India’s rising para-archer, Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee, showcased an outstanding performance at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok by defeating reigning world champion Sheetal Devi with a score of 139-136. This victory marked Payal’s first senior international appearance, where she secured the women’s compound open individual gold. The final match started evenly, with both archers tied at 54 after the initial two ends, but Payal surged ahead with composed shooting to claim a memorable win.
Sheetal Devi, who had been dominating the archery scene over the past year, faced tough competition from Payal Nag. Despite Sheetal’s exceptional form and global recognition, Payal’s remarkable performance in Bangkok outshone her opponent. Payal’s qualification in the third position with a score of 678 (9X) did not deter her from excelling in the tournament and emerging victorious in the individual final.
Both finalists, Payal and Sheetal, displayed their prowess by advancing through the knockout rounds convincingly. Sheetal’s victory over Singapore’s Nur Shahyidah Alim in the semifinals and Payal’s win against Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Aitimova set the stage for an intense title clash. While Payal had earlier triumphed in the women’s doubles event with Sheetal, it was her individual gold that truly highlighted her talent and composure under pressure.
India’s success in the World Archery Para Series extended to other categories as well. World champion Toman Kumar secured the men’s compound open final gold by defeating Australia’s Jonathan Milne 146-142. Additionally, Bhawna clinched the women’s individual gold in the recurve section with a commanding 6-0 victory over Thailand’s Phattharaphon Pattawaeo. However, 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’s exceptional performance in Bangkok was highlighted by its dominance in para archery, leading the medal standings with seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.
