New Delhi: Friday was a crucial day for India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with shuttler PV Sindhu and boxer Lovlina Borgohain making the semi-finals of their respective games. Borgohain not only reached the women’s welterweight semifinals but also ensured India’s second medal after Mirabai Chanu’s silver in weightlifting. On the other hand, the women’s hockey team gave a tremendous performance to beat South Africa 4-3. The day was mixed in discus throw. While Kamalpreet Kaur qualified for the final, Seema Poonia crashed out of the race after finishing 16th.
Keeping the quarter-final hopes alive, the Indian women’s hockey team defeated South Africa 4-3 in a thrilling match. India registered a 1-0 win over Ireland in the first match. India had to face three consecutive defeats before this, so it will definitely be a result that will boost morale.
In athletics, Kamalpreet Kaur has created history by reaching the final of disc throw. Kamalpreet Kaur scored 64 meters in her third attempt. Kamalpreet Kaur has become the first player for India to score a record. Kamalpreet Kaur has made it to the finals.
However, India’s Seema Poonia’s challenge in the discus throw is over. Seema Poonia could not qualify for the final. Seema Poonia finished 16th in the qualification round and ended her journey at the Tokyo Olympics.
Meanwhile, Sindhu defeated seeded Akane Yamaguchi 21-13, 22-20 in the quarterfinals and will face Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei in her final match at 3.20 pm. IST Tai Tzu Ying defeated Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the second quarterfinal.
In men’s hockey, forward Gurjant Singh scored two goals as India beat Japan 5-3 in their last Pool A match before the quarter-final clash. The Indian men will face Great Britain for the last eight on Sunday.
In archery, Deepika Kumari lost 0-6 to Korea’s An San in the women’s individual quarterfinals, while in golf, Anirban Lahiri finished 20th in the second round.
Boxer Amit Panghal will face Colombian Yurbergen Herni Martinez Rivas in the 52kg in the round of 16.
Boxer Pooja Rani will take on Li Qian of China in the women’s middleweight quarterfinals on Saturday. Li Qian is an Olympic bronze medalist and two-time Asian champion.