Archery Battle Begins at Khelgaon as 432 Sharpshooters from 28 Teams Compete for Medals

The 15th All India Police Archery Championship 2026 got under way on Thursday at Ranchi’s Khelgaon, with Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar formally inaugurating the event. Police and central armed force contingents from across the country took part in the march-past and received the Governor’s salute. He later met the athletes and encouraged them ahead of the competition.

Running from 22 to 26 October, the championship has drawn 28 teams representing state police forces and central security organisations. Archers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat and several other states have arrived in Ranchi, bringing the total number of competitors and officials to 432. Over the next five days the focus will be on precision, consistency and medal-winning performances.

Jharkhand DGP Tadasha Mishra, Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel and other senior officers were present at the opening ceremony. Officials underlined that the event is not only about medals but also about strengthening sportsmanship, discipline, fitness and camaraderie among police personnel.

The championship will conclude on 26 October. Chief Minister Hemant Soren is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony as chief guest and will present awards to the winners and runners-up. For the next five days, every arrow released at Khelgaon will add to the excitement as archers battle for podium places.