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India's Historic Archery Journey Ends in Heartbreak

India’s Historic Archery Journey Ends in Heartbreak

By August 2, 2024 0

India’s historic Olympic archery journey came to a heart-wrenching end as Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara narrowly missed out on a bronze medal, losing 2-6 to the USA’s Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison.

The Indian duo made history by becoming the first archers to reach an Olympic medal match, but their dream of a podium finish was shattered in the bronze medal contest. The first set was a close affair, with the USA pair edging out India 38-37. Ankita’s 7-pointer at the start of the set proved costly for India.

The pressure mounted in the second set, and Ankita’s first arrow was a low 7. Despite Casey’s 8-pointer, Brady’s double 10 gave the USA a commanding 4-0 lead. India fought back in the third set, with Dhiraj’s 10, 9, and 9, 10 combination. Casey’s weak link for the USA, shooting 7 and 8 in this set.

However, in the decider, Ankita faltered again with a double 8. Dhiraj’s 9 and 10 were not enough as Brady and Casey shot 10, 9, and 9, 9 to win the fourth set 37-35 and secure the bronze medal.

Earlier in the day, Ankita and Dhiraj had made history by reaching the semi-finals, where they faced the two-time Olympic finalists from Korea. The Indian pair started strongly, taking the first set 36-38, but the Koreans fought back to win the second set 38-35.

In the quarterfinal, India defeated Spain 38-37 38-38 36-37 37-36. Ankita and Dhiraj took the first set 38-37, but Spain tied the scores in the second set 38-all. India’s 3-1 advantage was neutralized in the third set, but they held their nerves in the fourth set to win 37-36 and secure a semifinal spot.

The Indian recurve mixed team had also performed admirably, rallying past Indonesia to enter the quarterfinals. Dhiraj and Ankita consistently shot 9s and 10s, with Ankita shooting 10s in her last three attempts to take the pair into the last eight stage.

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Helen Wills Triumphs in Paris Amidst Olympic Tennis Chaos

Helen Wills Triumphs in Paris Amidst Olympic Tennis Chaos

By August 2, 2024 0

In 1924, Paris hosted the Olympic Games, a grand spectacle that transformed the city. However, the tennis competition was marred by subpar facilities and a notable absence: Suzanne Lenglen, the reigning champion.

The tennis courts were situated in Colombes, an industrial area lacking amenities. The heat was oppressive, and the courts were poorly constructed, leading to player discomfort and injuries. The locker room was inadequate, and ball kids sought refuge from the sun.

Despite the challenges, Helen Wills, an 18-year-old American, emerged as a star. She had won Wimbledon the previous year and was eager to face Lenglen. However, Lenglen withdrew from the Olympics, citing health issues.

Wills dominated the competition, winning the gold medal in singles and doubles. Her victory marked a shift in the tennis landscape, as she represented a new type of athlete: wholesome, assertive, and self-assured.

The 1924 Games also marked the end of tennis at the Olympics for over six decades. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) clashed over control and amateurism, leading to tennis’s exclusion from the Games.

After the Olympics, Wills returned to the United States as a national hero. She became a symbol of American athleticism and a role model for young women. Her rivalry with Lenglen, the “Match of the Century” in 1926, further cemented her status as a tennis legend.

Categories: Tennis
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Iga Swiatek Wins Bronze Medal in Olympic Women's Singles Tennis

Iga Swiatek Wins Bronze Medal in Olympic Women’s Singles Tennis

By August 2, 2024 0

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris. The Polish star defeated Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia 6-2, 6-1 in the bronze medal match, played on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Swiatek’s victory came just 24 hours after a heartbreaking semifinal defeat to Zheng Qinwen of China, which left her in tears. However, she showed remarkable resilience to bounce back and secure a podium finish.

The 21-year-old Swiatek had been the favorite to win gold in Paris, having won the French Open four times. She cruised through her first three matches without dropping a set, but faced a tough challenge in the quarterfinals against American Danielle Collins.

