Bulls-eye in Ahmedabad: 56 Schools Clash at ISSO National Archery Championship
56 schools competed in the 8th ISSO National Archery Championship in Ahmedabad. Discover the winners and highlights from the event.
The spirit of precision and focus took center stage in Gujarat as the 8th ISSO National Archery Championship 2026–27 reached a thrilling conclusion. Held from October 24 to 25 at the Vijayi Bharat Sports Academy (Sanskardham) in Ahmedabad, the event served as a premier battleground for some of the finest young archers from across India.
Organized by the International Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) in collaboration with Adani International School, the two-day tournament saw an impressive turnout of 56 schools. Student-athletes competed fiercely across three age brackets—Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19—for both boys and girls, testing their mettle in the Indian, Recurve, and Compound rounds.
Inspiration from a World Champion
Adding a layer of prestige to the event was the presence of international archery star Tamnna Deshwal from Rohtak, Haryana, who attended as the chief guest. Deshwal, a celebrated athlete with a Youth World Championship gold medal (Poland 2021) and an Asian University Championship bronze (Taiwan 2024), shared her journey and wisdom with the budding archers.
"It is wonderful to see so many young archers compete at a national level, showcasing their talent and determination. Championships like these help young athletes build confidence, discipline and the focus needed to excel in sport," Deshwal remarked, urging the participants to maintain their commitment and perseverance.
The Hall of Fame: Category Winners
The championship recognized excellence across 18 different categories. Here is the detailed breakdown of the champions who hit the mark:
The Indian Round
- Under-14: Aditya Nimmagadda (The Shri Ram Academy) and Nani Betsy M (Wisdom Wealth International School) took the boys' and girls' titles.
- Under-17: Niyan Porwal and Aadhya Shreekant Totagi, both from Indus Altum International School, secured victory in the boys' and girls' categories respectively.
- Under-19: Veer Shitalkumar Kadam (Sanjay Ghodawat International School) won the boys' title, while Haria Bhakti Grinij (21K School) topped the girls' division.
The Recurve Round
- Under-14: P. Tarun Praneeth (Ela Green School) and Tiya Venkatesh (JS Global School) emerged victorious.
- Under-17: Ashutosh Arun Patil (Sanjay Ghodawat International School) and Daniella J (Aachi Global School) claimed the gold.
- Under-19: Arnav Abhijeet Nilkanth (Sanjay Ghodawat International School) dominated the boys' category, while Meesala Rigdha (CHIREC International School) won for the girls.
The Compound Round
- Under-14: Kowshik Veeran M K (K'sirs International School) and Nandavaram Lashirah (Abode School) secured the top spots.
- Under-17: Vihaan Shah (Jankidevi Public School) and Manasvi Morde (MET Rishikul Vidyalaya) claimed victory.
- Under-19: Nikhil Raj Sakthivel (Vishwashanti Gurukul World School) and Charvi Chawak (MET Rishikul Vidyalaya) ended the tournament as champions.
Nurturing Future Talent
The event not only highlighted individual skill but also underscored the rising popularity of archery in Indian schools. Aakanksha Thapak, Director of ISSO, emphasized the organization's dedication to providing structured platforms for young athletes to discover their potential.
Thapak noted that the participation of 56 schools is a testament to the growing interest in the sport and the necessity of early talent identification. The ISSO extended its gratitude to the Vijayi Bharat Sports Academy and Adani International School for their pivotal role in hosting the successful championship.