India at Tokyo Paralympics: Avani Lekhara's gold to Bhavina Patel's silver, a look at medal winners

<p>In India, it isn't easy to keep cricket at a backseat. Workplace deadlines are given a miss. Leaves are consumed if Team India have a marquee series or World Cup in the pipeline. Thus, the India-England Tests commenced on August 2 and has lived upto expectations so far, with some pulsating affair between two top sides in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;Nonetheless, the inspiring journey of Indian athletes in Tokyo 2020 and Tokyo Paralympics have pushed the gentlemen's game, India's most adored game, to the back foot in the last few months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Tokyo 2020, which lasted from July 23-August 8, was a huge success for Team India and reignited the faith of the Indian sports audience towards hockey, wrestling and many other sports, the humongous success of para-athletes have been a new chapter of learning for the sports lovers nationwide.</p>

<p>With a total of 26 medals coming in for India, including both the Olympics, we look at some of the huge moments of pride provided by the women athletes in varied sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1) Mirabai Chanu:</strong> After the shambles of Rio 2016, the 27-year-old weightlifter rose to the occasion on Day One of Tokyo 2020 with a silver medal in the 49kg category. Her success has paved way for many young athletes taking a liking towards the sport. A viral video of a young girl lifting weights, seeing Mirabai's podium finish, speaks volumes of her incredible success and overall impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-dark-clouds-of-struggle-have-a-silver-lining-for-mirabai-chanus-coach-vijay-sharma-410212"><strong>EXCLUSIVE | Dark clouds of struggle have a 'silver' lining for Mirabai Chanu's coach Vijay Sharma</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>2) Lovlina Borogohain: </strong>The youngster became the talk of the nation with a bronze medal finish, in the 69kg category, in Tokyo 2020. The boxer's resume is already a glittering one; being a World Championship medallist, Arjuna awardee and Asian Games medallist. Safe to say, Tokyo heroics is just a sneak peek of things to come from the boxer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3) Avani Lekhara:</strong> The story of the 19-year-old so far has been awe-inspiring. In her maiden Olympics, i.e. Tokyo Paralympics, she became the first-ever Indian woman Paralympian&nbsp;to win two medals. She won gold in 10m air-rifle SH1 standing final event and bronze in 50m rifle 3P SH1 shooting final. She is also India's first woman para-athlete to win gold.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>4) Bhavina Patel:</strong> She became India's first-ever para-athlete to win a medal (silver) in table tennis at the Olympics. While she missed out on gold by a convincing margin, she made the whole nation beam with pride with her overall&nbsp;performance.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/avani-lekhara-to-be-indias-flag-bearer-during-tokyo-paralympics-2020-closing-ceremony-410819"><strong>Avani Lekhara to be India's flag bearer during Tokyo Paralympics 2020 closing ceremony</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>5) PV Sindhu, women's hockey team: </strong>The list cannot be complete with the omission of either of the two. While Sindhu displayed her experience and consistency with a bronze medal finish in Tokyo 2020, after silver in Rio 2016, the Rani Rampal-led women's team have revamped hockey despite returning with no medal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From battling early group stage elimination to beating pre-tournament favourites Australia (in the quarters) and losing to Great Britain 4-3 in the bronze-medal face-off, the women's team's impact was certainly more than the men's, who ended with bronze. Given how Rio 2016 was a forgettable affair&nbsp;for Rampal &amp; Co., where they finished last, the fourth-spot finish is surely a strong base created for plenty of glory to follow in the near future.</p>


In India, it isn't easy to keep cricket at a backseat. Workplace deadlines are given a miss. Leaves are consumed if Team India have a marquee series or World Cup in the pipeline.

