Gwangju '2025 World Para Archery Championships' Concludes

Challenging Limits: 443 Athletes from 47 Countries Compete Over Seven Days
Finals at May 18 Democracy Square Highlight Gwangju’s Spirit on the World Stage
City Rises as a Leading International Sports Hub, Promoting Inclusion and Peace

Kang Gijeong, mayor of Gwangju, waved to the athletes while attending the award ceremony of the World Disabled Archery Championships on the 28th. Photo by Gwangju City

The city of Gwangju announced on the 29th that the 'Gwangju 2025 World Para Archery Championships' concluded successfully with the final match held at the May 18 Democracy Square on the 28th.

The final match marked the conclusion of the 'Three Major International Archery Events' held in Gwangju throughout September, which included the World Archery Federation General Assembly, the Hyundai World Archery Championships, and the World Para Archery Championships. Through these events, Gwangju once again demonstrated its capabilities as a global sports hub.

This championship brought together 443 athletes from 47 countries, who competed in 17 events including recurve, compound, W1 (severe impairment), and VI (visual impairment). Notably, the Chinese team set consecutive world records in the women's recurve open and mixed events.

The Korean team won a total of six medals: one gold, one silver, and four bronze. In particular, Kim Okgeum from the Gwangju City Hall team elevated Gwangju’s reputation in archery by winning a gold medal in the W1 team event and a bronze in the mixed event. Additionally, a Korean athlete with a visual impairment made history by participating in the World Championships for the first time.

The organizing committee strengthened customized support for para athletes. They operated an on-site buffet at the venue, including halal and vegan menu options, and provided accessible facilities such as wheelchair lift vehicles, shower chairs, and safety handrails to minimize inconvenience in mobility and daily life.

The committee also expanded the number of accessible restrooms at the venue and installed mats on the shooting line to facilitate wheelchair movement, creating a more athlete-friendly environment. Some seats in the finals’ spectator area were converted into wheelchair spaces, and accessibility for spectators with disabilities was improved by expanding pathways, installing ramps, and setting up Mongolian tents.

To promote eco-friendly operations, reusable cups were used and environmental experience booths were set up. Through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, equipment and technical support were provided to two athletes from Peru and Uganda, embodying the value of international solidarity.

The May 18 Democracy Square, where the finals took place, was highlighted as a symbolic venue that introduces Gwangju’s spirit of democracy, human rights, and peace to the world. Athletes and spectators visited sites such as Jeonil Building 245, the May 18 Clock Tower, and the former provincial government fountain, experiencing Gwangju’s history of democratization.

Mayor Kang Gijeong stated, "By successfully hosting both the Hyundai World Archery Championships and the World Para Archery Championships, we showcased Gwangju’s capacity to organize international sporting events to the world. This achievement was made possible thanks to the passion of our citizens, volunteers, and supporters."

Meanwhile, the Chung Mongkoo Cup Archery Tournament, hosted by the Korea Archery Association, is scheduled to take place from October 1 to 3 at the Gwangju International Archery Center and a special venue at the May 18 Democracy Square. The city plans to further solidify its status as a sports city through this event.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.