At Wednesday's tokyo Paralympics, Sonal patel almost made a perfect start to India. The indian para paddler came close to astonishing World No 4 and silver medalist Qian Li at the women's single Class 3 Group D matches. Players have no trunk control in class 3, but the impaired effect on their arms is minimal. Sonal lost 11-9, 3-11, 17-15, 7-11, 4-11 in a thriller. Sonal had an excellent beginning because, in six minutes, she took the first game by 11-9. However, in the second game, the Chinese made a rugged comeback and won by 11-3 to 1-1.
Then came the third game, which probably was the best table tennis played by the players. Sonal won the enthralling match in a marathon by 17-15 to lead by 2-1. In the third game, the indian struggled neck and neck and surprised the Chinese with her persistence. The Chinese paddler later reassembled and won by 11-7 and 11-4 in the next two matches to win this match. On Wednesday, Sonal's Mi Gyu Lee will lock South Korean horns.
India sent 54 Paralympic contingents to tokyo, its largest ever. For 12 days from august 25 to september 5, para-athletes compete in up to 9 sports. The track and field contingent of india has turned all the gaze on. It is estimated to happen likely in tokyo later this week. Devendra Jhajharia and Mariyappan Thangavelu are keen to give their decorated cabinet a further medal.
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