Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated the Indian contingent following its performance at the Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para Series held from March 30 to April 4 in Thailand.
India finished at the top of the medal standings with 13 medals, including 7 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze. The contingent also secured double the medal count of second-placed Indonesia, which finished with six medals. Thailand placed third with five medals.
Addressing the athletes, Mandaviya said, “I congratulate you for not just topping the medal tally but also for winning double the number of medals than the second country.”
© PIBThe tournament saw participation from 21 countries and 113 athletes, with representation from Asian and Pan-American regions.
The Indian contingent included 39 members comprising 21 athletes, five coaches, three support staff and 10 escorts. The participation and preparatory camp were supported under the ACTC through the ANSF Scheme, with expenditure of ₹1.04 crore and ₹20.51 lakh respectively.
Mandaviya said the achievement reflected national pride and collective effort. “You represent the spirit of New India, and what you accomplish today will define the sporting history of tomorrow,” he said, adding that the performance sets expectations ahead of upcoming international competitions such as the Asian Games.
Medal Winners
India’s medal haul included multiple standout performances:
- Toman Kumar won three gold medals (Compound Men Open, Mixed Team, Men Team)
- Sheetal Devi secured two gold medals (Mixed Team, Women Team) and one silver (Women Open)
- Payal Nag won two gold medals (Women Open, Women Team)
- Harvinder Singh claimed one gold (Men Team) and one silver (Men Open)
- Shyam Sunder Swami won one gold (Men Team) and one bronze (Men Open)
- Bhawna secured one gold (Women Open) and two bronze medals (Mixed Team, Women Team)
- Swati Chaudhary won one silver (W1 Women)
- Rajshri Dhanraj Rathod secured one bronze (Women Team)
- Vijay Sundi won one gold (Men Team) and one bronze (Mixed Team)
Payal Nag, described as the world’s first quadruple amputee para archer, was among the standout performers with gold in her category.
Athlete and Coach Reactions
Athletes highlighted both the competitive environment and the experience of representing India.
Sheetal Devi said she was satisfied with the arrangements and proud of the team’s performance. She added that seeing the Indian flag raised and hearing the national anthem multiple times during the event heightened the sense of achievement.
Coach Abhilasha Chaudhary said India’s dominance extended beyond medals, noting the country’s growing recognition globally in sports.
Shyam Sunder Swami said competing nations closely tracked Indian participation, anticipating strong competition across categories.
Government Support
Mandaviya reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting para-athletes through funding, training and international exposure. He said athletes must continue to build on current performances as expectations rise ahead of future events.
Senior officials from the Archery Association of India, including Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva and Gautam Abrol, were also present at the felicitation ceremony.
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