India's Geeta Phogat will today lock horns with Tonya Lynn Verbeek of Canada in the pre-quarterfinals of the Women's 55 kilogram Freestyle Wrestling competition of the London Olympics. The match will begin at 5:30 PM (Indian Standard Time). The 23-year old is the first woman wrestler of Indian origin, who is participating in the Olympic Games. Geeta had advanced to the last-16 stage after she got a bye in the opening round.In Athletics, Tintu Luka will be seen in action in the semi-finals of the Women's 800 metres race at 12 AM tonight. She yesterday made it to the semi-finals by finishing third in the heats, clocking 2 minutes, 1.75 seconds. Out of the twenty four runners competing in the semi-finals today, eight will make it to the finals.India's Sahana Kumari is currently competing in the qualifications of the Women's High Jump event.The final match of the Women's 51 kilogram Boxing between local favourite Nicola Adams of Great Britain and China's Cancan Ren will take place today. In the semi-finals, Nicola Adams had defeated India's MC Mary Kom, who was awarded with a bronze medal. Mary Kom's medal took India's tally to four — one silver and three bronze — which is the country's best medal haul at the Olympics.Meanwhile in the Men's Boxing, L. Devendro Singh's bid for an Olympic medal was dashed last night when he succumbed to Ireland's Paddy Barnes in a high-voltage quarter-final contest. The 20-year old Devendro fought gallantly but could not prevail over his stronger opponent and lost with a 18-23 verdict. With his exit, the Indian challenge in the boxing ring came to an end.In other important events today, Jamaicans Usian Bolt and Yohan Blake will be seen sprinting in the Men's 200 metres finals. In the semi-finals yesterday, Blake recorded 20.01 seconds, 0.17 seconds faster than compatriot and 100 metres Gold medallist, Usain Bolt.Both the Men's Hockey semifinal matches will be played today. In the first semi-final, Australia will take on Germany, while in the second semi-final, Netherlands will take on France. India had failed to win even a single group match at this year's Olympics. They will play South Africa for the 11th and 12th positions.The Women's Football Gold medal match between the United States and Japan is also slated to take place today. In the Bronze medal match, Canada will meet France.China continue to be at the top of the medals table at the London Olympics. At present, they have a haul of 36 Gold, 22 Silver and 19 Bronze. China are closely followed by the United States, who are second with a tally of 34 Gold, 22 Silver and 25 Bronze. Hosts Great Britain are holding on to the third spot with 22 Gold, 13 Silver and 13 Bronze.With 1 Silver and 3 Bronze medals, India are at the 46th position, tied with Slovakia.
News On AIR | August 9, 2012 1:15 PM
Olympics Wrestling: Geeta Phogat to take on Tonya Lynn of Canada in pre-quarterfinals of Women's 55 kilogram Freestyle