Aichi-Nagoya, 20 October (H.S.): Indian para-table tennis players Sonalben Patel and Bhavina Patel won bronze medals in their respective women’s singles categories at the 2026 Asian Para Games. Both athletes suffered defeats in their semifinal matches but secured third place in their respective events, adding to India’s medal tally at the continental competition.

In the women’s singles Class 3 semifinal, Sonalben Patel was defeated by South Korea’s Yun Ji-yu in straight games, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6. The loss ended Sonalben’s bid to reach the final, and she had to settle for the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, in the women’s singles Class 4-5 semifinal, Paralympic medallist Bhavina Patel lost to China’s Zhang Bian by 7-11, 5-11, 7-11. The result secured Bhavina the bronze medal in her category.

The medals won by Sonalben and Bhavina further strengthened India’s medal tally at the Asian Para Games. Their performances once again highlighted India’s growing presence in para table tennis at the continental level.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar