In a somewhat dull day, Saina’s bronze medal and Devendro demolishing boxing thrills India.

Athletics (Men’s 20km Race Walk, Women’s 3000m Steeplechase and Women’s Discuss Throw)

Irfan Thodi (left), the find of the day as he created national created and finished at 10th

In men’s 20km walk, India got a surprise though it not a medal winning news. Irfan Thodi did outstandingly well to finish at 10th with a national record timing 1:20:21. He was from beginning till the end was either with leader group or next to leader group in the race. Other two Indian’s, Gurmeet Singh and Bajinder Singh finished at 33rd and 43rd respectively. Sudha Singh, India’s lone representative at 3000m steeplechase event finished at 13th in her group and failed to qualify for finals.

In women’s discuss throw finals, India’s Krishna Poonia failed to win any medal at London Olympics. She threw 63.62m at best which is well below her season best of 64.76m and finished at 7th place in final.

Boxing (Men’s Light Flyweight and Light Heavyweight)

He is exploding like atom bomb in the ring

In men’s light flyweight (49kg) category, Devendro Singh crushes past the Beijing Olympics silver medalist and world champion Serdamba to quarter finals. Devendro Singh dominated the ring just as he did in the first match at London Olympics. Devendro won the bout with impressive score of 16-11 and more than that, the manner in which he won is really a telling point in thinking about his medal chances. Devendro will face the Beijing Olympics bronze medalist Paddy Barnes next up.

In light heavyweight (81kg) category, India’s Manoj Kumar faced world no.1 Thomas Stalker in the round of 16. Both boxers from beginning exchanged fury of punches with Manoj missing most of them in the first two rounds (4-7, 5-9). In third round with a margin of 7 point to climb, Manoj gave everything and won the round 7-4 but the lead is too big to chase down. Manoj Kumar lost the bout 16-20 to Stalker.

Badminton (Women’s Singles)

Saina Nehwal creates history in Indian badminton.

Saina Nehwal accomplishes her London Olympics mission though not in style. Saina wins her bronze medal match after Xin Wang retired hurt at the start of 2nd game. She became only the second Indian women to win a medal in Olympics after Karnam Malleswari won bronze medal in weightlifting at 2000 Sydney Olympics. Also this is India’s first ever medal in badminton events at Olympics.

Saina Nehwal lose her first game narrowly 18-21. Saina didn’t start the match well as Xin Wang took more than 8 point lead at one stage (6-14). But Saina came back stronger as she made Xin ran around the court. With this, Xin started to push herself very hard and what might had been a niggle turned into severe injury. Saina showed good gesture by not over-celebrating in court at the end of match.

People might call it as lucky medal but being fit is also a quality and skill too. So on that note, Saina Nehwal defeats Xin Wang.

Rowing (Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls)

Sandeep Kumar and Manjeet Singh finished at 19th after winning the Final D in 7:08.39 minutes. Indian pair were not at their best at London Olympics and they should have finished atleast in between 12th to 16th.

Shooting (Women’s Trap)

Shagun Chowdhary finished at lowly 20th in women’s trap qualification and failed to qualify for final. She shot a total score of 61/75 with 23, 17 and 21 in each rounds respectively.

Tennis (Mixed Doubles)

India’s contest in tennis at London Olympics is over without a medal after so much of expectation initially. Leander Paes and Sania Mirza continuing their match from overnight score of 6-7, 2-3 failed to fight out the no.1 seed Max Mirnyi and Victoria Azarenka in quarter-finals. Leander Paes and Sania Mirza both were erroneous in the match yesterday and today is not much better.

So with action in field is over, its time to do post modem for what all happened before the Olympics. India need valid answers or actions.

Tags: Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Devendro Singh qualifies for quarter-finals in London Olympics, India at London Olympics 2012, India wins bronze medal, India's medal chances, Irfan Thodi finishes at 10th in men's 20km walk, Leander Paes and Sania Mirza crashes out of mixed doubles, London Olympics 2012, London Olympics Day 9 report, Manoj Kumar, Rowing, Saina Nehwal wins bronze medal, Shooting, Tennis