In India, it isn't easy to keep cricket at a backseat. Workplace deadlines are given a miss. Leaves are consumed if Team India have a marquee series or World Cup in the pipeline. Thus, the India-England Tests commenced on August 2 and has lived upto expectations so far, with some pulsating affair between two top sides in the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, the inspiring journey of Indian athletes in Tokyo 2020 and Tokyo Paralympics have pushed the gentlemen's game, India's most adored game, to the back foot in the last few months. While Tokyo 2020, which lasted from July 23-August 8, was a huge success for Team India and reignited the faith of the Indian sports audience towards hockey, wrestling and many other sports, the humongous success of para-athletes have been a new chapter of learning for the sports lovers nationwide. With a total of 26 medals coming in for India, including both the Olympics, we look at some of the huge moments of pride provided by the women athletes in varied sports. 1) Mirabai Chanu: After the shambles of Rio 2016, the 27-year-old weightlifter rose to the occasion on Day One of Tokyo 2020 with a silver medal in the 49kg category. Her success has paved way for many young athletes taking a liking towards the sport. A viral video of a young girl lifting weights, seeing Mirabai's podium finish, speaks volumes of her incredible success and overall impact. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | Dark clouds of struggle have a 'silver' lining for Mirabai Chanu's coach Vijay Sharma 2) Lovlina Borogohain: The youngster became the talk of the nation with a bronze medal finish, in the 69kg category, in Tokyo 2020. The boxer's resume is already a glittering one; being a World Championship medallist, Arjuna awardee and Asian Games medallist. Safe to say, Tokyo heroics is just a sneak peek of things to come from the boxer. 3) Avani Lekhara: The story of the 19-year-old so far has been awe-inspiring. In her maiden Olympics, i.e. Tokyo Paralympics, she became the first-ever Indian woman Paralympian to win two medals. She won gold in 10m air-rifle SH1 standing final event and bronze in 50m rifle 3P SH1 shooting final. She is also India's first woman para-athlete to win gold. 4) Bhavina Patel: She became India's first-ever para-athlete to win a medal (silver) in table tennis at the Olympics. While she missed out on gold by a convincing margin, she made the whole nation beam with pride with her overall performance. ALSO READ | Avani Lekhara to be India's flag bearer during Tokyo Paralympics 2020 closing ceremony 5) PV Sindhu, women's hockey team: The list cannot be complete with the omission of either of the two. While Sindhu displayed her experience and consistency with a bronze medal finish in Tokyo 2020, after silver in Rio 2016, the Rani Rampal-led women's team have revamped hockey despite returning with no medal. From battling early group stage elimination to beating pre-tournament favourites Australia (in the quarters) and losing to Great Britain 4-3 in the bronze-medal face-off, the women's team's impact was certainly more than the men's, who ended with bronze. Given how Rio 2016 was a forgettable affair for Rampal & Co., where they finished last, the fourth-spot finish is surely a strong base created for plenty of glory to follow in the near future.

From Mirabai Chanu to Avani Lekhara: 5 women Olympians who have made a lasting impact with glittering performances

<p>Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar praised paddler Bhavina Patel for winning a silver in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics and said every medal India win will "inspire millions into the sport".</p>

<p>Bhavina won silver on Sunday after losing the gold medal match to China`s Zhou Ying 3-0 in the women`s singles at the showpiece event.</p>

<p>Major Dhyan Chand`s birth anniversary is observed as the National Sports Day in the country on August 29. Tendulkar termed Bhavina`s silver medal win as "wonderful news" for all Indians on the occasion of National Sports Day.</p>

<p>"What a wonderful news for all on #NationalSportsDay. Congratulations on the silver medal @BhavinaPatel6. This is a historic achievement! Every medal we win will inspire millions into the sport, &amp; sow the seeds for more medals in future. Good start for us at #Paralympics," Tendulkar tweeted.</p>

<p>Tokyo Olympics medallists and ace wrestlers Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia also congratulated paddler Bhavina Patel for winning a silver medal in the ongoing Paralympics Games.</p>

<p>"India`s first medal in the ongoing Paralympics is here! Congratulations Bhavina Patel for winning the Silver medal in Table Tennis! We are so happy and proud of you," Dahiya tweeted.</p>

<p>Bajrang praised Bhavina and said what could have been a better way of celebrating National Sports Day than to win a silver on August 29.</p>

<p>"What better way to celebrate National Sports Day. Congratulations #BhavinaPatel The whole country is proud of you," Bajrang tweeted.</p>

<p>With this silver medal, Bhavina became the first medal winner for India in this edition of the Games.&nbsp;</p>


Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar praised paddler Bhavina Patel for winning a silver in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics and said every medal India win will "inspire millions into the sport".

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar praised paddler Bhavina Patel for winning a silver in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics and said every medal India win will "inspire millions into the sport". Bhavina won silver on Sunday after losing the gold medal match to China`s Zhou Ying 3-0 in the women`s singles at the showpiece event. Major Dhyan Chand`s birth anniversary is observed as the National Sports Day in the country on August 29. Tendulkar termed Bhavina`s silver medal win as "wonderful news" for all Indians on the occasion of National Sports Day. "What a wonderful news for all on #NationalSportsDay. Congratulations on the silver medal @BhavinaPatel6. This is a historic achievement! Every medal we win will inspire millions into the sport, & sow the seeds for more medals in future. Good start for us at #Paralympics," Tendulkar tweeted. Tokyo Olympics medallists and ace wrestlers Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia also congratulated paddler Bhavina Patel for winning a silver medal in the ongoing Paralympics Games. "India`s first medal in the ongoing Paralympics is here! Congratulations Bhavina Patel for winning the Silver medal in Table Tennis! We are so happy and proud of you," Dahiya tweeted. Bajrang praised Bhavina and said what could have been a better way of celebrating National Sports Day than to win a silver on August 29. "What better way to celebrate National Sports Day. Congratulations #BhavinaPatel The whole country is proud of you," Bajrang tweeted. With this silver medal, Bhavina became the first medal winner for India in this edition of the Games.

