Paralympics: Bhavina Patel Confirms India’s First Medal After Stunning World No. 2

Tokyo: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu had assured India of its first medal on the opening day of the Tokyo Olympics. Another female sportsperson, para paddler Bhavinaben Hasmukhbhai Patel has done the honours at the Paralympics.

Bhavina stunned world No. 2 Borislava Peric-Rankovic of Serbia 3-0 in the quarterfinals of women’s singles – Class 4 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Friday. A semifinal entry guarantees her a bronze medal, even if she loses in the last-four stage.

The Indian dominated from the word go and had her nose in front throughout as she took just 18 minutes to overwhelm defending champion Borislava 11-5, 11-6, 11-7.

Earlier in the day, Bhavina overcame Brazil’s Joyce de Oliviera 3-0 (12-10, 13-11, 11-6) to book a place in the last eight.