Preview: Nove Mesto 2025 – para archers’ final test before Gwangju

The second leg and finals of the 2025 European Para Archery Cup take place next week in Nove Mesto, Czechia. Part of the European Para Grand Prix circuit, it follows the opening leg held earlier this year in Rome.

The field is stacked with talent. Three world number ones headline the line-up – Slovenia’s Ziva Lavrinc (recurve women), mixed team Paralympic gold medallist Jodie Grinham of Great Britain (compound women) and India’s Harvinder Singh (recurve men), the reigning Paralympic Champion who also claimed gold at this year’s Asian Para Championships.

They are joined by a host of international medallists, including Nathan MacQueen, David Drahoninsky, Elisabetta Mijno, Jessica Stretton, Pooja, Sheetal Devi and Piotr Van Montagu. In total, 70 athletes from 16 countries are expected to compete.

Nove Město nad Metují has become a regular fixture on the para archery calendar, hosting this combined World Ranking and European Cup event every summer and welcoming several Paralympic qualifiers in the past.

At the first leg in Rome, Italy, Great Britain and India battled for the top of the medal table – a contest that could well be repeated here. Unlike Rome, however, this event does not feature VI competitions.

With the World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju looming in September, Nove Mesto serves as the last major international test for many top athletes. Some big nations are still absent – notably China, who appeared at the Asian Para Championships but are otherwise keeping their archers at home until Gwangju.

Adding to the global picture, the Chicago 2025 Americas Para Archery Cup will run in parallel to Nove Mesto. Brazil is the only country with athletes competing at both events.

Key information

What’s happening? The second leg and finals of the European Para Archery Cup, 23–31 August 2025, in Nove Mesto, Czechia.

What’s at stake? World ranking points.

Who’s competing? Around 70 archers from 16 countries.

What’s the story? The last major outdoor para event of the year before the 2025 World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju, Korea.

Schedule

• Monday 25 August: Qualifying
• Tuesday 26 August: Eliminations
• Wednesday 27 August: Eliminations
• Thursday 28 August: Stage finals
• Friday 29 August: Circuit team finals
• Saturday 30 August: Circuit individual finals