In a remarkable display of courage and determination, 17-year-old Payal from Odisha has become the world’s first archer without all four limbs to win double gold at the 6th National Para Archery Championship held in Jaipur.
Payal’s journey began with immense hardship—she lost all her limbs at the age of five due to a severe electric shock. While living in an orphanage, she discovered mouth painting, a skill that unexpectedly guided her toward archery. A viral video of her talent caught the eye of coach Kuldeep Vedwan, who recognized her potential and trained her with specially designed prosthetics.
Defying all odds, Payal’s precision and discipline helped her outperform some of India’s finest para-athletes, including Paralympic medallist Sheetal Devi. Her victory not only marks a historic moment in the world of para archery but also showcases the limitless human spirit.
Currently, Payal is preparing for the 2026 World Para Archery Championships, hoping to bring global recognition to India’s differently-abled athletes and advocate for a more inclusive sports ecosystem.
Her achievement stands as a powerful reminder that extraordinary talent can emerge from even the toughest circumstances—and that with the right support, every athlete can aim for glory.
