Puri: One of the most enduring images from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was that of archer Sheetal Devi. The 17-year-old, born without fully developed upper limbs, was a picture of concentration and an epitome of resilience as she used her shoulder and legs to fire the arrows on way to compound bronze in the mixed team event, partnering Rakesh Kumar.
This was not her first medal at the international level, but it was no doubt the most celebrated. As the nation rejoiced in Sheetal’s success in the face of tremendous odds, she became the inspiration for many. Payal Nag from Balangir was one such athlete.
The 17-year-old, who lost both her arms and legs in a tragic accident in 2015, has been climbing steadily in the archery world and had clinched two gold medals at the 6th National Para Archery Championship in Jaipur, Rajasthan this Jan. In the process, she also got the better of Sheetal, her inspiration.
“I lost my limbs in a short circuit accident in 2015, but it could not take away my determination,” said Payal, who reached the semi-final at the National Archery Ranking Competition in Puri.
Payal said the Rajasthan event was a career-defining moment for her. “I had never considered archery as a profession before this event. But my coach’s encouraging words and confidence in my abilities made me aspirational,” said Payal.
A chance video of her drawing pictures with a pencil at a disability centre caught the eye of Kuldeep Vedwan, Sheetal’s coach. He was looking for new talents and Payal caught his eye.
“After the success of my students, I was searching for new talent. Payal’s video convinced me of her capabilities,” said Kuldeep.
Around two years back, with help from govt agencies, she went to Maata Vaishno Devi Shrine Archery Academy, run by coaches Kuldeep and Abhilasha Chaudhary. Since then her rise has been phenomenal, as was demonstrated by the success in Jaipur.
“I want to prove that disability is not an inability,” said Nag, who has set her sights on winning gold at the Paralympics.