Table of Contents
Paris Olympics Day 12: Highlights and Key Events
Table Tennis: India vs. Germany
On Day 12 of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Indian women’s table tennis team faced a challenging quarter-final match against Germany. The team, featuring Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath, was ultimately defeated 1-3, marking the end of India’s campaign in the event.
Match Breakdown
- Doubles Match:
- Players: Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath vs. Yuan Wan and Shan Xiaona
- Score: 1-3 (11-5, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6)
- Summary: Akula and Kamath managed to win the second game but were unable to maintain their momentum, losing the remaining games to the experienced German duo【9†source】.Vinesh Phogat
- Singles Matches:
- Manika Batra vs. Annett Kaufmann:
- Score: 1-3 (8-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7)
- Summary: Batra, ranked 25th in the world, won the first game against the 18-year-old Kaufmann but struggled to keep up, eventually losing the match【8†source】.
- Archana Kamath vs. Shan Xiaona:
- Score: 3-1 (19-17, 1-11, 11-5, 11-9)
- Summary: Kamath secured a crucial win for India, showcasing resilience against the higher-ranked Xiaona【6†source】.
- Sreeja Akula vs. Annett Kaufmann:
- Score: 0-3 (11-6, 11-7, 11-7)Vinesh Phogat
- Summary: Akula, despite her high ranking, was unable to overcome Kaufmann, who delivered a solid performance to lead Germany to victory and into the semi-finals【9†source】.
Wrestling: Replacement in Women’s 50kg Final
In the women’s 50kg wrestling category, Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman replaced India’s Vinesh Phogat in the final. Phogat was disqualified due to an injury, and Guzman, who had previously lost to Phogat in the semi-final, advanced to face USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt for the gold medal【6†source】.
Other Notable Events
- Athletics:
- Swapnil Kusare: Failed to advance in the men’s high jump after clearing 2.15m but not succeeding at 2.20m【6†source】.Vinesh Phogat
- Annu Rani: Did not qualify for the women’s javelin final with a best throw of 55.81m【6†source】.
- Jyothi Yarraji: Advanced to the repechage round in the women’s 100m hurdles after clocking 13.16 seconds in her heat【6†source】.
Day 12 of the Paris 2024 Olympics was a testament to the spirit of competition and resilience among Indian athletes. Despite the losses and challenges, their performances have been inspiring and have set a foundation for future successes. The experience gained at such a prestigious platform will undoubtedly fuel their determination and preparation for upcoming events.
- Additional Wrestling Updates:
- Antim Panghal: Lost her opening bout against Zeynep Yetgil of Turkey in the women’s freestyle 53kg event. Panghal’s chances for a medal were extinguished as she did not qualify for the repechage round【6†source】.Vinesh Phogat
Reflecting on India’s Performance
The Indian athletes showed remarkable grit and determination across various events, even though they faced several setbacks. The women’s table tennis team, competing for the first time at the Olympics in the team event, made a commendable effort against a formidable German side. The wrestlers and athletes also displayed tenacity, with some making it to advanced rounds despite injuries and tough competition.
Messages of Support:
- PV Sindhu: Expressed her support for Vinesh Phogat, acknowledging her champion spirit despite the disqualification【6†source】.
- Sachin Tendulkar: Praised Nisha for her spirited performance despite her injury, and acknowledged the efforts of all athletes who faced challenges head-on【6†source】.
Conclusion
Day 12 of the Paris 2024 Olympics was a testament to the spirit of competition and resilience among Indian athletes. Despite the losses and challenges, their performances have been inspiring and have set a foundation for future successes. The experience gained at such a prestigious platform will undoubtedly fuel their determination and preparation for upcoming events.
