Odisha Government Honors Para Archer Payal Nag for World Championship Success
Celebrating Payal Nag's Triumph
The Odisha government's Sports and Youth Services Department recognized para archer Payal Nag for her exceptional achievements at the World Para Archery Series 2026 held in Bangkok, where she earned two gold medals and qualified for the upcoming Para Asian Games.
Financial Reward for Her Achievements
To honor her significant international success, Payal Nag received a special cash prize of ₹5,46,666 for her gold medal wins. Additionally, she was granted ₹3,23,100 to assist in acquiring sports equipment, which will aid her training and preparation for future competitions, as stated in a press release from Sports Odisha.
Ministers Offer Their Congratulations
The ceremony was attended by Odisha's Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Suryabansi Suraj, along with MLA Kantabanji, Laxman Bag, and officials from the Sports and Youth Services Department. They expressed their best wishes to Payal for her continued success at the Para Asian Games and other international events. Minister Suraj remarked, "Payal Nag's achievements on the global stage are a source of pride for both Odisha and the nation. Her dedication and accomplishments are truly motivating and showcase the rising prominence of para sports in Odisha."
Payal Nag's Expression of Gratitude
In her response, Payal Nag expressed her gratitude towards the ministers and the government, stating, "I am thrilled to return to Odisha and be among my people after this remarkable achievement. The support from the Government of Odisha, the Hon'ble Sports Minister, and Hon'ble MLA Kantabanji Laxman Bag is invaluable to me and inspires me to strive harder for my country. I sincerely appreciate everyone for acknowledging and supporting my journey."
Odisha's Ongoing Support for Athletes
The Odisha government is dedicated to providing athletes with top-notch infrastructure, financial support, and high-performance programs to ensure they can excel at the highest levels.