Nishad Kumar Soars to Silver in Paris Paralympics High Jump

Nishad Kumar Soars to Silver in Paris Paralympics High Jump

Nishad Kumar’s remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics has earned India its seventh medal, a silver in the men’s high jump T47 event. This triumph marks India’s second medal on Sunday and adds to Kumar’s impressive record, having previously won a silver in the Tokyo Paralympics.

Kumar’s exceptional jump of 2.04m, his season’s best, secured him the silver medal. The gold medal went to USA’s Roderick Townsend, who soared to a height of 2.12m, while Georgii Margiev of the Neutral Paralympic Athletes claimed the bronze with a jump of 2.00m.

The T47 classification is reserved for athletes with below-elbow or wrist amputations or impairments. Kumar’s silver medal is a testament to his unwavering determination and the exceptional abilities of athletes with disabilities.

Earlier in the day, Preethi Pal made history by becoming the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics. She clinched the bronze in the 200m T35 category with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds.

Pal’s historic achievement makes her only the second Indian woman to win two medals in a single Paralympics, following shooter Avani Lekhara’s gold and bronze in Tokyo. Her bronze medal is a testament to the growing strength and success of Indian women in Paralympic sports.

Preethi Pal Makes History with Two Paralympic Medals for India

Preethi Pal Makes History with Two Paralympic Medals for India

Indian track and field athlete Preethi Pal has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympics. On Sunday, she clinched the bronze medal in the 200m T35 category with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds.

This remarkable achievement marks India’s second para-athletics medal at the Paris Games. The T35 classification is reserved for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.

Preethi’s triumph follows her historic bronze medal in the women’s T35 100m competition on Friday, where she set a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. This was India’s first athletics medal in a Paralympics track event.

Prior to Preethi’s success, all of India’s Paralympic athletics medals had come from field events. Her achievements have not only broken new ground for Indian para-athletics but have also inspired countless individuals with disabilities.

Preethi’s journey to the Paralympics has been marked by determination and resilience. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, but her passion for sports never wavered. With the support of her family and coaches, she has overcome numerous challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport.

Her success at the Paralympics is a testament to her unwavering spirit and the transformative power of sports. Preethi’s medals are not only a source of pride for India but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for all those who dare to dream big.

Leclerc Triumphs at Monza, Norris Closes Gap on Verstappen

Leclerc Triumphs at Monza, Norris Closes Gap on Verstappen

Charles Leclerc’s triumph at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday marked a resounding victory for Ferrari and a significant moment in the Formula One championship race. The Monegasque driver’s second win of the season, following his victory in Monaco, ignited the cheers of the passionate Ferrari faithful at Monza.

Leclerc’s victory was hard-fought, as he held off a determined challenge from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The race was marked by strategic pit stops, with Leclerc opting for a single stop while his rivals pitted twice. Leclerc’s ability to maintain his tire performance proved crucial, allowing him to stay ahead and secure a comfortable victory.

Piastri, who had taken the lead early in the race, expressed disappointment with his second-place finish. However, Norris’s third-place result was a positive step for McLaren, as he reduced Max Verstappen’s championship lead to 62 points.

Verstappen’s struggles continued at Monza, as he finished a distant sixth, nearly 38 seconds behind Leclerc. The Dutch driver’s recent poor form has raised questions about Red Bull’s dominance in F1. McLaren, on the other hand, is now only eight points behind Red Bull in the constructor’s standings and is a strong contender for the title.

In other news, Franco Colapinto made an impressive debut for Williams, finishing 12th in his first F1 race. Leonardo Fornaroli became the first Italian to win the F3 title, while Gabriel Bortoleto won the F2 race in dramatic fashion.

Rubina Francis Wins Historic Bronze in Paralympic Shooting

Rubina Francis Wins Historic Bronze in Paralympic Shooting

Rubina Francis, a 25-year-old para-athlete from Jabalpur, has etched her name in Paralympic history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol SH1 event in Paris. Her journey to the podium has been marked by unwavering determination and resilience, overcoming the challenges posed by her physical condition.

Born with talipes, commonly known as club foot, Rubina faced difficulties in maintaining stability while shooting. However, her unwavering dream of emulating her idol, Olympic silver medalist Gagan Narang, fueled her spirit. Despite the obstacles, she persevered, finding innovative solutions to overcome her physical limitations.

With the support of her coaches, JP Nautiyal and Subhash Rana, Rubina devised a technique that allowed her to stand and shoot with the aid of special shoes. This breakthrough enabled her to focus on her aim and improve her accuracy.

Rubina’s journey to the Paralympics began in 2015 when she joined the MP Shooting Academy. Under the guidance of her mentors, she honed her skills and set her sights on securing a Paralympic quota. Her hard work paid off in 2018 when she participated in the France World Cup, realizing the importance of intensive training.

