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“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it,” wrote Paulo Coelho in his famous novel The Alchemist – a line that resonates strongly with the journey of world’s first quadruple amputee archer Payal Nag, who once dreamt of finishing on the international podium when she picked up a bow and an arrow for the first time.
She learned the traits alongside Sheetal at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Archery Academy under coach Kuldeep Vedwan, and had long looked up to her fabled compatriot as an inspiration.
On Saturday the 18-year-old from Odisha, who lost all four limbs due to electrocution at a very young age, scripted a historic moment at the World Para Archery Series in Bangkok. Payal stunned world No.1 and reigning world champion Sheetal 139-136 in the women’s compound individual final to win her first ever international gold medal.
Payal unleashed a perfect 10 on her final arrow to achieve this breakthrough moment in her young career. Before she edged Sheetal, she paired up with her compatriot in the women’s doubles compound and claimed the gold.
“This is my second international event and I won two gold medals, so I’m glad and feeling proud,” a spirited Payal told RevSportz from Bangkok.
Payal was a little bit nervous during the final match as she was fighting against her idol for an international podium but she remained unfazed as her coach (Abhilasha Kumar) assisted her with arrow set-up and much needed confidence.
“She reminded me of the process and training, and I followed that. Although there was strong wind and my amputated legs were a little shaky, I stuck to the basics and executed properly,” Payal credited her coach’s timely help.
Coach Abhilasha Kumar, recalled a light-hearted yet poignant conversation between the two archers ahead of the compound doubles final on Friday, reflecting on their journeys in the sport.
“Hum dono baithe hue ek jaise lag rahe hain, hamare haath nahi hain, jabki baaki ya to khade hain ya unke haath hain (We are looking same, we don’t have hands, while others are sitting or standing),” Abhilasha shared the anecdote.
She added: “I told Payal that she and Sheetal would form the best pair that would dominate the field and they went on to win gold together.”
The moment, however, was very overwhelming for Kuldeep, who saw both of her wards giving tough competition to each other at the international stage.
“As a coach, this is something you dream of – but when it actually happens, it hits differently. Seeing both my students, Payal and Sheetal, standing on an international final stage, competing for gold against each other… that’s a moment of immense pride,” Kuldeep told RevSportz.
“Moments like these remind me why I do what I do. I’m just grateful to be a part of their journey,” he added.
With her maiden international gold secured, Payal has now set her sights on the Asian Para Games.
“This is an Asian Games year, so our preparations are geared towards that and further. We will continue our preparation for the 2028 LA Paralympics,” Abhilasha concluded.
