Actualités

Rahimi equals career best as recurve top seeds decided in Ahmedabad

05 septembre 2026

Ahmedabad (India)

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Rio 2016 Paralympic Champion Gholamreza Rahimi equalled his career best of 647 to top the recurve men’s qualification at the third stage of the 2026 Hyundai World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad, India, on Saturday.

The former world number one produced one of his best qualification scores since 2023, when he won the individual and doubles gold medals at the continental event at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games. Rahimi (646), alongside Mohammad Reza Arab Ameri (667), also had set a new world record during qualification in Hangzhou.

The 48-year-old Iranian's consistency paid off – his round was laced by a stronger final 36 arrows featuring 10 of his 18 tens and five of his six Xs – the X-ring being the central zone within the 10-ring used to break ties in qualification.

Rahimi finished six points ahead of Bangkok 2025 Asia Para Cup winner Kholidin of Indonesia, who scored 641 after the 72-arrow, 70-metre qualification round.

Home favourite and reigning Paralympic Champion Harvinder Singh, who led the field after the opening 36 arrows, eventually finished third on 636 after two sevens spoiled his second half.

World number five Samuel Molina, who shot 14 tens during qualification – the maximum by any archer in the ranking round – was placed fourth with 633, the same score as India’s Parveen.

Among the women, Indonesia’s world number 12 Noviera Ross stood out with a career-best 603 to top the qualification by a single point.

In 2026, Noviera already has two team medals on the Hyundai World Archery Para Series, including women’s team gold at the opening stage in Bangkok, and will be looking to carry her strong qualification form into the elimination rounds.

Much like Rahimi, compatriot Somayeh Rahimi Ghahderijan, ranked 65th, also found form at an important time, with the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games approaching. She finished second, one point behind Noviera on 602, followed by home favourite Bhawna, winner of the second stage in Nove Mesto, on 595.

World number five and 2022 World Archery Para Championships silver medallist Pooja finished ninth with 527 in the ranking round.

Competition at the Ahmedabad 2026 Hyundai World Archery Para Series continues with the compound, W1 and VI qualifying on Sunday.