In the semifinals, Swiatek was outplayed by Zheng, a player she had never lost to before. The defeat was a major disappointment, but it also gave Swiatek a chance to play for a medal in the bronze medal match.

Swiatek took full advantage of the opportunity, dominating Schmiedlova from the start. She broke serve early in the first set and never looked back, winning five straight games to take the set 6-2.

The second set was even more one-sided, as Swiatek broke serve twice to take a 4-0 lead. Schmiedlova managed to win a game, but Swiatek closed out the match with a hold of serve to win 6-1.

Swiatek’s bronze medal is the first Olympic medal for a Polish woman in singles tennis. It is also a testament to her mental toughness and ability to bounce back from adversity.

Categories: Tennis
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Coldplay's Tennis Obsession: Band Follows Top Players on Instagram

Coldplay’s Tennis Obsession: Band Follows Top Players on Instagram

By August 2, 2024 0

Coldplay’s Tennis Obsession: Band Follows Tennis Stars on Instagram

British rock band Coldplay has sparked a frenzy among tennis fans after following a slew of top players on Instagram. The band’s manager, Phil Harvey, revealed his passion for the sport, prompting the additions to their exclusive following list.

The initial wave of tennis stars included the legendary Big 4 of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. Current greats such as Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jannik Sinner were also added.

As the post gained traction, fans questioned the absence of world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who had previously expressed admiration for Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Harvey promptly followed Swiatek, bringing the total to 13 tennis players.

In the days that followed, Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, Casper Ruud, and Serena Williams joined the fold. The players themselves seemed to acknowledge their new follower, with Stefanos Tsitsipas reposting a video from a Coldplay concert.

Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” world tour is set to resume in Europe soon, raising the possibility of tennis stars returning the favor by attending concerts. The band’s newfound interest in tennis has delighted fans, who are eager to see if any collaborations or special events emerge from this unexpected connection.

Categories: Tennis
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Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Banter with Sundar Highlights India's Dominance in Sri Lanka ODI

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Banter with Sundar Highlights India’s Dominance in Sri Lanka ODI

By August 2, 2024 0

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Exchange with Washington Sundar Highlights India’s Dominance in Sri Lanka ODI

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s on-field banter with teammates and opponents has become a staple of cricket matches, and his latest exchange with Washington Sundar during the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo was no exception.

The incident occurred when Sundar was bowling to Sri Lankan batter Dunith Wellalage and appealed for LBW after hitting Wellalage’s pad. Unsure whether the ball hit Wellalage’s bat or pad first, Sundar looked at keeper KL Rahul and Rohit, at first slip, for guidance on whether to review the decision.

Rahul quickly indicated that he wasn’t sure, but Rohit’s response was priceless. “What? You tell me. Mere ko kya dekh raha hai. Sab kya main karu tere liye?” (Why are you looking at me? Should I do everything for you?), he quipped from the first slip.

The Indian players ultimately decided not to go for the review, but the exchange highlighted the camaraderie and light-hearted atmosphere within the Indian team.

Despite the humorous moment, India’s bowlers were in top form, restricting Sri Lanka to a modest 230 for eight. Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh picked up two wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, and Sundar each claimed one wicket.

Pathum Nissanka (56) and Dunith Wellalage (67 not out) provided some resistance for Sri Lanka, but the Indian bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

The Indian batting lineup will now look to chase down the target and take an early lead in the three-match ODI series.

Categories: Cricket
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Jordan Thompson Poised to Upset Sebastian Korda in Washington D.C. Open

Jordan Thompson Poised to Upset Sebastian Korda in Washington D.C. Open

By August 2, 2024 0

Sebastian Korda, the American tennis star, will face Jordan Thompson of Australia in the quarterfinals of the Washington D.C. Open on Friday, August 2. Korda advanced to this stage after a fortunate victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis, while Thompson has been in impressive form throughout 2024.

