed significantly with one gold and one silver medal, reinforcing his reputation as a seasoned performer.
Other key contributors included Shyam Sunder Swami, who secured a gold and a bronze, and Bhawna, who added one gold and two bronze medals. Swati Chaudhary, Rajshri Dhanraj Rathod, and Vijay Sundi also contributed to India’s impressive medal tally.
Strong Institutional Support
The Indian team’s participation and preparatory camp were supported under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) through the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme. The government allocated ₹1.04 crore for participation expenses and ₹20.51 lakh for preparatory training, reflecting a structured investment in athlete development.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Archery Association of India, including Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva and Gautam Abrol.
Athletes Reflect on Historic Achievement
Speaking after the event, Payal Nag expressed satisfaction with the team’s management and credited the support system for enabling athletes to perform at their best. She also highlighted the pride of representing India on the global stage.
Sheetal Devi described the emotional experience of watching the Indian flag being raised and hearing the national anthem multiple times during the event. “Those moments amplify the pride of victory,” she said.
Coach Abhilasha Chaudhary emphasized that India’s dominance was not only reflected in the medal tally but also in its growing stature in international sports. She noted that India is increasingly being recognized as a global power beyond traditional domains.
Shyam Sunder Swami added that India’s strong reputation preceded its participation, with rival nations closely monitoring Indian athletes, anticipating intense competition.
Government’s Vision for Para-Sports
Congratulating the athletes, Mansukh Mandaviya praised their dedication and highlighted the broader significance of their success. He stated that such victories go beyond individual achievements and represent national pride.
“You have not only topped the medal tally but also won double the medals compared to the second-ranked country. This is a victory for the entire nation,” he said. He further added that the athletes embody the spirit of a rising India and will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s sporting future.
| Also Read: Victory in international competitions reflects pride of entire nation: Union Minister… |
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting para-athletes through enhanced funding, world-class training infrastructure, and increased international exposure. With the Asian Games on the horizon, expectations from India’s para-archery team are higher than ever.
India’s triumph at the Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para Series stands as a testament to the nation’s growing excellence in para-sports and its determination to achieve global sporting supremacy.
