Home Minister Amit Shah on 4 September 2026 inaugurated the World Archery Para Series Amdavad 2026 via video conferencing, launching an international para-archery competition that will see 108 athletes from 19 countries compete in Ahmedabad from 5 to 9 September. The event, organised by the Archery Association of India, marks one of the most significant para-sports competitions to be held in Gujarat.

Athletes and Participating Nations

Archers from Bhutan, the United Kingdom, China, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Indonesia, and the United States, among others, are competing across the five-day series. Welcoming the participants, Shah invoked the Sanskrit principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — the world is one family — framing India's hosting of the event within its broader civilisational ethos.

Shah's Vision for Ahmedabad as a Global Sports Hub

Addressing the opening ceremony, Shah said that Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and India are on course to become major nodes in the global sporting ecosystem. He stated that sports infrastructure being developed in Ahmedabad would meet international standards and serve both domestic and foreign athletes. Shah also said India aims to become a centre for multi-sport training, sports engineering, and sports medical science, including facilities for the treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries.

'The coaching and training facilities at this sports centre will be developed in accordance with international standards,' Shah said, adding that the facility would serve athletes from across the world, not just India.

Gujarat's Growing Sporting Calendar

Shah noted that Gujarat had already hosted approximately 10 international sporting events during 2025 and 2026, giving visiting athletes direct exposure to the state and its infrastructure. He described the World Archery Para Series as a prestigious test of single-minded focus and said it would set new benchmarks of excellence for the sport.

2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics Bids

Shah highlighted two landmark events on Ahmedabad's sporting horizon. He confirmed that the 2030 Commonwealth Games — the centenary edition of the Games — will be hosted by Ahmedabad, calling it a matter of great pride. He also referenced Ahmedabad's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, expressing confidence that the city would secure the event. Both milestones, if realised, would cement Ahmedabad's position among the world's premier sports destinations.

Broader Ambitions for India's Sports Ecosystem

Beyond infrastructure, Shah outlined India's intent to emerge as a global leader in sports engineering and sports medical science. He said the country is building a 'large sporting ecosystem' that extends from athlete training to equipment production and injury rehabilitation. This comes amid a broader national push to raise India's profile in international sports ahead of several high-profile global events in the coming decade.