Behind the remarkable international success of Odia para-archer Payal Nag, who recently clinched a gold medal at the World Archery Para Series, stands her dedicated coach Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan, a mentor whose own life story reflects resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to empowering athletes.
Payal credited her coach for the achievement, saying the victory was the result of their combined hard work and determination.
“I am ecstatic to win a gold medal for my country in the World Archery Para Series. I won this medal for India due to the hard work of my coach and myself,” Payal said after her historic win.
A Journey Marked by Early Struggles
Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan’s inspiring journey began in Dhanaura Tikri village in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district. His childhood was marked by hardship, as he lost his mother at the age of five, forcing him to grow up amid significant personal challenges.
A major turning point came when he joined the Indian Army, where he was introduced to archery under the mentorship of Colonel Mohan. What began as a personal sporting pursuit soon evolved into a larger mission—to identify and nurture hidden talent from the grassroots.
Discovering Talent in Unlikely Places
Over time, Kuldeep began travelling to villages, orphanages, and remote communities, identifying young talents who had little access to professional training or sports infrastructure.
Instead of conventional training centres, he often trained athletes in village lanes and local grounds, transforming raw potential into competitive excellence.
Through his dedication, more than 500 archers have been trained under his guidance, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds or live with physical disabilities.
Transforming Payal Nag’s Life
One of Kuldeep’s most inspiring success stories is Odisha’s Payal Nag.
Payal grew up in an orphanage in Bolangir district and had lost all four limbs due to an electric shock at a young age. Before meeting Kuldeep, she had no exposure to archery or professional sports.
Recognising her potential, Kuldeep introduced her to the sport and motivated her by sharing the inspiring story of Sheetal Devi, another renowned archer who competes without hands.
With consistent training, encouragement, and determination, Payal gradually developed her skills and eventually rose to the global stage, winning gold at the World Archery Para Series.
Shaping Paralympic Champions
Kuldeep’s contributions to Indian archery extend beyond Payal’s achievement.
His mentorship also played a key role in Harvinder Singh winning India’s first-ever Paralympic medal in archery. He has also been instrumental in guiding Sheetal Devi, whose performances have brought international recognition to India in para-archery.
A Mission Beyond Coaching
Kuldeep sees coaching not merely as a profession but as a mission to transform lives through sport.
He frequently travels from village to village, identifying talented children from poor families, orphanages, and marginalised communities, providing them with training, guidance, and opportunities to pursue competitive sports.
For many of these athletes, he has become more than a coach—a mentor and a source of hope.
Recognition for Exceptional Contribution
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian sports, Kuldeep Kumar Vedwan has been honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award twice within a span of two years.
Reflecting on Payal’s success, Kuldeep said it is a matter of immense pride for a coach when his students represent the country at the international level.
“Earlier, in a national competition, Payal had won two gold medals. It is a matter of pride for any coach that two among his wards are representing the country at the international level. Payal from Odisha has won the gold medal in the World Archery Para Series by defeating another one of my students,” he said.
He added that confidence and mindset played a crucial role in her journey.
“I always tell Payal that she is more able than the abled. With this mindset, Payal has gone on to win the gold medal,” he said.
Inspiring Future Generations
From overcoming personal tragedy to nurturing world champions, Kuldeep Vedwan’s journey stands as a powerful example of dedication and perseverance.
Through athletes like Payal Nag, his mission continues to inspire a new generation, proving that with the right guidance and determination, even the most challenging circumstances can be transformed into extraordinary achievements.
