India’s Archery Team Shines at Paris Olympics 2024, Ankita Bhakat Leads the Charge

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/25th July 2024

The 2024 Olympics in Paris have begun with high hopes for India’s archery team, featuring six talented archers aiming to achieve the best possible seeding in the individual ranking events. The team is off to a promising start, with Ankita Bhakat leading the way.

Ankita Bhakat showcased her exceptional skills by guiding India to the women’s quarter-finals. The top-seeded Indian archer delivered her season-best performance, scoring 666 points and securing the 11th spot in the archery ranking series at the Paris Games on Thursday. Bhakat’s impressive performance has set a positive tone for India’s campaign.

Bhakat’s teammates, Bhajan Kaur and Deepika Kumari, also performed admirably. Kaur finished in 22nd place, while Kumari secured the 23rd spot. Despite not breaking into the top 10, their performances contributed significantly to the team’s overall standing. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Sihyeon Lim shattered the World Record with an astonishing score of 694, dominating the women’s event and setting a new benchmark.

India’s team ranking event concluded with the team securing the fourth spot, accumulating 1983 points. South Korea, led by Lim’s record-breaking performance, topped the standings with 2046 points. China and Mexico claimed the second and third spots, respectively, in a highly competitive event.

Ankita Bhakat’s journey to the quarter-finals was marked by consistent high scores. In the final round, she scored 54 points, bringing her aggregate to 666 points. Bhajan Kaur scored 53 points in the final round, totaling 659 points, and Deepika Kumari, with a strong finish of 57 points in the last round, ended with an aggregate of 658 points.

Throughout the ranking series, Bhakat’s performance was particularly noteworthy. In the 11th round, she scored 58 points, briefly placing her in the 8th spot with an overall score of 612 points. Bhajan Kaur and Deepika Kumari each scored 56 points in the same round, ranking 19th and 26th, respectively. These consistent performances highlight the depth and potential of India’s archery team.

The Paris Olympics archery event has been a stage for outstanding performances and new records. South Korean archer Lim Si-hyeon’s record-breaking score not only set a new world record but also positioned her as a strong contender for the gold medal. Her compatriot, Suhyeon Nam, also delivered an impressive performance, scoring 688 points and reinforcing South Korea’s dominance in the event.

India’s archery team, under the leadership of Ankita Bhakat, has shown great promise. Bhakat’s top-10 finish and the team’s strong overall performance in the ranking series have set a solid foundation for the upcoming elimination rounds. The archers are now focused on building on this momentum and aiming for podium finishes.

As the Paris Olympics continue, the Indian archery team remains determined to make their mark. The impressive performances in the ranking events are a testament to their hard work, skill, and dedication. With the quarter-finals ahead, the team is poised to take on the best in the world and bring glory to the nation.

The excitement and anticipation surrounding the Indian archery team’s performance at the Paris Olympics are palpable. Fans and supporters are eagerly following every update, hoping for more stellar performances and, ultimately, medals for the country. Ankita Bhakat and her teammates are ready to rise to the occasion and make their nation proud.