CHATEAUROUX / PARIS August 3, 2024
From our Sports Correspondent
Manu Bhaker looked primed to become a legend at 22 as she placed herself in contention for an unparalleled third successive medal at the ongoing Olympics, while shuttler Lakshya Sen looked a man possessed during his march into the semifinals on a roller-coaster Friday for India at the Games.
Adding to the joy was the Hockey Team, which broke a 52-year-old jinx to beat Australia at the showpiece event.
With nothing added to the tally on the day, India held 44th spot in overall table with its three bronze, all of which came through shooting.
With her dazzling smile that adds to her confident and vivacious persona, Bhaker stormed into the 25 meters sports Pistol competition after finishing second in the qualifications with an impressive score of 590.
The youngster from Jhajjar, Haryana has already snared Bronze medals in 10 meters’ Air Pistol and 10 meters’ Air Pistol Mixed Team, partnering Sarabjot Singh.
Given that she is the reigning World Champion in 25 meters, a third podium finish looks all but certain today, which would make her the first Indian athlete ever to achieve this remarkable feat.
On the other hand Lakshya displays unwavering commitment. In the Evening, Lakshya continued to show just why, like Bhaker, he too is destined for greatness as he rallied to defeat Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen 19-21 21-15 21-12.
The win took him into the Semifinals, an unchartered territory for a male Indian Badminton Player although Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu have already done it for the women.
Lakshya will next square off against the winner of the match between 2021 World Champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the last four.
Should Lakshya win, he would be assured of at least a Silver, should he lose, he would still have a shot at a Bronze Medal in the playoff.
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