Day 3 of the Paris Olympics 2024 brought a mix of triumphs and disappointments for the Indian contingent. Successes included impressive performances by Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, while there were some letdowns, such as Arjun Babuta’s near miss on a medal and Ramita Jindal’s 7th place finish in the women’s 10m rifle final. The Indian men’s hockey team managed a draw against Argentina, but the archery team continued to face challenges.
As the Games move to Day 4, India is set for another shot at glory, with several athletes poised to compete and potentially bring home medals. Manu Bhaker, a rising star, is once again in the spotlight, aiming to make history. She, alongside partner Sarabjot Singh, will compete in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Bhaker has the opportunity to become the first Indian to secure two medals in the same Olympic Games and to secure India’s second bronze medal of these Olympics.
In hockey, the Indian men’s team faces a crucial match against Ireland. After the draw with Argentina, the team needs a win to stay in contention for the quarterfinals in a tough group that includes Australia and Belgium, both of whom have won their matches.
Badminton fans will be eagerly anticipating the return of Satwik-Chirag. Although their match on July 29 was canceled due to their opponents’ withdrawal, the pair is already in the quarterfinals and will look to build momentum for the final stages.
Balraj Panwar remains a key figure in rowing, representing India in the quarterfinals of the men’s singles sculls. As the sole Indian rower in this event, Panwar carries the weight of national expectations and will aim to deliver another stellar performance.
The schedule for Day 4 features a packed lineup of events. At 12:30 PM, Prithviraj Tondaiman, Rajeshwari Kumari, and Shreyasi Singh will compete in the shooting qualifications for men’s and women’s trap. The highlight of the afternoon will be the medal round of the 10m air pistol mixed team event, featuring Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh at 1:00 PM.
Balraj Panwar will compete in the men’s singles sculls quarterfinal at 1:40 PM. Later, at 4:45 PM, the Indian men’s hockey team will face Ireland in Pool B. Archery will see Ankita Bhakat and Bhajan Kaur in the women’s recurve individual Round of 32 at 5:14 PM and 5:27 PM respectively.
In badminton, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will play their men’s doubles group stage match against Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Fajar Alfian at 5:30 PM. This will be followed by Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponappa’s women’s doubles group stage match against Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu at 6:20 PM.
The evening continues with Prithviraj Tondaiman in the men’s trap final at 7:00 PM, provided he qualifies. Boxing fans will see Amit Panghal in the men’s 51kg Round of 16 at 7:16 PM, followed by Jaismine Lamboria in the women’s 57kg Round of 32 at 9:24 PM.
The night rounds off with Dhiraj Bommadevara competing in the men’s recurve individual Round of 32 at 10:46 PM, and, if qualified, the Round of 16 at 11:25 PM. The final event of the day will be Preeti Pawar’s women’s 54kg Round of 16 boxing match at 1:22 AM on July 31.
With a busy schedule ahead, Day 4 promises to be another significant day for Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics, as they continue to strive for success on the global stage.
