Paris Olympics 2024 Archery: Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat miss out on bronze medal
In a closely contested bronze medal match in archery's mixed team event, India's Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat faced off against the USA's Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison on Friday, August 2. Despite a valiant effort, the Indian duo succumbed to a 2-6 defeat, finishing fourth in the event at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The match began with Brady Ellison shooting a perfect 10 in the first set, while Casey Kaufhold followed with a 9. Bhakat, under pressure, managed only a 7, but Dhiraj responded with a bullseye. The Americans extended their lead with an additional 19 points from their next two shots, establishing an unassailable lead. Despite two perfect shots from the Indians, they narrowly lost the set 38-37.
The second set saw Bhakat struggle again with another 7, while Dhiraj maintained his form with another 10. Ellison continued his perfect streak with another 10, while Kaufhold shot an 8. Bhakat and Dhiraj both hit 9s in their second round of arrows. Ellison, undeterred, fired another perfect 10, and Kaufhold's 9 secured the set for the Americans, 37-35, giving them a 4-0 lead.
In the third set, the Indian pair fought back. Bhakat and Dhiraj shot a 10 and 9, respectively, while Kaufhold's 7 brought the American total to 17. The Indian duo added 19 more points to take their total to 38. An 8 and a 9 from the Americans resulted in a set score of 38-35, allowing India to stay in the match with two crucial points.
The fourth and final set saw the Indians start with a total of 17 from their first two shots, while the Americans shot 19. Bhakat managed an 8, and Dhiraj once again hit the center, bringing their total to 35. However, two 9s from the American pair were enough to secure the set and the match with a score of 37-35, earning them the bronze medal with a 6-2 victory.
Indian archers still in contention at the Paris Olympics 2024
With this defeat, all of India’s archery teams have ended their campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024. Most of India’s archers have faced defeat in their individual categories too. However, India’s women archers, Deepika Kumari and Bhajan Kaur, are still in contention for a medal at the quadrennial games.
Former World No. 1 Deepika Kumari is to set a faceoff against Germany’s Michelle in her pre-quarterfinal clash. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Bhajan Kaur will take on Indonesia’s Diananda Choirunisa in the Round-of-16 match at the Paris Olympics 2024.