Tokyo Paralympics: Bhavinaben Patel assures India of medal in table tennis after reaching semis

India has been assured of its first medal in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. In table tennis, female para-paddler Bhavinaben Patel has reached the semis, as she would now vie for the final berth.

In a historic moment for India, the nation has been assured of its first medal in the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. Para-paddler Bhavinaben Patel has reached the semis of the table tennis singles event, thus ensuring India of the medal, while she would now aim for the gold final.

She overcame the challenge from Serbia's Borislava Peric-Rankovic, defeating her in straight sets 11-5, 11-6 and 11-7 with just 18 minutes in the quarterfinal. Following the win, she thanked all the Indians for the blessing and love they showered and urge them to do the same for her semis clash tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the win also delighted the Paralympic Committee of India President Deepa Malik. She said she was incredibly proud of Bhavinaben's effort and intense preparations, besides lauding her for her consistent practice and training focus, reports ANI.

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Deepa was also notable for Bhavinaben's calmness during competition and reckoned that even the loss during her opening game did not let her down, while she handled pressure beautifully. She said that it is the paddler's mental training and skill that has led to her success.

Although Bhavinaben is assured of a bronze, Deepa insisted that a bigger medal would be much more appreciated. She had already become the first India para-paddler to reach the quarters on Thursday.

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