Every medal we win will inspire millions into sport: Tendulkar after Bhavina's historic silver in Paralympics

<p>Table tennis player Bhavinaben Patel opened India's medal tally at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics 2020 as she won a silver medal in women's table tennis (Class 4) on Sunday (August 29) after losing 0-3 to world number one Chinese paddler Ying Zhou in the final clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind congratulated Bhavina for her 'exceptional achievement' at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, he wrote, "Bhavina Patel inspires the Indian contingent and sportslovers winning silver at #Paralympics. Your extraordinary determination and skills have brought glory to India. My congratulations to you on this exceptional achievement."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-silver-for-india-as-bhavinaben-patel-goes-down-fighting-in-table-tennis-final-409083">Tokyo Paralympics: Silver for India as Bhavinaben Patel goes down fighting in table tennis final</a></strong></p>

<p>India Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Bhavina and taking to his official Twitter handle, he wrote, "The remarkable Bhavina Patel has scripted history! She brings home a historic Silver medal. Congratulations to her for it. Her life journey is motivating and will also draw more youngsters towards sports."</p>

<p>Deepa Malik, the President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), also praised Bhavina for her sensational performance in the Games. She posted a video and wrote, "Congratulations #BhavinaPatel so amazing to win a medal at @Tokyo2020 on #NationalSportsDay. Perfect day to bring home the metal... A gift for entire nation."</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-at-paralympics-from-murlikant-petkar-to-deepa-malik-meet-the-past-medallists-408096">India at Paralympics: From Murlikant Petkar to Deepa Malik — meet the past medallists</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bhavina Patel inspires the Indian contingent and sportslovers winning silver at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a>. Your extraordinary determination and skills have brought glory to India. My congratulations to you on this exceptional achievement.</p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1431815675824148483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The remarkable Bhavina Patel has scripted history! She brings home a historic Silver medal. Congratulations to her for it. Her life journey is motivating and will also draw more youngsters towards sports. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1431814613935394816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heartiest Congratulations to Bhavina Patel for winning a silver medal in the Table Tennis Women's Singles Class 4 event at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TokyoParalympics2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TokyoParalympics2020</a>. The entire nation is proud of her remarkable accomplishment. My best wishes for her future endeavours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y4MkDPnE32">pic.twitter.com/Y4MkDPnE32</a></p>
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPSecretariat/status/1431813435474407424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/BhavinaPatel6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhavinaPatel6</a> on winning the silver medal for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a>.<br />
<br />
A proud moment.</p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1431806450959994882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhavinaPatel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhavinaPatel</a> so amazing to win a medal at <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tokyo2020</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalSportsDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalSportsDay</a> . Perfect day to bring home the metal... A gift for entire nation . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/praise4para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#praise4para</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTI_News</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NisithPramanik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NisithPramanik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Media_SAI</a> <a href="https://t.co/2iMoO6Egow">pic.twitter.com/2iMoO6Egow</a></p>
— Deepa Malik (@DeepaAthlete) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeepaAthlete/status/1431807543362273287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 34-year-old Patel's impressive run in her maiden Paralympic Games ended with a 7-11 5-11 6-11 loss to Zhou, a two-time gold medallist, in the women's singles summit clash which lasted 19 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhavina became only the second Indian female athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after Deepa Malik, who bagged a silver in shot put F43 in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFlag?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFlag</a> being prepared for <a href="https://twitter.com/BhavinaPatel6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhavinaPatel6</a> Victory Ceremony!! 🇮🇳✨🏓🥈 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedByEmotion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedByEmotion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paralympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paralympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Media_SAI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/MUL3xIwSO4">pic.twitter.com/MUL3xIwSO4</a></p>
— Paralympic India 🇮🇳 #Cheer4India 🏅 #Praise4Para (@ParalympicIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParalympicIndia/status/1431818493784051712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Silver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Silver</a> medal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> will remember ❤️<br />
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Bhavina Patel's incredible <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a> campaign ends with a podium finish as she loses out to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHN</a>'s Zhou Ying 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 in her Class 4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParaTableTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParaTableTennis</a> final! 🏆<br />
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Thank you for the moments 😃 <a href="https://t.co/j8GcnHDtDL">pic.twitter.com/j8GcnHDtDL</a></p>
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020hi/status/1431802948850442240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>National Sports Day</strong></p>

<p>India celebrates National Sports Day on 29 August to mark the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, who won gold medals in the Olympics for India in the years 1928, 1932 and 1936.</p>


Table tennis player Bhavinaben Patel opened India's medal tally at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics 2020 as she won a silver medal in women's table tennis (Class 4) on Sunday (August 29) after losing 0-3 to world number one Chinese paddler Ying Zhou in the final clash.

