Paris Olympics, Archery Mixed Team Bronze Medal Match: Dhiraj Bommadevara, Ankita Bhakat Falter Under Pressure Against USA, India Miss Out on Maiden Archery Medal

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In a hard-fought bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024, the Indian mixed archery team, comprising Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat, faced off against the USA team of Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison. Despite a valiant effort, India fell short, losing 6-2 to the Americans.

The match started on a rough note for India as Ankita Bhakat opened the first set with a score of 7. Dhiraj and Ankita followed with three perfect 10s, bringing their total to 37 points. However, the USA outperformed them with a total of 38 points, winning the first set and taking a 2-0 lead.

In the second set, the pressure seemed to weigh on Ankita again as she scored another 7 on her first shot. Dhiraj and Ankita managed to improve their scores, but their total of 35 points was not enough to surpass the USA, who scored 37 points.

With this, the USA led 4-0, needing just one more set to secure the bronze medal.
With a medal on the line, Dhiraj and Ankita rallied in the third set. Ankita started strong with a 10 and a 9, and Dhiraj matched her with a 9 and a 10, bringing their total to 38 points. The USA faltered, scoring only 34 points, allowing India to win the set and reduce the deficit to 4-2.

The last and final set

In the decisive fourth set, Ankita and Dhiraj began with scores of 8 and 9, respectively. The USA responded with a 10 and a 9. Ankita then scored an 8, and Dhiraj added a 10, bringing India's total to 35 points. The USA needed just 17 points to clinch the win, and they delivered with two 9s, scoring a total of 37 points and sealing the match 6-2, along with the bronze medal.

The loss was a heartbreak for India, especially for Dhiraj, who displayed remarkable skill and determination throughout the match. Unfortunately, Ankita's early struggles proved costly, and India missed out on securing their first-ever Olympic medal in archery.