Paris Olympics 2024 Highlights: Day 9 - India’s Mixed Day with Hockey Success and Disappointments in Badminton and Boxing

Day 9 of the Paris Olympics 2024 presented a mixed bag of results for India, showcasing both triumphant moments and significant setbacks. The Indian hockey team made headlines with their dramatic entry into the semifinals, while the day also saw disappointments in badminton and boxing.

Indian Hockey Team Advances to Semifinals

India's men’s hockey team delivered a remarkable performance to secure their place in the Olympic semifinals for the second consecutive edition. The team's resilience and determination were evident as they navigated a challenging match against Great Britain, ultimately emerging victorious in a penalty shootout. The game was fiercely contested, ending in a 1-1 draw, but India triumphed 3-2 in the shootout, thanks to standout performances and crucial saves by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

Lakshya Sen’s Gold Medal Hopes Dashed

In badminton, Lakshya Sen’s pursuit of an Olympic gold medal ended in heartbreak. Facing defending champion Viktor Axelsen, Sen lost in a hard-fought match with scores of 20-22 and 14-21. Despite his valiant efforts, Sen's journey for gold concluded, but he still has the opportunity to claim a bronze medal. He will compete against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal playoff on Monday evening.

Lovlina Borgohain’s Boxing Journey Ends in Quarterfinals

In boxing, Lovlina Borgohain’s quest for a medal was halted by a quarterfinal loss to China’s Li Qian in the women’s middle-weight (75kg) category. Borgohain was defeated by a 4-1 split decision, marking a disappointing end to her Olympic campaign.

Indian Shooters’ Performance and Upcoming Events

Indian shooters faced challenges in the women’s skeet competition, with Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon finishing in 14th and 23rd places, respectively, in the qualifications. Chauhan scored a total of 118, while Dhillon accumulated 113 points. Both shooters were unable to advance to the final, where only the top six competitors qualify. Additionally, Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala are currently participating in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol qualifications.

Key Moments and Highlights of Day 9 of the Paris Olympics 2024

• Penalty Shootout Victory: India’s men’s hockey team held Great Britain to a 1-1 draw in regulation time and clinched victory in the penalty shootout, showcasing exceptional defense and goalkeeping.

• Lakshya Sen’s Semi-Final Match: Despite a strong performance, Lakshya Sen fell short against Viktor Axelsen but will have another chance to secure a medal in the bronze playoff.

• Lovlina Borgohain’s Quarterfinal Loss: Lovlina Borgohain was defeated by China’s Li Qian, concluding her journey at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Conclusion

Day 9 of the Paris Olympics 2024 showcased a blend of triumph and disappointment for Indian athletes. The Indian men's hockey team’s impressive performance secured their spot in the semifinals, marking a significant achievement in their Olympic journey. Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen's bid for a gold medal ended with a loss to Viktor Axelsen, though he still has a chance for bronze in the upcoming playoff. Lovlina Borgohain’s quarterfinal defeat to Li Qian highlighted the intense competition in boxing.

Despite these setbacks, the Indian team's resilience and determination remain evident. With ongoing events and future competitions, Indian athletes continue to strive for excellence. The day’s mixed results reflect both the challenges and potential for India in the ongoing Olympic Games, with hopes pinned on upcoming performances to improve the medal tally and overall standings.