NEW DELHI: Ankita Bhakat secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Final Olympic Qualifier in Antalya, Turkey on Sunday, after defeating Gabrielle Monica Bidaure of Philippines with a score of 6-0 (26-23, 28-22, 28-23).
According to PTI, this victory also ensured an individual quota for India in women's archery at the upcoming Paris Games.
In the previous rounds, Ankita had triumphed over Shelley Hilton 6-4 (24-26, 25-25, 28-20, 25-25, 27-25) and Mikaella Moshe 7-3 (28-25, 25-27, 27-27, 28-25, 26-25), both hailing from Israel. Her next challenge will be against the top-seeded Mobina Fallah of Iran in the quarterfinals.
India has now secured individual quotas in both men's and women's sections, with Dhiraj Bommadevara having already earned the men's individual quota from the Asian qualifying leg.
Bhajan, seeded third, received a bye into the round of 32 and emerged victorious against Urantungalag Bishindee of Mongolia with a score of 6-2 (29-27, 28-26, 26-29, 27-24). She will face Urska Cavic of Slovenia in her pre-quarterfinal match, with hopes of securing a podium finish.
The individual quotas are awarded to the top eight nations, with each country receiving one individual quota.
