Paris Olympics 2024 Highlights, 31st July - HS Prannoy, Lakshya Sen qualify for Ro16; Sreeja suffers heartbreaking loss; Swapnil Kusale qualifies for 3P final

Paris Olympics 2024 Highlights, 31st July - Quite a successful day for India as boxers and shuttlers star in their respective events. Follow Sportskeeda for every update on Paris Olympics 2024.

Well, that wraps up what has been quite a successful day for the Indian contingent! It all started with Swapnil Kusale qualifying for the Men's 3P Final, while PV Sindhu cruised to a win against Kristin Kuuba.

The Women's Trap shooters tried to improve their rankings, but failed to get in the quarterfinals. Anush Agarwalla made his Olympic debut and will take home lots of experience, not able to make the cut for the finals.

Lakshya Sen pulled off a magical performance against World Rank 4 Jonatan Christie, with some absolutely terrific shots that showed his class. He moves on to the quarterfinal, where he will meet his Indian contingent mate, HS Prannoy, who beat Duc Phat later in the evening to confirm his own qualification as well.

In boxing, both Lovlina Borgohain and Nishant Dev won their respective matches, propelling them to the quarterfinals. Deepika Kumari showed her class in the individual event, making her way to the Round of 16, while Tarundeep Rai bowed out in the Round of 64.

Manika Batra failed to get a win in her round of 16 match but birthday girl Sreeja Akula came ever so close to beating WR 1 Su Yingsha from China. She almost had the first two games before the Chinese paddler pulled off a heist and won them. A fight in the third game wasn't enough and the fourth game saw Sreeja's shoulders drop.

Despite the heartbreaking end to the day, there's been multiple qualifications that will please the Indian contingent. Join us back tomorrow, as a whole new set of sports commence, with multiple Indians looking to advance into the further rounds. Until then, it's goodbye from us at Team Sportskeeda. Good night!

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Sun Yingsha (CHI) beats Sreeja Akula (IND) 12 - 10, 12 - 10, 11 - 8, 11 - 3

No matter how hard she tries, Sreeja Akula will be thinking what could've been as she reflects on her spirited display in the Round of 16 clash against the World No. 1 Sun Yingsha!

She had four game points in the 1st Game, and five in the 2nd Game, but after showing tremendous composure throughout, she was unable to close those games out, and against a top opponent, you can't afford to miss chances like that.

Nevertheless, she kept fighting, and while the 4th game did see a gulf in the quality between the two players, Sreeja showed that she had what it takes to go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.

Despite this already being a historic first for Indian paddlers at the Olympics, Sreeja Akula is only getting started, and her quality and resolve is here to stay!

She'll be seen next in the Women's Team Event for India, starting on August 6th.

Game 4: Sreeja Akula (IND) 3 - 11 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 3)

She's got a wonderful forehand, does Sreeja Akula, and the moment Sun Yingsha delivers a weak return, she pounces! However, it has been rare, those kinds of moments in the 3rd and 4th games, and that's it! The World No.1 wins in straight games, but Sreeja Akula can hold her head up high!

Game 4: Sreeja Akula (IND) 2 - 7 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 3)

Sun Yingsha is allowing Sreeja nothing on her favored forehand, and her range with the backhand is simply too good for the Indian, and she's simply running away with this 4th game here.

Game 4: Sreeja Akula (IND) 1 - 4 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 3)

Ohh outstanding rally and outstanding point! Sreeja Akula and the fight she's showing is remarkable, and she opens the 4th game with a forehand winner.

However, Sun Yingsha is turning it on, and her backhand return to Sreeja's serve is simply too good! So fast with such minimal backlift, there's not much you can do about that.

Game 3: Sreeja Akula (IND) 8 - 11 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 2)

Three game points for Sun Yingsha, but Sreeja Akula isn't giving up easy. She makes it 10-8. Can she do what was meted out to her in the first two games? No, she can't.

Sun Yingsha showing why she's the World No. 1, and takes her chance to close out the game immediately with another extremely well-placed backhand.

She goes three games up, and it's going to take nothing short of a miracle for Sreeja Akula to win this, despite putting in a brilliant effort in this match.

Game 3: Sreeja Akula (IND) 7 - 8 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 2)

Ohh, neat change of direction with her backhand from Sreeja Akula, and she has done immensely well to hang on to this 3rd game, and ooh, a slice of luck, finally! A net ball goes her favor, and despite looking up against it in this game, she's only trailing by one point.

