In an exciting final at the Bangkok Archery Para Series 2026, Payal Nag, an 18-year-old archer, claimed gold by defeating Sheetal Devi, the reigning world champion, with a score of 139-136. This victory is particularly significant as it marks Payal's first senior international gold medal. Sheetal, aged 19, had been in remarkable form, having been named World Archery’s Para Archer of the Year after a stellar 2025 season. She topped the qualification round with an impressive score of 698 (25X), leading by 20 points over Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Aitimova. In the semifinals, Sheetal defeated Singapore’s Nur Shahyidah Alim, while Payal overcame Aitimova to set up the final clash. India's performance extended beyond the women's event, with Shyam Sunder Swami winning bronze in the men's compound individual event after a close shoot-off against teammate Rakesh Kumar. Looking ahead, Payal and Sheetal will team up in the women's compound team final, while Sheetal will also compete in the mixed team event.