Bhavina Patel Advances to Paralympics Quarterfinals

India's Bhavina Patel, a silver medallist in the Tokyo Paralympics, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the women's singles Class 4 table tennis event by defeating Mexico's Martha Verdin. Bhavina, a 37-year-old athlete from Gujarat, will face defending champion Ying Zhou of China in the quarterfinals.

India's Bhavina Patel, who claimed a silver medal in the Tokyo Paralympics, has progressed to the quarterfinals of the women's singles Class 4 table tennis event. Patel secured her spot with a dominant 3-0 victory over Mexico's Martha Verdin on Sunday.

The 37-year-old from Gujarat dismissed Martha with scores of 11-3, 11-6, and 11-7 in their round of 16 encounter. Patel's upcoming challenge will be against defending champion Ying Zhou of China, who had previously defeated Patel in the Tokyo Paralympics final.

Class 4 competitors participate in a seated position, often due to lower-spinal cord injuries or cerebral palsy. Bhavina, who was diagnosed with polio in her youth, began her journey in para table tennis by winning the national championship in 2009. Her accolades include a gold medal at the 2022 Para Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2022 Para Asian Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)