Paris Olympics 2024 Day 3 Thrilling Recap: What to Expect on Day 4

Paris Olympics 2024 Day 3 wrapped up with thrilling events, palpable excitement, and energy. From record-breaking performances to unexpected victories, Day 3 showcased the true spirit of the Olympics. Carrying forward this momentum, Day 4 promises to be equally unforgettable.

As the Paris Olympics 2024 continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the excitement builds for Day 4 of the games. Day 3 saw some thrilling competitions and unexpected outcomes, setting the stage for another day of remarkable athletic performances.

Day 3 Highlights: Remarkable Moments and Achievements

Manika Batra’s Historic Win

In a remarkable achievement, Manika Batra became the first Indian table tennis player to reach the round of 16 in the Olympic Games singles competition. The 29-year-old, who won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, delivered a stellar performance against Prithika Pavade of France. Despite facing a higher-ranked opponent, Batra dominated the match, winning 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7. Pavade, whose parents originally hailed from Puducherry before moving to France in 2003, could not match Batra’s precision and agility.

Batra’s journey to this historic win began in the Tokyo Olympics, where she became the first Indian woman to reach the round of 32 in singles. By advancing to the round of 16 in Paris, she has further solidified her place in Indian sports history. Ranked 28th in the world, Batra continues to defy the odds and inspire young athletes.

Manu Bhaker’s Quest for Double Glory

Manu Bhaker, another standout athlete, is on the verge of making Olympic history. After securing a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol individual event, Bhaker is now eyeing a second medal in the mixed team competition. Partnering with Sarabjot Singh, the duo has reached the bronze medal match in the 10m air pistol mixed team competition at Chateauroux’s shooting range. They will face the formidable Korean pair of Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho.

Bhaker’s remarkable journey at the Paris Olympics has already made her the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. A second medal would be a historic achievement, making her the first Indian to win more than one medal in a single edition of the Games.

Shooting Range Ups and Downs

While Bhaker has been a beacon of hope, other Indian shooters have faced mixed fortunes. Arjun Babuta, a debutant, showed promise but ultimately finished fourth in the 10m air rifle men’s final. Despite a strong start, Babuta could not secure a podium finish, missing out on a medal opportunity.

In the 10m air rifle women’s competition, Ramita Jindal finished seventh, a commendable performance but not enough for a medal. Shotgun marksman Prithviraj Tondaiman had a challenging day, finishing 30th and last in the trap competition qualifications with a score of 68/75.

Lakshya Sen’s Badminton Brilliance

Lakshya Sen, a rising star in Indian badminton, showcased his talent on the court. After his initial win was nullified due to his opponent’s withdrawal, Sen delivered a commanding performance against Belgium’s Julien Carraggi. The 22-year-old Olympic debutant won the match 21-19, 21-14, demonstrating his skill and determination.

Sen’s next challenge will be against third seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia, the reigning Asian champion. This match will determine who advances to the pre-quarterfinals, and Sen’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Hockey Team’s Nail-Biting Draw

In hockey, the Indian men’s team managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Argentina in a Pool B match. Captain Harmanpreet Singh’s last-minute penalty corner conversion saved India from defeat. Despite missing nine penalty corners earlier in the game, Singh’s crucial goal ensured that India remained in contention.

Argentina took the lead with a field goal by Lucas Martinez in the 22nd minute, and Maico Casella missed a penalty stroke in the 36th minute, which could have put India in a more precarious position. The draw keeps India’s hopes alive as they continue their campaign in the tournament.

Archery Challenges

Indian archers have faced tough competition, with the men’s team faltering in the quarterfinals. Veteran Tarundeep Rai, along with Dhiraj Bommadevara and Pravin Jadhav, lost 2-6 to a young Turkish team. Despite their efforts, they could not advance further, with the final score standing at 53-57, 52-55, 55-54, 54-58.

The women’s team also faced setbacks, with Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat’s quarterfinal loss adding to the challenges for Indian archers. The team will need to regroup and focus on upcoming events to turn their fortunes around.

