Olympics 2024: India’s Performance and Key Moments on Day 4
Paris, July 30, 2024 — As the Olympics 2024 progresses in Paris, Indian athletes have had a remarkable day filled with intense competitions, victories, and a few setbacks. Here’s a comprehensive look at the major events and performances by the Indian contingent on Day 4:
Key Highlights:
Shooting Success:
Indian shooters Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh shined in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team event, securing a bronze medal for India. This makes Manu Bhaker the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympics since the country’s independence, adding to her individual bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. This outstanding performance comes as a testament to the rigorous training and dedication of the Indian shooting team.
Bhaker’s consistency and focus were on display as she scored 10.0 or more in 10 out of her 13 shots during the final. Sarabjot Singh’s transition from an aspiring footballer to an accomplished shooter, mentored by Abhishek Rana, also shows the potential of nurturing diverse talents in sports.
Boxing Matches:
While Amit Panghal faced a disappointing defeat against Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba in the men’s 51kg category, Jasmine Lamboria progressed in the women’s 57kg category. Preeti Pawar is also set to fight later tonight in the women’s 54kg round of 16, keeping India’s hopes in the boxing ring alive.
Tennis Spotlight:
A highly anticipated men’s doubles match featuring tennis superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz is set to capture global attention. This pairing of generational talents is poised to deliver a thrilling encounter on the court.
Hockey Triumph:
The Indian men’s hockey team secured a significant 2-0 victory against Ireland, further cementing their standing in Pool B. Captain Harmanpreet Singh’s stellar performance, with two penalty corner goals, played a crucial role in this win. The team’s next challenges include reigning Olympic champions Belgium and Tokyo 2020 silver medalists Australia, which will be crucial for advancing to the quarter-finals.
Archery Developments:
In archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara will compete in the men’s singles, aiming to redeem himself after a previous team event loss. His determination to improve and learn from his mistakes underlines the resilience and spirit of Indian athletes. In the women’s events, Ankita Bhakat and Bhajan Kaur are also in the spotlight. Bhakat’s performance saw a mixed set of results against Poland’s Wioleta Myszor, showcasing the ups and downs typical in this precision sport.
Badminton Matches:
India’s badminton duo Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy delivered a commanding performance against Indonesia’s Ardianto and Alfian in the men’s doubles, winning 21-13, 21-13. However, Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto struggled in their match against Australia’s Yu and Mapasa, going winless in straight games.
Rowing and Fencing:
Indian rower Panwar Balraj made it through to the Semifinal C/D in the men’s single sculls, positioning himself to compete for a bronze medal. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s "Sword Queen" Vivian Kong’s victory in fencing has also caught the attention of young aspiring fencers in India, demonstrating the universal inspiration drawn from the Olympics.
Historical Elements:
Unique to the Paris 2024 Olympics, each medal contains a piece of the Eiffel Tower, integrating the iconic monument’s historical renovations into the Games’ most prestigious objects. This gesture symbolizes the blend of tradition and modernity, echoing the Olympic spirit.
Environmental Concerns:
The men’s Olympic triathlon was postponed due to insufficient water quality levels in the Seine River, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges in hosting large-scale sporting events. This postponement reflects the organizing committee’s commitment to athlete safety and environmental standards.
Looking Forward:
As we look ahead, the Indian contingent continues to have multiple opportunities to add to their medal tally. Boxers Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria will be in action tonight, while in archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara seeks to achieve redemption.
For more updates on the Indian athletes and the ongoing Olympics, stay tuned to the official website of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Olympics remain a captivating blend of triumphs and trials, testament to the dedication, spirit, and hard work of athletes worldwide.