Mumbai, April 8: Eighteen-year-old para archer Payal Nag has made history by winning gold at her first international tournament, the World Archery Para Series held in Bangkok. She is recognized as the world’s first quadruple amputee archer, shooting arrows using her mouth. Payal’s journey to this achievement has been filled with challenges and determination.
On April 4, Payal triumphed over her idol, world champion Sheetal Devi, with a score of 139-136, securing her place as a world champion. Despite her remarkable success, her path to archery has been anything but easy.
In April 2015, a tragic accident left Payal without her hands and feet when she accidentally touched an 11,000-volt wire while playing on the fifth floor of an under-construction building in Raipur. Doctors had to amputate her limbs to save her life.
After the accident, Payal’s family faced harsh criticism from relatives who doubted her future. However, this adversity only fueled her determination. Her mother encouraged her to adapt by holding a pen in her mouth, saying, “This is now your hand.”
Payal’s artistic talent blossomed as she began sketching landscapes from her village in Odisha. In 2019, she was sent to Parbatigiri Balniketan orphanage for better care and education, where she continued to develop her painting skills.
Her passion for painting led her to win several awards, including state-level gold in mouth painting. In April 2023, a photo of her painting went viral on social media, catching the attention of para archery coach Kuldeep Vedwan, who recognized her potential and invited her to train at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Academy in Katra, Jammu.
Initially unaware of archery, Payal was inspired by watching videos of her idol, Sheetal Devi. With the encouragement of her coach, she gained confidence and began her training journey.
After two years of rigorous training, Payal participated in her first national archery tournament, where she again defeated Sheetal Devi, claiming gold. This was not her first victory over Sheetal, as she had previously won at the National Para Olympics in Jaipur.
Payal’s remarkable achievements have earned her the title of “India’s Miracle Archer,” a name given by Sheetal Devi herself, recognizing her incredible spirit and performance in the sport.