The Indian mixed archery team, comprising Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara, achieved a historic milestone by reaching the semifinals of the Olympic Games for the first time, defeating Spain 5-3 on Friday.
In a closely contested match, India secured victories in the first set (38-37) and the fourth set (37-36), while the second set ended in a tie (38-38) and the third set saw a disappointing drop in performance, resulting in a score of 36.
The Indian duo's commendable shooting included two 10s and two 9s in the first set. They now stand just one win away from breaking the country’s 36-year Olympic medal drought in archery.
Ankita, 26, and young Dhiraj displayed remarkable composure and skill, with their win marking a significant achievement in Indian archery history.
Earlier in the day, the team had showcased their prowess by overcoming Indonesia with a convincing 5-1 victory in the quarterfinals, with scores of 37-36, 38-38, and 38-37.
The duo consistently hit high scores, but it was Ankita’s remarkable performance in the final stages that propelled them into the last eight, where they demonstrated their ability to thrive under pressure. The semifinal will mark another opportunity for India to secure a coveted Olympic medal.
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