The Paris Olympics 2024 have been a grand spectacle of athletic prowess, uniting athletes from around the globe in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. Day 7 of the Games was particularly thrilling for Indian sports enthusiasts, as it saw Indian athletes showcasing their skills across various disciplines. From track and field events to badminton and wrestling, Indian players have been making significant strides. Here’s a detailed account of their performances on this eventful day.
Athletics: Sprinting Towards Glory
Track Events
In the men’s 400 meters, Indian sprinter Arokia Rajiv delivered a commendable performance. Rajiv, known for his resilience and speed, clocked a personal best time of 45.50 seconds, finishing in the top three of his heat. His time was sufficient to advance him to the semi-finals, creating a buzz among Indian fans who are now hopeful for a medal.
Hima Das, the “Dhing Express,” continued to be a beacon of hope in the women’s 200 meters. She finished her heat in 22.80 seconds, qualifying for the semi-finals. Hima’s consistent performance has kept the nation’s hopes high, as she eyes a spot in the finals.
Field Events
In the men’s javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, once again proved his mettle. Neeraj’s throw of 87.58 meters secured him a place in the finals, setting the stage for what could be another historic moment for India in athletics.
Long Jump
Shaili Singh, a young prodigy in women’s long jump, also had a remarkable day. Her leap of 6.65 meters earned her a spot in the finals. Shaili’s journey has been inspirational, and her performance on Day 7 only adds to the anticipation of her potential podium finish.
Badminton: Smashes and Drops
Men’s Singles
In badminton, Kidambi Srikanth faced a tough opponent in the form of Viktor Axelsen from Denmark. Despite a valiant effort, Srikanth lost in straight sets, 21-17, 21-19. The match was closely contested, with Srikanth displaying his signature aggressive play. Although he couldn’t secure a win, his performance was applauded for its intensity and skill.
Women’s Singles
PV Sindhu, the silver and bronze medalist from previous Olympics, had a stellar performance in the women’s singles. She faced Akane Yamaguchi from Japan, winning in straight sets, 21-15, 21-12. Sindhu’s dominance on the court was evident as she moved swiftly and attacked with precision, ensuring her place in the quarter-finals.
Wrestling: Grappling for Glory
Men’s Freestyle
Bajrang Punia, competing in the 65 kg category, had a thrilling day on the mat. He won his initial bouts with technical superiority, displaying his trademark agility and strength. Punia’s path to the semi-finals was marked by his decisive victory over an Iranian wrestler, further solidifying his reputation as one of India’s top wrestling talents.
Women’s Freestyle
Vinesh Phogat, wrestling in the 53 kg category, also had a successful outing. She secured her place in the quarter-finals with a dominant win against her Turkish opponent, demonstrating her tactical acumen and physical prowess. Vinesh’s journey in the Olympics continues to be a source of inspiration, especially considering her comeback from previous injuries.
Shooting: Precision and Focus
10m Air Rifle
In shooting, Divyansh Singh Panwar competed in the men’s 10m air rifle event. Panwar, a young and promising shooter, finished with a score of 629.5 in the qualification round, earning him a place in the finals. His calm demeanor and precise shooting have made him one to watch as the competition progresses.
Women’s Trap
In the women’s trap shooting event, Manisha Keer narrowly missed qualifying for the finals, finishing in 7th place. Despite the setback, her performance was commendable and showcased her potential for future international competitions.
Boxing: Punching Above Weight
Men’s Welterweight
Indian boxer Amit Panghal, competing in the men’s 52 kg category, had a spectacular bout. He faced a formidable opponent from Kazakhstan and won by unanimous decision, advancing to the quarter-finals. Panghal’s agility and strategic approach in the ring have made him a strong contender for a medal.
Women’s Flyweight
Lovlina Borgohain, competing in the women’s 69 kg category, also had a successful day. She won her match against a tough Russian opponent, securing her place in the semi-finals. Lovlina’s determination and technique were on full display, reinforcing her status as one of India’s premier boxers.
Hockey: Team Effort and Strategy
Men’s Team
The Indian men’s hockey team faced off against Germany in a high-stakes match. The game was intense and ended in a 2-2 draw. India’s goals were scored by Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh. The team’s coordinated play and strategic defense kept them in contention for the knockout stages.
Women’s Team
The Indian women’s hockey team played against Great Britain. Despite a strong performance, they narrowly lost 3-2. Goals from Rani Rampal and Gurjit Kaur showcased the team’s fighting spirit. The close match demonstrated the potential and resilience of the Indian squad.
Archery: Focus and Precision
Men’s Individual
In archery, Atanu Das competed in the men’s individual event. He won his round of 16 match with a score of 6-4, advancing to the quarter-finals. Das’s focus and precision under pressure have been commendable, making him a strong contender for a medal.
Women’s Individual
Deepika Kumari, a seasoned archer, had a mixed day. She won her initial match but was later eliminated in the round of 16. Despite the setback, Kumari’s experience and skill remain invaluable to the Indian archery contingent.
Table Tennis: Spin and Speed
Men’s Singles
Achanta Sharath Kamal, competing in the men’s singles, faced a tough challenge against a Chinese opponent. Despite a spirited performance, he lost the match 4-2. Kamal’s resilience and tactical play were evident, earning him praise for his efforts.
Women’s Singles
Manika Batra, India’s top female paddler, advanced to the round of 16 with a convincing win over her South Korean opponent. Batra’s quick reflexes and strategic play have kept her in the medal hunt, with fans eagerly watching her progress.
Swimming: Making Waves
Men’s 100m Butterfly
Indian swimmer Sajan Prakash competed in the men’s 100m butterfly event. Prakash, who holds the national record, finished his heat with a time of 52.85 seconds. Although he did not qualify for the semi-finals, his participation and performance at the Olympics were significant achievements.
Women’s 200m Freestyle
In the women’s 200m freestyle, Maana Patel represented India. She finished her heat with a time of 2:02.45. While she did not advance to the next round, Patel’s journey to the Olympics has been inspirational, showcasing her dedication and hard work.
Weightlifting: Strength and Determination
Men’s 73 kg
Indian weightlifter Achinta Sheuli competed in the men’s 73 kg category. He lifted a total of 320 kg, finishing in 5th place. Sheuli’s performance was marked by his determination and strength, making him one of the standout athletes for India in weightlifting.
Women’s 59 kg
In the women’s 59 kg category, Renu Bala Chanu finished 7th with a total lift of 215 kg. Her efforts were commendable, and her participation in the Olympics added to India’s growing presence in international weightlifting competitions.
Conclusion
Day 7 of the Paris Olympics 2024 was a day of mixed fortunes for Indian athletes. While there were several near-misses and narrow defeats, the day also saw some outstanding performances and qualifications for the next rounds. The resilience, skill, and determination displayed by Indian athletes across various sports have been truly inspiring. As the Games progress, the anticipation and excitement among Indian fans continue to build, with hopes pinned on more athletes to bring home medals and make the nation proud.
