Indian archer Rakesh Kumar made an impressive start to his Paralympic campaign in the compound men’s category, showcasing remarkable skill and precision despite challenging weather conditions. Competing against Senegal’s Aliou Drame, Kumar emerged victorious with a score of 136-131, securing his place in the pre-quarterfinals. The match was held under heavy showers, making the conditions difficult for both archers, but Kumar’s composure and experience shone through.
Rakesh, an Asian Para Games silver medalist, started the match with a perfect 10 in the first end, immediately establishing control. Drame fought back in the second end, narrowing the gap by a single point, but Kumar quickly regained dominance. By the third end, Kumar extended his lead to five points, delivering two flawless 10s that further distanced him from his opponent. His consistency continued into the fourth end, where he widened his lead to six points. Drame put up a strong performance in the final end, dropping only one point, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Kumar’s solid lead secured his place in the last-16, with the match never truly in doubt.
Kumar’s victory drew widespread attention on social media, where fans lauded his ability to excel under pressure. Many praised his accuracy and mental strength, comparing him to other celebrated archers. One comparison was drawn to Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who had gained social media fame during the Olympics for his own exceptional shooting skills.
As the fifth seed, Rakesh Kumar now faces Indonesia’s Ken Swagumilang, the 12th seed, in the pre-quarterfinals. With the momentum of his victory and his skill in adapting to adverse conditions, Kumar looks set to continue his strong run as he aims for a spot in the quarterfinals. His performance so far has positioned him as a strong contender in the tournament.
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