New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 16, 2024 22:57 IST
Bhajan Kaur has secured India’s first women’s individual recurve archery quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics, clinching gold at the final world qualifying tournament in Antalya on Sunday. The 18-year-old prodigy became only the second Indian archer to secure a spot at the Paris Games, following Dhiraj Bommadevara in the men’s event. Individual quotas are awarded to the top eight nations, with each country receiving one quota per gender. India has now secured individual quotas in both the men’s and women’s categories. Dhiraj Bommadevara had previously secured the men’s individual quota during the Asian qualifying leg, and Bhajan Kaur has now secured the women’s individual quota at the final world qualifying tournament.
Kaur’s triumph came after a decisive 6-2 victory over Iran’s Mobina Fallah in the gold medal match. Demonstrating poise and precision, Kaur started strong with two nines, clinching the first set 28-26. The second set was tightly contested, with both archers shooting 29 apiece. Kaur then took control, winning the third set 29-26. Despite the fourth set ending 29-29, Kaur’s earlier dominance ensured her 6-2 win. Earlier in the tournament, Kaur defeated Moldova’s Alexandra Mirca 6-2 in the semifinals, showcasing her consistent form.
The day also saw Ankita Bhakat winning a 2024 Paris Olympics quota for India by advancing to the quarter-finals with a 6-0 victory over Monica Bidaure. However, the quota was transferred to Kaur after Bhakat’s exit in the quarter-finals, where she lost 4-6 to eventual silver medallist Fallah. Kaur’s success in securing the quota also ensures India’s representation in the mixed team event at the Paris Olympics, alongside Bommadevara, who had already secured a men’s individual recurve quota.
Veteran archer Deepika Kumari faced an early exit, being knocked out in the third round. Despite this setback, both Kumari and Bhakat still have a chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics if India secures a team quota through world rankings.