Dry day: Pramod Bhagat wins on day of losses for India

Tokyo, September 1

World No. 1 para shuttler Pramod Bhagat made an impressive start to his campaign in the men’s singles competition but young Palak Kohli endured a tough day at the Tokyo Paralympics here today.

Bhagat, the reigning world champion, outwitted compatriot Manoj Sarkar 21-10 21-23 21-9 in his men’s singles Group A Class SL3 opener that lasted 56 minutes.

Meanwhile, Kohli suffered defeats in both her women’s singles and mixed doubles matches. Up against Japan’s Ayako Suzuki, the 19-year-old lost 4-21 7-21 in a Group A women singles Class SU5 match. Earlier, Kohli and Bhagat had earlier lost 9-21 21-15 19-21 to second seeds Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel in the mixed doubles Group B opener.

Out of club

The Indian duo of Amit Kumar and Dharambir ended fifth and eighth respectively in the F51 men’s club throw competition. Kumar’s best effort was 27.77m. The 32-year-old Dharambir produced an effort of 25.59m.

Jadhav disqualified

Para Swimmer Suyash Jadhav was disqualified in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB7 final for a rule violation. Jadhav was disqualified as he didn’t comply with World Para Swimming’s rule No. 11.4.1, which states that “at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick after the start and after each turn, a single butterfly kick is permitted.”

Shooter Avani Lekhara crashed out in the qualification of the mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1 event. — PTI