India set to host major international archery event again after more than two decades

India is set to host a major international archery event again after more than two decades. Delhi has been awarded the second leg of the Asia Cup in 2027, marking the first time since 2005 that the country will stage a top global archery tournament.

The decision was approved by World Archery Asia during a meeting in Kolkata between its president and officials from the Archery Association of India.World Archery Asia president Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol confirmed the development after discussions with Archery Association of India secretary general Virendra Sachdeva. He said the governing body is confident about India’s ability to host the event.

"We are positive about Delhi hosting it and there should not be any problem.

If the Archery Association of India wants, they will host it. We are also considering Delhi as the venue for the Commonwealth Archery Championships next year," Chapol told PTI.India last hosted a major international archery competition in 2005 when the Asian Archery Championships were held in Delhi. The upcoming Asia Cup leg will therefore mark a significant return for the country on the global archery calendar.

There is more good news for Indian archery fans. Ahmedabad will host the Asian Para Archery Championships in September this year, while Kolkata has been awarded the South Asian Archery Championships in 2026. The city last staged an international archery tournament in 2009 when it hosted the Asian Archery Grand Prix.The domestic calendar is also busy, with the National Archery Championships scheduled in Shillong this year.

Kolkata could also host next year’s national championships, although that has not yet been finalised.Indian archers will have a packed international season ahead, starting with the Asia Cup stage in Bangkok from March 21 to 26. The next legs are planned in Iraq and China, while the Archery World Cup series will begin in Puebla, Mexico, in April.