India stages first-ever national indoor archery tournament

India hosted its first-ever indoor archery tournament in Goa from 24 to 31 May, bringing together more than 1400 participants across six age categories.

Organised by the Amateur Archery Association Goa at the Dayanand Bandodkar Indoor Stadium in Mapusa, the event attracted everyone from young beginners to experienced archers, highlighting both the growing depth of talent and the sport’s rising popularity in India.

Archers competed in under-10, under-13, under-15, under-18, under-21 and senior categories, with prize money awarded to the top finishers in the senior division.

The tournament also featured several elite archers, including Pragati, a member of India’s compound women’s team that won gold at the opening stage of the 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Puebla, and world number 53 Aman Saini.

Saini, a multiple Asia Cup medallist, was also part of India’s gold medal-winning compound men’s team at the Gwangju 2025 Hyundai World Archery Championships.

National coach Purnima Mahato praised the success of the country’s first indoor archery tournament.

“The event provided a valuable opportunity for Indian archers, especially those in the under-10, under-13 and under-15 categories, to compete alongside top players and learn new techniques,” she said.

“I believe tournaments like this will help produce many future champions in the country. They also give athletes the opportunity to learn the Olympic Round format and further enhance their skills.”

Archery Association of India president Arjun Munda said it was “truly inspiring” to see talented young archers from across the country competing in different age categories.

“I am glad to be part of the historic first All India Indoor Archery Tournament 2026, a landmark initiative promoting indoor archery in India,” he said. “Their focus, discipline, determination and passion for the sport reflect the bright future of Indian archery and Indian sport as a whole.”

He also congratulated the Amateur Archery Association Goa for organising the event.

The national federation’s treasurer, Joris Paulose Ummacheril, highlighted the importance of creating more competition opportunities throughout the year.

“In Europe, indoor archery events take place during the winter months,” he said. “We wanted to introduce an event that could also be held during the summer.

“This will create additional learning opportunities and exposure for young archers as they build their careers in the sport.”

The event is planned to be held annually, providing a regular platform for archers of all ages and contributing to the long-term development of archery in India.

Images courtesy of Archery Association of India.