The Indian archery team, which has disappointed with its performance in the Paris Olympics so far, finally made history by making it to the semi-finals with a strong performance. The pair of Ankita Bhakat and Dheeraj Bommadevara defeated Spain in the mixed team event on Friday, 2 August, to make it to the semi-finals and became the first Indian pair to do so in the history of the Olympics. Although they had to face defeat at the hands of world number-1 and defending champion Korea in the semi-finals, but even after this the Indian team has a chance to make history by winning the bronze medal.

Just a day before, Dheeraj and Ankita had made it to the pre-quarterfinals of this event. The matches ahead were to be played on Friday and Ankita-Dheeraj surprised everyone with their strong performance. The Indian pair first made it to the quarterfinals by defeating Indonesia 5-1 and then made it to the semifinals by defeating Spain 5-3.

Korea defeated in the semi-finals

From here on, the Indian team's path was bound to be difficult and that is what happened. They were facing the world's number-1 ranked South Korean team and there was no hope of winning this match. Although Dheeraj and Ankita started well and took a 2-0 lead in the first game, but after this the Korean team again showed their attitude and proved why they are the number-1 team. After this, they won the match 6-2 by winning 3 consecutive games and shattered the Indian team's dream of reaching the first final.

Now is the chance to create history by winning bronze

Dheeraj and Ankita may have lost in the semi-finals but they still have a chance to create history. Team India will now claim the bronze medal, in which it will face America. America had to face defeat against Germany in the second semi-final. If Dheeraj and Ankita succeed in defeating the American team, they will become the first Indian archers to win a medal in the Olympics.