Rio Olympics: Archer Bombayla Devi Keeps India's Medal Hopes Alive, Qualifies For Pre-Quarters

On a day when most results went against India at the Rio Olympics, Imphal-born Bombayla Devi kept the country's medal hopes alive with good showing at the women's individual archery event today. Bombayla, who is competing in her third straight Olympics, entered the pre-quarters after beating Chinese Taipei's Shih-Chia Lin 6-2 in the individual event.

Reuters

Bombayla lived up to her experience by winning three sets in the game as compared to her opponent who won one.

Another Indian archer into the last 16. Bombayla Devi Laishram (24) beats Lin Shih Chia (2), 6-2, in the @Rio2016 second round. #archery

¡ª World Archery (@worldarchery) August 10, 2016

The 31-year-old Bombayla had entered the Round of 32 after beating Austrian archer Laurence Baldauff 6-2. Bombayla is the most consistent Indian archer in the last decade. But somehow, she has never been the media's darling. But the shy, soft-spoken Manipuri archer has had no complaints as she has continued to watch her so-called 'star' teammates hog the limelight.

EPA

Bombayla's pre-QF match will be tomorrow (Thursday, 6 PM IST) and teammate Deepika Kumari too will be in action in her round of 64 tie.

In other results, India were jolted a massive blow when gold-medal favourite at the 50m Pistol event Jitu Rai failed to make the final and finished 12th. Experienced shooter in the same category, Prakash Nanjappa too exited the event.

PA

There was more bad news for India with weightlifter Sathish Shivalingam failing to make the finals of the 77kg event. Plus, Avtar Singh, the first Indian judoka to compete in Olympics in 12 years, lost his round of 32 against Popole Misenga of the Refugee Olympic Team.

Let's hope that Thursday ushers in new hope for India with the badminton team playing their first games.