While the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok witnessed a historic competitive upset, the most enduring image of the tournament has emerged from the medal ceremony. A viral video showing world-renowned para-archer Sheetal Devi assisting her teammate and rival, Payal Nag, during the national anthem has resonated deeply with sports fans across the globe. The moment took place shortly after Odisha’s Payal Nag secured a stunning victory over Devi in the compound women’s individual final. IPL 2026: Astrologer Predicts CSK Will Return to Winning Ways After MS Dhoni's Comeback.

A Gesture of Grace and Respect by Sheetal Devi

During the playing of the Indian national anthem, Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee who competes from a wheelchair, was struggling to pivot her chair to face the tricolour. Recognising her teammate's difficulty, Sheetal Devi, who was standing on the podium as the silver medallist, immediately stepped in to help. The gesture, coming moments after Devi had lost her international title to the teenager, has been hailed as a masterclass in sportsmanship and maturity.

Watch Video: Sheetal Devi Wins Hearts

Final Scoreline: A Landmark Upset

The individual final was a closely contested match that highlighted the rising depth of India’s para-archery programme. Payal Nag, 18, delivered a composed performance in her senior international debut to defeat the world number one. The final scoreline stood at: Payal Nag 139 – 136 Sheetal Devi.

The match began with both archers locked at 54–54 after the first two ends. However, Nag found a decisive edge in the third and fourth ends, capitalising on a rare lapse from Devi to open up a lead that she maintained until the final arrow.

The bond between the two athletes is rooted in a shared training background. Both Nag and Devi were discovered and trained by coach Kuldeep Vedwan at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra. Nag, who lost all four limbs in an electrocution accident at a young age, originally took up the sport after being inspired by viral videos of Devi’s own international success.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 07, 2026 10:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).