The third day of the Paris 2024 Paralympics brought a mix of emotions for the Indian contingent. While some athletes made significant strides, others faced disappointing exits. India’s para-athletes displayed grit and determination, with notable performances in shooting, badminton, archery, cycling, rowing, and athletics.
Rubina Francis Wins Bronze in Shooting
India’s medal tally was boosted as Rubina Francis clinched a bronze medal in the P2 Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 event. Rubina scored 211.11, securing her place on the podium and marking a proud moment for the nation. Her consistent performance in a highly competitive field showcased her exceptional skills and determination.
Mixed Results in Para Badminton
In para-badminton, India witnessed a series of contrasting outcomes. Mandeep Kaur advanced to the quarterfinals in the Women’s Singles SL3 category after a hard-fought match against Australia’s Vinot Celine, winning 21-23, 21-10, 21-17. On the men’s side, Nitesh Kumar delivered a commanding performance, defeating Thailand’s Bunsun Mongkhon 21-13, 21-14 to secure a spot in the semifinals. Manoj Sarkar also shone by defeating China’s Jianyuan Yang 21-15, 21-11, sealing his first win of the Paralympics.
However, the day wasn’t without its setbacks. Sivarajan Solaimalai bowed out after a loss to Great Britain’s Krysten Coombs, and Manisha Ramadass lost to China’s Xia Qiu Yang in the Women’s Singles SU5 Group Stage. Despite these challenges, the Indian shuttlers displayed resilience and determination, making their mark on the global stage.
Tough Day for Indian Archers
The Indian archery team faced a tough challenge on Day 3. Sarita Kumar was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Individual Compound Open after a closely contested match against Turkey’s Oznur Cure, losing 140-145. In another intense battle, Sheetal Devi was narrowly defeated by Chile’s Zuniga Mariana with a score of 137-138 in the Women’s Individual Compound Open 1/8 Elimination round. These close encounters highlight the fierce competition and the narrow margins that define success at this level.
Disappointing Day for Indian Cyclists
Indian cyclists had a challenging day at the Paralympics, with both Arshad Shaikh and Jyoti Gaderiya finishing at the bottom of their respective heats. Jyoti, competing in the Women’s 500m Time Trial, finished 11th with a timing of 52.098 seconds, falling short of the finals. Arshad, participating in the Men’s C1-3 1000m Time Trial, clocked 1:26.154 and finished 17th, also missing out on a spot in the finals. These results reflect the tough competition and the high standards of performance required at the Paralympic level.
Progress in Para Rowing
In para-rowing, the duo of Anita and Narayana Kongannapalle showed promise by securing a third-place finish in the Repechage round with a time of 7:54.33 minutes. This result allowed them to qualify for Final B, keeping their hopes alive for a strong finish at the Paralympics.
Praveen Kumar Faces Challenges in Athletics
In para-athletics, Praveen Kumar competed in the Men’s F57 Javelin Throw Final. Despite his best efforts, he finished in 8th place with a throw of 42.12 meters. While not a podium finish, Praveen’s performance demonstrated his determination and skill in a highly competitive event.
Results from Day 3
Shooting
- Bronze Medal: Rubina Francis – P2 Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 – 211.11
- 14th Place: Swaroop Unhalkar – Men’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 Qualifiers – 613.4
Badminton
- Qualified for Semifinals: Nitesh Kumar – Men’s Singles SL3 – 21-13, 21-14
- Quarterfinals: Mandeep Kaur – Women’s Singles SL3 – 21-23, 21-10, 21-17
- Eliminated: Manoj Sarkar – Men’s Singles SL3 Group Stage – 21-15, 21-11
- Eliminated: Manisha Ramadass – Women’s Singles SU5 Group Stage – 15-21, 7-21
- Eliminated: Sivarajan Solaimalai – Men’s Singles SH6 Group Stage – 12-21, 10-21
Archery
- Eliminated: Sarita Kumar – Women’s Individual Compound Open Quarterfinals – 140-145
- Eliminated: Sheetal Devi – Women’s Individual Compound Open 1/8 Elimination – 137-138
Cycling
- 11th Place: Jyoti Gaderiya – Women’s 500m Time Trial – 52.098 seconds
- 17th Place: Arshad Shaikh – Men’s C1-3 1000m Time Trial – 1:26.154
Rowing
- Qualified for Final B: Anita and Narayana Kongannapalle – Repechage round – 7:54.33 minutes
Athletics
- 8th Place: Praveen Kumar – Men’s F57 Javelin Throw Final – 42.12 meters
Day 3 of the Paris 2024 Paralympics was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Indian contingent. While Rubina Francis’s bronze medal in shooting provided a reason to celebrate, there were also disappointments, particularly in archery and cycling. The mixed results in badminton and other events reflect the unpredictable nature of sports, where determination and perseverance are as crucial as skill. As the Paralympics continue, India’s athletes will look to build on their successes and learn from their challenges, striving for greater achievements in the days to come.
Also Read: Paris Paralympics 2024: Preeti Pal created history by winning a medal in the 100m race
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Akanksha Sinha
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