Ahmedabad, 27 October (H.S.): The eighth National Archery Championship 2026–27, organised by the International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO), concluded in Ahmedabad on Sunday, bringing together young archers from 56 schools across the country.

The two-day competition was held at Vijayi Bharat Sports Academy (SanskarDham), with support from Adani International School. Boys and girls in the Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 categories competed in the Indian, Recurve and Compound rounds, showcasing their skills across the three disciplines.

International archer Tamanna Deshwal, a gold medallist at the Youth World Championships, attended the event as the chief guest. Hailing from Rohtak, Haryana, Deshwal won gold at the Youth World Championships held in Poland in 2021 and a bronze medal at the Asian University Championships in Taiwan in 2024. She encouraged the young participants to pursue their sporting ambitions with dedication, discipline and consistent hard work.

“Seeing such a large number of young archers compete at the national level and demonstrate their talent and determination is wonderful. Championships like this help young athletes develop confidence, discipline and the concentration required to excel in sports. I encourage all participants to keep learning, remain committed to their goals and move forward with determination,” Deshwal said.

ISSO Director Akanksha Thapakh said the organisation was committed to creating structured competitive platforms that help young athletes recognise and develop their potential.

“The participation of 56 schools in this championship reflects the growing interest in archery and the importance of nurturing sporting talent from an early age. We are grateful to our event partners for their support in making this championship a success,” she said.

In the Under-14 boys’ category, Aditya Nimmagadda of The Shriram Academy claimed the title, while Nani Betsy M. of Wisdom Wealth International School won the girls’ category.

In the Under-17 category, Niyan Porwal of Indus Altum International School emerged victorious among the boys, while Aadhya Srikant Totagi of the same school in Belagavi secured first place in the girls’ event.

In the Under-19 boys’ category, Veer Shitalkumar Kadam of Sanjay Ghodawat International School won the title. Bhakti Harija Grinij of 21K School topped the girls’ category.

In the Under-14 recurve events, P. Tarun Praneeth of Ila Green School won the boys’ title, while Tia Venkatesh of JS Global School secured gold in the girls’ category.

Ashutosh Arun Patil of Sanjay Ghodawat International School emerged as the Under-17 boys’ champion, while Daniela J. of Aachi Global School won the girls’ title.

In the Under-19 category, Arnav Abhijit Neelkanth of Sanjay Ghodawat International School finished first among the boys, while Misala Ridha of Chirec International School won the girls’ event.

In the Under-14 compound category, Kaushik Veeran M.K. of K’Sirs International School won the boys’ title, while Nandavaram Lashirah of Abode School emerged victorious among the girls.

Vihan Shah of Jankidevi Public School secured gold in the Under-17 boys’ category, while Manasvi Mordhe of MIT Rishikul Vidyalaya won the girls’ title.

In the Under-19 boys’ category, Nikhil Raj Sakthivel of Vishwashanti Gurukul World School claimed the title. Charvi Chavak of MIT Rishikul Vidyalaya finished first in the girls’ event.

ISSO expressed its gratitude to Adani International School and Vijayi Bharat Sports Academy (SanskarDham) for providing the necessary facilities and support to the participating archers.

At the closing medal ceremony, winners across the different age groups and disciplines received medals, certificates of merit and trophies in recognition of their performances.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar