Picture Credit: X
The 2024 Paris Olympics must officially start today (July 26) with an elaborative and one-of-a-kind opening ceremony, a few sports commenced their initial rounds. Amid many such, archery is one of them which saw the Indian men’s as well as women’s team come up with brilliant performances.
In this article, we will go through all the big news that took place on Thursday, July 25 at the Paris 2024.
Archery
Indian men’s archery team secures direct quarterfinals entry at Paris 2024
On Thursday, July 25, the Indian men’s archery team finished in third place in the ranking round at the Paris 2024, qualifying through to the quarter-final stage with a direct entry. The Indian trio of archers, namely Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Jadhav, scored a combined 2013 points, to finish behind South Korea (2049) and the hosts France (2025).
Indian women's archery team qualifies for Paris Olympics 2024 quarterfinals
Indian women's archery team secured a direct entry in the Paris Olympics 2024 quarterfinal round. The team consisting of Deepika Kumari, Bhajan Kaur and Ankita Bhakat appeared in qualification round at the individual level. Kumari ended at 23rd place with 658 points while Ankita scored 666 points to finish at 11th spot. On the other hand, Bhajan Kaur finished just above Kumari with 659 points.
Table Tennis
Indian men's table tennis team to face China in opener; Manika Batra to play teenager
Indian men's table tennis team is set to face a formidable challenge as they compete against four-time gold medalists China in the opening round of the Paris Olympics. The women's team, meanwhile, will face Romania in the round of 16. They could face, the Rio 2016 silver medallists Germany, in the second round. In the singles women's singles event, star paddler Manika Batra, who is seeded 18, will begin her campaign against Anna Hursey, teenager from Great Britain.
Tennis
Novak Djokovic could take on Rafael Nadal in second round
Novak Djokovic could face former gold medallist Rafael Nadal in the second round of the Paris Olympics 2024 as the draws were announced on July 25. Djokovic will take on Australian star Matthew Ebden while Nadal will lock horns against Márton Fucsovics. With this draw, tennis legends could face each other in the second round if they win their opening matches.
Andy Murray opts out of Paris Olympics 2024 men's singles
Andy Murray, the British tennis star, has opted out of playing men’s singles at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which is the last career tournament before taking a retirement. The 37-year-old will only be playing alongside Dan Evans in the men’s doubles event in Paris, marking the end of his illustrious tennis career in the next fortnight or so.
Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Olympics 2024
World number 1 tennis star Jannik Sinner officially withdrew from the Paris Olympics 2024 on Wednesday, July 24. The Italian tennis star took to X to inform his fans about his decision, revealing that he has decided to pull out of the tournament due to a bout of tonsillitis. The Italian reported the symptoms on Monday after a training session in Monaco.
Tough draw for Sumit Nagal; Rohan Bopanna-N Sriram Balaji to face French duo
India's top singles player Sumit Nagal will begin his Paris Olympics campaign against French Moutet Corentin, who he had beaten in April and could run into formidable Australian world number six Alex di Minaur in the second round if he wins the opener. In the men's doubles, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji have been drawn to meet the French team of Fabien Reboul and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
Great role model: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal hails Carlos Alcaraz
Ahead of the Paris Olympics tennis competition, Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz said that it is a dream to play doubles competition for Spain alongside legendary Rafael Nadal, while the 22-time Grand Slam champion said that the competition is an opportunity to learn from a much younger player. "I am so excited as I arrive at the Games. I am less experienced, but I hope to adapt quickly to doubles. For me, it is a dream to play with Rafa," Alcaraz said as quoted by ATP website.
Golf
Coach Sundeep Verma to accompany Paris 2024-bound golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar
Renowned clubmaker Sundeep Verma will be making his third Olympic Games appearance as a coach. Verma will be accompanying leading Indian professional Gaganjeet Bhullar during Paris 2024. 11-time Asian Tour champion Bhullar, who is making his Olympic debut, is part of a four-member golf team including Shubhankar Sharma, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar.
Others
WATCH: Ravi Shastri welcomes Paris Olympics 2024 in signature style
Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri, known for his electrifying monologues in the commentary box, welcomed Paris Olympics 2024 in his signature style. The biggest sporting tournament featuring the greatest athletes from across the globe will begin on Friday, July 26, in Paris. In a video, he said, “In less than 36 hours, the greatest show on earth is just about to begin."
