When Is India's Bronze Medal Archery Match?
The recurve archery mixed team bronze medal match between India and the United States is scheduled for 7:54pm IST. (Medal Table | Schedule & Results | Full Coverage)
Action Begins!
The United States are shooting first. Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison shoot 19 off their first two arrows, while Ankita and Dhiraj shoot a combined 17.
USA Start With Two Set Points
A tally of 38 from the USA means India cannot surpass that, even with back-to-back 10s from Ankita and Dhiraj. The Americans take the first set and two points to boot.
USA Take Second Set Too; On Match Point
The Americans now in the driver's seat, with a comfortable 37-35 win in the second set too. They lead 4-0 after two sets, and need just one more point to clinch the bronze. A tie or win in the third set will be enough for them. India, on the other hand, need to win both the third and fourth sets, as well as the shoot-out from here.
India Win Third Set
India fight back, courtesy a 38-33 in the third set. The score now stands at 4-2, and the fourth and final set remains. India must win to force a shoot-off for bronze.
USA Bag Bronze; Heartbreak For India
Yet another near-miss for India at the Olympics. Dhiraj and Ankita fight hard but stumble at the last stage, as USA take the fourth set 37-35 to win the bronze medal match by a 6-2 margin.
So Close, Yet So Far
Ankita-Dhiraj's fourth-place finish adds to an ever-growing list of disappointments for India at the Olympics. From Arjun Babuta earlier at Paris 2024, all the way back to Milkha Singh at 1960 Rome, the nation has frequently had a brush with heartache at the world's biggest multi-sport event. You can read more about in our report here. Nevertheless, the duo of Ankita and Dhiraj can leave Paris with their heads held high, as this is the best-ever finish for an Indian team at the Olympics in archery.
