Paris Paralympics 2024 gold medallist Harvinder Singh and bronze medallist Sheetal Devi are among the leading para archers competing at the Para National Archery Championship 2026, which got underway at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala today.
Organised by the Punjab Archery Association, the championship will run from January 30 to February 2 and has drawn over 190 para archers from more than 20 states across the country.
The field includes several decorated athletes such as Padma Shri awardee Harvinder Singh, Arjuna Award winner Rakesh Kumar, and Arjuna Awardee and Paralympic bronze medallist Sheetal Devi, alongside a number of international competitors.
A special classification drive is being conducted during the event to identify and support emerging para archers, offering them a pathway to national and international competitions. Blind archery has also been included at the National Championship level for the first time, marking a significant step in the sport’s development.
National para archery coach Abhilasha Chaudhary said the championship serves as a crucial platform for talent identification and growth. She noted that the presence of established international athletes alongside young competitors would help nurture the next generation of para archers.
Reflecting on the growth of the sport, Harvinder Singh said participation has increased significantly since his first appearance at the Para Nationals in 2016. He added that greater media exposure would further encourage para-athletes to take up archery as a career.
Sheetal Devi, who trains at Punjabi University in Patiala, said the large turnout of young athletes and the favourable conditions at NIS Patiala made the championship a special experience for her.
— IANS