Korda’s victory over Kokkinakis was a tale of two halves. The Australian appeared to have the match in hand, but Korda managed to pull off an improbable shot to save a match point and steal the second set. Kokkinakis then retired in the third set due to an injury.

Despite his fortunate victory, Korda’s performance has been far from convincing. The American has struggled with his consistency and has not been playing at the level he was last year. His hold percentage is down, and he is not returning as well as he did in previous seasons.

In contrast, Thompson has been one of the most underrated players on the planet in 2024. The Australian has a career-high winning percentage of 59.1% and has won more matches this season than any other in his career. Thompson is a rock-solid server, can grind from the baseline, and is extremely competent at net.

Thompson’s ability to stay solid while constructing points is troubling for players like Korda, who are prone to making mistakes. The Australian is likely to cruise through some service games and extract errors from Korda’s baseline play.

While Korda may be the higher-ranked player, Thompson has been in much better form this season. The Australian has won nine of his last 12 matches and is more likely to solve problems on the court.

Given Thompson’s impressive form and Korda’s struggles, the Australian is a tempting underdog at +150.

Categories: Tennis
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India's Men End 52-Year Olympic Hockey Drought with Victory over Australia

India’s Men End 52-Year Olympic Hockey Drought with Victory over Australia

By August 2, 2024 0

Indian men’s hockey team made history at the Tokyo Olympics by defeating Australia 3-2 in a thrilling Group B encounter on August 2, marking their first Olympic victory over the Aussies in 52 years.

The match began with India dominating the proceedings, with Abhishek scoring a brilliant field goal in the first quarter. Captain Harmanpreet Singh followed suit with a penalty corner conversion, giving India a commanding 2-0 lead.

Australia’s Thomas Craig narrowed the margin with a beautiful goal, but Harmanpreet restored India’s two-goal advantage in the 32nd minute, scoring his sixth goal of the Olympics.

In the 55th minute, Australia’s Govers scored through a penalty stroke, bringing the score to 3-2. The Aussies pressed hard for an equalizer, but goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh stood tall, making several crucial saves to preserve India’s lead.

India’s victory was a testament to their determination and resilience. They played with passion and skill, overcoming a strong Australian team. The win not only ended a long drought but also boosted India’s hopes of a medal at the Tokyo Games.

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Indian Athletes Get Portable ACs to Beat Paris Heat

Indian Athletes Get Portable ACs to Beat Paris Heat

By August 2, 2024 0

Indian Athletes Receive Portable ACs to Combat Paris Heat

Indian athletes competing at the Paris Olympic Games have been provided with 40 portable air conditioners by the country’s sports ministry to alleviate the discomfort caused by soaring temperatures and inadequate cooling in their rooms at the Olympic Village.

The decision to provide the ACs was made after discussions with the Indian Olympic Association and the French Embassy in India. The ministry recognized the challenges faced by athletes due to the extreme heat and humidity in Paris, which have been exacerbated by the organizers’ decision to minimize air conditioning to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.

Temperatures in Paris and Chateauroux, the two main Olympic venues, have reached uncomfortable levels, with reports indicating that they have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius on some days. During the men’s 50m rifle 3-positions event, all eight finalists, including India’s bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale, were visibly sweating profusely at the Chateauroux shooting range.

Prior to the Games, several contingents expressed concerns about the weather conditions in Paris, prompting the USA contingent to bring their own portable air conditioners. Other countries have reportedly followed suit, and India has now joined the bandwagon.

The portable ACs provided by the Indian sports ministry are plug-and-play units that have been distributed to athletes in their rooms at the Olympic Village. The ministry expects that the ACs will provide a more comfortable living environment and facilitate better rest, which is crucial for optimal performance.

The decision to provide the ACs was made on Friday, and the cost is being borne by the ministry. The move has been welcomed by athletes, who have expressed their gratitude for the support and the improved living conditions.

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Manolo Marquez Appointed Head Coach of Indian National Football Team

Manolo Marquez Appointed Head Coach of Indian National Football Team

By August 2, 2024 0

Manolo Marquez, the soft-spoken Spaniard who has become renowned for his ability to maximize limited resources in Indian football, has been appointed as the head coach of the senior national men’s football team. However, he will continue his coaching duties with ISL club FC Goa alongside his national team responsibilities.

In an interview with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Marquez emphasized the importance of coach education worldwide. “It’s not only in India, but coach education is important in all countries. Licenses are important, but they don’t guarantee you’ll be a better coach. Someone may not have a license but have more knowledge about football,” he said.

Marquez’s tenure with the Blue Tigers will commence at the Intercontinental Cup in Hyderabad, where they will face Syria and Mauritius in September. During his four-year stay in India, he has witnessed a significant improvement in the quality of Indian coaches.

“Over the four seasons that I’ve been here, I’ve seen the level of Indian coaches get better every season. Last season, there were two Indian head coaches – Thangboi Singto (Hyderabad FC) and Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC). Clifford (Miranda) won the Super Cup with Odisha FC before that,” Marquez noted.

He also highlighted the talent of Indian assistant coaches, including Gouramangi Singh, a former India international, who currently assists him at FC Goa. “In the national team, I will also be working with Mahesh Gawali, another good coach who was an excellent player for the national team a few years ago,” he added.

Marquez believes that the long-term goal should be to have an Indian head coach for the national team. “It’s not just for the national team, but for the clubs too. Every Indian assistant coach at the clubs should aim to become a head coach in the next few years. Maybe they can also start with being the head coach of the U-17 or U-19 teams before moving on to take charge of the senior teams,” he said.

Categories: Football
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Afghan Cyclist Fariba Hashimi Defies Taliban, Aims for Olympic Glory

Afghan Cyclist Fariba Hashimi Defies Taliban, Aims for Olympic Glory

By August 2, 2024 0

From the depths of Afghanistan’s oppressive regime, Fariba Hashimi and her sister Yulduz emerged as beacons of resilience and determination. Their journey, marked by secret cycling races and the indomitable spirit to defy societal norms, culminated in their escape from the Taliban and the pursuit of their Olympic dreams.

Growing up in Faryab, a province under Taliban rule, Fariba and Yulduz faced constant fear and restrictions. Despite the ban on women’s sports, their passion for cycling ignited when they stumbled upon an advertisement for a race. With borrowed bicycles and concealed identities, they triumphed, finishing one-two.

Their secret training sessions, hidden from their parents and the watchful eyes of the Taliban, became a testament to their unwavering resolve. However, Yulduz’s attack for engaging in a “boys’ activity” served as a stark reminder of the dangers they faced.

The Taliban’s takeover in 2021 shattered their hopes of pursuing their passion freely. With their lives in peril, they fled Afghanistan with the help of former Italian world champion cyclist Alessandra Cappellotto.

Upon arriving in Italy, Fariba experienced a stark contrast to her former life. She found love, support, and most importantly, freedom. Her travels to other Muslim countries revealed the stark disparity in women’s rights and opportunities.

Determined to use her platform, Fariba aims to amplify the voices of the 20 million women in Afghanistan who are denied basic freedoms. She believes that the Paris Games will provide a global stage to advocate for their rights and aspirations.

Despite the Taliban’s replacement of Afghanistan’s National Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) continues to recognize the Afghan officials living in exile. Hafizullah Wali Rahimi, President of the AOC, remains hopeful that international pressure will lead to positive changes.

Mohammad Farid Naseem, Fariba and Yulduz’s coach, remains steadfast in his support for Afghan women in sports. He believes that their participation in the Olympics will inspire others to defy societal barriers.

The IOC has played a crucial role in supporting Afghan athletes, facilitating their evacuation and maintaining dialogue with Afghan sports authorities to overturn the restrictions on women’s sports.

As Fariba prepares to compete under the Afghan flag in the Paris Games, she carries the message of resistance and the unwavering fight for rights. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and defy the odds.

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