Rio 2016 Paralympic Champion Gholamreza Rahimi equalled his career best of 647 to top the recurve men’s qualification at the third stage of the 2026 Hyundai World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad, India, on Saturday.
The former world number one produced one of his best qualification scores since 2023, when he won the individual and doubles gold medals at the continental event at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games. Rahimi (646), alongside Mohammad Reza Arab Ameri (667), also had set a new world record during qualification in Hangzhou.
The 48-year-old Iranian’s consistency paid off – his round was laced by a stronger final 36 arrows featuring 10 of his 18 tens and five of his six Xs – the X-ring being the central zone within the 10-ring used to break ties in qualification.
Rahimi finished six points ahead of Bangkok 2025 Asia Para Cup winner Kholidin of Indonesia, who scored 641 after the 72-arrow, 70-metre qualification round.
Home favourite and reigning Paralympic Champion Harvinder Singh, who led the field after the opening 36 arrows, eventually finished third on 636 after two sevens spoiled his second half.
World number five Samuel Molina, who shot 14 tens during qualification – the maximum by any archer in the ranking round – was placed fourth with 633, the same score as India’s Parveen.
