WFI President Optimistic About Women's Wrestling Medals in 2028 Olympics

WFI President Optimistic About Women’s Wrestling Medals in 2028 Olympics

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Sanjay Singh, has expressed optimism about India’s potential to win multiple medals in women’s wrestling at the 2028 Olympic Games. However, he emphasized the need for certain institutions to cease interfering in the federation’s operations.

Despite the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) lifting its suspension of WFI in February, the Indian Sports Ministry continues to keep the federation suspended. The suspension was imposed in December 2022 following the announcement of U-15 and U-20 Nationals hours after the election of Sanjay Singh as President.

Singh believes that if WFI is allowed to function independently, India can achieve significant success in women’s wrestling. He pointed to the recent triumph of India’s U17 women’s team at the World Championships, where five wrestlers emerged as world champions.

Singh also urged Vinesh Phogat to reconsider her retirement decision. Phogat announced her retirement after failing to medal at the Paris Olympics due to a weight disqualification. Singh believes that Phogat’s experience and inspiration would be invaluable to the next generation of wrestlers.

Reflecting on the wrestlers’ movement in 2023, Singh acknowledged that it has taught WFI a valuable lesson. He believes that the movement, which was sparked by allegations of sexual harassment against the then WFI president, was politically motivated and hindered India’s Olympic performance.

Singh emphasized the importance of separating wrestling from politics and announced plans to establish a wrestling academy in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He is optimistic that the academy will foster the development of young wrestlers and contribute to India’s future success in the sport.

Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Gold, Break World Record in Paris

Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Gold, Break World Record in Paris

Sumit Antil, India’s Paralympic javelin star, is poised to defend his gold medal at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Having shattered world records and dominated the F64 category, Antil is determined to surpass his previous achievements.

Antil’s journey to the top began at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he broke the world record three times and secured the gold medal. Since then, he has extended his global supremacy, setting a new world record of 73.29m at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou. This year, he has also won world titles in Paris and Kobe.

For Antil, major championships are his focus. He trains diligently at home and at the SAI center in Sonepat. “I prefer to train in India because I have all the facilities and a great team,” he said. “I didn’t compete much this year because it was important to peak for the Paris Paralympics.”

Antil’s success is attributed to his unwavering focus and discipline. “After winning gold in Tokyo, I am more focused and work harder every day,” he said. “I want to go to Paris and come back with a gold medal.”

In Paris, Antil aims to not only defend his title but also break his world record. “I want to throw 75m and, for once in my life, touch 80m,” he said. “Whenever I have set a target, I have achieved it.”

While acknowledging the competition, Antil remains confident in his abilities. “There will be good competition, but I am hoping that Sandeep bhai (Chaudhary) and I can both win in Paris,” he said.

Antil’s journey has been inspired by Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic javelin champion. “Neeraj has been a consistent thrower for so many years,” he said. “Once he crosses the 90m barrier, he will be winning only gold medals.”

As India’s flagbearer at the opening ceremony, Antil is honored to represent the country’s large contingent. “It is an honor for me to represent such a contingent,” he said. “I am feeling really proud and I want to enjoy the moment.”

Para-Athletes Applaud Accessibility Enhancements for Paris Paralympics

Para-Athletes Applaud Accessibility Enhancements for Paris Paralympics

Para-Athletes Hail Accessibility Enhancements for Paris Paralympics

New Delhi: India’s para-athletes have expressed gratitude for the improved accessibility measures implemented to facilitate their transportation ahead of the Paris Paralympics. The Paralympics Committee of India (PCI) has partnered with Svayam, a leading accessibility organization, to ensure seamless transportation for the 84-member Indian contingent from their accommodations to the airport.

Svayam has conducted thorough accessibility audits of designated hotels and buildings where the para-athletes are residing. The organization has provided special vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs without requiring athletes to transfer, enhancing their mobility and comfort.

“With the support of organizations like SAI, TTFI, and OGQ, we’ve witnessed significant growth in our athletes,” said Bhavina Patel, a Tokyo Paralympics medalist and para-table tennis star. “Svayam’s role in providing accessible vehicles has been crucial, improving our overall experience and performance.”

Para-athlete Sakshi Kasana also commended Svayam’s efforts. “The special vehicles have made our journey much easier, allowing me to focus more on my training and preparation,” she said.

