Bangkok: India’s rising para-archer Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee, delivered a sensational performance at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok on Saturday, defeating reigning world champion Sheetal Devi, the world’s first female limbless archer, 139-136 to clinch the women’s compound open individual gold in her first senior international appearance.
The final began on an even note, with both archers tied at 54 after the opening two ends. Payal, however, found another level as the match progressed, producing three composed ends to open up a decisive gap and secure a memorable victory.
The outcome was all the more remarkable considering Sheetal’s dominance over the past year. The 19-year-old has been in exceptional touch, earning global recognition after a stellar 2025 season. She continued that form in Bangkok, topping the qualification round with a superb 698 (25X), finishing well ahead of Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Aitimova. Payal had earlier qualified third with a score of 678 (9X).
Both finalists advanced through the knockout rounds with authority. Sheetal defeated Singapore’s Nur Shahyidah Alim 147-142 in the semifinals, while Payal got the better of Aitimova 144-140 to set up the title clash.
Earlier in the tournament, Payal had already tasted success by partnering Sheetal to win gold in the women’s doubles event, highlighting India’s strength in the compound category. But when it came to the individual final, it was Payal who rose to the occasion, delivering under pressure to secure the biggest win of her career so far.
India’s impressive showing in Bangkok extended beyond the women’s compound event. In the men’s compound open final, world champion Toman Kumar defeated Australia’s Jonathan Milne 146-142 to claim gold, completing a hat-trick of titles after also winning the mixed and men’s team events.
In the recurve section, Bhawna secured the women’s individual gold with a dominant 6-0 win over Thailand’s Phattharaphon Pattawaeo.
Meanwhile, Paralympic champion Harvinder Singh settled for silver in the men’s recurve category after a 3-7 loss to Indonesia’s Kholidin in the final.
India ultimately finished at the top of the medal standings, underlining its growing dominance in para archery with a tally of seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.
(IANS)
