Disappointments and enjoyment continues to come in mix for India at London Olympics 2012.
Archery (Women’s Individual)
India’s last arrow in archery event also bows out of London Olympics. World no.1 and India’s young sensation, Deepika Kumari failed to even win a single match at women’s individual category. She was beaten 2 -6 by host country archer Oliver in 1/32 round. The fact that Deepika failed to hit a single 10 in the entire match (12 arrows) shows how poor her form was.
India’s challenge at archery sadly ended. Whether they got bog down by expectation or occasion got into them, this must be their wake-up call to eliminate the similar mistakes in future. Because all their hard work needs platform like Olympics to blossom and reap rewards.
Badminton (Men’s and Women’s Singles)
Can Kashyap produce a gem to beat world no.1 in quarters?
Indian flag is flying high in badminton not by Saina Nehwal alone but also from new sensation Parupalli Kashyap at London Olympics. He is winning the whole country hearts with his each superb performances. In round of 16 match against Sri Lankan Karunaratne, Kashyap overcome middle match slum to qualify for quarter finals. Kashyap as usual started the match in bright fashion by getting points in hurry. He won the first set 21-14 without having much problem. But in second set, Karunaratne came back stronger and also strangely Kashyap looked very tired. He is not hitting smashes and also not actively moving. Later it was revealed that Kashyap had some breathing problems during the match ( he is an asthma patient). Kashyap won the third set easily and wrapped up the match 21-14, 15-21, 21-9.
In women’s singles, Saina Nehwal continued her domination on the court. She is showing tremendous form although this match took more time than her preview two. Saina defeated her Netherland opponent Jie Yao 21-14, 21-16.
In quarter-finals, Kashyap will play no.1 seeded and world top player Lee Chang Wei. Kashyap need all his strength and luck to win this match. Saina Nehwal will take on 5th seed Denmark player Tine Baun. Saina should win this match with Baun providing some resistant.
Rowing (Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls and Single Sculls)
Although India is out of contention for any medals in rowing, players are fighting for better rankings. Sandeep and Manjeet finished at last in their semi-final heat and will now fight for last set of position. Meanwhile the raising star Sawarn Singh finished at second in his semi-final heat and will now contest for 13th-18th position. He received good praise from critics so far in London Olympics.
Hockey (Men’s Preliminary Group B)
Indian hockey team lost another match in their group. In what was billed as tight encounter, India just couldn’t able to keep pace with New Zealand and lost the match 1-3. India scored a goal in 2 minutes from penalty corner but New Zealand players beat the Indian goalie twice before half time interval. With India needing to stage a dramatic comeback to win this match, players just panicked with wayward passes, often trying to run through 3 or 4 defenders and poor coordinated attack in final third.
India need a miracle to qualify for semi’s hereafter. It is now about finishing high as possible in team ranking at London Olympics.
Shooting (Women’s 25m pistol)
India’s Rahi Sarnobat and Annu Raj Singh didn’t qualify for finals at 25m pistol shooting event in London Olympics. Rahi finished at 19th with 579 points and Annu at 30th with 575 points in the qualification event.
Tennis (Men’s Doubles)
Much to the contrast from prediction, they both fared very well as team.
Another category where India’s regain ended without much progression in London Olympics. Leander Paes and Vishnu Vardhan put up a great fight against no.2 seeded French pair of Tsonga and Llorda. Indian team almost won the first set, only to see them squander the lead and lost 6-7 in tie breaker. In second set, Leander and Vishnu came hard to win 6-4 but in third set, Tsonga despite struggling with niggles hit some great volleys and fast serve to win the set. India lost the match 6-7, 6-4, 3-6 and got knocked out.
Both Leander and Vishnu showed very good co-ordination on the court for the doubles player. Vishnu in particular impressed with big serves and decent volleys that he can be India’s future doubles player. Leander has one more chance in his last Olympics with Sania Mirza at mixed doubles. They got tough draw but who better than Leander knows how to fight?
Tags: Archery, Badminton, Deepika Kumari, Hockey, India at London Olympics, India's medal chances at London Olympics, India's poor performance at Olympics continues, Indian Hockey Team, Leander Paes, London Olympics 2012, London Olympics day 6 report, Parupalli Kashyap, Rowing, Saina Nehwal, Sandeep Singh, Shooting, Tennis, tennis men's doubles, Vishnu Vardhan
