India’s Sporting Ambitions Extend Beyond Medals, Says Amit Shah
Ahmedabad, September 4 (ANB): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said India’s sporting ambitions extend beyond winning medals, with the country working to strengthen its presence in major international competitions such as the Olympic Games and Asian Games.
Shah made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the World Archery Para Series 2026 in Ahmedabad through video conferencing. The international para-archery event is scheduled to be held from September 5 to 9.
India Eyes Global Sports Leadership
Shah said the government is committed to developing India as a global hub for modern sports infrastructure, high-quality coaching and training facilities, sports equipment manufacturing, sports engineering and sports medical science.
He said India’s objective was not merely to maximise its medal tally but to enhance its overall competitiveness and performance across major international sporting platforms.
The Home Minister also emphasised the need to develop world-class facilities for athletes. He said the sports centre hosting the para-archery competition would be upgraded in accordance with international standards and could emerge as a major training hub for Indian and foreign sportspersons.
Focus on Sports Engineering and Athlete Healthcare
Shah said India was also making significant strides in sports engineering and sports medical science, including specialised treatment and rehabilitation facilities for athletes suffering sports-related injuries.
He expressed confidence that India would emerge as an important destination for sports injury treatment and rehabilitation while simultaneously strengthening its capabilities in athlete training and modern sporting infrastructure.
The Home Minister further stressed the importance of expanding domestic manufacturing of sports equipment, noting that India has the potential to develop into a major global production centre for sporting goods.
Dedication and Determination Key to Sporting Excellence
Highlighting the qualities required to achieve sporting success, Shah said champions are not made through coaching and practice alone.
He underscored the importance of hard work, perseverance, dedication, determination and an unwavering will to succeed, describing these qualities as fundamental to an athlete’s journey towards excellence.
Shah extended his best wishes to all participating athletes and welcomed sportspersons from across the world to India for the international competition.
Over 108 Para Athletes from 19 Countries to Compete
The World Archery Para Series 2026 will feature more than 108 para athletes from 19 countries, providing them with an international platform to compete and showcase their skills.
Athletes from countries including Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Britain, France, Germany, Indonesia and the United States are expected to participate in the event.
Shah said the participation of athletes from different parts of the world reflected India’s enduring philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, meaning the world is one family.
He expressed confidence that the international competition would provide a memorable experience for the participating athletes and the people of Ahmedabad.
The hosting of the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad is expected to further strengthen India’s position on the global sporting map while providing greater international exposure and recognition to para athletes.
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