Indian Archery Thrills at Paris Olympics: Deepika Kumari Advances, Bhajan Kaur Exits

Veteran Indian archer Deepika Kumari advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-4 victory over Germany's Michelle Kroppen at the Paris Olympics, while Bhajan Kaur was eliminated after losing to Indonesia's Diananda Choirunisa. Coach Purmina Mahato emphasized mental strength and focus in the competition.

Under heavy scrutiny for her performance in the team event, veteran Indian archer Deepika Kumari fought her way to the individual quarterfinals, securing a 6-4 victory over Germany's Michelle Kroppen at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

Bhajan Kaur, despite her efforts, lost to Indonesia's Diananda Choirunisa in a shoot-off. Bhajan, who stretched her Indonesian challenger to the limit, missed her first shot in the crucial shoot-off, securing only an eight when a ten was required for victory.

Reflecting on her loss and the pressure of the shoot-off, Bhajan said, "I was lacking in something, that's why I lost. I will work on that when I go back home." Meanwhile, Deepika Kumari remains the sole Indian archer still in the competition and will face Korea's Suhyeon Nam in the quarterfinals.

(With inputs from agencies.)