Rohan Bopanna’s Farewell

Veteran doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna announced his retirement from national duty after an early exit in the men’s doubles event. Bopanna, a stalwart of Indian tennis, expressed his gratitude and reflected on his career. He ruled himself out of future events, including the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, marking the end of an era in Indian tennis.

Additional Highlights and Achievements from Day 3

Women’s Surfing Called Off Due to Weather

Day 3 saw the women’s surfing events being called off due to unfavorable weather conditions. The anticipation builds as we await the rescheduling and hope for better weather tomorrow.

Ukraine Secures First Medal with Kharlan’s Fencing Brilliance

Ukrainian fencing legend Olga Kharlan delivered a stellar performance to win the sabre individual bronze. Her comeback from 11-5 down to clinch a 15-14 victory over South Korea’s Choi Se-bin was nothing short of spectacular, earning Ukraine its first medal of the Games.

Swimming Triumphs: Italy, Romania, and Canada Shine

Italy’s Thomas Ceccon won gold in the men’s 100-meter backstroke, living up to his world record-holder status. China’s Xu Jiayu took silver, and Ryan Murphy of the USA claimed bronze.
Romania’s David Popovici emerged victorious in the men’s 200 meters freestyle, narrowly beating Britain’s Matt Richards. Luke Hobson of the USA secured bronze.
Canada’s Summer McIntosh dominated the women’s 400-meter individual medley, adding a gold medal to her earlier silver in the 400-meter freestyle.

Men’s Gymnastics Team Gold for Japan

Japan clinched the men’s team gold in artistic gymnastics, overcoming stiff competition from China (silver) and the USA (bronze). The win highlights Japan’s prowess and dedication in gymnastics.

Mixed Doubles Table Tennis: North Korea vs. China

North Korea’s mixed doubles table tennis team secured a spot in the finals, marking their first Olympic medal in eight years. They will face China’s top pair, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, in what promises to be an exhilarating match.

Skateboarding: Japan’s Horigome Retains Title

Yuto Horigome of Japan retained his Olympic title in men’s street skateboarding, narrowly defeating American Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston.

Day 4 Preview: Anticipated Events and Star Performances

3X3 Basketball at La Concorde Urban Park

The action-packed 3X3 basketball competitions will commence at La Concorde Urban Park from 5:30 PM. This urban setting promises an exciting atmosphere as teams compete for Olympic glory in this fast-paced format.

Simone Biles in Women’s Team All-Around Final

All eyes will be on Simone Biles as she competes in the women’s team all-around final in artistic gymnastics at 6:15 PM. Biles, seeking her first Olympic gold since 2016, will be a pivotal figure in the competition.

Men’s Triathlon

The men’s triathlon is scheduled for 8:00 AM, pending a final water inspection of the Seine. This grueling event will test the athletes’ endurance and versatility as they swim, cycle, and run their way to victory.

Judo: Clarisse Agbegnenou Defends Her Title

French judoka Clarisse Agbegnenou, the sole French individual champion from Tokyo 2020, will defend her Olympic title in the women’s -63kg weight class. Agbegnenou’s bouts begin at 10:00 AM, with medal contests starting at 5:49 PM at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. As a defending champion, Agbegnenou will draw significant attention from fans and competitors alike.

Swimming: Daniel Wiffen in the 800m Freestyle Final

Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen, the world short-course record holder and reigning world long-course champion, will compete in the men’s 800m freestyle final at 9:02 PM. Wiffen aims to become Ireland’s first men’s swimming Olympic champion, and his performance could potentially set new records.

Table Tennis: Mixed Doubles Gold Medal Match

The mixed doubles gold medal final in table tennis will see China’s top singles players, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, take on North Korea’s Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong at 2:30 PM. China aims to secure gold in the only table tennis event they have yet to dominate at the Olympics.

In a Nutshell!

The Paris Olympics 2024 continues to captivate audiences with outstanding performances and dramatic moments. As we move from the excitement of Day 3 into the anticipation of Day 4, the spirit of the Olympics shines brightly. With events like Simone Biles’ return to the gymnastic stage and Daniel Wiffen’s historic swim, Day 4 promises to be unforgettable.

Stay tuned for more updates and witness history in the making at the Paris Olympics 2024.