BOXING - Men's 71kg Ro16

Nishant Dev def. Jose Gabriel Rodriguez 3-2

Nishant Dev, much like Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, is just one win away from a medal now! He will take on either Tiago Muxanga or Marco Verde in the last-eight encounter, so make sure you're there to cheer him on!

Game 3: Sreeja Akula (IND) 4 - 8 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 2)

Ohh great point, that's a tough angle for a forehand, but Sreeja Akula somehow manufactures one to win a point against the run of play, but right now, Sun Yingsha is completely on top, and her returns and quick change of direction seem to be too much for Sreeja here.

Game 3: Sreeja Akula (IND) 2 - 6 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 2)

Sun Yingsha is switching gears now, and coupled with the psychological toll of losing the first two games from such a good position, Sreeja has to climb a mountain to get back into this.

She has been pushed to the backfoot completely here and is trailing 2-6 in the 3rd game.

Game 3: Sreeja Akula (IND) 1 - 4 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 2)

Ohh, luck hasn't been on Sreeja's side in this match, and a couple of net ricochets goes her opponent's way, and slowly, the pressure is getting to the 26-year-old Indian, as she misses a forehand for probably the first time in the match.

Unlike the first two games, Sun Yingsha races away to an early lead.

Game 2: Sreeja Akula (IND) 10 - 12 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 1)

Ohh, not again! Wonderful comeback yet again from Sun Yingsha as she battles from 10-5 down to level the scores. She has all the momentum with her now and quickly moves to game point now!

A remarkable 7 points in a row for Sun Yingsha, and she takes the 2nd game as well! Heartbreaking for Sreeja Akula, but nerves of steel from Sun Yingsha, who's showing her class yet again.

Can Sreeja Akula dig deep here?

BOXING - Men's 71kg Ro16

Final score: Nishant 3-2 Rodriguez

A similar start to what we have seen all bout as Rodriguez pushes Nishant behind, this time landing a right jab to push the Indian onto the ropes. Nishant, however, was quick to bounce back. He kept his guard up and was being very careful about when he wanted to attack.

The man from Ecuador knew he needed to do something special to turn this one around. He was the busier of the two in the last round, but could not dodge the strong counters from Nishant. The Indian began to look tired by the end, but he had done just enough to clinch a big win! He moves on into the quarterfinals.

Game 2: Sreeja Akula (IND) 10 - 8 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 1)

Sun Yingsha is turning it on with her back to the wall everytime, and she quickly hits back with her backhand strokes before unleashing a fierce forehand cross-table shot to pull three points back in lightning-quick time.

Surely she can't do it twice, but then again, she's the World No. 1! Timeout called by India, and that's much-needed for Sreeja Akula.

She still has two game points up her sleeve, and if she can win this game, the possibilities for her are endless.

Game 2: Sreeja Akula (IND) 10 - 5 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 1)

Stunning point for Sreeja Akula! That was a well-placed backhand return from Sun Yingsha, but terrific reflexes from Sreeja to reach out and combat that, forcing the error from Sun Yingsha. She is up 8-5, and once again, in a commanding position!

Make that 9-5! Fierce forehand from the center of the table, and the angles she's creating with that forehand is incredible! Ohh she does it again, and it's five game points for Sreeja Akula!

Surely, this time she seals it.

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Game 2: Sreeja Akula (IND) 6 - 4 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 1)

Sun Yingsha forcing Sreeja to play on her backhand, and preventing her from unleashing those powerful forehand shots, but Sreeja's backhand pushes remain solid, and so far, she is not letting up in this 2nd game.

BOXING - Men's 71kg Ro16

Round 2: Nishant 4-1 Rodriguez

Rodriguez continued to press forward, but Nishant held his composure to land one of the cleanest jabs at the beginning of the round. The erratic attacks did not translate for too many scoring punches from the Ecuadorian, and when they did, they were met by equally impressive counters.

A prolonged clinch, with Nishant possibly realising that he had done enough in the round, which he did take 4-1 again. Nishant is sitting comfortable heading into the final round.

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Game 2: Sreeja Akula (IND) 3 - 2 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 1)

Sreeja Akula doing well to keep up with Sun Yingsha so far, but the Chinese athlete is making things look really easy here.

However, Sreeja appears unfazed here, and takes a 3-2 lead early in this game!

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Game 1: Sreeja Akula (IND) 10 - 12 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 0)

Oh what a comeback from Sun Yingsha! She scores six points on the trot to win the 1st Game despite being four Game points down, and that's a huge missed opportunity for Sreeja Akula.

She was really well placed to take that game, but will have to go all over once again here! Can she show some much-needed resilience?

