India’s wait for the first medal at Rio Olympics continues
Rio de Janeiro, Aug 8 (IANS) Medals continued to elude India for the second successive day at the 31st Rio Olympics as shooter Heena Sidhu and the women’s archery team failed to impress, while the women’s hockey team managed to hold Japan for a draw here on Sunday.
Sidhu missed out of the race to the women’s 10 metres Air Pistol finals event, trap shooters Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Kynan Chenai finished 17th and 19th respectively on the first day of the competitions to keep themselves in the hunt for a medal.
But the Indian hockey eves put up a brave face as it came back from a two-goal deficit to hold Japan 2-2 in its opening pool encounter.
After a patchy 7th place finish on Saturday, the Indian archery team comprising Deepika Kumari, L. Bombayla Devi and Laxmirani Majhi raised the hopes by reaching the quarter-finals only to crash out after losing to Russia.
The Indians, who clinched a silver in the 2015 World Championships, turned in an inconsistent show to lose 23-25 in the shoot-off after both teams were locked 4-4 on points, having won two sets each at the Olympic shooting centre.
The Russians, who had won the World Championships last year, will take on Italy in the semi-finals.
Bombayla was the best performer on the day with a series of consistent attempts. Her efforts, however, went in vain as teammates Laxmirani and Deepika were inconsistent.
Earlier, the trio reached the quarters after beating Colombia 205-197 in the Round of 32.
In hockey, Indian women, back in the Olympics after a 36-year long wait, controlled their nerves to share the points with Japan in their maiden outing of the quadrennial extravaganza.
The Indians bounced back brilliantly after trailing by two goals to draw 2-2, with goals from Rani Rampal (31st minute) and Lilima Minz (40). For Japan, Nishikhori Emi (15) and Mie Nakashima (28) found the nets during the match.
All eyes will now be on gymnast Dipa Karmakar, who is competiting in her maiden Olympics and is in action currently.
According to latest reports, the Tripura girl is 21st overall after four apparatus. Her average score is 51.665. Vault: 15.100, Uneven Bars: 11. 666, Balance beam: 12.866, Floor: 12.033.
Dipa’s qualification will only be decided after two more sub-divisions, which will be held later in the night.
