Bolangir: Odisha’s para-archer Payal Nag has brought pride to the State by winning a silver medal for India in the women’s para compound doubles event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan. Partnering with fellow Indian archer Sheetal Devi, Payal delivered a strong performance in the final held at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square on Wednesday.
The Indian duo scored 141 points to secure second place, while China’s Xueqing Xu and Jing Zhao won the gold medal with a total of 150 points.
Payal Nag and Sheetal Devi Secure Silver for India
In the women’s para compound doubles final, the Indian pair maintained a competitive performance across all four rounds. Their round-wise scores were 36, 35, 34 and 36, taking their overall tally to 141 points.
The Chinese team finished at the top of the standings with scores of 36, 38, 38 and 38, adding up to 150 points and securing the gold medal.
Although India finished with silver, Payal’s achievement has been celebrated as an important milestone for Odisha’s para-sports community. Her performance has highlighted the talent emerging from the State and added to Odisha’s presence on the international para-archery stage.
From Jamunabahal Village to the International Sporting Arena
Payal Nag hails from Jamunabahal village in Bolangir district, Odisha. Her journey to international competition reflects determination, perseverance and sustained hard work.
Despite facing challenges along the way, she continued to pursue her sporting ambitions through rigorous training and dedication. Archery has become her strength, allowing her to compete against leading athletes at major international events.
Her latest achievement at the Asian Para Games is another significant moment in her sporting journey and a source of encouragement for aspiring para-athletes in Odisha.
Payal Nag’s Previous Success in International Para Archery
Payal has already demonstrated her ability to perform at the highest level. In April 2026, she won two gold medals at the World Para Archery Series in Bangkok.
One of her notable achievements came in the women’s compound individual event, where she defeated fellow Indian archer Sheetal Devi to claim the gold medal.
Her previous international success, followed by the silver-medal finish in the Asian Para Games women’s doubles event, reflects her continued progress in competitive para archery.
Payal Nag Eyes Gold in the Individual Event
Speaking about her silver-medal achievement, Payal said that winning a medal at the Asian Games was a special moment in her career.
“This is my first medal at the Asian Games. Although I have competed in international events before, the Asian Games is a major platform; so, winning silver here is a special achievement for me,” she said.
Payal also expressed happiness with the result and said she would aim for a gold medal in the individual event.
“I am very happy with the result. In the individual event, I will give my best next time and aim to win the gold medal,” she added.
Her statement reflects her determination to build on the doubles success and continue striving for further achievements in the competition.
Para Sports Association of Odisha Congratulates the Archers
The Para Sports Association of Odisha congratulated both Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag on their silver-medal success. The association also wished the two athletes greater achievements in their future sporting careers.
Payal’s performance has brought attention to Odisha’s emerging para-sports talent and serves as an inspiration for athletes working towards success at national and international levels.
With her Asian Para Games silver medal adding to her previous international achievements, Payal Nag has further strengthened her reputation as a para-archer to watch.
