Bangkok, April 06: If her story doesn’t inspire you, then perhaps nothing else will. Indian para archery champion Sheetal Devi, who is not in both arms, had shown that nothing is impossible if you have the will to achieve. Now Payal Nag, who is not in both arms and legs, has captured the world’s attention by defeating Sheetal.
19-year-old Sheetal Devi, who is not in both arms and legs, from Jammu and Kashmir, is a special talent who has won medals in archery competitions at the Paralympics, World Championships and Asian Para Games. Now another very special talent has been unveiled in India.
Payal defeated Sheetal 139-136 in the women’s compound individual event of the inaugural World Para Archery Series in Bangkok. Payal, who had scored 20 points less than Sheetal (678-698) in the qualification round, won with a brilliant performance in the final. In the same tournament, Sheetal-Payal had won the gold in the women’s team event. Incidentally, this is the 18-year-old Payal’s second win over Sheetal. Payal had defeated Sheetal in the 2025 national tournament.
Payal Nag, who lost a limb in an electrical accident
Payal from Odisha was born like any other child. Her father is a daily wage plasterer. When Payal was 8 years old, she was electrocuted while playing in the stagnant water on the terrace of a house under construction. Doctors had amputated Payal’s two hands and two legs because her life was in danger. After this, Payal’s parents, Bijay and Janatha, admitted her to an orphanage.
Relatives who said to poison her!
Neighbors and family members said a lot about Payal, who was suffering from the loss of both her hands and legs. The family members told Payal’s parents that ‘she cannot walk or eat. It is better to poison her than this.’
The painting that changed Payal’s life
Payal was taught to paint her mouth in the orphanage. At a program, Payal drew a portrait of a local administration official. The video went viral on social media. The video caught the eye of famous archery coach Kuldeep Vedwan. From there, her life changed.
Specially designed artificial legs, bow
Coach Kuldeep, who brought Payal to his academy, made specially designed artificial legs for her and started training. A specially designed bow (bow) was also made for Payal. It took Payal 3 months to start shooting arrows with the help of the artificial leg. Someone else puts arrows in her bow. Payal sends the arrow to the target with the help of the artificial leg and shoulder.
A brilliant coach for Sheetal-Payal!
Kuldeep Vedwan is known for identifying the potential of para athletes and preparing them for the global level. Earlier, he trained Sheetal Devi and worked hard to make her a world and Paralympic champion in 2025. Later, he vowed to make Payal a champion like Sheetal and now he has made her a world champion.