India would be hoping on Thursday for some rejuvenation after a heart -wrenching day of defeats, when Neeraj Chopra takes to the field as he looks to defend his javelin gold and the Men’s hockey team tackles Spain in the bronze medal contest.
Aman Sehrawat began his campaign with two strong victories including one against former world champion Zelimkhan Abakarov, which took him into the semi-finals and one win away from a medal either way in men’s freestyle 57kg. However, Anshu Malik suffered another first-round defeat at her second Olympic Games. Anschu Malik may know by tonight if she can come alive through repechage if Helen Maroulis qualifies for the finals.
Vinesh Phogat’s hope of winning a wrestling gold/silver medal evaporated last night following her disqualification in yesterday evening’s final. Vinesh dropped her retirement announcement this morning after facing numerous challenges throughout last forty eight hours. Besides, India’s contingent has had no luck at all as Antim Panghal awaits deportation from Japan following an accreditationless entry into Games Village where she wanted to deliver food stuff to her sister yesterday evening.
Nevertheless, Neeraj will enter Stade de France looking forward to maintaining his command over javelin even though many other contestants are highly competitive marking one of India’s few chances of a glittering gold medal. Harmanpreet Singh and Co., too, are counting on turning around their fortunes in Paris after faltering against Germany during the hockey semis.
