Paris 2024 Olympics India Day 8 Preview: List of events, players in action, medal prediction
The eighth day of the Paris Olympics 2024 will see the Indian contingent get some time to take a breather after a rather action-packed Day 7. However, several Indian athletes will still be in action across sports. Indian shooters, boxers, sailors, golfers, and archers will all be vying for glory on Saturday, August 3.
Indian star shooter Manu Bhaker will be aiming for her third medal of the Games as she competes in the final of the 25m pistol event.
Meanwhile, India’s sailors Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan will continue their campaign at the Paris Olympics. Golfers Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shubhankar Sharma will also resume their competition in Round 3.
Meanwhile, Indian archers Deepika Kumari and Bhajan Kaur will be in contention in the pre-quarterfinals and will look to secure a podium finish.
Before taking a closer look at the Indian athletes contending for medals on Day 8, let's review the complete schedule for the day.
Paris 2024 Olympics India Day 8 Schedule and Timings in IST (August 3):
Golf
Men's Individual Stroke Play Round 3: Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shubhankar Sharma, 12:30 pm.
Shooting
Skeet Men’s Qualification – Day 2 – Anantjeet Singh Naruka, 12:30 pm.
25m Pistol Women’s Final – Manu Bhaker, 1:00 pm.
Skeet Women’s Qualification – Day 1 - Raiza Dhillon and Maheshwari Chauhan, 12:30 pm.
Archery
Women's Individual 1/8 Elimination Round: Deepika Kumari vs. Michelle Kroppen, 1:52 pm and Bhajan Kaur vs. Diananda Choirunisa, 2:05 pm
Sailing
Men's Dinghy Race 4, 5 & 6: Vishnu Saravanan, 3:35 pm
Women's Dinghy - Race 5 & 6: Nethra Kumanan, 5:50 pm
Boxing
Men’s 71kg- Quarterfinals- Nishant Dev, 12:18 am.
Paris Olympics 2024 India Day 8 - Medal prediction
Manu Bhaker has been in exceptional form at these games. Bhaker, who has been living the dream, having already clinched bronze medals in both the 10m Air Pistol individual and mixed team events, will be looking to add a third medal to her already impressive haul. The 22-year-old has delivered consistent performances and is undoubtedly one of the top contenders for a medal in the 25m pistol final.
India’s archers also hold promise, with Deepika Kumari and Bhajan Kaur competing in the women’s individual event.
While no Indian archer has ever advanced past the quarterfinals in individual Olympic events, the last being Deepika Kumari herself, the former World No. 1’s experience and recent form could break this pattern. Riding high on the confidence from the mixed team’s semifinal appearance yesterday, Kumari might emulate or better the performances of her compatriots, leading her to a podium.
The presence of 18-year-old Bhajan Kaur is equally exciting. Making her Olympic debut, Kaur has demonstrated remarkable consistency and composure in all her matches. Her stellar performances thus far suggest that she is more than capable of pulling off a surprise and securing a medal.
Shooter Anantjeet Singh Naruka could also find himself in contention for a medal if he makes it past the qualification stage. However, it will be a Herculean task for the Indian shooter to qualify for the finals as he currently sits in 26th place.