Indian para table tennis player Bhavina Patel on
Sunday became only the country’s second female Paralympic medallist, winning
silver in the women’s singles class 4 event after losing to China’s world number
one Zhou Ying in the final. This was also India’s first medal at the ongoing
Tokyo Paralympics.

Patel was overpowered in the final by the two-time
Paralympic gold medallist Ying, losing in straight games. Patel, who had also
lost to six-time World Championship medallist Zhou earlier in the group stages,
lost 7-11, 5-11, 6-11 within 19 minutes.

Patel is the second female to win a Paralympic medal, after
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) chief Deepa Malik, who won silver at the Rio
2016 edition in women’s shot put.

Watch her collect her historic medal here:

Patel, however, said she is not satisfied with her
silver medal, adding that she is disappointed for having not performed at her
best. “I am very happy on one side, I was very nervous, so that’s why I wasn’t
able to give my hundred percent in the match. I am not satisfied and a little
bit disappointed. But I will fulfil all shortcomings in the next tournament,” the
34-year-old told news agency ANI.

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Speaking on her mental composure during the match, she
said, “I am able to control my mind very well. It’s not a big thing for me. But
this was my first experience. The Chinese player played very well. She had a
fast moment and have a huge experience so that’s why I was nervous”.

Bhavina, ranked world no 12 and not among the medal
hopefuls for India ahead of the tournament, had an incredible run to the final,
defeating the world number 9, 8, 2 and 3 in the earlier stages.

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“I dedicate this medal to those who supported me, PCI,
SAI, TOPS, Blind People Association and too all my friends and family. This
medal is also dedicated to my coach who always supported me and gave hard
training for which I could reach this stage. Special thanks to my physio,
dietician, sports psychologist. They are who always motivated me,” she said.