Meet Payal Nag: The Inspirational Quadruple Amputee Archer Making History

A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

New Delhi/Bolangir: Payal Nag, a remarkable quadruple amputee, experienced a transformative moment when a photo of her drawing with her mouth gained widespread attention online. This caught the eye of coach Kuldeep Vedwan, leading to her introduction to archery, which became a journey of self-discovery, discipline, and newfound purpose.

Recently, Payal showcased her extraordinary talent at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, where she triumphed over reigning world champion Sheetal Devi, who is recognized as the first female archer without limbs.

At the tender age of seven, Payal lost all her limbs due to an accident involving an 11,000-volt power line in 2015. Hailing from a family of migrant workers in Bolangir, Odisha, she faced significant challenges and skepticism about her future.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, her family relocated to Chhattisgarh, where she received essential support from the local government. Payal was admitted to Parbhatigiri Balniketan, a childcare facility that catered to her needs, igniting her ambition to achieve greatness despite her obstacles. She developed a passion for art, particularly sketching portraits with her feet, and won multiple district-level art competitions.

Her artistic talent was further recognized when one of her drawings went viral on social media, leading coach Kuldeep Vedwan to reach out to her. He arranged for her transfer from the orphanage and brought her to Jammu.

In 2023 and 2024, Payal trained alongside Paralympic medalist Sheetal Devi at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex. Her competitive debut came at the National Para-Archery Championship in 2025, where she claimed the top position among India's para-archery elite, including Sheetal and Paralympian Jyoti Baliyan.

In a remarkable feat, Payal also outperformed Sheetal in the Olympic round, earning the title of national champion.

In December 2025, she made history by competing at the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, becoming the first quadruple amputee archer from India and the world to participate in an international event.

Earlier this year, at the Indian Para Archery Championships, Payal secured second place in qualification behind world champion Sheetal, ultimately winning bronze in the individual category.