Tokyo Paralympics: India assured of silver as Bhavinaben Patel storms into table tennis singles final
Bhavinaben Patel has breezed into the final of table tennis singles in the Tokyo Paralympics, assuring India of silver. She has become the first Indian to qualify for the final of the same in the competition.
FollowIn a historic moment for India at the Tokyo Paralympics, it was assured of a silver medal. Paddler Bhavinaben Patel has stormed into the table tennis singles final as she eyes India's maiden gold in the competition.
On Saturday morning, she was up against Miao Zhang of China in the semis, as the Indian shocked her in a hard-fought battle (7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8) within 34 minutes. She is scheduled to compete against Ying Zhou of China, who happens to be the world number one, and against whom the Indian lost in the opening game.
After losing the opening game, Bhavinaben took the lead in the following two games, while the third game went in her favour in just four minutes. Miao displayed her sheer class as she struck back, hardly giving room to the Indian to gain the upper hand.
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However, in the deciding set, Bhavinaben quickly raced to a 5-0 lead before the Chinese gathered pacer and made it 8-9. As the Indian took a timeout, she was just unstoppable, claiming the win with a couple of match points.
Following her win, she said she wanted to give her 100% when she arrived in Tokyo, and eventually, the medal would make its way. She hopes to continue with the same confidence, aided by the blessings of the countrymen, as she would ride on the quest for the gold on Sunday. She claimes that she is ready for the final with her 100%.
Following the same, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded her historic feat. "Congratulations Bhavina Patel! You played excellently. The entire nation is praying for your success and will be cheering for you tomorrow. Give your best and play without any pressure. Your accomplishments inspire the entire nation. #Paralympics".
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