After scoring silver and bronze medals in badminton and wrestling, the Indian team at Rio Olympics might have their last genuine shot at winning another medal.
Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, who won Bronze in 2012 London Olympics, will have his opening match today at the Rio Olympics.
The 33-year-old Indian Olympian will have his first bout against world champion Frank Chamizo of Italy in the men’s 65kg freestyle event.
After Narsingh Yadav getting banned over doping controversy, all hopes are with Dutt to win another medal for the country.
Bronze medalist will play in the international arena almost after two years of gap. After winning gold in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Dutt hasn’t participated in any international competition as he suffered knee and lower back injuries in 2015. But the wrestler is known for his versatile technical repertoire in wrestling. Yet, Olympic chances look bleak for the Indian as he will have to face 2014 world champion Russia’s Soslan Ramonov to qualify for the next level.
On the other hand, athletes Thonakal Gopi, Kheta Ram and Nitender Singh Rawat will participate in men’s marathon final at the Rio Olympics.
Yesterday, Indian golfer Aditi Ashok’s Olympic race ended at the 41st spot in the women’s golf event. The 18-year-old golfer, who hails from Bengaluru finished at seven-over 291. The young star started playing professional golf just six months before being selected for Rio.
India still stags at the bottom with two medals won so far in the Olympics. Indian contingent had 121 players representing the country and so far, two medals have been won.
Wrestler Sakshi Malik won Bronze in the Women’s freestyle 58 kg event, whereas PV Sindhu settled for silver after a tough fight against World champion Carolina Marin in the women’s single badminton.
Till now, Indian contingent’s performance in Rio Olympics has been disappointing in comparison to 2012 summer games. India had won six medals including two silver and four bronze in London Olympics.
All eyes on Dutt.
