Odisha archer Payal Nag won a silver medal for India alongside Sheetal Devi in the women’s para compound doubles event at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Indian duo finished second in the final, scoring 141 points against China’s 150 to secure a place on the podium.
The result marks an important achievement for Indian para archery and brings recognition to Odisha, where Payal Nag has emerged as a promising talent in the sport.
Payal Nag and Sheetal Devi Finish with Silver
The Indian pair entered the medal contest after topping the ranking round. However, they were unable to overcome the Chinese combination of Xu Xueqing and Zhao Jing in the gold-medal match, which ended 150–141 in China’s favour.
Despite missing out on gold, the silver medal adds to India’s achievements at the ongoing continental competition. It also marked India’s first medal in para archery at the 2026 Asian Para Games, according to reports published on October 21.
Payal Nag Brings Recognition to Odisha
Payal Nag, who hails from Balangir district in Odisha, has attracted attention for her performances in international para archery. In April 2026, she won two gold medals at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, including the women’s compound open individual event and a team event alongside Sheetal Devi.
Her qualification for the Asian Para Games followed a strong performance at the Indian assessment trials in Sonipat, Haryana, where she finished second in the women’s compound event. That result secured her place in the Indian squad for the continental competition.
The latest silver medal represents another significant step in her international sporting journey. Competing alongside an established Indian para archer, Nag helped the team reach the final and challenge for the Asian title.
A Strong Showing for Indian Para Archery
Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag’s performance highlights India’s continued participation in high-level para archery. Their silver-medal finish adds to the country’s campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, which brings together athletes from across Asia.
For Odisha, Payal Nag’s achievement is a moment of sporting pride. Her success on the international stage also brings greater visibility to para archery and the athletes representing India in disability sports.
The Payal Nag silver medal victory alongside Sheetal Devi is another milestone for Indian para archery, as the Odisha archer continues to make her mark at major international competitions.
