Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Bhavinaben Patel wins silver to open India's medal tally

The 34-year-old lost the opening game 11-7, then the second game 5-11 before losing the third and decisive game 11-6 to lose her match.

Patel became the first Indian paddler to win a medal at the prestigious Games. (File photo)

India's Bhavinaben Patel won the silver medal in the Women's Singles Class 4 TT event, losing the Gold medal match 3-0 to China's Zhou Ying.

The 34-year-old lost the opening game 11-7, then the second game 5-11 before losing the third and decisive game 11-6 to lose her match.

"I am very happy on one side and on one side I was very nervous, so that's why I wasn't able to give my hundred per cent in the match. I am not satisfied and a little bit disappointed. But I will fulfil all the shortcomings in the next tournament," Bhavina told ANI after the match.

FOLLOW:

The loss, notwithstanding, however, Patel became India's first-ever paddler to win a medal at the Paralympics and also opened India's account at this edition of the Games.

"I was confident that I would win a medal against her and will definitely win gold. But I felt a little bit of pressure as I wasn't able to control my thoughts. The way I wanted to play was not exactly implemented by me," added Patel.

THE MOMENT Wonderful show of skill and mental resilience throughout her #Paralympics campaign.

Proud Bhavina Patel pic.twitter.com/G0zCGJcQSW

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) August 29, 2021

 

Prior to her final, Indian archer Jyoti narrowly lost to Ireland's Kerrie-Louise Leonard 141-137 in the Compound (1/16 Elimination) event.

Later, Jyoti combined with India's Rakesh Kumar to beat the Thailand duo of A. Aungaphinan and P. Homjanthuek. in the Mixed Team Compound (1/8 Elimination) 147-141 to enter the quarterfinals.

(With inputs from ANI)