Sindhu, Prannoy crash out

Jakarta

The Indian challenge ended at the $1,250,000 Indonesian Open after PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy suffered straight-game defeats to crash out in the quarterfinals of the tournament. World No. 3 Sindhu, a silver medallist at the Olympics and World Championships, lost 14-21 15-21 to China’s world No. 7 He Bingjiao in 37 minutes. It was her sixth loss to the left-handed Chinese shuttler in 11 meetings. Prannoy, seeded eighth, went into the match with a 1-3 head-to-head record against Shi Yuqi of China. He seemed to match Shi Yuqi in the rallies but lacked precision in his finishing as the Chinese star won 21-17 21-18 in 39 minutes.

Chandigarh

Rani to lead in Asian Games

Striker Rani will lead the Indian women’s hockey team at the August-September Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Jakarta/Palembang in Indonesia. Goalkeeper Savita has been named as the vice-captain of the team. In defence, the team has the experienced Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Deepika, Reena Khokhar and drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur. Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Udita, Nikki Pradhan and Neha Goyal will comprise the midfield. Rani will lead the midfield, supported by Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur and Navjot Kaur. 

New Delhi

Indian para archers win gold

The Indian para archery compound team has created history by winning the country’s first-ever World Ranking Para Archery Championship gold medal. The team comprising Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sunder Swami and Tarif beat the Romanian team 224-208 to bag the team gold in Czech Republic. The Indian team was trailing by a point after the first round (54-55) but took a five-point lead in the second round, extending it to six points in the third. Finally, India finished with a 16-point advantage. In the semis, India had edged out France. — Agencies