PCI President Devendra Jhajharia emphasized the importance of accessible transportation for athletes. “Athletes travel extensively for competitions, and providing them with ease of transportation boosts their mental strength and confidence,” he said.

Svayam’s collaboration with the PCI extends beyond the Paris Paralympics. The organization has previously assisted during the Tokyo Paralympics 2021 and the first Khelo India Para Games 2023.

“Svayam is committed to ensuring the dignity of para-players from across the country,” said Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam. “We aim to create an equitable environment where every player can focus on their performance without accessibility concerns.”

The enhanced accessibility measures have been met with enthusiasm by the para-athletes, who are now better equipped to compete at their peak in Paris.

Pakistan's Haider Ali Embarks on Paris Paralympics Journey

Pakistan’s Haider Ali Embarks on Paris Paralympics Journey

Haider Ali, Pakistan’s sole para-athlete bound for the Paris Paralympics, embarked on his journey to the French capital on Monday, accompanied by his coach Akbar Ali. The Games, scheduled to commence on August 28 with an opening ceremony, will follow the successful conclusion of the Olympics earlier this month.

Hailing from Gujranwala, Haider will represent Pakistan in the F37 category of the discus throw event on September 6. This will mark his fifth appearance at the quadrennial event, where he has consistently showcased his exceptional abilities. In the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Haider clinched a gold medal in the discus throw with an impressive throw of 55.26 meters.

Prior to his triumph in Tokyo, Haider had secured a silver medal in the long jump at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and a bronze in the same event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from competing in the 2012 London Paralympics.

Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Yasir Pirzada expressed confidence in Haider’s abilities, stating, “We are honored to send Haider Ali to the Paralympics once again. His exceptional talent and dedication make him a top contender for another medal, and we are confident that he will make Pakistan proud again.”

The Paris Paralympics will witness the participation of over 4,000 athletes from 170 countries, showcasing the remarkable abilities of athletes with various physical disabilities. In the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Pakistan’s javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem made history by clinching a gold medal with an Olympic record throw of 92.97m, opening Pakistan’s medal tally.

Haider Ali’s journey to the Paralympics is a testament to his unwavering determination and the indomitable spirit of Pakistani athletes. His achievements have not only brought glory to Pakistan but have also inspired countless individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

Teen Pistol Marksman Rudransh Khandelwal Aims for Paralympic Glory

Teen Pistol Marksman Rudransh Khandelwal Aims for Paralympic Glory

Rudransh Khandelwal, a 17-year-old pistol marksman, is determined to bring glory to India at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Despite losing his left leg in a freak accident at the age of eight, Rudransh has overcome adversity to become the world No. 1 in 50m pistol (SH1).

To ensure his success, Rudransh leaves nothing to chance. He carries a spare pistol and a tool-kit for his prosthetic leg, anticipating any potential malfunctions or setbacks. This meticulous preparation stems from witnessing ace shooter Manu Bhaker’s pistol malfunction during the Tokyo Olympics.

“I prepare myself for every eventuality in competition, including a delayed match, a shot getting canceled, or any other eventuality,” said Rudransh. “So, if at all an adverse situation arises, I will be ready to handle it.”

Another lesson Rudransh learned was the importance of being prepared for prosthetic leg issues. Just 15 minutes before a domestic competition, his prosthetic leg broke. “Now I keep a tool-kit to quickly repair it,” he said.

Rudransh’s journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and support. After his accident, his mother sought ways to prevent him from falling into depression. She introduced him to shooting, and with the guidance of his coach, Sumit Rathi, Rudransh gradually increased his training time from 2-3 hours to 7-8 hours.

Despite initial setbacks, Rudransh’s determination paid off. In 2022, he switched to 50m pistol and achieved remarkable success. He won four gold medals with three world records at his second World Cup, followed by a Paralympic Games quota at the World Championship and two silver medals at the Asian Para Games.

As he prepares for the Paralympics, Rudransh remains confident in his abilities. “There is no pressure on me as I have full confidence in the process and I know that I will do our best,” he said.

S8UL Esports Wins 'Content Group of the Year' Award for Third Consecutive Year

S8UL Esports Wins ‘Content Group of the Year’ Award for Third Consecutive Year

S8UL Esports, India’s leading esports and gaming content organization, has once again proven its global dominance by winning the prestigious ‘Content Group of the Year’ award for the third consecutive year at the Esports Awards 2024. This unprecedented achievement solidifies S8UL’s position as a global leader in gaming content creation.

