Mexican archer Samuel Molina claimed the gold medal in the men’s open recurve division at the 2026 Para Archery World Series in Ahmedabad, India, defeating Indonesia’s Kholidin in a dramatic tiebreaker.

The tournament, held from September 5 to September 9 in Gujarat, culminated in a tightly contested final round that pushed the two-time Paralympian to his absolute limit. According to event reports, Molina struggled early in the match, dropping the opening set and falling behind 3-1 as the Indonesian competitor pressed his advantage in the second frame.

How Samuel Molina Fought Back in Ahmedabad

Facing a deficit on the international stage, the Michoacán native rallied in the third set to level the score. Both archers traded points through the remaining regulation rounds, finishing tied at 5-5 after five sets of intense competition.

The championship ultimately hinged on a single arrow shoot-off. Kholidin opened the tiebreak with an 8, leaving an opening that Molina capitalized on by landing a perfect 10 in the center of the target. The decisive shot secured the gold medal, marking the first time in his career that Molina has won a World Series event.

The Road to Lima 2027 and Continental Rankings

The victory in India serves as a crucial stepping stone for Molina, who currently holds the number-one spot in the 2026 continental rankings. Beyond the immediate World Series accolades, the competition formed an essential part of his ongoing preparation for the upcoming Parapan American Championship.

That upcoming continental tournament will distribute direct qualifying spots for the Lima 2027 Parapan American Games.

Team Support and Future Outlook

Following the medal ceremony, coach Sandra Loza Tenorio reflected on the years of preparation required to reach the top of the international podium. In remarks cited across tournament coverage, she emphasized that the victory reflects long-term discipline and collective effort rather than a single day’s performance.

She also acknowledged the institutional backing from sports authorities, including the Comisión Nacional de Cultura Física y Deporte, Archery Mexico, and the Comisión de Deporte, noting that stable training conditions remain vital for international success.

With the Ahmedabad World Series concluded, attention turns to the training camps and qualification tournaments leading up to the Parapan American qualifier.