Asian Para Games: Bhavina Patel, Prachi & Sonalben Assure India Medals in TT

Nagoya, Oct 19: Paralympic silver medallist Bhavina Patel led India's charge in para table tennis at the Asian Para Games on Monday, as she, Prachi and Sonalben secured semifinal berths in their respective categories, assuring the country of at least three medals.

Prachi advanced to the semifinals of the women's Class 6 event after defeating Thailand's Kanokporn Phathumchai in her second group match. Sonalben entered the last four in the women's Class 3 category with a victory over Thailand's Dararat Asayut, while Bhavina progressed in the Class 4-5 event after overcoming China's Zhang Miao in the quarterfinals.

Prachi, who trains at the Sports Authority of India's Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar and has a neurodegenerative disease, defeated Phathumchai 11-5, 11-4, 11-13, 12-10. She finished second in Group A with one win and one loss, securing India's first-ever medal in this category at the Asian Para Games.

The paddler, who holds an M.Tech degree from Punjab Engineering College, will face Iraq's Najlah Al-Dayyeni on Tuesday for a place in the final.

Sonalben also produced a confident performance in her women's singles Class 3 quarterfinal, beating Dararat 3-1. She registered an 11-7, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5 victory to seal her semifinal spot.

Bhavina, a former Commonwealth Games gold medallist, showcased her experience with a 3-1 win over Zhang in the Class 4-5 quarterfinal. After dropping the opening game 8-11, the Indian bounced back strongly to win the next three games 11-6, 11-1, 11-6.

The three victories ensured India medals across three different classes in the para table tennis competition.

Class 6 is a standing category for athletes with severe impairments in both arms and legs. Class 3 is a wheelchair category for players with poor sitting balance and limited trunk control, while Classes 4 and 5 feature seated athletes with physical impairments.

With all three Indian paddlers assured of at least bronze medals, the focus will now shift to their semifinal contests as they aim to advance to the title rounds and improve their medal colours at the continental event.