Founded by industry veterans Naman Mathur (‘Mortal’), Animesh Agarwal (‘8Bit Thug’), and Lokesh Jain (‘Goldy’), S8UL Esports has made history by winning this award three times in a row. This year, they faced stiff competition from global gaming content powerhouses like OfflineTV, G2 Esports, Karmine Corp, Sentinels, Fnatic, and T1 Esports.

In his acceptance speech, Animesh Agarwal emphasized the significance of this win, stating, “The first time could have been lucky, the second time was a charm, and the third time firmly means that the best content group of India is the best in the world.”

S8UL Esports also received the ‘Fan Engagement’ badge in the ‘Ones to Watch Class of 2024’ category, further cementing its reputation as one of the most popular content organizations globally. This badge recognizes S8UL’s exceptional efforts in building a strong, loyal, and interactive community.

Since its inception, S8UL has been a trailblazer in the Indian gaming landscape. By bringing together some of the nation’s most talented content creators, S8UL has consistently delivered top-notch content and provided a platform for brands to connect with the youth audience.

Lokesh Jain, Co-Founder of S8UL, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are beyond thrilled to receive this award for the third time. It is a testament to our entire team’s hard work, dedication, and passion. We have collaborated with around 560 brands and are close to closing deals with over 120 brands this financial year alone.”

Naman ‘Mortal’ Mathur, Co-Founder of S8UL and widely regarded as the ‘Face of Indian Gaming and Esports,’ was also nominated for the ‘Esports Personality of the Year’ category for the third consecutive time. Mortal’s fifth straight nomination highlights his global influence and contribution to the esports community.

Reflecting on the journey, Mortal said, “Being nominated alongside the world’s top esports personalities is an honor. Our focus at S8UL has always been on pushing the boundaries of what gaming content can be. We strive to deliver messaging that resonates with our audiences, and this award is the perfect recognition of that effort.”

The Esports Awards are a prestigious annual event that celebrates and honors the best of esports worldwide. This year’s edition witnessed a peak viewership of 92.3K, with 8bit Goldy’s live watchalong with S8UL members drawing the highest individual viewership at 43.2K PV.

U Mumba TT, Ahmedabad SG Pipers Aim for Second UTT 2024 Win

U Mumba TT, Ahmedabad SG Pipers Aim for Second UTT 2024 Win

Ultimate Table Tennis 2024: U Mumba TT and Ahmedabad SG Pipers Eye Second Win

U Mumba TT and Ahmedabad SG Pipers will clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Tuesday, both aiming to secure their second victory in the ongoing Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 season.

Both teams have mirrored results in their opening two matches. U Mumba TT defeated Dabang Delhi TTC 9-6 in their first tie but fell to Jaipur Patriots by the same margin in their second. Ahmedabad SG Pipers, on the other hand, lost their UTT debut to Puneri Paltan Table Tennis 10-5 but bounced back to beat reigning champions Athlead Goa Challengers by the same score.

The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the TTFI, is being broadcast live on Sports18 Khel on TV and JioCinema in India, and Facebook Live outside India. Tickets are available online through BookMyShow and offline at the stadium box office.

U Mumba TT is led by Indian ace Manav Thakkar, who displayed his resilience in the loss to Jaipur Patriots. He could potentially face off against Ahmedabad SG Pipers’ captain Manush Shah, promising an exciting encounter for table tennis enthusiasts.

Ahmedabad SG Pipers’ victory over Athlead Goa Challengers marked the first triumphs of UTT 2024 for their foreign stars Bernadette Szocs and Lilian Bardet. U Mumba TT will hope their upcoming clash does the same for their duo Quadri Aruna and Maria Xiao, who have yet to win a match despite showing glimpses of their prowess.

The tie between U Mumba TT and Ahmedabad SG Pipers could also feature a rematch between Sutirtha Mukherjee and Reeth Rishya in the women’s singles. In the previous season’s final, Sutirtha won the match, but Reeth claimed a game, helping Athlead Goa Challengers to an 8-7 victory.

