Paddlers advance to mixed doubles final

Bangladesh moved into the mixed doubles final of table tennis in the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, defeating Bahrain 3-1 in the semifinals today.

The Bangladeshi pair, Javed Ahmed and Khoi Khoi Sai Marma, started strongly by winning the first game 13-11 against Bahraini duo Rashed and Kenda Mohamed. 

Bahrain leveled the match by taking the second game 11-7. However, Bangladesh regained control with a close 12-10 win in the third game and sealed the victory with a dominant 11-3 in the fourth.

With this win, Bangladesh ensured at least a silver medal and will face Turkey in today's final.

Earlier, Bangladeshi weightlifter Marzika Akter Ikra brought the country its first success in the Games, earning three bronze medals in snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift events.