Payal Nag beats Sheetal Devi in thriller to secure breakthrough gold at World Archery Para Series in Bangkok

India’s rising para-archer Payal Nag produced a sensational performance to defeat reigning world champion Sheetal Devi 139-136 in the women’s compound open final at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok on Saturday.

Competing in her first senior international tournament, Payal, who is a quadruple amputee, held her nerve in a high-pressure all-Indian final to clinch a memorable gold medal.

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The contest began evenly, with both archers tied at 54 after the first two ends. However, Payal elevated her performance in the latter stages, delivering three composed ends to pull ahead and seal a famous victory.

The result was particularly striking given Sheetal’s dominance over the past year. The 19-year-old, widely regarded as the world’s first female limbless archer, has been in exceptional form following a breakthrough 2025 season. She carried that momentum into Bangkok, topping the qualification round with an impressive 698 (25X), well ahead of Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Aitimova. Payal had qualified third with 678 (9X).

Both finalists advanced confidently through the knockout rounds. Sheetal defeated Singapore’s Nur Shahyidah Alim 147-142 in the semifinals, while Payal overcame Aitimova 144-140 to set up the title clash.

Earlier in the competition, the duo had teamed up to win gold in the women’s doubles event, underlining India’s strength in the compound category. However, in 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 dominance extended beyond the women’s compound event. In the men’s compound open final, Toman Kumar defeated Australia’s Jonathan Milne 146-142 to clinch gold, completing a hat-trick after victories in the mixed and men’s team events.

In the recurve section, Bhawna secured the women’s individual gold with a commanding 6-0 win over Thailand’s Phattharaphon Pattawaeo.

Meanwhile, Paralympic champion Harvinder Singh settled for silver in the men’s recurve event after a 3-7 defeat to Indonesia’s Kholidin in the final.

India finished at the top of the medal standings, underlining its growing dominance in para archery with a haul of seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.