177 Para Archers from 30 Nations Compete in Czechia

A new global competition circuit is bringing para archery into the spotlight, and this week's event in Nove Mesto, Czechia proves just how much the sport is growing.

The Hyundai World Archery Para Series launched earlier this year to give Paralympic archers more opportunities to compete internationally and gain exposure. After a successful first event in Bangkok, 177 para archers from 30 countries are now heading to Czechia for the second stage of the series.

The competition runs from June 30 to July 4 and features individual and team events across four categories: recurve, compound, W1, and visually impaired. Four world number one ranked archers will compete, including India's Sheetal Devi, who was named World Archery para archer of 2025.

India is arriving with the largest team of 16 athletes. The squad includes both Devi and Harvinder Singh, who won gold at the last Paralympics. India topped the medals table at the Bangkok event with seven gold medals.

Nove Mesto has become a favorite venue for para archery, hosting its second international competition in less than a year. The Czech town welcomed European competitors last August and is now opening its doors to the world's best athletes.

Strong teams from Italy, Korea, Brazil, the United States, and host nation Czechia are also competing. The depth of talent shows how para archery is expanding globally, with more countries investing in their athletes and programs.

Why This Inspires

This competition matters beyond medals and rankings. For many Asian athletes, it's their final tune-up before the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games in October, giving them crucial practice under pressure.

The series itself represents a major step forward for Paralympic sports. By creating more high-level competition opportunities throughout the year, para archers can train more consistently and gain the experience needed to excel. More events mean more visibility, which helps attract sponsors, fans, and young athletes who see themselves represented.

Saturday's finals will be livestreamed, making elite para archery accessible to viewers worldwide. Live scores will be available throughout the week on World Archery's website.

Athletes with disabilities deserve the same competition opportunities as their able-bodied peers, and this new series is helping close that gap.