Indian paddler Bhavina Patel scripted history at Tokyo Paralympics as she became the first Indian to enter the final of the table tennis event. She defeated World No.3 and Rio silver medalist, Miao Zhang of China (7-11, 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 11-8) in a Class IV semifinal on Saturday.
Earlier in the quarterfinals, Bhavina stunned world number 2 and Rio Paralympic Gold medalist Borislava Rankovic in the semi-finals. She defeated the defending champion in straight sets by 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 in just 18 minutes. In the round of 16, Bhavina got the better of Joyce de Oliveira of Brazil 12-10 13-11, 11-6. And with this win, she became the first Indian table tennis player to reach the quarterfinals in the Paralympics.
Bhavina will face a tough challenge in the finals. The Indian star paddler will take on World No.1 Ying Zhou of China in the gold medal match on Sunday. She lost (3-11 9-11 2-11) to the Chinese player in her opening group match on Wednesday.
Bhavina Patel reached the world number two ranking in 2011. She clinched a silver medal for India in PTT Thailand Table Tennis Championship. In October 2013, Patel won another silver in the women’s singles Class 4 at the APTTC in Beijing. Then, she won the bronze medal in International Table Tennis Federation Asian Para Table Tennis Championship in 2017.
I am ready for the final: Bhavina Patel
“When I came here, I just thought that I would give my 100% without thinking of anything. If I continue with this confidence with the blessings of the people of my country. I think I will win gold tomorrow. I am ready for the final.”
