On the third day of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian athletes once again stole the limelight with remarkable performances. Shooter Manu Bhaker, paired with Sarabjot Singh, advanced to the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze medal match after a strong showing in the qualification round, where they finished in third place.

Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh set for bronze showdown

The duo’s qualification for the bronze medal match marks a significant achievement for India, building on the momentum from their previous successes. Bhaker’s consistent performance in the air pistol event has kept the nation’s hopes alive for a medal in shooting.

Challenges in shooting and archery

Despite Bhaker’s success, other Indian shooters faced setbacks. Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta fell short of securing medals in their respective 10m air rifle finals. Their performances were unable to reach the podium, leaving them disappointed.

In archery, the Indian men’s team delivered an underwhelming performance, losing their quarter-finals clash against Turkiye. This result was a disappointment given the high expectations surrounding the team.

Badminton success and table tennis breakthrough

In badminton, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made headlines by reaching the men’s doubles quarter-finals, a notable achievement in their second Olympic appearance. Their advancement marks India’s first men’s doubles quarter-finals spot at the Olympics.

Lakshya Sen also showcased his skill by winning his men’s singles match, keeping his quarter-finals hopes alive. However, Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto suffered back-to-back defeats, failing to advance to the last eight in the women’s doubles.

Manika Batra makes history in table tennis

In table tennis, Manika Batra achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian player to reach the round of 16 in a singles competition at the Olympics. Batra defeated French player Prithika Pavade with a decisive 4-0 victory, showcasing her prowess on the international stage. The Commonwealth Games champion overcame a two-point deficit in the first game, eventually securing her place in the pre-quarterfinals.

Resilience in Men’s Hockey

In men’s hockey, India secured a critical point in their Pool B clash against Argentina, thanks to a late goal from Harmanpreet Singh. This goal salvaged a draw for India, keeping their hopes alive in a tough group.

Expert analysis: What this means for India

India’s performance on day three of the Paris 2024 Olympics underscores the nation’s growing prowess in various sports. The successes of Manu Bhaker and the badminton duo highlight India’s potential for further medals, while the challenges faced by shooters and archers point to areas needing improvement. The breakthrough by Manika Batra in table tennis is particularly notable, setting a new precedent for Indian athletes in the sport. With promising advances in shooting and badminton and historic achievements in table tennis, the nation is making its mark in various sports. However, setbacks in archery and mixed results in badminton reflect the ongoing need for strategic improvements and support.

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