Rakesh Kumar Advances to Pre-Quarterfinals in Paralympic Archery

Seasoned archer Rakesh Kumar secured a 136-131 win over Senegal's Aliou Drame, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals in the compound men's open category at the Paralympics. He is set to face Indonesia's Ken Swagumilang next. Meanwhile, Shyam Sunder Swami, another Indian competitor, starts his campaign against Comsan Singpirom of Thailand.

Seasoned archer Rakesh Kumar commenced his Paralympic campaign with a decisive 136-131 victory over Senegal's Aliou Drame, securing his place in the pre-quarterfinals of the compound men's open category on Friday.

Ranked fifth, Kumar is set to compete against Indonesia's Ken Swagumilang, who holds the 12th seed, for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Asian Para Games silver medallist Kumar, who reached the quarterfinals in the Tokyo Paralympics, began strongly by hitting a perfect 10 in the first end, establishing a three-point lead. Despite Drame's one-point victory in the second end, Kumar maintained and extended his lead to five points in the third end, aided by two 10s. He further solidified his position with a six-point lead in the fourth end. Although Drame won the final end by dropping just one point, Kumar's significant lead secured his advancement to the last-16.

In another event, Indian archer Shyam Sunder Swami, who secured the 15th seed during qualifications, is set to start his campaign against Thailand's Comsan Singpirom later in the day.

(With inputs from agencies.)