Archer Rakesh Kumar’s perfect shot in heavy rain
Taking aim in heavy showers was never going for either archers but an experienced Rakesh Kumar aced the battle and emerged victorious against Senegal’s Aliou Drame.
Ace Indian archer Rakesh Kumar began his campaign with a comprehensive in the compound men’s open category at the Paralympics on Friday. He defeated Senegal’s Aliou Drame 136-131 to enter the pre-quarterfinals round. Kumar defied the weather to beat his opponent with a healthy lead. Taking aim in heavy showers was never going for both archers but an experienced Kumar aced the battle and emerged victorious.
Asian Para Games silver medallist Rakesh, who was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Paralympics, started strongly, hitting one perfect 10 in the first end to take a three-point lead. Aliou took the second end with a one-point win but Rakesh still held his lead and extended it by five points in the third end, shooting two 10s. The Indian went on to establish a six-point lead, winning the fourth end.
Aliou took the final end of three arrows dropping just one point, but Rakesh’s healthy lead ensured his last-16 berth.
Meanwhile, social media kept buzzing with appreciation posts for Kumar as the netizens saluted the archer’s determination to compete in testing conditions.
Fifth-seeded Rakesh will face Indonesia’s Ken Swagumilang (no. 12 seed) for a place in the quarterfinals.
