New Delhi: Indian archers have made an impressive start at the Paris Olympics 2024, securing direct entry into the quarter-finals in both the men’s and women’s team events. The remarkable performances on Thursday have raised hopes for a potential medal haul.
Women’s Team Hits the Mark
In the ranking round that commenced on Thursday, the Indian women’s archery team, consisting of Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Deepika Kumari, showcased outstanding skills. The trio collectively secured the fourth position in the team rankings.
- Top Performers:
- Ankita Bhakat: Scored 666 points, marking her best performance of the season.
- Bhajan Kaur: Scored 659 points.
- Deepika Kumari: Scored 658 points.
Their combined efforts led to a total score of 1983 points, earning them a direct entry into the quarter-finals, where they are likely to face either France or the Netherlands.
Men’s Team Goes a Step Further
Following the women’s success, the Indian men’s archery team also delivered a stellar performance, securing the third position in the team rankings.
- Star Performers:
- Dheeraj Bommadevara: Scored 681 points, securing fourth place in the individual ranking.
- Tarundeep Rai: Scored 674 points, ranking 14th. This is his fourth Olympic appearance.
- Praveen Jadhav: Scored 658 points, placing 39th in the individual ranking.
Despite Jadhav’s lower individual score, Dheeraj’s exceptional performance boosted the team’s total score to 2013, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
Top Teams and Rankings
The South Korean and French teams outperformed India, securing the first and second positions respectively, with scores of 2049 and 2025. The Chinese team followed closely with 1998 points, securing the fourth position. Alongside India, these teams have all secured direct entry into the quarter-finals. In the women’s category, the top teams joining India in the quarter-finals include South Korea, China, and Mexico.
Medal Prospects: A Promising Outlook
Direct entry into the quarter-finals significantly boosts India’s medal prospects. Facing relatively weaker opponents in the quarter-finals, the Indian teams have a strong chance of advancing to the semi-finals. A semi-final win guarantees a medal, while a loss still provides an opportunity to compete for the third place.
Mixed Event: Ankita-Dheeraj Pairing
In the mixed event, the Indian duo of Ankita Bhakat and Dheeraj Bommadevara will represent the country. Ankita secured 11th place in the women’s ranking round with 666 points, while Dheeraj finished third in the men’s category with 622 points. This pairing is expected to be a formidable combination in the mixed event, raising hopes for yet another strong performance.
Summary of Indian Archers’ Achievements:
- Women’s Team: Secured 4th place in team rankings with a total score of 1983 points.
- Men’s Team: Secured 3rd place in team rankings with a total score of 2013 points.
- Top Performers: Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, Deepika Kumari, Dheeraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, Praveen Jadhav.
- Mixed Event: Ankita Bhakat and Dheeraj Bommadevara to compete.
The strong start by Indian archers in Paris sets a positive tone for the rest of the Olympics, with the nation eagerly anticipating further successes and potential podium finishes.
