The fourth day of the Paris 2024 Paralympics brought mixed results for India, with moments of triumph balanced by heartbreak.
While shooter Avani Lekhara and others missed out on final berths, the badminton courts and table tennis arenas offered hope and excitement.
Nitesh Kumar and Suhas Yathiraj’s victories have already secured medals for India, and the nation eagerly awaits the upcoming finals.
Para-Badminton
-Nitesh Kumar powered his way into the men’s singles SL3 final after a decisive win over Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara, securing a medal for India.
-Suhas Yathiraj triumphed over fellow Indian Sukant Kadam in the men’s singles SL4 semifinal with a commanding 21-17, 21-12 victory. He will face France’s Lucas Mazur in the final, while Sukant will play for the bronze medal.
-Mandeep Kaur’s campaign in the women’s singles SL3 ended in the quarterfinals, as she was outclassed by Nigeria’s Mariam Bolaji, losing 8-21, 9-21.
Palak Kohli, competing in the SL4 women’s singles, was unable to advance past the quarterfinals, falling to Indonesia’s Khalimatus Sadiyah, 19-21, 15-21.
-Manisha Ramadas clinched a spot in the women’s singles SU5 semifinals by defeating Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda in straight sets, 21-13, 21-16. Manisha will face compatriot Thulasimathi Murugesan in an all-Indian semifinal.
-Nithya Sivan also advanced to the semifinals of the women’s singles SH6 category, with a dominating win over Poland’s Oliwia Szmigiel, 21-4, 21-7.
Para Table Tennis
Bhavinaben Patel had a strong start to her Paralympic campaign, cruising past Mexico’s Martha Verdin in straight games, 11-3, 11-6, 11-7, to advance to the quarterfinals.
Bhavinaben now faces a daunting task against Zhou Ying of China, a three-time Paralympic singles champion, in the quarterfinals.
Para Shooting
-In the Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 Qualifications, Avani Lekhara missed the final, finishing 11th with a score of 632.8.
-Siddharta Babu ended his campaign in 28th place with 628.3 points in SH1, while Sriharsha Devaraddi finished 26th in the SH2 category with an identical score of 628.3.
Para Athletics
-Rakshitha Raju clocked 5:29.92 in the women’s 1,500m T11 heats, finishing last and failing to advance.
-Despite a personal best of 10.63m, Ravi Rangoli finished 5th in the men’s F40 shot put final, missing out on a medal.
Para Rowing
-Anita and Narayana Konganapalle finished 2nd in the Final B of the mixed doubles sculls PR3 event, placing 8th overall. This was a historic debut for Indian rowers at the Paralympics.
Para Archery
-Rakesh Kumar displayed nerves of steel, defeating Thailand’s Ken Swagumilang in a dramatic shoot-off after tying at 144 in the men’s individual compound archery event, advancing to the quarterfinals.
As the games continue, India’s Paralympians keep the nation’s medal hopes alive, with thrilling battles and inspiring performances setting the stage for the days ahead.