CWG 2022: Bhavina Patel wins in womens Para TT final, hands India 13th gold medal

Indian star Para paddler Bhavina Patel delivered on her promise as she defeated Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi of Nigeria 12-10, 11-2, 11-9 in women’s singles classes 3-5 to win the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022. The victory on Saturday also marked India’s 13th gold medal win at the ongoing mega event.

The Tokyo Paralympics silver medallist began her campaign at the Commonwealth Games on a strong note, defeating Daniela di Toro of Australia 3-1 in her first group stage match. She continued her medal bid with wins over Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi (3-0) of Nigeria and Akanisi Latu of Fiji (3-0) in the second and third group stage matches respectively.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Rohit Tokas wins bronze medal in boxing

The Indian ace faced Sue Bailey of England in the semifinal, whom she also defeated 3-0 to secure a spot in the final of her category. She met Ifechukwude Ikpeoyi for the second time in the tournament in the final on Saturday night, three days after her win over the Nigerian paddler. However, she replicated her performance from the group stage match once again, defeating her opponent in straight games (3-0) to clinch the gold medal.

Bhavina dropped only one game on her road to the final, which came against Australian Daniela di Toro in her first group stage match on August 3. Since then, the Indian paddler won all of her matches in straight games to secure India’s 13th gold medal at the ongoing edition of the Commonwealth Games.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: 19-year-old Indian wrestler Deepak Nehra claims bronze medal

Bhavina is also the second Para paddler to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Saturday night, as Sonalben Manubhai Patel bagged a bronze medal shortly before her victory.

India has now won 40 medals in total at the Commonwealth Games 2022, including 13 gold, 11 silver and 16 bronze. They are currently in the fifth spot on the list, following Australia, England, Canada and New Zealand. India is only four medals short of equalling New Zealand’s current tally of 44 medals, something they will surely set their sights on now.