In 2021, Rubina’s dedication bore fruit as she won a silver medal at the Para World Championships in Lima, Peru, and a bronze at the Para Asian Games in China. These achievements propelled her to the Paris Paralympics, where she made history as India’s first female pistol shooter to win a Paralympic medal.

Rubina’s success is a testament to her indomitable spirit and the unwavering support of her family and coaches. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

17-Year-Old Para Archer Sheetal Devi Inspires with Unique Technique

17-Year-Old Para Archer Sheetal Devi Inspires with Unique Technique

At just 17 years old, Sheetal Devi has emerged as a beacon of inspiration in the world of para archery. Born without arms, she has developed an extraordinary technique that allows her to compete at the highest level. Using her right leg to lift the bow, her right shoulder to draw the string, and the strength of her jaw to release the arrow, Sheetal’s method is as awe-inspiring as it is effective.

Seated on a chair, she performs this complex maneuver with a grace that makes her archery seem like poetry in motion. During the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Sheetal received thunderous applause from the stadium crowd as she took over the challenge and hit the bullseye in her first attempt.

Sheetal had secured a second-place finish in the ranking round, narrowly missing a world para archery record by just one point. However, despite the strong start, Sheetal’s quest for a Paralympic medal was met with heartbreak on Saturday.

In the Women’s Individual Compound Open 1/8 Elimination match, she faced off against Chile’s Mariana Zuniga in what turned out to be a nail-biting contest. Both archers displayed tremendous skill and determination, but in the end, Zuniga edged out a victory by the narrowest of margins, winning 138-137.

Sheetal started the match with a bang, hitting two consecutive 10s and following up with a 9 to take an early lead. Zuniga, though strong, managed only 28 points in the first end, giving Sheetal a slight edge. However, the momentum began to shift in the second end when a 7 from Sheetal allowed Zuniga to catch up.

From there, the match was a tight contest, with both archers matching each other almost point for point. The third end saw the scores tied at 82-82, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

In the fourth end, Zuniga applied pressure with two 10s and a 9, but Sheetal responded in kind, keeping the scores level as they headed into the final three arrows. The tension was palpable as both archers knew that any mistake could cost them the match. Unfortunately for Sheetal, an 8 on her final arrow allowed Zuniga to pull ahead with a 9, securing her victory.

Though Sheetal Devi fell short of advancing to the quarterfinals, her performance in Paris has only solidified her status as a rising star in para archery. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit have inspired countless individuals around the world.

Formula Cars Roar on Chennai Streets for Historic Indian Racing Festival

Formula Cars Roar on Chennai Streets for Historic Indian Racing Festival

India is poised to make history as the Indian Racing Festival presented by Kingfisher Soda gears up for its second round on the streets of Chennai. This groundbreaking spectacle will witness formula cars roaring through the iconic Island Grounds, setting a new benchmark for motorsport in the country.

The street night circuit, spanning 3.5 kilometers, will host over 40 drivers competing in a thrilling display of speed and skill. The unique layout, featuring technical bends and high-speed straights, promises an unforgettable finale.

Drivers took a “track walk” on Saturday, familiarizing themselves with the challenges ahead. They praised the track’s design, highlighting its technicality and excitement.

“We are grateful to the Tamil Nadu Government for their support in ensuring the safety and security of the circuit,” said Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited. “We are ready to make history on the streets of Chennai this Sunday.”

For many drivers, this will be their first night race, adding an extra layer of challenge. However, the practice session on Saturday provided them with valuable experience.

Ruhaan Alva, a teenager from Bengaluru representing Sharchi Rarh Bengal Tigers, said, “The track looks super challenging, with high speed and chicanes. The night race is new for me, but I’m excited. We need to manage tire degradation and low grip.”

Jon Lancaster, the winner of Race-1 last week, believes his street racing experience will be an advantage. “The track is technical and challenging, but it looks great fun,” he said. “The high-quality lighting will help, but we need to adapt quickly to the changing conditions.”

Gabriela Jilkova of Goa Aces by JA Racing, who finished on the podium last weekend, is also excited about the street circuit. “This is my second street track ever,” she said. “The varying characteristics will make it challenging. The night race will be an extra challenge, but I think our car will look beautiful under the lights.”

JK Tyre, a key performance sponsor of the festival, has played a crucial role in enhancing the competitive edge across all categories. Their involvement, along with other sponsors like Kingfisher Soda and Mobil 1, has contributed to the thrilling races that have captivated fans throughout the event.

Indian Para-Rowers Finish Eighth in PR3 Mixed Double Sculls at Paralympics

Indian Para-Rowers Finish Eighth in PR3 Mixed Double Sculls at Paralympics

Indian para-rowers Narayana Konganapalle and Anita, who won a silver medal at the Asian Para Games, finished eighth overall in the PR3 mixed double sculls rowing event at the Paris Paralympics on Sunday.

