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Payal Nag's Golden Triumph: From Tragedy to Para Archery World Champion

Para archer Payal Nag clinched a historic gold medal at the World Para Archery Series in Bangkok, defeating reigning world champion Sheetal Devi in the final. Nag, who lost all four limbs in an electrocution accident at age eight, began her archery journey after being spotted through her paintings by a coach. She trains at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy in Katra, which provided her with equipment, a wheelchair, and full support. Nag also secured a team gold medal alongside Sheetal Devi, highlighting India's rising prowess in para archery.

Key Points: Payal Nag Wins Gold, Credits Vaishno Devi Shrine Board

  • Won gold at World Para Archery Series
  • Defeated world champion Sheetal Devi
  • Trains at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy
  • Lost all four limbs at age eight
  • Also won team gold with Sheetal Devi
3 min read

"I was able to give medals to India because of my coaches, Vaishno Devi Shrine Board": Para Archer Payal Nag

Para archer Payal Nag, who lost all limbs at age 8, wins World Para Archery gold, defeating idol Sheetal Devi. She credits her coaches and support.

"Today I was able to give a medal to India because of my coaches and the Shrine Board - Payal Nag"

Katra, April 10

Electrocuted at the age of eight, losing all four limbs, and born to a daily-wage mason in Odisha, the odds were stacked heavily against Payal Nag.

However, through sheer determination and resilience, she has written one of Indian sport's most inspiring stories, rising to the top of the global para archery stage.

Earlier this week, Payal clinched gold at the World Para Archery Series in Bangkok, defeating reigning world champion and her idol, Sheetal Devi, 139-136 in the women's para compound final. Competing in her first senior international tournament, she displayed remarkable composure to secure a historic win.

Her journey into archery began in an unusual way. Payal was spotted through her paintings by coach Kuldeep Vedwan, the same mentor who shaped Sheetal Devi into a world champion. Recognising her potential, he brought her to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy in Katra, where she trained using a specially designed bow.

The academy became the foundation of her rise, providing not just coaching but also essential support. Payal had earlier added another gold to her name this week, teaming up with Sheetal Devi to win the women's compound team event, as India edged Kazakhstan 150-147.

Speaking to ANI in Katra on Friday while displaying both her gold medals, Payal said, "I practice in the Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy here. This is the ground from where I learned to hold a bow and arrow. I started my archery journey from here."

"Today I was able to give a medal to India because of my coaches and the Shrine Board, which gave me a wheelchair. With that wheelchair, I went to play in Thailand. The Shrine Board has provided us with food, drink, accommodation, and all facilities. They also provide our equipment. I would like to thank the Shrine Board. I also met with the LG (Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha)," she added.

Archery coach Abhilasha Chaudhary highlighted the role of the institution in nurturing talent and said, "I have been a coach at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy since 2017. It is the best infrastructure establishment in J&K. And if we talk about the journey of archery, every year, archery has given a new star to the country."

"In our academy, there are two Arjun Awardees and 70-plus international medals. In sports, the Shrine Board has made its mark on a global world map. And this is the only religious institution in the country that is contributing so much to sports," she concluded.

From a life-altering tragedy to standing atop the podium on the international stage, Payal Nag's journey is a powerful reminder that courage and perseverance can redefine destiny, inspiring a new generation of para-athletes across the country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Arjun K
This is the kind of news we need every day. Beating the odds and making the nation proud. Hats off to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy for spotting and nurturing such raw talent. They are doing what many government sports bodies should be doing.
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Rohit P
Amazing! To defeat your own idol in your first senior international tournament shows unbelievable mental strength. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 Our para-athletes are consistently bringing glory. They deserve way more recognition and support from corporates for sponsorships.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows para sports globally, this is huge. The level of competition is intense. Payal's journey from painting to archery champion is like something from a movie. Huge respect for Coach Kuldeep Vedwan for identifying talent in such a unique way.
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Vikram M
It's great to see a religious institution like the Shrine Board contributing so meaningfully to sports and changing lives. They provided everything - from wheelchair to equipment. This is seva in its truest form. More temples and trusts should take inspiration.
K
Karthik V
While this is a fantastic achievement, it also highlights a gap. Why did a Shrine Board have to step in for basic support like a wheelchair? Our sports authorities need to be more proactive in supporting athletes, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Payal's success is hers alone, but the system needs to improve.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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