Archery heartbreak as mixed team of Dhiraj-Ankita loses bronze medal tie

India fell agonisingly short of a historic archery medal after losing to the USA in the mixed team bronze medal play-off match in Paris Olympics on Friday, August 2. The mixed team of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat lost to Brady Ellison and Casey Kaufhold of the USA 2-6 at the Invalides. India lost 37-38, 35-37, 38-34, 35-37.

India were forced into the bronze medal playoff after losing to top-ranked South Korea in the semi-final. Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara fluffed a golden opportunity to end India's long wait for an Olympic medal in one of traditional sports in the Games. Ankita Bhakat struggled under pressure, lacking consistency in the big bronze medal play-offs as she shot two 7s.