Tokyo: August 5 can be a significant day for the Indian Olympic contingent here if everything goes according to the plan as two Indian athletes and the men's hockey team will compete in the medal match. Wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya could win India's much-desired gold on Thursday, while the hockey team and wrestler Deepak Punia will play for bronze in their respective games.
Here at the athletes and team to watch out for on August 5
Ravi Kumar Dahiya - Wrestling
The celebration has already broken out in wrestler Ravi Dahiya’s native village after he stormed into the finals of the Tokyo Games to assure India of a fourth Olympic medal. Dahiya on Wednesday became only the second Indian wrestler to qualify for the title clash at the Olympic Games when he sensationally turned around the 57kg semifinal bout by pinning Kazakhstan’s Nurislam Sanayev.
On Thursday, he will take on Zaur Uguev, who is representing the Russian Olympic Committee, in the gold medal bout.
Vinesh Phogat - Wrestling
The top seed in the women's 56kg category, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat will begin her Tokyo Olympics campaign on Thursday. The Asian champion and star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been touted as India's one of biggest medal hopes.
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Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik even said she would be surprised if Vinesh cannot return home with the gold this time around.
Indian men's hockey team
Although the 2-5 loss to Belgium in the Olympic semifinals on Tuesday is disappointing, Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh and star custodian P. R. Sreejesh have no time to dwell on the heartbreak as it has to refocus for the bronze medal play-off on Thursday. India will play Germany in the third-place playoff. Germany lost to Australia 1-3.
Deepak Punia - Wrestling
Wrestler Deepak Punia will fight for the bronze medal on Thursday after he was outclassed by formidable American David Morris Taylor in the 86kg semifinals of the Olympic Games on Wednesday.
