[ Prof. S. S. Dogra ] Kanpur, January 30:
In a major boost to inclusive sports in the country, the 1st Para Darts National Championship 2026 will be held for the first time in Kanpur on January 31 and February 1, 2026, at Malik Guest House. The national championship is set to bring together more than 120 para athletes from different states, marking a historic moment for para darts in India.
Announcing the event, Indian Disability Darts Association (IDDA) President Ankur Gupta and General Secretary Mahendra Singh said that the championship will be conducted strictly as per international rules and regulations. The tournament will feature competitions across multiple categories, including wheelchair, lower limb, and upper limb divisions. A qualified panel of referees along with a dedicated technical team has been appointed to ensure fairness, transparency, and smooth conduct throughout the event.
Speaking to the correspondent, IDDA representatives informed that all matches will be played under the Para Darts Rules and Regulations for Standing and Wheelchair Players, in accordance with the guidelines of the World Disability Darts Association.
Para darts is a precision-based sport in which athletes with disabilities compete in both standing and wheelchair formats. The standard game format for the championship will be 501 (double out), while match formats will be decided by the tournament committee.
Eligibility and Categories
Participation is open to Indian citizens belonging to recognized disability categories, with a valid medical or differently-abled certificate mandatory. The championship is open to both men and women, with no age limit; junior and senior categories may be classified separately.
Standing Para Darts categories include lower limb disability, upper limb disability, amputees, hearing-impaired players, and partially visually impaired athletes (B3 category).
Wheelchair Para Darts will include manual and electric wheelchair users, including players with limited or no trunk control, who must remain seated throughout the match.
Officials added that the dartboard height, throwing distance, equipment standards, scoring system, fouls, dress code, and safety norms will strictly adhere to international standards.
Ranking and selection will be based purely on performance, with top-ranked players earning the opportunity to represent India at international para darts events. The selection process, officials assured, will be completely transparent.
The Association for Disabled People (ADP) and Indian Disability Darts Association (IDDA) have reserved the right to amend rules if necessary.
The championship is expected to set a new benchmark for para darts in India, offering a strong national platform for differently-abled athletes to showcase their skill, determination, and competitive spirit on a prestigious stage.