Table tennis player Bhavinaben Patel opened India's medal tally at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics 2020 as she won a silver medal in women's table tennis (Class 4) on Sunday (August 29) after losing 0-3 to world number one Chinese paddler Ying Zhou in the final clash. The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind congratulated Bhavina for her 'exceptional achievement' at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, he wrote, "Bhavina Patel inspires the Indian contingent and sportslovers winning silver at #Paralympics. Your extraordinary determination and skills have brought glory to India. My congratulations to you on this exceptional achievement." ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics: Silver for India as Bhavinaben Patel goes down fighting in table tennis final India Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Bhavina and taking to his official Twitter handle, he wrote, "The remarkable Bhavina Patel has scripted history! She brings home a historic Silver medal. Congratulations to her for it. Her life journey is motivating and will also draw more youngsters towards sports." Deepa Malik, the President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), also praised Bhavina for her sensational performance in the Games. She posted a video and wrote, "Congratulations #BhavinaPatel so amazing to win a medal at @Tokyo2020 on #NationalSportsDay. Perfect day to bring home the metal... A gift for entire nation." IN PICS | India at Paralympics: From Murlikant Petkar to Deepa Malik — meet the past medallists Bhavina Patel inspires the Indian contingent and sportslovers winning silver at #Paralympics. Your extraordinary determination and skills have brought glory to India. My congratulations to you on this exceptional achievement. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 29, 2021 × The remarkable Bhavina Patel has scripted history! She brings home a historic Silver medal. Congratulations to her for it. Her life journey is motivating and will also draw more youngsters towards sports. #Paralympics — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2021 × Heartiest Congratulations to Bhavina Patel for winning a silver medal in the Table Tennis Women's Singles Class 4 event at the #TokyoParalympics2020. The entire nation is proud of her remarkable accomplishment. My best wishes for her future endeavours. #Paralympics #Praise4Para pic.twitter.com/Y4MkDPnE32 — Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 29, 2021 × Congratulations @BhavinaPatel6 on winning the silver medal for #TeamIndia at the #Paralympics. A proud moment. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 29, 2021 × Congratulations #BhavinaPatel so amazing to win a medal at @Tokyo2020 on #NationalSportsDay . Perfect day to bring home the metal... A gift for entire nation . #praise4para @PTI_News @ianuragthakur @KirenRijiju @NisithPramanik @IndiaSports @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/2iMoO6Egow — Deepa Malik (@DeepaAthlete) August 29, 2021 × The 34-year-old Patel's impressive run in her maiden Paralympic Games ended with a 7-11 5-11 6-11 loss to Zhou, a two-time gold medallist, in the women's singles summit clash which lasted 19 minutes. Bhavina became only the second Indian female athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after Deepa Malik, who bagged a silver in shot put F43 in 2016. #IndianFlag being prepared for @BhavinaPatel6 Victory Ceremony!! 🇮🇳✨🏓🥈 #IND #UnitedByEmotion #Tokyo2020 #Praise4Para @narendramodi @Paralympics @Media_SAI @IndiaSports @ianuragthakur pic.twitter.com/MUL3xIwSO4 — Paralympic India 🇮🇳 #Cheer4India 🏅 #Praise4Para (@ParalympicIndia) August 29, 2021 × A #Silver medal #IND will remember ❤️ Bhavina Patel's incredible #Paralympics campaign ends with a podium finish as she loses out to #CHN's Zhou Ying 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 in her Class 4 #ParaTableTennis final! 🏆 Thank you for the moments 😃 pic.twitter.com/j8GcnHDtDL — #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) August 29, 2021 × National Sports Day India celebrates National Sports Day on 29 August to mark the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, who won gold medals in the Olympics for India in the years 1928, 1932 and 1936.

Tokyo Paralympics: India hails Bhavinaben Patel as she wins historic silver medal on National Sports Day

<p>The first medal for India at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics 2020 as star player Bhavinaben Patel won the historic&nbsp;silver in women's table tennis (Class 4) on Sunday (August 29). She went down&nbsp;0-3 to world number one Chinese paddler Ying Zhou.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 34-year-old Patel's impressive run&nbsp;in her maiden Paralympic Games&nbsp;ended with a 7-11 5-11 6-11 loss to Zhou, a two-time gold medallist, in the women's singles summit clash which lasted 19 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhavina&nbsp;became only the second Indian female athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after Deepa Malik, who bagged a silver in shot put F43 in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-at-paralympics-from-murlikant-petkar-to-deepa-malik-meet-the-past-medallists-408096">India at Paralympics: From Murlikant Petkar to Deepa Malik — meet the past medallists</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇮🇳's <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhavina59068010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Bhavina59068010</a> wins 1st 🥈 in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParaTableTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParaTableTennis</a> for India!!!!<br />
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Our champ has made us all proud. She goes down 0-3 to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHN</a> Ying Zhou in the class 4 final and gets🥈 for 🇮🇳<br />
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We are super proud!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/b0kSxLiVq9">pic.twitter.com/b0kSxLiVq9</a></p>
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1431804851604758532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Patel had suffered a loss to Zhou in her first group stage match earlier in the week.</p>

<p>Up against an opponent, who has five Paralympic medals to her name including gold medals in singles at Beijing and London, Patel seemed to struggle as she couldn't execute her strategy.</p>

<p>Patel, who was diagnosed with polio when she was 12 months old, had defeated world no 3 Miao Zhang of China 7-11 11-7 11-4 9-11 11-8 in the semifinal showdown on Saturday.</p>

<p>In the quarterfinal on Friday, Patel had defeated 2016 Rio Paralympics gold medallist and world number two Borislava Peric Rankovic of Serbia to assure a medal and script history.</p>


The first medal for India at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics 2020 as star player Bhavinaben Patel won the historic silver in women's table tennis (Class 4) on Sunday (August 29).

