Sports Minister Mandaviya felicitates para archers after India’s 13-medal dominance in Bangkok

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated India’s medal winners from the World Archery Para Series on Monday, following a dominant campaign in Bangkok where the contingent topped the overall standings.

India finished with an impressive 13 medals, seven gold, three silver, and three bronze, including a clean sweep in all compound team events.

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“I congratulate the Indian contingent who have returned as winners from the World Archery Para Series. With 13 medals, you all have enhanced the pride of India. When an athlete competes on the field and wins, it is not just an individual success; it also elevates the honour of the country. In the future, if anyone speaks about who won these 13 medals, they will say that India won 13 medals,” Mandaviya said.

Also Read: Inside the making of para archer Payal Nag: How adaptation and training built a champion

“Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the country is changing. The country is moving forward. A ‘New India’ is being built. You all are the spirit of New India. Your success strengthens the foundation of this New India. I believe that in the coming days, our country will deliver its best performance and mark the beginning of ‘Viksit Sports’ alongside a Viksit Bharat,” he added.

One of the standout moments came in the women’s compound open individual event, where para-archer Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee, defeated reigning world champion Sheetal Devi, the world’s first female limbless archer.

“It feels very good to win, especially knowing that India has won two medals: gold and silver,” Payal said.

Also Read: ‘I want to win an Olympic medal for my country’: Payal Nag eyes bigger stage after beating Sheetal Devi

Reflecting on her journey, she added, “In the trials, I was ranked third and my score was low, so at that moment, I decided to work hard and win a medal in Bangkok.”

Meanwhile, Sheetal said, “I am feeling very happy that India won 13 medals. Today, we met the Sports Minister, and he felicitated us. I hope we continue to win many more medals for India and keep meeting like this. Whenever we win medals, we also get the opportunity to meet the PM (Narendra Modi), which gives us motivation to win more medals.”