Earlier Mirabai Chanu won the silver medal for India. But till now India has not won any other medals in any of the Olympic games. It’s even more disappointing to see that the Indian archery team was not able to win a medal for India in archery, even though they tried their best.
Just a day after Atanu’s wife Deepika Kumari got defeated by An San of Korea, Atanu Das also exited the three quarters of Tokyo Olympics 2020 today. Atanu Das was the only archer of India left in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to represent India in archery. But sadly, India’s hope of winning a medal in archery just remained a dream.
Atanu Das defeated London Olympics gold medalist Oh Jin Hyek in the last 32, but even after trying his best, he was not able to defeat Takaharu Furukawa, who is a silver medalist in 2012 Olympics and team bronze medalist. He lost to Takaharu 6-4 in an intense 5 setter in the men’s individual pre-quarterfinals today.
In the first round, Atanu scored 25 with three arrows (9,8,8) while on the other hand, Takaharu Furukawa scored 27 (9,9,9,). The Japanese archer was the winner of the first round. In the second set, the Indian scored 28 (10,9,9) but Furukawa also responded with a score of 28 (9,9,10) it was a tie. In the third round, Atanu Das won with a score of 28 (10,10,8) as the Japanese scored 27 (8,10,9). In the fourth set, Atanu scored 28 (9,10,9), but Takaharu assured a split with the same scoring and same sequence, that is, 28 (9,10,9). The first and the last round were really interesting to see, as the score was 4-4 while going into set 5. Atanu Das scored 26 (9,8,9) but unfortunately even Atanu tried his best but Japanese Archer was good enough and scored 27 (9,10,8). In the difference of a few points, Atanu Das got defeated by Takaharu Furukawa.
After the loss, Atanu Das shared his feelings. He felt that in the Olympics every match is different, the situation, mindset, and everything are different. He didn’t want to compare his match against Jin. He said that he tried his best but he failed and it’s okay. He also said that he took too much tension and he said that it’s just a game to deal with next time he will try hard next time for sure.
Atanu Das’ fellow mates, Indian archers Pravin Jadhav and Tarundeep Rai, lost in round 32 of the men’s individual event. All three out of the men’s team quarterfinals by eventual gold medalist South Korea. And the mixed team of Pravin Jadhav and Deepika Kumari lost before the semi-finals. Even in women’s singles, Atanu Das’ wife Deepika Kumari lost in the quarter-finals.
And with this, the hope of winning a medal for India in archery came to an end.