The first medal for India at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics 2020 as star player Bhavinaben Patel won the historic silver in women's table tennis (Class 4) on Sunday (August 29). She went down 0-3 to world number one Chinese paddler Ying Zhou. The 34-year-old Patel's impressive run in her maiden Paralympic Games ended with a 7-11 5-11 6-11 loss to Zhou, a two-time gold medallist, in the women's singles summit clash which lasted 19 minutes. Bhavina became only the second Indian female athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after Deepa Malik, who bagged a silver in shot put F43 in 2016. IN PICS | India at Paralympics: From Murlikant Petkar to Deepa Malik — meet the past medallists 🇮🇳's @Bhavina59068010 wins 1st 🥈 in #ParaTableTennis for India!!!! Our champ has made us all proud. She goes down 0-3 to #CHN Ying Zhou in the class 4 final and gets🥈 for 🇮🇳 We are super proud!#Praise4Para#Cheer4India #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/b0kSxLiVq9 — SAI Media (@Media_SAI) August 29, 2021 × Patel had suffered a loss to Zhou in her first group stage match earlier in the week. Up against an opponent, who has five Paralympic medals to her name including gold medals in singles at Beijing and London, Patel seemed to struggle as she couldn't execute her strategy. Patel, who was diagnosed with polio when she was 12 months old, had defeated world no 3 Miao Zhang of China 7-11 11-7 11-4 9-11 11-8 in the semifinal showdown on Saturday. In the quarterfinal on Friday, Patel had defeated 2016 Rio Paralympics gold medallist and world number two Borislava Peric Rankovic of Serbia to assure a medal and script history.

Tokyo Paralympics: Silver for India as Bhavinaben Patel goes down fighting in table tennis final

<p>Bhavinaben Patel scripted history after winning India's first-ever table tennis medal in the Paralympics at Tokyo Games on August 29. She also became only the second Indian female athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after Deepa Malik, who clinched a silver in shot put at Rio Games in 2016. The table tennis player also became the first athlete from India to reach a gold medal finals in the Paralympic Games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhavina, who made her Paralympic debut at Tokyo Games, bagged an elusive silver after losing 0-3 to China's Ying Zhou, opening India's medal tally at the Tokyo Paralympics. In a very tight battle that lasted 19 minutes, Patel's impressive run ended with a 7-11, 5-11, 6-11 defeat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about her mental composure and resilience during the final match against, Bhavina said: "I am able to control my mind very well. It's not a big thing for me. But this was my first experience. The Chinese player played very well. She had a very fast moment and have a huge experience so that's why I was nervous."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-india-hails-bhavinaben-patel-as-she-wins-historic-silver-medal-on-national-sports-day-409094">Tokyo Paralympics: India hails Bhavinaben Patel as she wins historic silver medal on National Sports Day</a></strong></p>

<p>On her historic performance, the 34-year-old said, "I'm very happy but I feel bad also because I was little nervous and that prevented me from being 100 per cent. Because of that I'm not entirely satisfied, but I tried my best. I created history."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This match is a big experience for me. The mistakes I made today, I will take and work at. I will do better next time," Patel said after the gold medal match," she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFlag?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFlag</a> being prepared for <a href="https://twitter.com/BhavinaPatel6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhavinaPatel6</a> Victory Ceremony!! 🇮🇳✨🏓🥈 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedByEmotion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedByEmotion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paralympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paralympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Media_SAI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/MUL3xIwSO4">pic.twitter.com/MUL3xIwSO4</a></p>
— Paralympic India 🇮🇳 #Cheer4India 🏅 #Praise4Para (@ParalympicIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParalympicIndia/status/1431818493784051712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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— Paralympic India 🇮🇳 #Cheer4India 🏅 #Praise4Para (@ParalympicIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParalympicIndia/status/1431818493784051712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bhavina made her international debut in 2009 at Jordan and won her first medal in 2011, a silver by beating her Chinese opponent at the Para Table Tennis Thailand Open. She then won a historic silver medal, India's first, in Asian Regional Championship in 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also took part in several other international tournaments in various countries like Jordan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, but finally won a gold in singles at the International Para Table Tennis Championship in Bangkok, Thailand in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ESIC employee based at Ahmedabad had qualified for the Rio 2016 Paralympics but could not play because of a technicality. She was India's best hope in para TT at the 2010 Commonwealth Games but lost in the quarterfinals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-at-paralympics-from-murlikant-petkar-to-deepa-malik-meet-the-past-medallists-408096">India at Paralympics: From Murlikant Petkar to Deepa Malik — meet the past medallists</a></strong></p>

<p>Patel was born in Sundhiya village in Gujarat as People in her home town celebrated her victory by dancing, bursting crackers and they also threw 'gulal' on each other. The villagers said that they are very happy over her achievement and feeling proud of her victory. "She is a jewel for not just our village but for the entire country," said a villager.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhavina was diagnosed with polio when she was 12-month-old but her journey is nothing short of an inspiration to those who think any kind of physical disability can stop one from dreaming big.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She may be 'Divyang' (differently-abled), but to us, she never appeared to be so. For us, she is 'Divya' (divine). We are very happy that she has brought a silver medal for our country," her father Hasmukh Patel, told reporters after her victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bhavinaben Patel scripted history after winning India's first-ever table tennis medal in the Paralympics at Tokyo Games on August 29. She also became only the second Indian female athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after Deepa Malik, who clinched a silver in shot put at Rio Games in 2016.