Armand Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record Again, Soaring to 6.26 Meters

Armand Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record Again, Soaring to 6.26 Meters

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulting prodigy, has once again etched his name in the annals of athletics history by breaking his own world record for the 10th time. At the Silesia Diamond League meeting in Poland, Duplantis soared over a staggering 6.26 meters, surpassing the previous record of 6.25 meters he set at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Duplantis’s remarkable feat was achieved on his second attempt, after he had already cleared 6.0 meters to secure victory. Speaking after his historic jump, he expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the crowd. “It almost feels weird and unnatural to get so much love and support from the crowds when I compete,” he said. “I see that especially in Poland. The energy in this stadium just keeps getting better every year.”

Duplantis’s world record-breaking performance comes as no surprise, given his exceptional form in recent years. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of human ability in pole vaulting, setting new records and inspiring a generation of young athletes.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Duplantis captured the gold medal with a record-breaking jump of 6.25 meters. The moment was made even more special when he ran into the stands to embrace his girlfriend, sharing his joy with the world.

Duplantis’s success is not only a testament to his athletic prowess but also to his unwavering determination and focus. He has dedicated countless hours to training and perfecting his technique, and his hard work has paid off in spectacular fashion.

As Duplantis continues to soar to new heights, the world eagerly awaits his next record-breaking performance. With his exceptional talent and unwavering spirit, there is no doubt that he will continue to push the limits of human potential and inspire generations to come.

Jaipur Patriots Triumph Over U Mumba TT in UTT 2024 Thriller

Jaipur Patriots Triumph Over U Mumba TT in UTT 2024 Thriller

Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 witnessed a thrilling encounter between debutants Jaipur Patriots and U Mumba TT, with the former emerging victorious 9-6. Despite a spirited fightback from Manav Thakkar, Jaipur Patriots’ international stars Cho Seung-min and Suthasini Sawettabut proved too strong.

Cho, in his second UTT match, stunned African legend Quadri Aruna 3-0 in the opening men’s singles. Suthasini followed suit, edging out Maria Xiao in a Golden Point thriller. Thakkar’s valiant efforts, including a 2-1 victory over Snehit SFR, kept U Mumba TT in contention.

However, Sutirtha Mukherjee’s loss to Nithyashree Mani sealed the tie for Jaipur Patriots. Mani’s composure and incredible shots proved decisive. Thakkar’s performance earned him the Indian Player of the Tie award, while Cho and Mani claimed the Foreign Player of the Tie and DafaNews Shot of the Tie, respectively.

In the earlier tie, Chennai Lions secured their first win of UTT 2024, defeating Dabang Delhi TTC 8-7. Achanta Sharath Kamal’s victory over Andreas Levenko set the tone for Chennai Lions, who won the next three matches before Diya Chitale’s clean sweep over Poymantee Baisya gave Dabang Delhi TTC a glimmer of hope.

Chennai Lions Roar Back with 8-7 Victory over Dabang Delhi TTC in UTT 2024

Chennai Lions Roar Back with 8-7 Victory over Dabang Delhi TTC in UTT 2024

Chennai Lions, led by Indian table tennis star Achanta Sharath Kamal, made a resounding comeback in Ultimate Table Tennis 2024, defeating Dabang Delhi TTC 8-7 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

Sharath, the league’s top-ranked Indian male paddler, showcased his brilliance in a 2-1 victory over Dabang Delhi TTC’s Andreas Levenko in the opening men’s singles match. The home favorite unleashed a barrage of powerful smashes, leaving the Austrian debutant in his wake.

Sharath’s triumph set the tone for the tie, with his teammates following suit. Sakura Mori extended Chennai Lions’ lead with a 2-1 win over Orawan Paranang in the first women’s singles match. Mori displayed her resilience, maintaining control despite Paranang’s repeated attempts to fight back.

The mixed doubles match followed a similar pattern, with Sharath and Mori teaming up to defeat Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Paranang 2-1. The hosts sealed the tie in the next match, with Jules Rolland overcoming local boy Sathiyan in a thrilling two-game-to-one encounter.

In the final match, Dabang Delhi TTC’s Diyale Chitale made history. The Mumbai native, who had previously watched UTT as a fan, secured her first-ever victory in the league in her second year, defeating Poymantee Baisya 3-0.

Chitale’s impressive performance earned her the Indian Player of the Tie honor, while Mori claimed the Foreign Player of the Tie gong. Rolland was awarded the DafaNews Shot of the Tie award for his exceptional shot-making.

Tomorrow’s lone tie will feature PBG Bengaluru Smashers taking on Puneri Paltan TT at 17:00, with both teams aiming to make a significant impact in the tournament.

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