Rajat Chauhan settles for historic silver

Rajat Chauhan. Pic/AFP

Copenhagen: Rajat Chauhan created history by becoming the first Indian senior level archer to clinch an individual medal at the World Championships as he bagged a silver at the Copenhagen meet on Saturday.

Rajat Chauhan. Pic/AFP

Twenty-year-old Chauhan put up a tough fight but in the end went down 143-147 to Stephan Hansen of Denmark in the men's compound final.

Chauhan, who became the first Indian compound archer to qualify for the archery World Cup final last year, fought neck-and-neck with the talented Dane, the reigning youth world champion, who had the home crowd rooting for him at the Christiansborgs Slotsplad. The two players were locked 58-58 after the first two ends of six arrows, before the Indian had a poor third end to fall behind at 85-88. In contrast, Hansen seemed to grow in confidence and hit three tens in the third end while Chauhan had to be satisfied with 27.

Stung by the reverse, Chauhan upped the ante in the fourth end, picking up 10-10-10 to close the gap to two points at 115-117.

However, Hansen was in full control in the final round as his three arrows fetched a full 30 points. In contrast, Chauhan could only score 28.

Women's glory today?
India are assured of at least another silver medal today as the women's recurve team comprising Deepika Kumari, Rimil Buriuly and Laxmirani Majhi clash for the gold with Russia.

Laxmirani will again be seen in action in the bronze medal play-off opposite Korean girl Misun Choi.