Bhavinaben Patel scripted history after winning India's first-ever table tennis medal in the Paralympics at Tokyo Games on August 29. She also became only the second Indian female athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after Deepa Malik, who clinched a silver in shot put at Rio Games in 2016. The table tennis player also became the first athlete from India to reach a gold medal finals in the Paralympic Games. Bhavina, who made her Paralympic debut at Tokyo Games, bagged an elusive silver after losing 0-3 to China's Ying Zhou, opening India's medal tally at the Tokyo Paralympics. In a very tight battle that lasted 19 minutes, Patel's impressive run ended with a 7-11, 5-11, 6-11 defeat. Talking about her mental composure and resilience during the final match against, Bhavina said: "I am able to control my mind very well. It's not a big thing for me. But this was my first experience. The Chinese player played very well. She had a very fast moment and have a huge experience so that's why I was nervous." ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics: India hails Bhavinaben Patel as she wins historic silver medal on National Sports Day On her historic performance, the 34-year-old said, "I'm very happy but I feel bad also because I was little nervous and that prevented me from being 100 per cent. Because of that I'm not entirely satisfied, but I tried my best. I created history." "This match is a big experience for me. The mistakes I made today, I will take and work at. I will do better next time," Patel said after the gold medal match," she added. #IndianFlag being prepared for @BhavinaPatel6 Victory Ceremony!! 🇮🇳✨🏓🥈 #IND #UnitedByEmotion #Tokyo2020 #Praise4Para @narendramodi @Paralympics @Media_SAI @IndiaSports @ianuragthakur pic.twitter.com/MUL3xIwSO4 — Paralympic India 🇮🇳 #Cheer4India 🏅 #Praise4Para (@ParalympicIndia) August 29, 2021 × #IndianFlag being prepared for @BhavinaPatel6 Victory Ceremony!! 🇮🇳✨🏓🥈 #IND #UnitedByEmotion #Tokyo2020 #Praise4Para @narendramodi @Paralympics @Media_SAI @IndiaSports @ianuragthakur pic.twitter.com/MUL3xIwSO4 — Paralympic India 🇮🇳 #Cheer4India 🏅 #Praise4Para (@ParalympicIndia) August 29, 2021 × Bhavina made her international debut in 2009 at Jordan and won her first medal in 2011, a silver by beating her Chinese opponent at the Para Table Tennis Thailand Open. She then won a historic silver medal, India's first, in Asian Regional Championship in 2013. She also took part in several other international tournaments in various countries like Jordan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, but finally won a gold in singles at the International Para Table Tennis Championship in Bangkok, Thailand in 2019. The ESIC employee based at Ahmedabad had qualified for the Rio 2016 Paralympics but could not play because of a technicality. She was India's best hope in para TT at the 2010 Commonwealth Games but lost in the quarterfinals. IN PICS | India at Paralympics: From Murlikant Petkar to Deepa Malik — meet the past medallists Patel was born in Sundhiya village in Gujarat as People in her home town celebrated her victory by dancing, bursting crackers and they also threw 'gulal' on each other. The villagers said that they are very happy over her achievement and feeling proud of her victory. "She is a jewel for not just our village but for the entire country," said a villager. Bhavina was diagnosed with polio when she was 12-month-old but her journey is nothing short of an inspiration to those who think any kind of physical disability can stop one from dreaming big. "She may be 'Divyang' (differently-abled), but to us, she never appeared to be so. For us, she is 'Divya' (divine). We are very happy that she has brought a silver medal for our country," her father Hasmukh Patel, told reporters after her victory. (inputs from agencies)

From a village in Gujarat to a silver medal in Paralympics: Inspirational journey of Bhavinaben Patel

<p>Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju on Saturday congratulated table tennis player Bhavina Patel for reaching the finals of the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.Bhavina continued her dream run in the Paralympics Games on Saturday as she stormed into the gold medal match after defeating Zhang Miao of China 3-2 in her Class 4 match.</p>

<p>"Congratulations #BhavinaPatel for creating history at #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics Bhavina Patel defeated China`s Zhang Miao and reached the women`s singles Class 4 final! #Cheer4India #BhavinaPatel," Rijiju tweeted.</p>

<p>Deputy Chef de Mission (CDM) Arhan Bagati of the Indian Paralympics contingent hailed Bhavina after she clinched her semi-final match."@BhavinaPatel6 winning point shot.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-bhavinaben-patel-assured-of-at-least-silver-says-everything-is-possible-408925">Tokyo Paralympics: Bhavinaben Patel assured of at least silver, says 'everything is possible'</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our champ <a href="https://twitter.com/BhavinaPatel6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhavinaPatel6</a> makes it to the final and we could not be happier!!<br />
<br />
Bhavina will take on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHN</a> Ying Zhou in the Gold medal match tomorrow, 29 August at 7:15 AM (IST)<br />
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Stay tuned &amp; continue to cheer her on with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> messages<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/6nzYRQUiSX">pic.twitter.com/6nzYRQUiSX</a></p>
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1431438825012674561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>And it's ours!!! Second place medal Confirmation, Gold to Go!! Jai Hind!" Arhan tweeted.</p>

