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Payal Nag wins World Archery Para Series gold
Indian teenager Nag overcame the heavily favored Sheetal Devi, a decorated armless archer and Paralympic medalist
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Pranavi Sharma - Mon, 06, Apr 2026
- 02:56 EDT
- 11
Payal Nag / Olympics.com
Payal Nag, an Indian para archer and the world’s first known international quadruple amputee archer, defeated compatriot Sheetal Devi to win gold in the women’s individual compound event at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok on April 5.
Nag, competing in her senior international debut, overcame the heavily favored Devi, a decorated armless archer and Paralympic medalist, in a closely contested final that ended 139-136. The event marked the opening leg of the World Archery Para Series.
Devi entered the final as the top contender after winning gold in both the mixed team compound and women’s team compound events earlier in the tournament. She had also topped the qualification round with 698 points, finishing 20 points ahead of Nag, who placed second with 678.
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Nag had previously challenged Devi in domestic competitions, including the national championships in January 2025 and earlier this year at the Khelo India Para Games. The two were also teammates in the women’s team event, where they won gold earlier in the competition.
The final saw momentum shift between both archers. Nag took the opening end 27-25, while Devi responded with a 29-27 second end to level the match at 54-54. Nag regained control in the third end, winning 28-26, and extended her lead to 110-107 after the fourth. She sealed the victory in the final end with a 29-29 tie.
Nag’s achievement comes after a life-altering accident in childhood. Born in Odisha, she suffered severe electric shock injuries after stepping into water in contact with a live wire at a construction site. Doctors amputated all four of her limbs to save her life. She was later placed in an orphanage, Parbati Giri Bal Niketan, by her parents, Bijay and Janata, due to limited resources.
Her introduction to archery came through coach Kuldeep Vedwan, who trained Devi as well. Vedwan discovered Nag through social media and brought her to his academy. He developed customized equipment to enable her participation, including a modified bow and prosthetic support system.
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