Odisha's Para Archer Payal Nag Triumphs Over Adversity to Win National Medals
Bhubaneswar: In an inspiring tale of resilience and determination, 17-year-old Payal Nag, the daughter of migrant labourers from Balangir district in Odisha, is making significant strides in the world of para archery. As a quadruple amputee, Payal recently achieved a remarkable feat by securing two medals at the prestigious 7th National Para Archery Championship held in Punjab. She earned a silver medal in the ranking round and a bronze medal in the individual event, showcasing her exceptional talent and hard work.
Overcoming a Life-Altering Accident
Payal's journey to success has been paved with immense challenges. In April 2015, while her parents were working as labourers in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Payal suffered a devastating accident that resulted in the loss of all four of her limbs. Following this tragic incident, her family returned to their home state of Odisha, where the Balangir district administration stepped in to support her recovery and education. She was admitted to Gudighat High School, where she learned to write and draw using her mouth, a skill that not only facilitated her academic progress but also highlighted her artistic abilities.
Administrative Support and Educational Continuity
During the post-Covid period, when Payal's parents were once again forced to migrate to Chhattisgarh in search of employment, the Balangir administration ensured that her education remained uninterrupted. She was relocated to Parbatigiri Balniketan, a government childcare institute, and later enrolled at Sadeipali Pallishree High School. It was at these institutions that Payal excelled in art, winning several block- and district-level competitions. Her artistic talent caught the attention of Anu Garg, then development commissioner, who directed the social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities department to provide her with robotic limbs in 2023.
Discovering a Passion for Archery
Despite her interest in sports, Payal never imagined she would take up archery. "I was also interested in sports, but never imagined taking up archery," she said. The department facilitated her training at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, where she was introduced to her coach, Kuldeep Vedwan. Initially, Payal relied on devices attached to both her prosthetic legs to release arrows, which proved to be difficult. However, last year, Vedwan customized a specialized mechanism that she now fixes to one leg, secures to her shoulder using her mouth, and releases with a sharp jerk of her shoulder, significantly improving her performance.
Achievements and Future Aspirations
Payal's success at the national level is a testament to the sustained support from the state administration, including chief secretary Anu Garg, the women and child development department, and her dedicated coach, Kuldeep Vedwan. In December 2025, she made her international debut at the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai, finishing fourth in the compound women's ranking round. Looking ahead, Payal has set her sights on competing in the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan and the 2028 Paralympic Games in the United States, aiming to bring further glory to her state and country.
Her story underscores the importance of:
- Government initiatives in supporting athletes with disabilities.
- The role of dedicated coaching in overcoming physical limitations.
- The power of perseverance in achieving sporting excellence.
Payal Nag's journey from a tragic accident to national recognition in para archery serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting how determination and support can turn adversity into achievement.
