Tokyo Olympics: India's archery challenge ends as Atanu Das bows out

India's archery challenge at the Tokyo Olympics ended on Saturday after Atanu Das lost to Japan's Furukawa Takaharu.

Atanu lost to Furukawa, an individual silver medalist at London 2012 Olympics and a team bronze winner at the Tokyo Olympics, in the 1/8 elimination round of men's individual archery at Tokyo 2020.

Atanu lost his first set 25-27 to Furukawa 0-2. He improved his game in the second round and drew the set 28-28. 

Expectations rose after Atanu defeated his Japanese opponent 28-27 in the third set to level the match 3-3.

He then drew 28-28 in the fourth set, setting the stage for a final showdown in the fifth set.

However, Atanu lost the fifth set 26-27 and the match 4-6 to bring the curtains down on India's archery medal hopes.

After his match, Atanu said, "Maybe we take the Olympics too seriously. We forget to enjoy. When we win World Cups and other championships, nobody knows about it. At the Olympics, everyone is watching. So there is pressure. We have to deal with the Olympics better."

He further said, "We got a coach only when we came to the camp after the pandemic. There is no national coach or psychologist on a permanent basis. Things are improving, but it will take time. We need to be strong and patient."

To recall, Atanu had on Friday knocked out two-time Olympic champion Oh Jin Hyek.