Key Highlights
- Payal Nag, an 18‑year‑old from Odisha, became the first quadruple‑amputee to capture an international gold medal in para‑archery.
- She clinched the title at the 2026 World Para Archery Series Final in Bangkok, defeating Sheetal Devi 139‑136.
- Using a custom prosthetic bow‑holder and a mouth‑activated trigger, she turned a severe disability into a competitive advantage.
- Her journey from an orphanage in Balangir to a global podium underscores the impact of adaptive coaching and resilient spirit.
Detailed Insights
Born in a remote village of Balangir, Odisha, Payal Nag grew up in extreme poverty. At the age of eight, an accidental high‑tension electric shock resulted in the loss of both arms and legs, rendering her a quadruple amputee. Following the accident, she was placed in an orphanage where she gradually relearned basic self‑care using her mouth, feet, and residual limbs.
A viral video later showcased her painting with her mouth, drawing attention from the public and sports community alike. Coach Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan recognized her potential and invited her to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Archery Academy in Katra. There, a specialized training regimen was devised: a prosthetic mount secured the bow, while a shoulder‑lever and mouth‑trigger mechanism released the string.
Through persistent practice, Payal refined her aim and consistency, eventually qualifying for the senior international circuit. On 4 April 2026, she entered the World Para Archery Series Final in Bangkok, her debut senior event, and emerged victorious against her idol Sheetal Devi, marking a historic first for a quadruple‑amputee in the sport.
Key Concepts
- Quadruple Amputee: An individual who has lost all four limbs, either partially or completely.
- Para‑Archery: A discipline of archery adapted for athletes with physical impairments, governed globally by the World Archery Federation.
- Prosthetic Bow‑Holder: A custom‑fabricated apparatus that supports the bow, enabling shooters without arms to maintain proper alignment.
- Mouth‑Activated Trigger: A mechanism that allows the archer to release the string using mouth movements, often coupled with a shoulder lever for added leverage.
- Khelo India Para Games: A national initiative aimed at nurturing para‑sport talent among Indian youth.