Ankur Gupta, President of Indian Disability Darts Association, speaks to Prof. S.S. Dogra
By Prof. S.S. Dogra
Senior Journalist & Author
New Delhi: In a compelling conversation with Senior Journalist and Author Prof. S.S. Dogra, Ankur Gupta—Management Professional, IT Strategist, Education Leader, LLB, and Harvard Leadership Program alumnus—shared his vision for the growth of para darts in India. A recipient of the prestigious “Shaan-e-City” Leadership Award, Gupta currently serves as President of the Indian Disability Darts Association (IDDA). Excerpts from the exclusive interview:
Q: How did your journey with darts begin?
Ankur Gupta: I first discovered darts in 2018 while exploring sports that emphasize precision and focus. Initially, it appeared simple, but the more I observed, the more I realized the depth of strategy, skill and concentration it requires.
The real turning point came when I recognized its inclusivity. Darts is a sport where physical strength is secondary to focus and technique. That realization inspired me to actively promote the sport, especially among persons with disabilities, through IDDA.
Q: What is the ideal age to start playing darts?
Ankur Gupta: Children can begin learning darts around the age of 8 to 10, when hand-eye coordination and focus are better developed. With proper supervision and safety measures, even younger children can be introduced to the sport safely using soft-tip darts.
Importantly, darts is unique because it is never too late to start. Many players begin in their teens or adulthood. Para-athletes often take up the sport later in life and still achieve remarkable success.
Q: What career opportunities does darts offer today?
Ankur Gupta: Darts is no longer merely recreational—it offers growing professional opportunities. Athletes can compete at national and international levels, earn prize money, secure sponsorships and represent India globally.
Indian players are now participating in prestigious global platforms such as the International Para Darts Championship scheduled in Selangor, Malaysia, in April 2026. Such exposure is helping Indian para-athletes gain international recognition.
Q: Where does India stand globally in darts?
Ankur Gupta: Unlike many sports, darts rankings are largely individual-based rather than country-based. India is still an emerging nation in this discipline, but our athletes are steadily gaining exposure and experience. With structured development, training infrastructure and institutional support, we are confident of establishing a strong global presence.
Q: Who is the most recognized para darts player from India?
Ankur Gupta: One of the most prominent names is Mahendra Singh, widely acknowledged as India’s first para darts player. Beyond his achievements as an athlete, he has played a vital role in promoting and administrating the sport as the General Secretary of IDDA.
BEYOND LIMITATIONS
Ankur Gupta’s leadership reflects a larger movement—positioning darts as a sport of precision, opportunity and inclusivity. Under his stewardship, the Indian Disability Darts Association is not only nurturing athletes but also building a platform where determination transcends physical limitations.
