In a thrilling display of skill, determination, and resilience, 18-year-old armless archer Sheetal Devi clinched the gold medal in the compound open final at the Khelo India Para Games, edging out 17-year-old quadruple amputee Payal Nag of Odisha. The match, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, showcased not only exceptional athleticism but also the indomitable spirit of young para-athletes.
The clash between Sheetal and Payal was highly anticipated, as both teenagers have captured national attention for their extraordinary journeys. Sheetal, who has no arms, relies on her feet to maneuver the bow and arrow with astonishing precision. Payal, who lost all four limbs in a childhood accident caused by electrocution, shoots using prosthetic legs. Despite their physical challenges, both athletes demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure.
From the outset, the final was intense. Payal started strong, putting up a fierce challenge with high scores in the first two rounds. She showed remarkable control, even adjusting to windy conditions that tested her stability. However, Sheetal’s experience as the defending champion began to show as the match progressed. She steadily regained her rhythm, scoring consistently with 9s and 10s, ultimately overtaking Payal in the decisive fifth round. The final score read 109-103 in favor of Sheetal, awarding her a second gold medal at the Games.
For Sheetal, the victory was not just about winning a medal, but also about perseverance. “I am grateful for all the blessings bestowed upon me. Winning gold at the Khelo India Para Games is a dream come true,” she said, her voice reflecting both humility and pride. Her journey has been remarkable, transforming what many might see as limitations into a platform to showcase exceptional talent.
Payal Nag, despite narrowly missing the gold, displayed extraordinary courage and focus. Competing in her first Khelo India Para Games, she adapted to new shooting techniques and equipment, transitioning from using two prosthetic devices to relying on just one leg. “It was a challenge adjusting, especially with the windy conditions, but I am happy to have reached the final and competed against the best,” she said. Her performance signals a bright future, and her coach Vedwan highlighted that Payal recently received a new device that enhances her stability, a tool that will further refine her technique in future competitions.
The final wasn’t the only highlight of the Games. Veteran archers like 40-year-old Rakesh Kumar and 30-year-old Jyoti Baliyan also impressed in their respective events, demonstrating that age and experience can stand alongside youth and raw talent. Meanwhile, Jharkhand’s Vijay Sundi claimed the men’s open gold, defeating Haryana’s Vikas in a closely contested match, and the women’s recurve and compound events also delivered intense competition, with every round a test of precision and nerve.
Beyond the scores and medals, the event stood as a testament to the resilience and spirit of para-athletes in India. Both Sheetal and Payal embody the essence of competitive sports: dedication, perseverance, and courage against overwhelming odds. Their performances inspire not only aspiring athletes but also the wider community, showing that determination can overcome physical limitations.
The Khelo India Para Games continue to be a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent, compete at the highest level, and challenge perceptions about disability and ability. Sheetal’s gold medal and Payal’s remarkable journey exemplify the transformative power of sport — a space where discipline, grit, and heart make champions out of those who refuse to give up.
As Sheetal holds her gold high and Payal looks toward her next competition, the message is clear: strength is not defined by limbs, but by courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The battle may have ended, but their journey — and the inspiration they provide — is just beginning.
💛 Sheetal and Payal remind us all that true victory lies in the courage to keep going, no matter the obstacles. Every arrow they release is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
