It was a day of mixed fortunes for India at the Paris Olympics on Day 9. The Indian hockey team secured a place in the semi-finals, while Lakshya Sen faced disappointment in his badminton semi-final but still has a chance to bring home a bronze.
The boxing contingent concluded their campaign without any medals. While Rifle and Pistol shooters also ended their Olympic campaign on Day 9.
Hockey: India enter Semi-Final
The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a stellar performance, defeating Great Britain in a thrilling quarter-final match. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time, leading to a tense penalty shootout. India emerged victorious with a 4-2 score in the shootout, thanks to the heroics of their goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. The team’s defence was robust, and their strategic gameplay ensured a well-deserved place in the semi-finals.
Badminton: Lakshya Sen falls in Semi-Final
In badminton, Lakshya Sen faced a tough opponent in Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen during the men’s singles semi-final. Despite a valiant effort, Sen lost the match 20-22, 14-21. Although the loss was a setback, Sen still has a chance to win a bronze medal. He will compete in the bronze medal match against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia on August 5 at 6PM IST, and the nation remains hopeful for his success.
Boxing: No Medals for Indian Boxers
The Indian boxing contingent ended their campaign without securing any medals. Lovlina Borgohain, a strong medal contender, lost her quarter-final bout in the women’s 75kg category to Li Qian. The defeat marked the end of India’s boxing hopes at the Paris Olympics. The boxers fought valiantly, but luck was not on their side this time.
Golf: Final Round Tees Off
In men’s golf, Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar teed off in the final round of the event. Both golfers have shown promise throughout the competition, and the final round will determine their overall standing. The nation eagerly watches to see if they can finish strong and make a mark on the leaderboard.
Athletics: Poor Results
In athletics, Parul Chaudhary competed in the women’s 3000m steeplechase heats and finished in eighth place. Jeswin Aldrin participated in the long jump event but finished 26th, failing to qualify for the final. The athletes gave their best efforts, though they did not advance to the next stages.
Shooting: Missed Qualifications
Indian shooters Anish Bhanwala and Vijayveer Sidhu competed in the men’s 25m pistol qualification but did not make it to the final round. In women’s skeet qualification, both Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon were unable to advance to the medal round. Despite their strong performances, the shooters faced tough competition and narrowly missed out on medal opportunities.
Conclusion
Day 9 of the Paris Olympics brought a mix of highs and lows for India. The hockey team’s advancement to the semi-finals was a significant achievement, while Lakshya Sen’s upcoming bronze medal match keeps hopes alive in badminton.
Although the boxing contingent and some shooters did not secure medals, their efforts and determination were commendable. As the competition continues, India looks forward to more opportunities for success and celebrates the resilience and spirit of its athletes.