BOXING - Men's 71kg Ro16

Round 1: Nishant 4-1 Rodriguez

Rodriguez came out looking to be the aggressor, but it was Nishant’s measured approach that saw him land more punches amid the flurry early.

The Indian was great switching between defence and attack, scoring well with counters. He was also deceptive, landing a few punches with his right hand. In the end, he was the better boxer in the opening round, taking it 4-1.

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Game 1: Sreeja Akula (IND) 10 - 10 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 0)

Ohh, this is a golden opportunity for Sreeja Akula, but Sun Yingsha doesn't let go easy. She hits back with 3 points in a row, and the score moves to 10-9. Sreeja still has a game point up her sleeve. Can she convert? Ohh, no she can't. Terrific comeback from Sun Yingsha.

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Game 1: Sreeja Akula (IND) 10 - 6 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 0)

Sreeja Akula's composure is terrific, and she's refusing to get bogged down by the awe of this contest. And that's led to some errors from Sun Yingsha and Sreeja takes the lead for the first time in this match. Ohh, it's a 2-point lead for her, she leads 8-6. Would you believe it?

Ohh, are we in for something special here? That's five points in a row for Sreeja against the current World No.1! Make it six!

Game point for Sreeja Akula.

BOXING - Men's 71kg Ro16

The announcer introduces the boxers as they make their way to the North Paris Arena.

Nishant is in the Blue corner and his opponent, the seventh seed, is in the Red. They're getting the gear on, live action coming up in just a few moments!

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Game 1: Sreeja Akula (IND) 5 - 5 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 0)

Sreeja doing well to stay in the game, and playing to her strong forehand. However, Sun Yingsha showing her class right from the beginning, and she makes it look so easy. However, Sreeja is striking with that forehand from all angles, and is steadfastly refusing to let Sun Yingsha out of her sights.

She looks completely at ease her, and guess what, it's 5-5!

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Game 1: Sreeja Akula (IND) 2 - 2 Sun Yingsha (CHN) (Match Score: 0 - 0)

Sharp change of direction fro Sun Yingsha, and she forces an error from Sreeja to take the first point. Ohh, wonderful backhand push down the line wins Sreeja her first point of the match.

Switches it up to the forehand, and that's her strength! Powerful smash and it's 2-2.

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Sreeja Akula and Sun Yingsha make their way out to the table for the toss.

She's up against it against the World's best paddler is Sreeja Akula, but can she script a new chapter in her underdog story?

The warmups are done and dusted and we're all set for live action. Sreeja will start!

BOXING - Men's 71kg Ro16

While we wait for the current bout to end, get to know the two pugilists a little better using the links below 👇

Jose Gabriel: All you need to know about Nishant Dev’s opponent in boxing Round of 16 at Paris Olympics 2024

Who is Nishant Dev? All you need to know about the Indian amateur boxer competing at the Paris Olympics 2024

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Click on the link below to read a preview and prediction regarding the outcome of this contest 👇

Paris Olympics 2024 Table Tennis: Sun Yingsha vs Sreeja Akula preview, prediction, and where to watch

BOXING - Men's 71kg Ro16

We are headed towards the end of another action-packed day from the Paris Olympics, but there’s still a big bout coming up for young Nishant Dev as he opens his campaign in the Men’s 71 kg category.

The Indian is set to take on Ecuador’s Jose Gabriel Rodriguez Tenorio at the North Paris Arena at 12.34 am. Stay tuned as we bring to you the live updates from this Round of 16 bout!

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

Here's all you need to know about Sreeja's opponent - Sun Yingsha who she'll be facing in the pre-quarterfinals today 👇

Sun Yingsha: All you need to know about Sreeja Akula’s opponent in table tennis Round of 16 at Paris Olympics 2024

TABLE TENNIS - Women's Singles Ro16

India's top-ranked paddler, Sreeja Akula is back in action today for the second time, and this time, she'll be taking on China's Sun Yingsha in what is expected to be a tough draw for the Indian paddler. However, Sreeja can script history here tonight. She's had a magnificent campaign so far, beating Christina Kallberg 4-0 and then following it up with a terrific display against Jian Zeng, winning the match 4-2.

History beckons, but will Sreeja answer the call? Stick around to find out!

BADMINTON - Men's Singles Group Stage

HS PRANNOY QUALIFIES FOR THE ROUND OF 16!! And that sets up a Round of 16 date between HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen! Both Indian shuttlers have looked like genuine medal contenders this year, but unfortunately, only one will be able to advance. Click here, to catch the highlights from the match.

