Paris Olympics: Deepika Kumari led Indian Women’s Archery Team Falls to Netherlands in Lopsided Quarterfinals

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After the highs of Manu Bhaker's medal at the Paris Olympics on Sunday -- July 28, the Indian women's archery team suffered a disappointing defeat in the quarterfinals, losing 0-6 to the Netherlands. Follow our elaborated Paris Olympics Coverage

The team, consisting of Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and experienced Deepika Kumari, was knocked out of the medal run after a series of underwhelming performances. Follow the elaborated Paris Olympics coverage

The match began with high hopes for India, who had directly qualified for the quarterfinals after a strong performance in the ranking rounds. However, the Netherlands, who finished 12th in the rankings and defeated the hosts France to reach the quarterfinals, proved to be formidable opponents.

In the first set, India started with a decent total of 51 points but the Netherlands edged them out with a score of 52, taking an early 2-0 lead. Ankita shot a 7, Bhajan a 10, and Deepika a 7, totaling 24 in the first three arrows. They managed a better second half of the set with 27 points, thanks to consistent 9s from all three archers, but it was not enough to surpass the Dutch.

The second set saw a promising start with Ankita and Bhajan both shooting perfect 10s, and Deepika contributing an 8, totaling 28 points in the first half. However, the pressure got to the Indian archers as Ankita and Deepika shot disappointing 6s in the second half, while Bhajan managed a 9. The Netherlands took full advantage, winning the set 54-49 and extending their lead to 4-0.

Entering the third set, the Indian team needed a strong comeback but it was not to be. Ankita started with a disastrous 4, followed by Bhajan's 10 and Deepika's 8, giving a total of 22 points for the first half. In the second half, Ankita improved with an 8, Bhajan shot another 8, and Deepika closed with a 10 but it was too late as they managed a total of 26. The Netherlands sealed the set and the match with a score of 53-48, concluding the contest at 6-0.

The Indian archers' performance raised questions, especially with the crucial low scores from Ankita and Deepika under pressure. Bhajan Kaur, however, showed some consistency and resilience throughout the match. The team will need to regroup and reassess before the upcoming individual and mixed team rounds.

Despite the setback, India's hope for an archery medal continues with the men's team comprising Dhiraj Bommadevara, Pravin Jadhav, and Tarundeep Rai, set to compete in their quarterfinal match on Monday. The Netherlands, on the other hand, advanced to the semifinals, where they will face the giants South Korea.