Making their Paralympic debut, the duo secured a timing of 8:16.96 seconds to finish second in Final B of their repechage event, which determined their final standings. Saige Happer and Todd Vogt of the USA topped the Final B race with a timing of 7:48.38s, while Mexico’s Miguel Angel Nieto Carpio and Angeles Britani Gutierrez Vieyra came behind the Indians (8:28.23s).

The Indian pair had to compete in the Final B classification race for 7th to 12th spot after finishing third in their heat on Saturday. They had finished the race with a timing of 7:54.33s, behind Ukraine (7:29.24s) and Great Britain (7:20.53s).

Konganapalle, an Army sepoy, lost his left leg below the knee after stepping on a landmine while guarding the Indian borders in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2015. Anita lost her leg in a road accident when she was 18.

The PR-3 category is meant for para-rowers with residual leg function that allows them to slide the seat during the rowing motion.

Despite their valiant efforts, Konganapalle and Anita were unable to secure a medal at the Paralympics. However, their performance is a testament to their determination and resilience, and they will undoubtedly continue to inspire other para-athletes in India.

Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics: Rongali Fifth in Shot Put, Raju Bows Out

Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics: Rongali Fifth in Shot Put, Raju Bows Out

India’s Ravi Rongali showcased an impressive performance in the men’s F40 shot put final at the Paris Paralympics, securing a commendable fifth place. Rongali, who had previously earned a silver medal at the Asian Para Games in China, achieved a personal best of 10.63m. However, this was not sufficient to secure a podium finish in a highly competitive field.

Portugal’s Miguel Montero, the world record holder, claimed the gold medal with a throw of 11.21m. Mongolia’s Battulga Tsegmid (11.09m) and Iraq’s Garrah Tnaiash (11.03m) secured the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Russian Denis Gnezdilov, the reigning world para athletics champion, finished fourth with a throw of 10.80m.

In the women’s 1500m T11 race, India’s Rakshita Raju faced disappointment in the opening round heats. Raju, 23, finished last out of four runners in Heat 3 with a timing of 5:29.92s. Only the top two runners from each heat qualified for the final.

The T11 category is designated for athletes with visual impairments, including complete loss of vision or limited ability to perceive light. These athletes often run with guides.

On Friday, Preethi Pal had made history by winning India’s first athletics medal in a Paralympics track event. Pal secured a bronze medal in the women’s T35 100m event with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. The T35 classification is for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.

Boxing's Olympic Future in Jeopardy as ASBC Rejects WB

Boxing’s Olympic Future in Jeopardy as ASBC Rejects WB

Boxing’s Olympic future remains uncertain after the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) voted against joining the rival World Boxing (WB) association. The vote, held via secret ballot, saw 21 countries opt to continue with the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA), while 14 favored joining WB.

The IOC has repeatedly threatened to exclude boxing from the 2028 Olympics if national federations continue to align with the IBA, which has been suspended due to governance and financial concerns. WB, a breakaway body, aims to gain IOC recognition and has 42 members, while the IBA has over 100 affiliated units.

The ASBC’s decision leaves the Olympic future of boxing hanging in the balance. However, Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh remains optimistic that WB will reach the 50-member mark required for provisional IOC recognition by year-end.

“India is taking all possible steps to ensure that boxing remains a part of the Olympic movement,” Singh said. “It is clear that the IOC will not accept IBA as the international parent body for boxing.”

Despite the ASBC’s vote, Singh believes that 14 Asian countries that voted in favor of joining WB will soon submit their applications. IBA, meanwhile, has criticized WB, claiming it lacks the resources and expertise to organize major events and support its members.

“World Boxing has no finances, expertise, and support to organize any proper major events, no means to support their members, and no intention to develop boxing,” IBA said in a statement.

IBA also urged national federations to reconsider leaving, warning that it could lead to a dead end. However, WB welcomed the support from the Asian body, stating that it reflects the IBA’s hard work in boxing development worldwide.

Indian Shooters Miss Out on Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone Final at Paralympics

Indian Shooters Miss Out on Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone Final at Paralympics

Indian shooters Avani Lekhara and Sidhartha Babu faced a setback at the Paralympic Games in Chateauroux on Sunday, failing to qualify for the final of the mixed 10m air rifle prone (SH1) event.

Lekhara, who had made history by winning a gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, struggled to replicate her form in this unfamiliar event. Despite a strong start, she finished with a total score of 632.8, placing 11th overall. Babu, on the other hand, ended in 28th position with a score of 628.3.

Lekhara’s sequence of scores included 105.7, 106.0, 104.1, 106.0, 104.8, and 106.2. Babu’s scores were 104.6, 103.8, 105.7, 104.9, 103.6, and 105.7.

The SH1 classification allows athletes to hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position. Lekhara, who had become the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals, had defended her title in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) event with a world record score on Friday.

Despite their disappointment in the mixed 10m air rifle prone event, Lekhara and Babu remain hopeful for success in their upcoming events. Lekhara will compete in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event, while Babu will participate in the men’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.

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