Paris Olympics 2024- Manika Batra Shines While Arjun Babuta Misses Out on Medal
Day 3 of the Paris Olympics 2024 brought mixed results for India, with notable achievements and some near misses. Manika Batra made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the round of 16 in singles table tennis at the Olympics, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over France’s Prithika Pavard. This milestone marks a significant moment for Indian table tennis on the global stage.
Highlights from Day 3
Arjun Babuta delivered a strong performance in the men’s 10m air rifle final, staying in medal contention for much of the event. Unfortunately, he finished just outside the medals in fourth place. Despite this, Babuta’s effort is commendable and adds to India’s growing prowess in shooting sports.
In the mixed team events, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh advanced to the bronze medal match in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Bhaker, who had already secured a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event, continued her impressive form. However, the other Indian team, consisting of Rhythm Sangwan and Arjun Cheema, did not progress to the medal rounds.
The men’s hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, secured a 1-1 draw against Argentina in their Pool B encounter. Singh’s late goal was crucial in earning the team a valuable point.
Badminton also saw significant action, with Lakshya Sen overcoming a slow start to win his match against Belgium’s Julien Carraggi. This victory follows the unfortunate deletion of his previous win against Kevin Cordon due to the Guatemalan player’s withdrawal from the Games. Additionally, the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the quarterfinals, continuing their strong run.
Ramita Jindal competed in the women’s 10m air rifle final, finishing in seventh place. Despite a strong start and being tipped for a medal, Jindal’s performance waned in the second half, leading to an early exit. Her qualification in fifth place had raised hopes, but the final proved challenging.
Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto faced their second consecutive defeat in the women’s doubles badminton group match, putting their campaign in jeopardy. They will need a strong performance in their upcoming matches to stay in contention.
Looking Ahead
The coming days hold more promise for Indian athletes. Manu Bhaker, fresh off her bronze medal and strong mixed team showing, will compete in the 25m pistol events. Her consistent performance so far has raised expectations for further medals.
Arjun Babuta, despite missing out on a medal in the 10m air rifle, has shown potential and determination. His performance sets a solid foundation for future competitions, and he remains a promising talent in Indian shooting sports.
As the Paris Olympics 2024 progresses, Indian athletes continue to strive for excellence, bringing moments of joy and anticipation to sports fans back home. The mix of historic achievements and near misses highlights the competitive nature of the Games and the resilience of India’s sporting contingent. Manika Batra’s historic advancement in table tennis, alongside commendable efforts in shooting, hockey, and badminton, underscores the diverse talent and determination of Indian athletes. The journey is far from over, and there are many more opportunities for India to shine on the Olympic stage.
