Indian Badminton Duo Makes History, Manu Bhaker Eyes Second Olympic Medal

Indian sports history was made on Day 4 of the Paris Olympics 2024 as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty became the first Indian badminton men's doubles pair to qualify for the quarterfinals. The world number three duo secured their spot with one group match remaining after their scheduled opponents, Mark Lamsfuss and Marvin Seidel of Germany, withdrew due to injury.

Meanwhile, ace shooter Manu Bhaker is poised to create her own Olympic legacy. Teaming up with Sarabjot Singh, Bhaker will compete in the bronze medal match of the 10m air pistol mixed team competition on Tuesday. A victory would mark an unprecedented second medal in shooting for India at the Games.

India's badminton contingent will continue their group stage campaign with Satwik and Chirag facing Alfian Fajar and Muhammad Rian Ardianto of Indonesia in the men's doubles. Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto will also be in action, seeking their first win against Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu of Australia in the women's doubles.

In hockey, Harmanpreet Singh will lead India in their men's Pool B match against Ireland, aiming to restore parity after yesterday's draw against Argentina. Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Dhiraj Bommadevara will represent India in archery, while boxers Amit Panghal, Jaismine Lamboria, and Preeti Pawar will take to the ring.

Other notable events on Day 4 include Prithviraj Tondaiman and Shreyasi Singh competing in the trap shooting qualification, Balraj Panwar in the men's single sculls quarterfinals, and rowers Arvind Singh and Arjun Lal Jat in the men's lightweight double sculls semifinals.

Tags: #ParisOlympics2024, #Badminton, #ManuBhaker, #Shooting, #Hockey