Having achieved many firsts including becoming the first woman armless archer to be crowned world champion, Sheetal Devi had in her own words often felt “alone” on the podium.

That feeling changed in Bangkok when an unassuming 18-year-old Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee from Odisha, filled that void, stunning the reigning World No. 1 to win gold at the World Archery Para Series.

Payal, who had once learnt by emulating Sheetal at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra in 2023, defeated her senior 139-136 in only her second international appearance to clinch the women’s compound title on April 4.

“Earlier, I used to feel like I was alone here winning medals; it’s a good thing she has come. Now I have a teammate who is also winning. India now will get more and more medals,” Sheetal said in a virtual media interaction organised by the Sports Authority of India.

If the result was remarkable, what followed at the Bangkok Archery Centre was even more moving. During the podium ceremony, Sheetal was seen helping Payal turn towards the national flag. Using her legs, she gently adjusted the footrest of Payal’s wheelchair so that her younger teammate could face the Tricolour as the anthem echoed the arena.

Till then, Sheetal had been India’s most celebrated para archer. But in Bangkok, the spotlight turned on Payal, a teenager from Balangir who was spotted and trained by Kuldeep Vedwan, the same childhood coach of Sheetal Devi.

It’s “not a rivalry” but the healthy competition, Sheetal believes, will only strengthen India’s medal prospects heading into the Asian Games later this year and the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028.

“Wins and losses are part of the game… I shot poorly, but she did better. Overall, it was a proud moment as both medals (gold and silver) came to India. It’s a matter of pride that India is dominating in archery and getting so many medals. We won both in individual and team events also. It’s a matter of pride that many growing archers are coming. I hope we win more medals at the Asian Games,” said Sheetal.

Asked if Payal keeps her under pressure, Sheetal said, “Every loss teaches you a lesson. It’s not that she keeps me under pressure or vice-versa… we take pressure ourselves and it brings out the best in us. She has to work a little more. She’s doing so well, it makes me so happy. She can bring more medals. I just want to do my best day by day and turn negativity into positivity.”

Also read: India finish on top at World Archery Para Series