<p>Deepa Malik, the President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), lauded Bhavina for her sensational performance in the Games.</p>

<p>"World class skill and moves by Bhavina. what a match to witness. beauty is all her matches have kept you glued and wanting for more. Amazing practice and improvement in game to take world top players head on Kudos @BhavinaPatel6 getting Chinese to a 2-2 n then win," Deepa tweeted.</p>

<p>Bhavina created history by becoming the first Indian to enter the finals of the Paralympic Games table tennis competition.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-at-paralympics-from-murlikant-petkar-to-deepa-malik-meet-the-past-medallists-408096">India at Paralympics: From Murlikant Petkar to Deepa Malik — meet the past medallists</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">world class skill and moves by Bhavina. what a match to witness. beauty is all her matches have kept you glued and wanting for more. Amazing practice and improvement in game to take world top players head on Kudos <a href="https://twitter.com/BhavinaPatel6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhavinaPatel6</a> getting Chinese to a 2-2 n then win <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTI_News</a> <a href="https://t.co/xCCXB2nmkv">pic.twitter.com/xCCXB2nmkv</a></p>
— Deepa Malik (@DeepaAthlete) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeepaAthlete/status/1431427522839736325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian player got off to a bad start as Zhang took the opening game 11-7. The Chinese paddler took five straight points in the first essay to move ahead.</p>

<p>Bhavina then levelled the match at 1-1 after winning the second game 11-7. The second game saw a neck to neck to fight with Bhavina leading the charge with a score of 8-6 before sealing the second essay 11-7.</p>

<p>She then came all guns blazing and started the third game on high as she took a lead of 5-0 in the essay. She then wrapped the game 11-4 to move closer to the finals.</p>

<p>In the next game, Zhang came back strongly and won by 11-9 and took the match into the decider. But Bhavina held her nerves to finish the game off in style.</p>


Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju on Saturday congratulated table tennis player Bhavina Patel for reaching the finals of the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.

Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju on Saturday congratulated table tennis player Bhavina Patel for reaching the finals of the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.Bhavina continued her dream run in the Paralympics Games on Saturday as she stormed into the gold medal match after defeating Zhang Miao of China 3-2 in her Class 4 match. "Congratulations #BhavinaPatel for creating history at #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics Bhavina Patel defeated China`s Zhang Miao and reached the women`s singles Class 4 final! #Cheer4India #BhavinaPatel," Rijiju tweeted. Deputy Chef de Mission (CDM) Arhan Bagati of the Indian Paralympics contingent hailed Bhavina after she clinched her semi-final match."@BhavinaPatel6 winning point shot. ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics: Bhavinaben Patel assured of at least silver, says 'everything is possible' Our champ @BhavinaPatel6 makes it to the final and we could not be happier!! Bhavina will take on #CHN Ying Zhou in the Gold medal match tomorrow, 29 August at 7:15 AM (IST) Stay tuned & continue to cheer her on with #Cheer4India messages#Praise4Para #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/6nzYRQUiSX — SAI Media (@Media_SAI) August 28, 2021 × And it's ours!!! Second place medal Confirmation, Gold to Go!! Jai Hind!" Arhan tweeted. Deepa Malik, the President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), lauded Bhavina for her sensational performance in the Games. "World class skill and moves by Bhavina. what a match to witness. beauty is all her matches have kept you glued and wanting for more. Amazing practice and improvement in game to take world top players head on Kudos @BhavinaPatel6 getting Chinese to a 2-2 n then win," Deepa tweeted. Bhavina created history by becoming the first Indian to enter the finals of the Paralympic Games table tennis competition. IN PICS | India at Paralympics: From Murlikant Petkar to Deepa Malik — meet the past medallists world class skill and moves by Bhavina. what a match to witness. beauty is all her matches have kept you glued and wanting for more. Amazing practice and improvement in game to take world top players head on Kudos @BhavinaPatel6 getting Chinese to a 2-2 n then win @PTI_News pic.twitter.com/xCCXB2nmkv — Deepa Malik (@DeepaAthlete) August 28, 2021 × The Indian player got off to a bad start as Zhang took the opening game 11-7. The Chinese paddler took five straight points in the first essay to move ahead. Bhavina then levelled the match at 1-1 after winning the second game 11-7. The second game saw a neck to neck to fight with Bhavina leading the charge with a score of 8-6 before sealing the second essay 11-7. She then came all guns blazing and started the third game on high as she took a lead of 5-0 in the essay. She then wrapped the game 11-4 to move closer to the finals. In the next game, Zhang came back strongly and won by 11-9 and took the match into the decider. But Bhavina held her nerves to finish the game off in style.

