KIPG 2025: Sheetal Devi Defends Archery Gold Against Payal Nag
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Synopsis
In a thrilling final at the Khelo India Para Games 2025, Sheetal Devi emerged victorious, defending her archery gold medal against Payal Nag. The match showcased their exceptional skills, with Sheetal scoring 109 to Payal's 103, highlighting the determination and talent present in para-archery.
Key Takeaways
- Sheetal Devi successfully defends her gold medal.
- Payal Nag showcases remarkable talent despite challenges.
- Young athletes are making significant impacts in para-archery.
- Coaching and equipment play crucial roles in athlete performance.
- Resilience and hard work lead to success in sports.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) Defending champion Sheetal Devi made a remarkable comeback to secure her second gold medal at the Khelo India Para Games held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. Competing against Odisha’s special quadruple amputee archer Payal Nag, Jammu and Kashmir’s Sheetal emerged victorious with a score of 109-103 in the compound archery open final.
The seasoned competitors, including Rakesh Kumar, 40, and Jyoti Baliyan, 30, also earned medals, while the young stars Sheetal, 18, and Payal, 17, shined brightly in the compound open events. In the men’s recurve open gold medal match, Jharkhand’s Vijay Sundi triumphed over Haryana’s Vikas Bhakar with a score of 6-4, and in the women’s recurve open gold medal match, Haryana’s Pooja defeated Maharashtra’s Rajshri Rathod 6-4.
All attention was focused on the women’s compound gold medal match. Sheetal Devi started with scores of 8 and 7, while Payal opened with two 10s. However, during the third round, Payal faltered with a score of 7, allowing Sheetal to regain her form with consistent 9s and 10s. The pivotal fifth round concluded with Sheetal clinching gold at the Khelo India Para Games 2025.
“Firstly, Payal played exceptionally well in the final, and with her ongoing dedication, I believe she will earn a medal for India soon. Personally, I am thankful for the support from Mata Rani for enabling me to win my second gold medal at the Khelo India Para Games,” Sheetal stated in a release by SAI Media.
The humble Payal, who exudes a sense of youthful innocence, discussed her technical adjustments after competing in her first Khelo India Para Games.
“Previously, I shot arrows using two devices in my prosthetic legs, but now I’m utilizing just one leg. Adjusting was challenging, yet I reached the final despite discomfort and difficult windy conditions today. I am delighted to have competed in the final and earned the silver,” she remarked.
According to her coach Kuldeep Vedwan, Payal experienced a rebirth in para-archery after receiving a new device a month ago. “As she is the first woman archer globally without all four limbs, it was a challenge to create an additional device within her prosthetic leg. She now uses only one leg to shoot her arrows,” he explained.
“Since the device was installed just a month ago, Payal’s journey in para-archery began anew. With the hard work and commitment she demonstrated over the past month, she rightfully earned the silver today,” added Kuldeep.
Payal also reflected philosophically, stating, “The sunny conditions, heat, and wind are trivial compared to the challenges and pain we have faced in life. We must persevere through it all,” she concluded.
In the men’s compound open gold medal match, Rajasthan’s Shyam Sundar Swami narrowly defeated Toman Kumar of Chhattisgarh 140-139. In the bronze medal matches, Rakesh Kumar demonstrated his incredible consistency, overcoming Haryana’s Parmender 143-140, while Jyoti Baliyan triumphed over Delhi’s Lalpati 136-132.
In the recurve open bronze medal matches, Dhanna Godara from Rajasthan and Jharkhand’s Sukriti Singh secured victories in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
