Paris Olympics 2024: India's archery campaign ends as Deepika Kumari loses quarterfinals
Paris Olympics 2024: The exit of four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari from the Paris Olympics on August 3 extended India's 52-year quest for an Olympic archery medal.
Deepika Kumari, a veteran archer, crumbled under pressure again, losing 4-6 to Korea's Suhyeon Nam in the women's solo event quarterfinals on Saturday. Deepika qualified for the quarterfinals by defeating Germany's Michelle Kroppen 6-4 earlier in the day.
Deepika defeated the 19-year-old Nam in straight sets in the semifinals of the Shanghai World Cup in April, claiming a silver medal, but the Indian stalwart was unable to recreate that performance on Saturday.
After four games, the two archers were tied 4-4, but Nam's consistency paid off as she won the fifth match and advanced to the semifinals.
Deepika, who has been criticised for her poor performance in the team event, was inconsistent, scoring six and seven in the second and fourth sets, respectively.
The 30-year-old Indian scored 28-26 in the first set to earn two points. She then smashed 10, 6, and 9 as Nam levelled the score, winning the second set 28-25.
Deepika regained the lead again, winning the third set 29-28 with two 10s. The Indian subsequently surrendered 10, 7, and 10 to lose the fourth set 27-29.
Deepika lost the fifth set with scores of 9, 9, and 9 after the Korean scored 10, 9, and 10.
- With inputs from agencies
