Rome, Italy – The 2026 European Para Archery Championships are underway in Rome, and Italian archers are making a significant impact, securing four spots in individual finals. The championships, being held for the third time in the Italian capital, represent a key event on the para archery calendar, building momentum after the 2025 World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju.
The competition, which began on April 26, 2026, features 129 competitors from 26 nations, all vying for European titles across recurve, compound, W1, and visually impaired categories. The historic Nando Martellini Stadium, situated next to the Colosseum, provides a dramatic backdrop for the event. For those unfamiliar with the venue, the Nando Martellini Stadium is a well-established location for archery events, having previously hosted the championships in 2024 and 2022, as well as a leg of the 2025 European Para Archery Cup.
Italy’s strong performance is highlighted by a guaranteed gold medal match in the W1 category, where Paolo Tonon and Maurizio Panella will face off against each other. This all-Italian final underscores the nation’s depth in this discipline. Beyond the W1 showdown, Italian athletes have also advanced to medal matches in other categories, demonstrating a broad strength across the team.
The return of visually impaired competition to a major championship – the first since Gwangju 2025 – is a significant development for the sport. At the 2025 World Archery Para Championships, Cyprus’s Christos Misos claimed the VI1 title, defeating Belgium’s Ruben Vanhollebeke. In the VI2/3 category, Great Britain’s Nicholas Thomas triumphed over Belgium’s Kathleen Meurrens. All four of these athletes are competing in Rome, with Vanhollebeke particularly focused on securing a third European title, having previously won in 2024 and 2022.
Other prominent names participating in the championships include Elisabetta Mijno, Tereza Brandtlova, David Drahoninsky, Guillaume Toucoullet, Jessica Stretton, Oznur Cure Girdi, Stefano Travisani, and Ziva Lavrinc. Mijno, currently ranked number one in the world, is aiming for her fifth title after a disappointing showing in Gwangju last year. Travisani, who secured a title for Italy at the Gwangju championships in the recurve men’s event, will be looking to continue his success on home soil.
The European Para Archery Championships have a history dating back to 2006, and Rome has become a consistent host city, solidifying its position as a key location for para archery events. The event’s return to the city underscores its importance within the European para archery community.
The championships aren’t just about individual accolades. they also serve as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming for future Paralympic success. The competition provides valuable experience and a platform to showcase their skills on an international stage. For many, Rome represents a vital opportunity to refine their techniques and build confidence ahead of major events like the Paralympic Games.
The finals taking place at the Nando Martellini Stadium promise to be a thrilling spectacle, with passionate crowds expected to fill the stands. The combination of world-class athletes, a historic venue, and the energy of the Italian fans creates a unique atmosphere for the championships.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on the medal matches and the crowning of the European champions. The results from Rome will undoubtedly shape the landscape of para archery heading into the next major competitions. The next scheduled action will be the awarding of medals following the completion of the individual finals. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 European Para Archery Championships.
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