Paris Olympics 2024: Indian archers eye to fill the medal drought
Deepika Kumari, pic: SAI/X
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian archers will begin their Olympic campaign at the Paris Games on Wednesday, with a historic opportunity to break their medal jinx. For the first time since London 2012, India will have a full six-member squad, comprising both men's and women's teams, competing in all five events.
Veterans Tarundeep Rai and Deepika Kumari, appearing in their fourth Olympics, will lead the Indian team, which includes debutants Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat. The Indian archers have often struggled against heavyweights Korea in the past, but they are hopeful of putting up a strong show this time around.
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The qualification round will be crucial for the Indians, as it will determine their seeding for the main knockout competition. Each archer will shoot 72 arrows, and the scores will decide the seeds for the main event. The Indian team is looking to overcome their quarterfinal jinx and make it to the semifinals for the first time in Olympic history.
Deepika Kumari, who won a silver medal at the World Cup Stage-1 in Shanghai this year, is seen as a strong contender for a medal. She will be aiming to redeem herself after losing to An San of Korea at the Tokyo Olympics. Her teammate Dhiraj Bommadevara has also shown impressive form, winning a bronze medal at the World Cup Stage-3 in Antalya last month.
The Indian women's team, which includes Ankita Bhakat and Bhajan Kaur, will be looking to make their mark on the international stage. Ankita has won several World Cup medals, including a gold and silver in Paris in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
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The Indian archers will face stiff competition from Korea, who are tipped to top the qualifications. However, they are confident of putting up a strong show and making it to the medals podium for the first time in Olympic history.
The mixed team event will be an exciting prospect for the Indians, with Dhiraj and Deepika's contrasting styles complementing each other well. The men's team finals will take place on Monday, followed by individual eliminations on Tuesday. The mixed team finals are scheduled for next Friday, with women's and individual finals taking place over the same weekend.
