Payal Nag, a 17-year-old para archer from Odisha, lost all four limbs in a tragic electrocution accident at the age of five. Initially abandoned by her family and placed in an orphanage, her life changed when coach Kuldeep Vedwan discovered her through a viral tweet.
With his support and specially designed prosthetics, Payal trained in archery and became the world’s first archer to compete without limbs. She recently won two gold medals at the Para Archery National Championships and is set to face Paralympic medallist Sheetal Devi in the Khelo India Para Games final, aiming for international glory.
Defying Odds: Payal Nag’s Remarkable Rise
Payal’s journey began in Balangir, Odisha, where she endured societal cruelty after losing her limbs in an accident. Her parents faced relentless taunts, with some even suggesting ending her life. To secure her future, the district collector placed her in an orphanage where Payal developed a passion for painting using her mouth. A viral video showcasing her talent caught the attention of Kuldeep Vedwan, coach of Paralympic bronze medallist Sheetal Devi.
“I saw a tweet asking for help for Payal, and that is when I knew I could help her become a para-archer,” Vedwan shared. With his guidance at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Archery Academy, Payal overcame initial nervousness and adapted to archery using prosthetic devices. Her sister Varsha, also an archer, has been by her side, assisting her during tournaments.
Breaking Barriers: From National Champion to Paralympic Aspirant
Payal made history earlier this year at the Para Archery National Championships in Jaipur by defeating Sheetal Devi to win gold—her first national title. Competing against able-bodied archers in a ranking tournament, she secured eighth place in the sub-junior category. Recently, she showcased her skills at the Khelo India Para Games 2025, reaching the finals against Sheetal once again.
“Two years ago, I didn’t even know how to hold a bow. My coach showed me videos of Sheetal di. I beat her to win gold, and now I am in the finals with her,” Payal proudly stated. Coach Vedwan is developing a lightweight prosthetic device to enhance her performance further as she prepares for international tournaments.
Community Support: The Backbone of Success
Payal’s remarkable journey has not only been shaped by her determination but also by the unwavering support of her community and family. The local government has shown commitment to promoting sports among differently-abled individuals, ensuring that young athletes like Payal receive the resources they need to succeed.
“We are proud of Payal’s achievements and will continue to support her journey,” said Balangir District Collector Sandeep Kumar Nayak. The encouragement from peers and mentors has fostered an environment where Payal can thrive and inspire others facing similar challenges.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Payal Nag’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of community support. Her achievements inspire us to challenge societal prejudices and create inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities.
As we celebrate Payal’s journey, it is crucial to acknowledge the role of empathy and innovation in empowering others like her. How can we collectively ensure that stories like Payal’s are not exceptions but become examples of societal progress? Share your thoughts and join us in fostering positive change!
