Payal Nag Wins Gold at World Archery Para Series
In a momentous milestone for international para-sports, Indian para-archer Payal Nag captured the gold medal at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, Thailand. Demonstrating immense focus, technical precision, and composure under pressure, the 18-year-old rising star triumphed in a thrilling all-Indian compound women’s final against world number one Sheetal Devi, securing a 139–136 victory.
Fact-Check & Verification Table
| Claim | Verified Status |
| Athlete Name: Payal | Payal Nag, from Balangir, Odisha, India. |
| Sport & Discipline: Para Archery | Compound Women’s category; world’s first quadruple amputee archer to win international gold. |
| Medal Won: International Gold | Gold medal at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok on April 4, 2026. |
| Final Match & Score: Defeated Sheetal Devi | Defeated World No. 1 Sheetal Devi 139–136 in the compound final. |
| Coaches: Abhilasha & Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan | Trained under renowned coach Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Archery Academy. |
How the Gold-Medal Final Unfolded in Bangkok
The compound women’s final at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok delivered an unforgettable showdown between two exceptional Indian competitors. Facing her idol and world number one, Sheetal Devi, Payal Nag stepped onto the shooting line with unwavering poise.
Across the tightly contested ends, both athletes exhibited world-class stability and scoring rhythm. However, Payal’s precise release execution and calm scoring in the crucial latter ends allowed her to edge ahead, culminating in a stellar 139–136 final scoreline. The match was widely praised not only for its high competitive standard but also for the profound sportsmanship displayed by Sheetal Devi, who greeted and supported Payal on the podium.
Technical Adaptation and Mastery in Para Archery
Payal Nag’s journey to international gold is an inspiring testament to human resilience and innovative technical training.
Operating without hands or feet, Payal developed a sophisticated adaptation technique:
- Custom Mechanics: Utilizing custom-designed prosthetic support and a specialized mouth-tab mechanism, she anchors and stabilizes the bow using her shoulder strength and core balance.
- Aiming Stability: Breath control and postural core stability allow her to minimize reticle movement, ensuring clean groupings inside the 10-ring.
- Release Execution: A tension-free release mechanism executed via shoulder and mouth coordination provides the clean arrow flight essential in elite compound competition.
The Coaching Foundation: Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan and Abhilasha
Behind every elite international breakthrough is a dedicated framework of scientific training and mentorship. Payal’s development has been closely guided by prominent coach Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan—famed for mentoring elite Indian para-archers—alongside support staff including coach Abhilasha.
The coaching team focused intensely on building custom equipment configurations and cultivating the mental fortitude required to transition rapidly from domestic milestones, such as the Khelo India Para Games and Nationals, to global podium success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Payal Nag in Indian para-archery?
Payal Nag is an 18-year-old para-archer from Balangir, Odisha, recognized as the world’s first quadruple amputee archer to win international gold.
2. Which international competition did Payal win gold at?
She won the gold medal at the World Archery Para Series held in Bangkok on April 4, 2026.
3. Whom did Payal defeat in the final?
Payal defeated fellow Indian champion and world number one Sheetal Devi with a score of 139–136 in the compound women’s final.
4. What category does Payal compete in?
She competes in the compound women’s open division using specialized custom adaptation techniques.
5. Was this Payal’s first international gold medal?
Yes, this victory marked her breakthrough first international gold medal in only her second international appearance.