Asian Para Games 2026: Bhavina Patel, Sonalben Patel Win Bronze in Women's Singles Table Tennis

India's Bhavina Patel and Sonalben Patel clinched bronze medals in women's singles table tennis at the Asian Para Games 2026 on Tuesday after losing their respective semi-final matches. Despite missing out on a place in the final, both Indian paddlers secured podium finishes, adding to the country's medal tally at the continental event.

Bhavina suffered a straight-games defeat against China's Zhang Bian in the Class 4-5 semi-final, losing 7-11, 5-11, 7-11. Meanwhile, Sonalben fell 7-11, 5-11, 6-11 to South Korea's Jiyu Yoon in the Class 3 semi-final. Both players settled for bronze following their defeats.

Bhavina Patel Falls to Chinese Veteran Zhang Bian

Bhavina, a former Paralympic silver medallist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, faced a formidable opponent in Zhang, an eight-time Paralympic gold medallist. The Chinese paddler controlled the contest, securing a straight-games win and booking her place in the final.

Despite the setback, Bhavina's bronze medal adds to her impressive record in international para table tennis. She made history at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020 by winning silver in the women's singles, becoming the first Indian table tennis player to win a Paralympic medal.

Her achievements also include a women's singles bronze at the 2022 Asian Para Games, a women's doubles silver at the 2018 edition and a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Diagnosed with poliomyelitis at a young age, Bhavina took up table tennis and steadily established herself among India's leading para-athletes.

She began making her mark at national competitions, winning her first gold medal at the Para Table Tennis Nationals in Bengaluru in 2009. Since then, she has built an impressive career on the international circuit.

Sonalben Patel Also Secures Bronze

Sonalben Patel completed India's double podium finish in women's singles table tennis, claiming bronze in the Class 3 category despite her semi-final loss to South Korea's Jiyu Yoon.

The Indian paddler was unable to overcome Yoon, who won the match in straight games, with scores of 11-7, 11-5 and 11-6.

The two bronze medals provided a significant boost to India's campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026. While both players fell short of reaching the final, their podium finishes highlighted India's continued presence in international para table tennis and added valuable medals to the country's overall tally.