Bhubaneswar: Payal Nag is now a national-level para-archery champion.
But her story, how she reached that stage, is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born into extreme poverty in Odisha’s Balangir district, Payal had to discontinue her education when her parents migrated to Raipur in search of a livelihood. There, she met with a tragic accident at a construction site as she came into contact with a high-voltage electric line, resulting in the permanent loss of her limbs.
After medical treatment, the family returned to their native village.
However, her parents were unable to give her proper care because of severe financial constraints.
Noticing her vulnerability, a social worker from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Balangir, took Payal before the Child Welfare Committee. She was then admitted to Parbati Giri Bal Niketan, Patharchepa, a children’s home functioning under the Mission Vatsalya scheme, under the Women & Child Development Department.
Payal struggled to adapt to her new surroundings, but with continuous counselling, care and emotional mentoring provided by the children’s home, she regained confidence.
Ensured food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education, Payal was re-enrolled in school.
The district administration and district social security office, with DCPU’s active coordination, provided Payal with a wheelchair.
Authorities at the children’s home discovered Payal’s exceptional talent in drawing.
An art teacher was specially arranged for her, and she began to shine, earning accolades at district and state levels, including recognition at SURAVI, the State-Level Children’s Festival organised by the Odisha government. Her achievements soon caught the attention of social and news media.
In a major turning point in her life, Payal was fitted with high-end artificial limbs at the Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) in Bhubaneswar’s Capital Hospital, through the joint intervention of the district administration and Odisha State Child Protection Society.
The continued efforts of Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) and W&CD Department gave Payal an opportunity for professional para-archery training.
She was eventually mentored by renowned coach Kuldeep Vedwan at Shrine Board Sports Complex, Katra (Jammu).
Payal began formal training after the approval of district administration, and financial assistance and escort support arranged by DCPU.
She initially shot targets at a distance of 15 to 20 metres, but progressed rapidly.
Today, she can accurately hit bullseye targets from a distance of 50 metres.
Her hard work has started paying dividends as Payal won two gold medals at the 6th National Para Archery Competition in Jaipur, followed by a silver at Khelo India Para Archery meet in Delhi. She added a silver and a bronze at the 7th NTPC Para Archery Competition in Patiala.
From staring at a catastrophic and helpless life, Payal is now dreaming big and aiming for bigger laurels in archery, thanks to DCPU, Balangir ensuring continuous coordination with training institutes, escort arrangements, maintenance support and follow-up.
Her remarkable journey proves that timely mentorship and institutional support can transform even the most fragile lives.
Payal acknowledges the children’s home, district administration, DCPU, OSCPS and the Women & Child Development Department for standing by her at every step.
Despite being physically challenged and hailing from an economically poor background, Payal now feels supported by a large family of well-wishers and mentors.