BADMINTON - Men's Singles Group Stage

A 12-8 lead for HS Prannoy as he goes into the second half of the third game. He needs to make sure that Le Duc Phat isn't given any breathing room. He will look to extend his lead and seal the match. Click here to follow the detailed updates of the match!

BADMINTON - Men's Singles Group Stage

Prannoy has levelled it up! Does it convincingly too, with a 21-11 score and his experience is playing a part in this match. Le Duc Phat, meanwhile, is losing stamina now. He's struggling to get to the net shots and drops that Prannoy is executing. Click here to find out if Prannoy can take home the match and set up a Ro16 match with Lakshya Sen!

BADMINTON - Men's Singles Group Stage

HS Prannoy is doing much better in the second game, having taken a 12-8 lead. He won the first few rallies quite easily, finishing rallies with disdain. He needs to find a way to continue the momentum and level the match score. Click here to follow the detailed coverage of the match.

BADMINTON - Men's Singles Group Stage

HS Prannoy goes down in the first game, losing 16-21 to the Vietnamese shuttler. Pressure on Prannoy now, who is not looking at his best. He's just a tad slow on the court today and will be looking to make amends and find a way to counter his opponent in the next game. Click here to follow the detailed coverage of the match!

BADMINTON - Men's Singles Group Stage

11-9 reads the score against Prannoy as we go into a short breather in the first game. Le Duc Phat is looking dangerous here but trust Prannoy to make a comeback. Click here to follow the complete coverage of the match!

BADMINTON - Men's Singles Group Stage

After some of the best display of badminton most of us have ever seen from Lakshya Sen, it is time for his compatriot HS Prannoy to try and replicate some of the same to set up a Round of 16 date with Sen tomorrow. He goes up against Vietnam's Le Duc Phat, with the winner set to progress into the next round. How will that match pan out? Click here to follow the detailed coverage of the match!

Lakshya Sen pulled off an upset against World Rank 4, and Olympics third seeded Jonatan Christie. How does that affect the group's points table? Click below to find out 👇

Paris 2024 Olympics Badminton Points Table: Group L updated standings after Lakshya Sen vs Jonatan Christie

India at Paris 2024 Olympics, Day 5 - What is coming up?

After Tarundeep Rai and Manika Batra's losses, we are left with three more events for the day:

11:00 PM IST - Badminton Men's Singles Group Stage ft. HS Prannoy
12:30 AM IST (31st July) - Table Tennis Women's Singles Ro16 ft. Sreeja Akula
12:34 AM IST (31st July) - Boxing Round of 16 ft. Nishant Dev

ARCHERY - Men's Individual Ro64

Tom Hall def. Tarundeep Rai 6-4

A valiant fight from Tarundeep Rai, but it was not enough in the end. Both archers were locked in a heated battle throughout most of the encounter, but it was the Briton who was more clutch in the big moments.

For Tarundeep Rai, very possibly playing his last Olympics, his campaign comes to an end. He, however, went down fighting and can hold his head high! He has done so much for archery in India and was at his fighting best today as well and we should all be proud.

ARCHERY - Men's Individual Ro64

Tarundeep (9, 10, 9) 4 - 6 (9, 10, 10) Hall

HEARTBREAK for Tarun! The Indian made a brilliant start with two 10s but missed the centre by the slightest of margins for a 9 on his last.

Hall, needing a perfect 10 on his last arrow to draw the set and take the one point needed to secure a win, did just that!

ARCHERY - Men's Individual Ro64

Tarundeep (9, 10, 9) 3 - 5 (9, 10, 10) Hall

This is a very tight encounter. Things were neck-and-neck again after the first two arrows, but Tarun gave his opponent just that slight bit of opening with a 9 on his final arrow.

Hall was quick to pounce as he fired an arrow dead in the centre to take the lead. A must-win set for the Indian coming up!

ARCHERY - Men's Individual Ro64

Tarundeep (9, 10, 9) 3 - 3 (8, 9, 8) Hall

A shaky start from the Briton and he never quite recovered from that. Hall followed his 8 up with a 9 and another long hold for an 8.

Tarun steady as rock as he found the centre once and stayed in the gold to get two more 9s to level the set score at 3-3.

ARCHERY - Men's Individual Ro64

Tarundeep (9, 9, 9) 1 - 3 (8, 9, 10) Hall

We were headed for a repeat of the opening set, with both archers matching each other arrow-to-arrow, but the Briton hit bulls eye just when he needed it the most.

And with that 10 on the final arrow, Hall takes the second set to move ahead in the scoreline!