India claimed its first medal in the Tokyo Paralympics, with paddler Bhavinaben Patel winning the silver medal in singles. Consequently, she was lauded by PM Narendra Modi and others.
Bhavinaben Patel gave India its first medal in the Tokyo Paralympics, as she settled for a silver in the table tennis singles on Sunday. Fighting for the gold medal, she went down to world number one Ying Zhou of China in straight sets 7-11, 5-11, 6-11.
Bhavinaben struggled right from the first set, as she failed to execute her plans properly and was mainly on the defensive side. Ying was vigilant, as she didn't allow the Indian to go for her angled return.
An accomplishment that will echo through 🗣️
Bhavina Patel receives her medal as she wins the nation's first in at the ❤️pic.twitter.com/l4xzgHpYWK
While it was tied 3-3 in the first set, Bhavinaben tried some brilliant serves at 5-7. However, the Chinese displayer her mettle and quickly extended her lead, eventually claiming the set.
The second set turned out to be one-way domination from Ying, taking a 7-1 lead. Although the Indian made it 4-7, it was futile as the Chinese was on top of her game, eventually taking a two-set lead.
debut ✅'s first medal ✅
Bhavina Patel's maiden appearance ends with a medal! pic.twitter.com/tINiLxkRL0
Bhavinaben tried to fight her way back in the third set, taking it to 5-5. However, Ying was too strong to give up, as she swiftly gained the lead and eventually made it 3-0 to bag the gold.
Following the Indian's gold medal-winning performance, she was lauded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also Indian President Ram Nath Kovind. Also, other sportspersons like Abhinav Bindra, Deepa Malik, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, and Anil Kumble contributed to the congratulatory messages.
PM Modi
The remarkable Bhavina Patel has scripted history! She brings home a historic Silver medal. Congratulations to her for it. Her life journey is motivating and will also draw more youngsters towards sports.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)Kovind
Bhavina Patel inspires the Indian contingent and sportslovers winning silver at . Your extraordinary determination and skills have brought glory to India. My congratulations to you on this exceptional achievement.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn)Deepa
Congratulations so amazing to win a medal at on . Perfect day to bring home the metal... A gift for entire nation . pic.twitter.com/2iMoO6Egow
— Deepa Malik (@DeepaAthlete)Bindra
Sehwag
Congratulations to for creating history by winning India's first silver medal in women's singles class 4 table tennis event at the ongoing .
A wonderful display of focus , hardwork and mental strength. pic.twitter.com/Ijh9LmfBTo
Laxman
Silver medal for India.
Many Congratulations to who has created history by becoming the first Indian para-paddler to win a medal in history.🇮🇳🏓. pic.twitter.com/dyc3Cw3gEh
Kumble
Congratulations Proud of you. 👏👏
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074)NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona