Reetika Hooda's Olympic Medal Hopes Dented in Women's Wrestling

Reetika Hooda’s Olympic Medal Hopes Dented in Women’s Wrestling

India’s hopes of a medal in women’s wrestling at the Paris 2024 Olympics suffered a setback as Reetika Hooda lost to top-seeded Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan in the quarterfinals of the 76 kg freestyle event on Saturday.

After a promising start, winning the first point by passivity, Reetika faced a determined comeback from Medet Kyzy in the second round. The Kyrgyz wrestler forced Reetika on defense and collected a point by passivity. As Medet Kyzy was the last wrestler to score, she emerged victorious based on countback.

Despite the setback, the 21-year-old from Haryana still has a chance to secure a bronze medal through the repechage round. This opportunity will arise if Medet Kyzy advances to the final.

Reetika’s journey to the quarterfinals was marked by an impressive victory over two-time European Championships medalist Bernadette Nagy of Hungary. She dominated the bout, winning 12-2 via technical superiority.

Reetika’s rise to prominence has been remarkable. In 2023, she became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the U-23 World Championships, defeating Kennedy Blades of the United States. She also claimed a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Championships in Astana.

Reetika’s transition from the 72kg weight class to the 76kg category, which is part of the Olympic roster, is a testament to her adaptability and determination. She will now eagerly await Medet Kyzy’s progress in the tournament, hoping for a chance to compete in the repechage round and secure a medal for India.

Eliud Kipchoge Retires from Marathon Running, Hands Over Shoes to Fan

Eliud Kipchoge Retires from Marathon Running, Hands Over Shoes to Fan

Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge’s illustrious career came to an unexpected end at the Paris Olympics, as the 39-year-old Kenyan legend handed over his running shoes to a fan and retired from the race at the 30-kilometer mark.

Kipchoge, the only athlete to run a marathon under two hours (albeit in an unofficial race), had hoped to cap off his career with a historic third consecutive Olympic gold medal. However, he found himself struggling to keep pace with the leaders and was approximately eight minutes behind when he made the difficult decision to withdraw.

As he approached the sidelines, Kipchoge turned to the cheering crowd and handed over his shoes, bib, and socks to a group of supporters. The gesture was met with a thunderous ovation, as fans recognized the significance of the moment. Kipchoge then climbed into a waiting van and was driven away, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled achievement.

Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola emerged victorious in the race, setting a new Olympic record time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds. Tola described the victory as the “greatest day” of his life, while Kipchoge acknowledged the disappointment of his retirement.

“This is my worst marathon,” Kipchoge said. “I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That’s life.”

Kipchoge revealed that he had experienced pain in his back after the 20-kilometer mark, which ultimately forced him to withdraw. Despite the setback, he remained uncertain about his future.

“I don’t know what my future will hold,” Kipchoge said. “I will think about it over the next three months. I still want to try to run some marathons.”

Kipchoge’s retirement marks the end of an era in marathon running. His exceptional talent and unwavering determination have inspired countless athletes and fans around the world. While his Olympic dream may have ended prematurely, his legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of all time will endure.

PR Sreejesh: A Legend Inspiring the Next Generation of Indian Hockey

PR Sreejesh: A Legend Inspiring the Next Generation of Indian Hockey

PR Sreejesh: A Legend Inspiring the Next Generation of Indian Hockey Players

Just-retired Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring countless aspiring hockey players across the nation. His teammates, upon returning from the Paris Olympics with a second consecutive bronze medal, hailed Sreejesh as a true legend whose contributions will continue to shape the future of Indian hockey.

“Sreejesh is the epitome of a legend,” said forward Lalit Upadhyay. “He’s the ‘Great Wall’ of India, and his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication have set an unparalleled standard for goalkeepers. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation to strive for greatness.”

Upadhyay also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support hockey has received from the Indian public. “The love and passion for hockey in our country is unwavering,” he said. “It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport and the unwavering support of our fans.”

Skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, was also lauded for his exceptional leadership and performance. “Harmanpreet has earned the nickname ‘Sarpanch’ for his exceptional leadership qualities,” said Upadhyay. “He’s a true captain who has led by example, inspiring his teammates to achieve their full potential.”

Defender Jarmanpreet Singh echoed Upadhyay’s sentiments, praising Sreejesh’s legendary status. “Sreejesh is a true icon,” he said. “His contributions to Indian hockey are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Jarmanpreet also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s remarkable performance in the tournament. “Harmanpreet is our team’s ‘goal machine,'” he said. “His ability to score crucial goals has been instrumental in our success.”

Reflecting on the team’s fighting spirit, Upadhyay recalled the quarterfinal match against Great Britain, where India played with only 10 men for over 40 minutes. “That match showcased the true character of our team,” he said. “We never gave up, and our determination ultimately led us to victory.”

As Sreejesh embarks on a new chapter in his life, his teammates wished him well. “I wish Sreejesh all the best in his future endeavors,” said Jarmanpreet. “He has been an incredible mentor and teammate, and his contributions to Indian hockey will never be forgotten.”

Sha'Carri Richardson's Iconic Stare Leads Team USA to Relay Gold

Sha’Carri Richardson’s Iconic Stare Leads Team USA to Relay Gold

In a thrilling climax at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sha’Carri Richardson propelled Team USA to a resounding gold medal in the women’s 4×100-meter relay. The American quartet, comprising Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, and Richardson, found themselves trailing in fourth place when Richardson took the baton.

Undeterred, Richardson unleashed an astonishing burst of speed, swiftly overtaking rivals from Germany and France. As she neared the finish line, Richardson cast a confident glance at Great Britain’s Daryll Neita, ensuring her dominance. Her emphatic finish not only secured gold for Team USA with a season-best time of 41.78 seconds but also etched an unforgettable Olympic moment as she crossed the line with a commanding stare at her competitors.

“The moment that [I realized] that when we won, the USA ladies,” Richardson exclaimed after the triumph. “It was a phenomenal feeling for all of us.”

Richardson’s unwavering gaze instantly became an internet sensation, with memes and posts about her “stone cold” stare flooding social media platforms. The victory held immense significance for Richardson, who had faced adversity earlier in the Games. After claiming silver in the individual 100-meter race, she found redemption in the relay, earning her first Olympic gold medal.

Richardson’s triumph in the relay also marked a moment of personal redemption. She had missed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to a suspension following a positive test for marijuana, which she had used to cope with the loss of her mother.

Despite challenging rainy conditions and a slight delay in the baton handoff, Richardson’s final leg of the relay was flawless, showcasing her resilience and determination. “I was very comfortable with this team,” Richardson said. “I just remember trusting Gabby and knowing that she’s going to put this thing in my hand no matter what.”

Indian Wrestling Contingent in Crisis at Paris Olympics

Indian Wrestling Contingent in Crisis at Paris Olympics

The Indian wrestling contingent at the Paris Olympics has been rocked by a series of unfortunate events, leaving the camp in a state of panic.

On Friday, Aman Sehrawat, who won bronze in the men’s 57kg category, lost nearly five kilos in just 10 hours before his medal bout. This drastic weight loss left him physically weakened and unable to perform at his best.

Meanwhile, Antim Panghal, one of India’s medal prospects in wrestling, has revealed that she resorted to extreme measures to pass the weigh-in ahead of her opening bout. Panghal starved herself for 48 hours straight, consuming only minimal amounts of water. This left her body dehydrated and without any energy for her match, resulting in a humiliating 0-10 loss.

Panghal’s situation was exacerbated by the fact that her dietician, her sister Nisha, was not officially part of the Indian contingent and was not allowed inside the Olympic village. This left Panghal to manage her weight loss on her own, leading to her drastic decision to starve herself.

The most devastating blow came on Saturday when Vinesh Phogat, India’s usual candidate in the women’s 53kg freestyle category, was disqualified from the final after being found overweight during the weigh-in. Phogat, who had become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, was 100 grams over the permissible limit.

Heartbroken, Phogat initially announced her retirement from the sport but later appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal. The CAS is yet to make a decision on her appeal.

These incidents have raised serious concerns about the well-being of Indian wrestlers and the lack of support they are receiving from the authorities. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has expressed its support for Phogat’s appeal to the CAS, but it remains to be seen whether the court will rule in her favor.

Irish Olympian Mark English Finishes Sixth in 800m, Sparks Meme Fest Over Surname

Irish Olympian Mark English Finishes Sixth in 800m, Sparks Meme Fest Over Surname

Irish Olympian Mark English, despite a valiant effort in the Men’s 800m, finished sixth in the race. While his performance was met with praise on social media, his surname, “English,” sparked a humorous meme fest.

English, a native of Letterkenny, Donegal, is Ireland’s leading 800m runner with nine national titles to his name. His athletic journey began with soccer and Gaelic football before transitioning to competitive running.

In the 2024 Paris Olympics, English made a strong move with 200m remaining but was unable to maintain his pace. Despite missing out on a medal, his performance was widely lauded.

However, his surname became a source of amusement online. “Ireland or England at the 2024 Paris Olympics?” one user quipped, sharing a picture of English. Another added, “English but Irish.”

The irony of English’s name and nationality sparked a flurry of memes. “In the ironic lane is the Irish runner, Mark English,” one user commented. Another explained, “So this Mark, is he English? No, actually, he’s Irish. But his name is Mark English! True, but he hails from Ireland. So, is English his first language? No, he speaks Irish as his mother tongue.”

The 2024 Paris Olympics, which began on July 26 and will conclude on August 11, has witnessed both controversy and memorable moments. The opening ceremony tableau drew criticism for its alleged insensitivity towards Christianity, while athletes falling ill after swimming in the River Seine raised concerns about water quality.

Despite these setbacks, the event has also showcased remarkable achievements, such as the effortless style of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec and the heartwarming marriage proposal made by Chinese badminton player Zheng Si Wei to his mixed doubles partner Huang Ya Qiong after winning gold.

Football Season Kick-Off Amidst Riot Concerns

Football Season Kick-Off Amidst Riot Concerns

As the English football season kicks off this weekend, authorities are on high alert following the recent riots that have plagued the country. The unrest, sparked by a knife attack that claimed the lives of three children, has seen far-right elements, including those with ties to football hooliganism, orchestrating violence against mosques and immigration-related sites.

Tommy Robinson, a notorious anti-Muslim agitator, has been accused of fueling the unrest through social media posts. His name has been chanted at gatherings, raising concerns that the start of the football season could reignite the violence.

Over 80,000 fans are expected at Wembley on Saturday for the FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Manchester United. The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) is collaborating with forces nationwide to share intelligence and prevent further unrest.

Football Banning Orders, which prohibit individuals from attending matches or nearby areas, have been extended to cover online hate crime and drug offenses. Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, urged people not to “tarnish football with the violence that we’ve seen.”

Mark Doidge, a Loughborough University academic, downplayed any overlap between the recent disorder and football fans. He noted that while some fans may spontaneously protest or chant about recent events, there is no evidence of coordinated activity or recruitment to the far-right at football matches.

Despite the concerns, some football clubs in affected towns have condemned the violence. Steve Gibson, chairman of Middlesbrough’s club, said, “We utterly condemn the violent and racist scenes we have seen on the streets of Middlesbrough. Our town and our football club have welcomed people from across the world.”

B-Girl Raygun's Unconventional Breaking Performance Sparks Debate

B-Girl Raygun’s Unconventional Breaking Performance Sparks Debate

Rachael Gunn, a 36-year-old cultural studies lecturer at Macquarie University in Sydney, made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics with her unconventional performance in the women’s breaking competition. Known as B-girl Raygun, Gunn stood out not only for her attire, which contrasted sharply with the typical hip-hop fashion of her competitors, but also for her unique, non-traditional moves.

Gunn’s routine included less typical elements like a crab walk and a chin-holding squirm, which she incorporated into her performance. She entered the competition aware that she might not be a favorite, and her expectations were met when she lost all three of her round-robin battles with 18-0 scores and failed to earn a single vote from the judges.

Despite her lack of success in the competition, Gunn’s performance sparked a lot of discussion and debate online. Some praised her for her originality and for challenging the norms of the sport, while others criticized her for her lack of technical skill and for not taking the competition seriously.

Gunn responded to the online trolling by posting a quote on her Instagram: “Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s gonna take you.” She also expressed her hope that her performance would inspire a new generation of people to get into breaking.

Gunn’s performance at the Olympics was a reminder that breaking is a diverse and inclusive sport that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. It is a sport that celebrates creativity, individuality, and self-expression.

Bangladesh Seeks Army Security for Women's T20 World Cup Amidst Political Unrest

Bangladesh Seeks Army Security for Women’s T20 World Cup Amidst Political Unrest

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reached out to the country’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, seeking security assurances for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from October 3-20. The tournament is set to take place in two Bangladeshi cities, Sylhet and Mirpur.

The BCB’s request comes amidst political unrest in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been closely monitoring the situation, as violent protests against the government have resulted in numerous deaths and the resignation of Hasina.

The ICC has the option of relocating the tournament to a different venue within a similar time zone, with India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sri Lanka being potential alternatives. However, the BCB remains hopeful that the event can be held in Bangladesh.

BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon and several other board directors, believed to have the backing of Hasina’s Awami League party, have fled the country. However, other directors remain in Dhaka and are determined to keep the tournament in Bangladesh.

“We are trying to host the tournament,” said Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu, chairman of the BCB umpiring committee. “We have sent a letter to the Army Chief regarding assurance about the security of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as we have only two months in hand.”

The ICC has communicated with the BCB, and the board has responded that it will provide an update shortly. “After the (interim) government is formed, we still have to give them assurance of the security considering it cannot be given by the board or anyone else apart from a law enforcement agency of the country,” added Mithu.

The warm-up round for the Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on September 27. The ICC will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and make a decision on the tournament’s venue based on the security assurances provided by the country’s authorities.

KKR's Raghuvanshi Mocks Nehwal, Igniting Sports Inequality Debate

KKR’s Raghuvanshi Mocks Nehwal, Igniting Sports Inequality Debate

KKR’s Angkrish Raghuvanshi Mocks Saina Nehwal, Sparking Debate on Sports Inequality

Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has ignited a heated debate on sports inequality in India after mocking badminton star Saina Nehwal on social media. The controversy erupted after Nehwal claimed that sports like badminton, tennis, and basketball require greater physical exertion than cricket, while criticizing fans for prioritizing cricket over other sports.

In a now-deleted post on social media, Raghuvanshi took a jab at Nehwal, writing, “Let’s see how she goes when Bumrah bowls 150k’s bumper at her head.” Nehwal responded indirectly, asserting that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah would struggle to handle her smash.

“How will you become Virat at that level? How will you become Rohit Sharma? So many players have to become like them. They can’t. Only a few of them are like that. But I just feel that it’s more of a skill-based sport. And bowlers, I agree. I won’t die there. Why would I face Jasprit Bumrah anyways? If I had been playing for 8 years maybe I would have answered Jasprit Bumrah,” Nehwal said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.

“If Jasprit Bumrah plays badminton with me maybe he won’t be able to take my smash. We should not fight with ourselves in our own country for these things. That’s what I want to say. Every sport is best in its place. But I want to say give value to other sports as well. Otherwise, where will we get sporting culture from? And cricket, Bollywood will always be our focus,” added the 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist.

Nehwal also highlighted the disparity in facilities and support between cricket and other sports in India, contributing to the country’s struggles to win medals at the Olympics.

Raghuvanshi, who made his IPL debut in 2024 and had a successful season with KKR, has since apologized for his comments. However, the incident has sparked a wider discussion about the need for greater recognition and support for non-cricket sports in India.

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