Stellar display: Neeraj topped the recurve men’s ranking round
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
Policeman Neeraj Chauhan accumulated 692 points to break Tarundeep Rai’s record of 687 and topped the recurve men’s ranking round in the National archery championships at the Gopal Maidan here on Tuesday.
In the women’s section, Olympian Ankita Bhakat took the number one spot with 667 points before leading host Jharkhand to the women’s team title clash.
Eye on the target: Ankita’s accuracy did the job for Jharkhand.
| Photo Credit:
R. RAGU
Neeraj, experiencing a revival of his career after tweaking his training schedule, shot with confidence to lead at the halfway stage before securing an overall lead. He was consistent in both segments, garnering 345 and 347 points.
“In the morning, I had a feeling that something special would happen today. Looking forward to carrying forward my form,” said Neeraj.
Ankita, going through rehab for a shoulder issue, fell three short of her personal best. Later, the southpaw shot with accuracy to guide the Jharkhand side – also comprising Komalika Bari and Tamanna Verma – to overcome a strong challenge from Maharashtra and register a 5-3 victory in the semifinals.
The star Olympian pair of Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, representing Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, went past West Bengal 6-2, Andhra Pradesh 5-3 and Madhya Pradesh 6-2 to book a place in the mixed team final.
The results: Recurve:
Ranking round: Individual: Men: 1. Neeraj Chauhan (AIP) 692, 2. B. Dhiraj (SSCB) 679, 3. Atanu Das (PSPB) 677; Women: 1. Ankita Bhakat (Jha) 667, 2. Simranjeet Kaur (Pun) 666, 3.Deepika Kumari (PSPB) 660; Team: Men: 1. All India Police 2022, 2. SSCB 2011, 3. Haryana 1974; Women: 1. Jharkhand 1945, 2. Railways 1933, 3. Madhya Pradesh 1921; Mixed: 1. AIP 1340, 2. PSPB 1337, 3. Jharkhand 1333.
Elimination: Team: Semifinals: Men: Railways bt Rajasthan 5-4 (29-28), Haryana bt Services 6-0; Women: Jharkhand bt Maharashtra 5-3, Madhya Pradesh bt Railways 5-4 (shoot-off 25-23); Mixed: Punjab bt Maharashtra 5-3, PSPB bt Madhya Pradesh 6-2.
Published – December 17, 2024 06:27 pm IST