Tokyo Paralympics: Bhavina Patel bags historic silver medal to open India’s medal tally

Tokyo Paralympics: Bhavina Patel bags historic silver medal to open India’s medal tally

Bhavina Patel at Tokyo Paralympic Games

Para paddler Bhavina Patel became the first Indian to bag a medal in the sport at the Paralympics. Bhavina’s historic silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics opened India’s tally. The Indian looked in great touch following a rough start as she pulled off four upsets in a row to make it to the finals.

But the top seed, China’s Zhou Ying proved too good for Bhavina as she lost the final in straight games of 11-7, 11-5, 11-6. The Chinese was on the money from the get-go rightfully taking the pole position. Bhavina tried her best in the best game and was up to the task early on but the tide changed pretty quickly as Ying rushed to three game points. It was a one-sided match from there on as the Indian struggled to keep pace.

A memorable Paralympic debut for Bhavina Patel

Bhavina Patel
Bhavina Patel

Bhavina Patel didn’t have a great start to the campaign as she lost her opening encounter to Ying in straight games of 3-11, 9-11, 2-11. But she bounced back to clinch an edge of the seat thriller against Great Britain’s Megan Shackleton to advance to the next round.

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Riding on the momentum, she squared off with Brazil’s Joyce De Oliviera in the round of 16. The 12th ranked Indian toppled World no.8 in straight games to advance. While the first two games were closely fought affairs, Bhavina put her best foot forward to win them 12-10 and 13-11 before decimating Oliviera in the final game to clinch the game and the match.

The Indian’s campaign completed a full circle in the final as she squared off with World no.1. While the result was similar to her opening clash with Ying, she had achieved something much more by becoming the first Indian to feature in the para table tennis final at the marquee event. On her way to the final, 12th ranked Bhavina toppled World no. 2, 3, 8 and 9 to secure a silver medal.

Also read: Tokyo Paralympics: Indian Contingent Finishes Strong in Archery After Open Ranking Rounds