Paris, August 5, 2024 – Day 7 of the Paris Olympics 2024 saw Indian athletes delivering remarkable performances, etching their names into the annals of Olympic history. Lakshya Sen, Manu Bhaker, and the mixed archery team of Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara led the charge with their standout achievements.
Lakshya Sen’s Historic Achievement:
Lakshya Sen made history by becoming the first Indian man to reach the semi-finals in men’s singles badminton at the Olympics. In a thrilling quarter-final clash, Sen triumphed over Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei, marking a monumental moment for Indian badminton.
Manu Bhaker’s Remarkable Feat:
Manu Bhaker continued her impressive run at the Paris Olympics by qualifying for her third final. She finished second in the women’s 25m pistol qualification, scoring 590 out of a possible 600 (294 in precision and 296 in rapid). This achievement follows her two bronze medals in the 10m pistol event, making her the first Indian to qualify for three finals in a single edition of the Olympics.
Historic Archery Milestone:
Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara became the first Indians to reach the semi-finals in mixed team archery. Although they narrowly missed securing a bronze medal, their journey to the semi-finals marked a historic achievement for Indian archery. They lost to the USA’s Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison in the bronze medal match after falling to South Korea’s Lim Sihyeon and Kim Woojin, who went on to win the gold medal.
Men’s Hockey Triumph:
The Indian men’s hockey team registered a memorable 3-2 victory over Australia, their first Olympic win against the Kookaburras since Munich 1972. This win signifies a strong comeback for the Indian team at the Olympics.
India’s athletes continue to inspire with their dedication and resilience, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess on the global sporting stage. The nation eagerly anticipates more triumphs in the coming days of the Paris Olympics 2024.
