Electrocuted at the age of eight, losing all four limbs, and born to a daily-wage mason in Odisha, the odds were heavily stacked against Payal Nag. Yet, through sheer determination — and crucial support from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy in Katra — she has emerged as one of India’s most inspiring para-athletes, rising to the top of the global para archery stage.Earlier this week, Payal clinched gold at the World Para Archery Series in Bangkok, defeating reigning world champion and her idol Sheetal Devi 139–136 in the women’s para compound final. Competing in her first senior international tournament, she displayed remarkable composure to secure a historic win.Her journey into archery began in an unusual way. Payal was spotted through her paintings by coach Kuldeep Vedwan, the same mentor who shaped Sheetal Devi into a world champion. Recognising her potential, he brought her to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy in Katra — a move that proved transformative.At the academy, she trained using a specially designed bow and received not only expert coaching but also essential logistical and emotional support. The institution became the foundation of her rise, nurturing her talent and enabling her to compete at the highest level.Payal added another gold to her name this week, teaming up with Sheetal Devi to win the women’s compound team event, as India edged Kazakhstan 150–147.Speaking to media in Katra while displaying her medals, Payal credited the academy for her success. “I practise at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy here. This is the ground where I learned to hold a bow and arrow. I started my archery journey from here,” she said.“Today, I was able to win medals for India because of my coaches and the Shrine Board, which gave me a wheelchair. With that, I travelled to Thailand. They provided us with food, accommodation, and all facilities, including equipment,” she added, thanking the Shrine Board and recalling her interaction with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.Archery coach Abhilasha Chaudhary highlighted the academy’s pivotal role in nurturing talent. “I have been coaching here since 2017. It has the best infrastructure in J&K, and every year, archery produces a new star from this academy,” she said.She noted that the institution has produced two Arjuna Awardees and over 70 international medals. “The Shrine Board has made its mark globally in sports. It is perhaps the only religious institution in the country contributing so significantly to sports,” she added.From a life-altering tragedy to standing atop the podium, Payal Nag’s journey — powered by resilience and the support of the Katra-based academy — is a powerful testament to how the right ecosystem can transform potential into excellence, inspiring a new generation of para-athletes across the country.