The Indian women have given the nation a reason to smile in Rio Olympics. Wrestler Sakshi Malik earned India a bronze on Wednesday, and PV Sindhu created history for India on Day 13 (Thursday), confirming another medal. Golfer Aditi Ashok has also been impressive, and is still a medal contender as she is four shots behind the leader after the completion of the second round.
Though these were good news for India in Rio Olympics, they were shattered when news regarding Narsingh Yadav's ban for a period of four years broke.The wrestler, as a result of this, cannot even participate in the ongoing Olympics, where he was scheduled to feature in the opening round on Friday.
The wrestler failed a dope test prior to the Olympics, but the NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency) gave him a clean cheat, citing foul play. They believed that his food and drinks were spiked.
But the saga took an ugly turn after WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) contested NADA's decision, and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports, who overturned NADA's clean shit on Thursday. With it, Narsingh's Olympics dreams were all over. This is a huge loss to India in Rio, as the wrestler was considered to be a medal favourite in the 74kg division.
Prior to this decision, India were rejoicing after a splendid performance from Sindhu, who defeated Nozomi Okuhara to reach the finals of the Rio Olympics. Sindhu was at her menacing best, clinching the match in straight games, score reading 21-19, 21-10.
She looked in complete control of her game throughout the match despite a close 21-19 win, but she took that confidence into the second game, and outplayed the Japanese, clinching it 21-10. There has been an air of confidence about Sindhu, who has played some of her best badminton in Rio. Sindhu will face world champion Carolina Marin in the finals on Friday.
Eighteen-year-old golfer Aditi was impressive in the second round of the women's event as she shot yet another three-under 68 with five birdies and a couple of bogeys on Thursday. Aditi is currently tied at the eighth place.
However, there was a major disappointment for wrestler Babita Kumari, who lost to Maria Prevolaraki of Greece in 53 kg category freestyle opening round. The Indian wrestler lost 1-5, ending Indian women's challenge in freestyle wrestling.
