Rio Olympics: Disappointing start for Indian shooters as Apurvi, Ayonika crash out

Indian shooting contingent got off to a disappointing start at the Rio Olympics as Apurvi Chandra and Ayonika Paul have failed to qualify for the final of the 10m Air rifle women's event here at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Saturday.

After four series of shots, Apurvi finished 34 with a total score of 411.6 while Ayonika was 47th with a score of 403 in the qualification round.

Li Du of China set an Olympic record in the competition with a score of 420.7 to finish first in the qualification round.

Germany's Barbara Engleder finished second with 420.3 ahead of Elaheh Ahmadi of Iran (417.8).

Shooting forms the country's biggest medal hope in the world's biggest sporting extravaganza.

Ace marksman Jitu Rai and Gurpreet Singh will be in action in the men's 10m air pistol event later in the day.

Earlier in the day, Indian rower Dattu Bhokanal progressed through to the quarterfinals of the men's single sculls event after finishing third in the first heat at the Rio Olympics.