Indian paddlers stutter in Round 1

Tokyo, August 25

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Indian paddlers Bhavinaben Patel and Sonalben Manubhai Patel began their campaigns with opening round defeats in their respective events at the Tokyo Paralympics here today.

Competing in the women’s Class 3 category, Sonalben was ahead after the first three games but lost 11-9 3-11 17-15 7-11 4-11 to China’s Li Quan, world No. 4 and the Rio Paralympics silver medallist.

On the other hand, Bhavinaben, up against world No. 1 Chinese Paddler Zhou Ying, lost 3-11 9-11 2-11 in the women’s singles Class 4 Group A fixture. — PTI

12-member contingent departs for Tokyo

New Delhi: Veteran Devendra Jhajharia and reigning world champion Sandeep Chaudhary were among five javelin throwers in a 12-strong Indian contingent that left for Tokyo today to compete at the Paralympics. The contingent also included two high jumpers — Nishad Kumar and Ram Pal — and discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya. “I can say this with assurance that after Paralympics, javelin (throw) will be the second most popular game in this country after cricket,” Jhajharia said. PTI

And the first gold goes to Australia’s Greco

New Delhi: Cyclist Paige Greco of Australia claimed the first gold medal of the Tokyo Paralympic Games, winning the 3,000 metre pursuit today on the velodrome track. Wang Xiaomei of China was second and bronze went to Denise Schindler. It was the first of 24 gold medals up for grabs on Wednesday as the Paralympics got underway. Medals were also contested in swimming and wheelchair fencing. AP