PV Sindhu put in a terrific performance to outclass Akane Yamaguchi in quarterfinals of the women's badminton singles, in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. The Indian shuttler sealed a 2-0 win against her Japanese opponent, winning the first game 21-13, followed by 22-20 in the second. Meanwhile, Lovlina Borgohain cruised past Nien-Chin Chen in her quarterfinal bout of Women's Welterweight (64-69kg) category. The win helped Lovlina assure India of at least a bronze medal. Manu Bhaker and Rahi Sarnobat had disappointing outings for Team India in the 25m Pistol Women's Qualification event. The duo failed to qualify and Bhaker could only muster a total score of 582 while Sarnobat managed 573. On the other hand, Deepika Kumari crashed out in the quarterfinals in the women's Archery Individual event, losing to South Korea's An San. Earlier in the day, the Indian archer had defeated ROC's Ksneia Perova to seal a berth in the quarterfinals.
The Indian women's hockey team also registered their first win of the campaign, sealing a 1-0 win vs Ireland. Also, the Indian men's hockey team sealed a 5-3 win against Japan to finish second in Pool A.
Also, Avinash Mukund Sable missed out on qualifying for the finals of Men's 300m Steeplechase. Despite missing out on qualification, he broke the national record, clocking 8:18:12. Sprinter Dutee Chand also missed out on qualification for the 100m semifinals, finishing 45th overall in her heats.Â
India also failed to qualify for the 4x400m Mixed Relay, finishing last in their heat, clocking 3:19:93.
Even boxer Simranjit Kaur faced an early exit, losing against Sudaporn Seesondee in Round of 16 of Women's Light (57-60kg) event.
PV Sindhu
Deepika Kumari