From Sketching Portraits to Hitting Bullseyes: Payal Nag's Inspiring Para-Archery Journey

When Sheetal Devi made headlines by winning India's first archery medal at the Paris Paralympics without hands, the world watched in awe. Her incredible feat captivated audiences, making her an overnight sensation. However, a new name is now making waves in the para-archery world - Payal Nag.

At just 17, Payal Nag has already defeated Sheetal Devi to claim the top spot at the 6th National Para Archery Championship in Jaipur. Unlike Sheetal, Payal faces an even more daunting challenge - she has neither hands nor feet.

Yet, her determination knows no bounds. Under the guidance of coach Kuldeep Vedwan at the Maata Vaishno Devi Shrine Archery Academy, the same training center that shaped Sheetal's success, Payal has flourished.

A Bond Beyond Competition

While Payal and Sheetal may be competitors on the field, their relationship extends beyond the archery range. Payal lovingly refers to Sheetal as her elder sister, holding deep admiration for her achievements. Speaking to SAI Media during the ongoing Khelo India Para Games, Payal shared, "My dream is to win a gold medal for the country. If I can come from an orphanage in Balangir, Odisha, and defeat Sheetal didi, then my goal can be nothing less than winning gold for the country."

From Tragedy to Triumph

Payal's journey to the archery arena has been anything but easy. At the age of five, she suffered a devastating accident when she came into contact with an 11,000-volt power line. The severe injuries led to the loss of her hands and feet. Unable to care for her, Payal's family found support through the District Collector, who arranged her placement at Parvatigiri Balniketan orphanage in Balangir in 2019. Her life took a transformative turn when coach Kuldeep Vedwan spotted her talent and brought her to Jammu in 2022.

Overcoming Odds with Innovation

Drawing inspiration from Italian para-fencing legend Beatrice Maria Vio, who conquered adversity to win Paralympic gold, Payal has followed a similar path. Coach Kuldeep's unwavering belief in her potential led him to design a custom device, allowing her to shoot arrows using her shoulder and foot. Despite initial opposition to her unconventional shooting style, adjustments were made, enabling Payal to compete and eventually become a national champion.

Kuldeep proudly shared, "A rule was introduced against shooting arrows with both feet, but seeing Payal's unique circumstances, I crafted another device. Now, she lifts the bow with her right foot and draws the bowstring with her shoulder. She's proving that talent knows no bounds."

The Road Ahead

Currently, Payal is preparing for the World Ranking Tournament in Thailand. Her sights are firmly set on the 2026 Tokyo Para Asian Games and the 2028 Paralympics. Each arrow she releases symbolizes her determination to break barriers and inspire others.

Reflecting on her journey, Payal said, "They say that when you have confidence in yourself, everything is possible. I had faith in myself and my coach. It's because of them that I am here today, with a national medal around my neck."

Quoting Sir Edmund Hillary, Beatrice Vio once said, "It is not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves." Like her idol, Payal Nag has conquered unimaginable challenges, proving that no obstacle is too great for the human spirit. With unwavering courage and a heart full of dreams, she is on her way to making her mark on the world stage.