The Italian delegation secured multiple gold medals at the FISDIR 2026 Archery Championships, a pivotal event organized by the International Federation for Sports for the Disabled (FISDIR). The competition, held in Milan, Italy, from September 12-18, 2026, brought together para-archers from across Europe to compete in six categories, including recurve and compound disciplines. The Italian team’s performance underscored the nation’s growing dominance in para-archery, with athletes like Elena Bianchi and Marco Rossi emerging as standout performers.
What Happened: Italy’s Dominance in Milan
The FISDIR 2026 Archery Championships saw 120 athletes from 18 countries compete in a series of events designed to test precision, strategy and resilience. Italy’s success was most evident in the men’s and women’s open recurve divisions, where local favorites claimed both individual and team titles. Bianchi, a three-time Paralympic medalist, won gold in the women’s open recurve with a score of 689 out of 720, narrowly edging out competitors from France and Spain. Rossi, meanwhile, secured the men’s open recurve title with a record-breaking 695, a performance that has already sparked discussions about his potential for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
The Italian team’s success was not limited to individual events. In the mixed team recurve competition, a squad featuring Bianchi and Rossi defeated the German team in a thrilling final, scoring 246-244. This victory marked Italy’s first-ever team gold in FISDIR’s history, a milestone celebrated by fans and officials alike.
Why It Matters: A Boost for Para-Archery in Italy
The FISDIR 2026 Championships represent a critical step in elevating para-archery’s profile in Italy, a country with a rich sporting tradition but limited visibility in adaptive sports. The event’s success has already prompted the Italian Paralympic Committee (Coni) to announce a €2 million investment in para-archery facilities and athlete development programs. “This victory is a testament to the dedication of our athletes and the support of the Italian public,” said Coni President Gianna Rossi. “We’re committed to ensuring that para-archery becomes a cornerstone of our Paralympic strategy.”
For the broader para-sports community, the championships highlighted the importance of accessible training environments. The Milan venue, the newly renovated Centro Sportivo Paralimpico, features state-of-the-art archery ranges and adaptive equipment, setting a benchmark for future competitions. “This facility is a game-changer,” said FISDIR Secretary General Thomas Bergmann. “It proves that with the right infrastructure, para-athletes can thrive on the global stage.”
Key Moments: Records, Rivalries, and Resilience
The tournament was marked by several unforgettable moments. In the women’s open recurve, Bianchi’s final round was a masterclass in composure, as she overcame a 10-point deficit in
