Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable display of courage, resilience, and determination, Odisha’s Payal Nag has made history by winning the gold medal at the World Archery Para Series held in Bangkok. Competing without all four limbs, Payal has become the world’s first archer to achieve this feat at this level.
In a gripping final, she defeated India’s world number one archer, Sheetal Devi, with a score of 139-136, marking her first major international victory over the top-ranked competitor. This historic achievement not only strengthens her international standing but also adds a new chapter to India’s para-archery legacy.
From tragedy to triumph
Born in the village of Jamunabahal in the Muribahal block of Balangir district, Odisha, Payal came from a humble background. Her parents, Vijay Nag and Janta Nag, worked as labourers to support their family. Life took a devastating turn in 2015 when economic difficulties forced the family to move to Raipur in Chhattisgarh. It was there that eight-year-old Payal suffered a life-altering accident.
While playing one day, she came into contact with a live electric wire, sustaining severe injuries. Immediate medical intervention was required, and doctors had no choice but to amputate both her arms and legs to save her life. The incident left her family in shock, but support from local authorities and financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund helped them navigate this difficult period.
Following the accident, Payal was fitted with prosthetic limbs, restoring a glimmer of hope in her life. She resumed her education, initially at Parbatigiri Bal Niketan and later at Sadeipali Pallishree High School. Despite her physical challenges, she excelled academically and actively participated in extracurricular activities.
“Despite her disability, Payal displayed immense courage, dedication, and honesty. She attended school regularly and engaged in sports with her peers without any sense of inferiority,” said Brundaban Mahakud, her school principal.
Discovering her true potential
A turning point in Payal’s journey came in 2023 when coach Kuldeep Vedhwan noticed her on social media and invited her for training at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. There, she trained alongside Sheetal Devi, allowing her to further develop her skills. Later, she continued her training in Sonipat, Haryana.
Her international debut came in 2025 at the Asian Youth Para Games held in Dubai. Following approval from the World Archery Federation for specialised equipment, Payal became the world’s first four-limb amputee archer to compete internationally. Her initial performances at national competitions were equally impressive. At the Jaipur Nationals in 2025, she won double gold, defeating Sheetal Devi, and subsequently won silver medals at the Khelo India Para Games and Patiala Nationals, though Sheetal edged her out in both events. The victory in Bangkok, however, marks her first major international win over Sheetal Devi.
Overcoming doubt and inspiring others
Payal’s journey is also a story of overcoming societal doubts. After her accident, many told her parents that Payal would be unable to achieve anything and that her survival was meaningless. These words deeply affected her family, leaving them devastated. However, her coach, Kuldeep Vedhwan, played a critical role in restoring their confidence, showing Payal that she could accomplish great things.
Payal attributes her success to her coach’s unwavering guidance and encouragement. “My achievements today are because of my coach. His mentorship and belief in me have brought me to this stage,” she said.
Recognition and celebrations
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised the athlete’s achievement, stating that her success is a source of great pride and an inspiration for countless sportspersons in the state. He expressed hope that her winning streak would continue and that she would further enhance Odisha’s reputation on the global sporting stage.
ବ୍ୟାଙ୍କକରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ବିଶ୍ୱ ପାରା ଆର୍ଚେରୀ ସିରିଜ୍ରେ ସ୍ୱର୍ଣ୍ଣ ପଦକ ଜିତି ରାଜ୍ୟ ତଥା ଦେଶ ପାଇଁ ଗୌରବ ଆଣିଥିବା ପ୍ରତିଭାବାନ କ୍ରୀଡ଼ାବିତ ପାୟଲ ନାଗଙ୍କୁ ଅନେକ ଅନେକ ଅଭିନନ୍ଦନ।
ପାୟଲଙ୍କ ଏହି ସଫଳତା ରାଜ୍ୟର ଅଗଣିତ କ୍ରୀଡ଼ାବିତଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ଏକ ବଡ଼ ପ୍ରେରଣା। ତାଙ୍କର ଏହି ବିଜୟ ଯାତ୍ରା ଅବ୍ୟାହତ ରହୁ ଏବଂ ସେ ଆଗାମୀ ଦିନରେ ବିଶ୍ୱ… pic.twitter.com/co2zhdZVfs
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) April 4, 2026
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended his congratulations, calling the achievement a proud moment for both Odisha and the country. He highlighted Payal Nag’s determination, hard work, and perseverance, noting that her accomplishment would motivate future generations of athletes.
ବ୍ୟାଙ୍କକ୍ ଠାରେ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠିତ ବିଶ୍ୱ ପାରା ଆର୍ଚେରୀ ସିରିଜରେ ସ୍ୱର୍ଣ୍ଣ ପଦକ ଜିତିଥିବା ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ପାୟଲ ନାଗଙ୍କୁ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା । ପାୟଲଙ୍କ ଏହି ଉଲ୍ଲେଖନୀୟ ସଫଳତା ଓଡ଼ିଶା ତଥା ଦେଶ ପାଇଁ ଏକ ଗୌରବର ମୁହୂର୍ତ୍ତ । ପାୟଲଙ୍କ ଦୃଢ଼ ଇଚ୍ଛାଶକ୍ତି, ପରିଶ୍ରମ ତଥା ତାଙ୍କର ସଫଳତା ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ିର କ୍ରୀଡ଼ାବିତ୍ମାନଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରେରିତ କରିବ ।… pic.twitter.com/VMNrpGX17l
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 5, 2026
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik congratulated Payal Nag on securing the gold medal in the Women’s Para Compound Final and wished her continued success in her sporting career.
Congratulate #Odisha athlete #PayalNag on clinching the #Gold medal in the Women’s Para Compound Final at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok. May she keep shining in her sporting career and make the state and country proud. Wish her the best. #OdishaForSports pic.twitter.com/UvFCzshMIJ
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) April 4, 2026
Payal Nag’s victory at the international event marks a significant milestone and reinforces Odisha’s growing presence in para sports on the global stage.
A role model for millions
Payal Nag’s journey reflects the power of perseverance and self-belief. From a life-threatening accident to becoming an international champion, her story serves as a beacon of hope for millions facing adversity. Her achievements demonstrate that physical limitations need not define a person’s potential or diminish their aspirations.
As the world celebrates her gold medal win, Payal’s example resonates beyond sports. She embodies the message that determination, courage, and the right mentorship can help overcome even the most formidable challenges.
