Para Athlete / Odisha's Payal Nag Defeats World No. 1 Sheetal Devi To Clinch Gold At World Para Archery Series
·2 days ago·3 min read
Key Points
Indian archers topped the medal tally at the Hyundai World Para Archery Series 2026 in Bangkok with 16 medals, including seven golds.
Bangkok/Balangir, Apr 5: Indian archers delivered a stellar performance at the Hyundai World Para Archery Series 2026 in Bangkok, finishing at the top of the medal tally with a total of 16 medals -- including seven gold, five silver and four bronze.
Among the standout performers was Odisha’s para-athlete Payal Nag, who stunned the field by defeating world No. 1 Sheetal Devi to clinch a gold medal.
Hailing from Jamunabahal village under Bandupala gram panchayat in Muribahal block of Odisha's Balangir district, Payal’s achievement has brought immense pride to the state and the country.
From Adversity to Glory
At just seven years old, Payal lost all four of her limbs after coming into contact with a live wire at a brick kiln in 2015. Her parents are migrant labourers. She grew up facing doubts and ridicule about how she would live her life.
“There were some people in my family who even told my parents to kill me. They doubted my existence and questioned how I would live and what I would do. However, my parents thought differently”, Payal had once said after her major international appearance at Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games.
Despite becoming physically disabled at the age of seven, Payal Nag’s determination and relentless hard work have propelled her to international success. Her victory is being seen as a major inspiration for young athletes and persons with disabilities across the country.
India also dominated the compound team events, securing all three gold medals in the men’s, women’s and mixed team categories during the series.
The next leg of the World Para Archery Series is scheduled to be held in the Czech Republic from June 28 to July 4, 2026.
Also Read: Odisha Athletes Shine Nationally With Double Medal Wins In Sailing And Surfing
Family and Villagers Celebrate Achievement
Reacting to her success, Payal’s mother, Janata Nag, said, “People used to say she cannot do anything in life. But today, she has proved them wrong. We are all proud of her achievement. She has brought glory to our country. I am grateful to her coach for all his support.”
A relative, Kaushalya Nag, added, “We always felt worried about her future as she had no limbs. But today, she has achieved so much on foreign soil. The entire village is proud of her.”
Payal Nag’s triumph has drawn widespread praise, with congratulatory messages pouring in from various quarters, celebrating her as a symbol of courage and perseverance.
Among the standout performers was Odisha’s para-athlete Payal Nag, who stunned the field by defeating world No. 1 Sheetal Devi to clinch a gold medal.
Hailing from Jamunabahal village under Bandupala gram panchayat in Muribahal block of Odisha's Balangir district, Payal’s achievement has brought immense pride to the state and the country.
From Adversity to Glory
At just seven years old, Payal lost all four of her limbs after coming into contact with a live wire at a brick kiln in 2015. Her parents are migrant labourers. She grew up facing doubts and ridicule about how she would live her life.
“There were some people in my family who even told my parents to kill me. They doubted my existence and questioned how I would live and what I would do. However, my parents thought differently”, Payal had once said after her major international appearance at Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games.
Despite becoming physically disabled at the age of seven, Payal Nag’s determination and relentless hard work have propelled her to international success. Her victory is being seen as a major inspiration for young athletes and persons with disabilities across the country.
India also dominated the compound team events, securing all three gold medals in the men’s, women’s and mixed team categories during the series.
The next leg of the World Para Archery Series is scheduled to be held in the Czech Republic from June 28 to July 4, 2026.
Also Read: Odisha Athletes Shine Nationally With Double Medal Wins In Sailing And Surfing
Family and Villagers Celebrate Achievement
Reacting to her success, Payal’s mother, Janata Nag, said, “People used to say she cannot do anything in life. But today, she has proved them wrong. We are all proud of her achievement. She has brought glory to our country. I am grateful to her coach for all his support.”
A relative, Kaushalya Nag, added, “We always felt worried about her future as she had no limbs. But today, she has achieved so much on foreign soil. The entire village is proud of her.”
Payal Nag’s triumph has drawn widespread praise, with congratulatory messages pouring in from various quarters, celebrating her as a symbol of courage and perseverance.
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