Payal Nag, a rising star in the world of para archery, has gained worldwide attention for securing an unprecedented victory at the World Para Archery Series Final held in Bangkok on April 4, 2026. In this highly anticipated senior international tournament, the 18-year-old athlete claimed gold by defeating the reigning World No. 1 of India, Sheetal Devi, in the compound final category by 139 to 136 points.
Who is Payal Nag?
Payal Nag was born in Odisha’s Balangir district and belongs to a modest background. Growing up in the care of a daily wage labourer mason, her life saw a turning point after being electrocuted by an 11,000-volt shock when she was only eight years old, leaving her paralysed without any of her four limbs. She then grew up in the care of a government-run child welfare home.
It was her sheer willpower that made her come into notice through a video which showed her painting with her mouth. The video caught the attention of archery coach Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan, who offered her training in para archery in Maata Vaishno Devi Shrine Archery Academy in Katra.
Unlike many para archers, Payal developed a distinct shooting method suited to her physical condition. She uses a custom prosthetic setup to stabilise the bow while drawing it with the support of her shoulder and releasing arrows using her mouth through a trigger mechanism. The technique, built through consistent practice, has become central to her performance.
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Rise through the ranks
Before her success internationally, Payal had made her mark domestically as well. She has clinched victories in the Para Archery Nationals that took place in Jaipur in the year 2025, and she was a participant in the Khelo India Para Games. Her latest achievement of winning in Bangkok makes her the first-ever quadruple amputee to participate in international archery.