'World-class skill': Kiren Rijiju, Deepa Malik laud Bhavina Patel for reaching Tokyo Paralympics finals

<p>India's para table tennis star Bhavinaben Patel said that "everything is possible" after she entered the women's table tennis (Class 4) final at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics. She is assured of at least silver medal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhavina registered a hard-fought 3-2 win over China's Miao Zhang in the semifinal and will play against world number one Chinese paddler Ying Zhou in the gold medal match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, Bhavinaben in a video&nbsp;said, "If I keep on performing like this, I will definitely win the gold medal. I never thought of reaching the finals and only concentrated on giving my 100 per cent and I did that only."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-paddler-bhavina-patel-storms-into-final-after-defeating-chinas-zhang-miao-408901">Tokyo Paralympics: Paddler Bhavina Patel storms into final after defeating China's Zhang Miao</a></strong></p>

<p>"And when you give your 100 per cent you can win a medal. I am mentally ready for the finals and I just want to give my 100 per cent," she added.</p>

<p>"This is a big achievement as I have defeated a Chinese player, everyone says beating a Chinese player is impossible but I have proved nothing is impossible. Everything is possible if you want to do," said Bhavinaben.</p>

<p>"I want to thank everyone, PCI, SAI, blind people association and TOPS as because of their support I've reached here," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Let's hear it directly from our Finalist BHAVINA!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/BhavinaPatel6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhavinaPatel6</a> is confident and super excited for her final. Let's continue cheering for with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheer4India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheer4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NisithPramanik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NisithPramanik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ParalympicIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParalympicIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeepaAthlete?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeepaAthlete</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/QyA9Is4xrZ">pic.twitter.com/QyA9Is4xrZ</a></p>
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI/status/1431435398165663747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bhavinaben became the first Indian to enter the final of a table tennis event as she defeated Zhang 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Competing in her maiden Paralympics, Patel lost the opening game in a tight contest but, she made a strong recovery, claiming the next two games.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nothing is impossible as long as you want to do it: India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhavinaPatel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhavinaPatel</a> makes history by becoming the first Indian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TableTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TableTennis</a> player to enter the finals in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaSports</a><a href="https://twitter.com/YASMinistry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YASMinistry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TokyoParalympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TokyoParalympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/Sm5QID3Wfx">pic.twitter.com/Sm5QID3Wfx</a></p>
— DD News (@DDNewslive) <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive/status/1431451967973363715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the fourth game, Zhang showed her class not giving Patel the bragging rights just yet as the match headed into the decider.</p>

<p>In the deciding fifth game, Patel took a time out after which she notched up the win.</p>

<p>In the quarterfinal on Friday, Patel had defeated 2016 Rio Paralympics gold winner and world number two Borislava Peric Rankovic of Serbia to clinch a medal and script history.</p>


India's para table tennis star Bhavinaben Patel said that "everything is possible" after she entered the women's table tennis (Class 4) final at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.

India's para table tennis star Bhavinaben Patel said that "everything is possible" after she entered the women's table tennis (Class 4) final at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics. She is assured of at least silver medal. Bhavina registered a hard-fought 3-2 win over China's Miao Zhang in the semifinal and will play against world number one Chinese paddler Ying Zhou in the gold medal match. After the match, Bhavinaben in a video said, "If I keep on performing like this, I will definitely win the gold medal. I never thought of reaching the finals and only concentrated on giving my 100 per cent and I did that only." ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics: Paddler Bhavina Patel storms into final after defeating China's Zhang Miao "And when you give your 100 per cent you can win a medal. I am mentally ready for the finals and I just want to give my 100 per cent," she added. "This is a big achievement as I have defeated a Chinese player, everyone says beating a Chinese player is impossible but I have proved nothing is impossible. Everything is possible if you want to do," said Bhavinaben. "I want to thank everyone, PCI, SAI, blind people association and TOPS as because of their support I've reached here," she added. Watch: Let's hear it directly from our Finalist BHAVINA!!!@BhavinaPatel6 is confident and super excited for her final. Let's continue cheering for with #Cheer4India #Praise4Para @PMOIndia @ianuragthakur @NisithPramanik @ParalympicIndia @DeepaAthlete @PIB_India @IndiaSports pic.twitter.com/QyA9Is4xrZ — SAI Media (@Media_SAI) August 28, 2021 × Bhavinaben became the first Indian to enter the final of a table tennis event as she defeated Zhang 7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8. Competing in her maiden Paralympics, Patel lost the opening game in a tight contest but, she made a strong recovery, claiming the next two games. Nothing is impossible as long as you want to do it: India's #BhavinaPatel makes history by becoming the first Indian #TableTennis player to enter the finals in #Paralympics @IndiaSports@YASMinistry #TokyoParalympics pic.twitter.com/Sm5QID3Wfx — DD News (@DDNewslive) August 28, 2021 × In the fourth game, Zhang showed her class not giving Patel the bragging rights just yet as the match headed into the decider. In the deciding fifth game, Patel took a time out after which she notched up the win. In the quarterfinal on Friday, Patel had defeated 2016 Rio Paralympics gold winner and world number two Borislava Peric Rankovic of Serbia to clinch a medal and script history.

Tokyo Paralympics: Bhavinaben Patel assured of at least silver, says 'everything is possible'