PIX: Archers Deepika-Atanu tie the knot

IMAGE: Archer Deepika Kumari is helped by her husband Atanu Das to wear a mask as they pose for the photographer during their marriage ceremony, in Ranchi, on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI

India’s top archers Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das tied the knot at Morabadi in Ranchi, on Tuesday, following all the social distancing norms strictly to avoid the COVID-19 threat during the low-key wedding ceremony.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was present on the occasion and complimented both Deepika and Atanu, wishing them a happy married life.

IMAGE: Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren greets Deepika Kumari and her husband Atanu Das. Photograph: PTI

Only 60 invitation cards were printed and the duo gave two time slots in the evening for the guests to attend the reception, while the family members were confined at home. Strict social distancing measures were put in place with guests divided into two batches of 50 each. They were handed masks and sanitizers on arriving at the venue.

Archers Association of India’s (AAI) newly-elected president Arjun Munda, a former Jharkhand chief minister, who has played a big part in shaping Deepika's career, was also present at the wedding and performed the Kanyadaan ritual.

The duo who had been engaged since 2018, zeroed in on June 30, knowing that the situation will be eased by September, around when the Archers Association of India plans to resume the camp for the Tokyo Olympics-bound probables.

IMAGE: Archer Deepika Kumari with her husband archer Atanu Das as they pose for the photographers during their marriage ceremony, in Ranchi, on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI

"We all are staying and doing nothing at home. Everything is closed and we wanted to utilise this time. We had to get married at some point of time so finally we decided on this date," Deepika, who turned 26 earlier this month, added.

By virtue of their silver medal at the 2019 World Championships, India have clinched the men's team quota for the Tokyo Olympics that has been deferred to 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Das was a member of the silver-medal winning Indian team and is all set to head to Tokyo for his second successive Olympics.

Deepika, on the other hand, will be eyeing a third straight Olympics.

In the women's section, India have so far secured a solitary quota with Deepika getting the job done through the Continental Olympic Qualifiers.

India will have their final chance to get a team quota through the World Cup ahead of the Olympics in July next year.

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