Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification Overshadows Indian Olympic Success

Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification Overshadows Indian Olympic Success

Ace Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended in heartbreak despite her valiant efforts. After reaching the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event, Vinesh was disqualified due to a failed weigh-in by a mere 100 grams. The devastating news shattered the hopes of the entire nation, which had pinned its hopes on her for a medal.

Vinesh’s disqualification sparked outrage and disappointment, leading her to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). However, the verdict went against her, further dampening her spirits. Despite the bitter turn of events, Vinesh’s determination and resilience have earned her the admiration and respect of her countrymen.

While Vinesh may not have officially secured a medal in Paris, her performance has significantly boosted her brand value. According to the Economic Times, her fee for endorsement deals has skyrocketed, reflecting her increased popularity and marketability. Before the Olympics, Vinesh reportedly charged around INR 25 lakh per deal. However, she now commands a fee in the range of INR 75 lakh to 1 crore from a single brand.

Vinesh’s success has also inspired other Indian athletes. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, returned home with a silver medal from Paris. Despite failing to repeat his gold medal performance, Chopra’s brand value has soared by 30-40%, reaching an estimated USD 40 million or INR 330 crore.

Manu Bhaker, another Indian shooting sensation, bagged two bronze medals in Paris. Her impressive performance has led to a surge in her brand value, resulting in a lucrative INR 1.5 crore deal with ThumbsUp. Before the Olympics, Manu charged around INR 25 lakh per endorsement deal. However, her Olympic success has seen her fee increase by six times.

The success of Vinesh, Neeraj, and Manu has not only brought glory to India but has also had a positive impact on the sports industry. Their achievements have inspired young athletes and ignited a passion for sports in the hearts of millions of Indians.

Manu Bhaker's Inspiring Journey from Humble Beginnings to Olympic Glory

Manu Bhaker’s Inspiring Journey from Humble Beginnings to Olympic Glory

Manu Bhaker, the celebrated Indian shooter who made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in the same Games, has shared a poignant throwback picture that captures her humble beginnings in the sport. The image, posted on social media, shows a young Manu practicing shooting with her schoolmates.

Fast forward to today, Manu stands as one of India’s most decorated Olympians, having etched her name in the annals of sporting history. Her journey to the pinnacle of success has been marked by unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Reflecting on her journey, Manu spoke candidly about the setbacks she faced, particularly after her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics. “It was very difficult for me to be confident again,” she admitted. “But I know the taste of losing and then winning. It’s the beauty of sports.”

Manu emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving one’s goals. “To achieve the goal, we must put in a lot of hard work and effort,” she said. “It doesn’t always start with aiming for something big, you also have to work to achieve it. If you can dream big, you can achieve big.”

Beyond her sporting achievements, Manu also stressed the significance of embracing one’s cultural heritage. “I have travelled almost half of the world,” she said. “I have seen different kinds of people and cultures, their backgrounds and struggles. We should never be ashamed of where we come from.”

Manu’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and anyone who dares to dream big. Her message of resilience, hard work, and cultural pride resonates with all who seek to achieve greatness in their chosen fields.

Indian Wrestler Ronak Dahiya Bags Bronze at U17 World Championship

Indian Wrestler Ronak Dahiya Bags Bronze at U17 World Championship

India’s Ronak Dahiya has etched his name in the annals of wrestling history by securing a bronze medal in the 110 kg Greco-Roman category at the ongoing U17 World Wrestling Championship in Amman, Jordan. This triumph marks India’s first medal at the championship.

Dahiya, who is currently ranked second in the world in his age-group weight category, showcased his exceptional skills in the bronze medal play-off. He effortlessly defeated Turkey’s Emrullah Capkan by a comfortable margin of 6-1, securing India’s first medal from the championship on Tuesday.

Dahiya’s journey to the podium was not without its challenges. In the semi-final, he faced a formidable opponent in Zoltan Czako of Hungary, who eventually claimed the silver medal. However, Dahiya’s determination and resilience shone through as he fought valiantly against Czako.

The gold medal in the 110 kg category was won by Ukraine’s Ivan Yankovskyi, who displayed technical superiority in his 13-4 victory over Czako.

India’s medal tally at the championship could potentially increase with Sainath Pardhi’s participation in the 51 kg repechage. Pardhi has the opportunity to secure a second medal for India if he emerges victorious in two bouts. He will first face Dominic Michael Munaretto of the United States, and if successful, he will advance to the bronze medal play-off for repechage against the winner of the bout between Armenian Sargis Harutyunan and Iuri Chapidze of Georgia.

Dahiya’s bronze medal is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. It is a proud moment for India and a significant achievement for the young wrestler.

Aman Sehrawat: From Adversity to Olympic Glory

Aman Sehrawat: From Adversity to Olympic Glory

Aman Sehrawat’s journey to Olympic glory is a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. Hailing from humble beginnings, the 21-year-old wrestler overcame adversity to become India’s youngest Olympic medalist.

Growing up in a financially challenged household, Aman’s parents passed away when he was young. His uncle took him and his sister under his care, but life remained difficult. Undeterred, Aman found solace in wrestling at the Chhatrasal Stadium.

His rise to prominence was meteoric. Within two years, he became the country’s first U23 world champion and secured an Olympic berth by defeating his idol, Ravi Dahiya. However, as the Paris Games approached, nerves crept in.

On the day of his competition, Aman faced immense pressure. He knew the eyes of his nation were upon him. But he drew strength from his past struggles and focused on the task at hand.

In his first bout, he comfortably defeated Vladimir Egorovy. However, his next opponent was the formidable Zelimkhan Abakarov, who had beaten him at the world championships. Determined to prove himself, Aman devised a strategy to keep the bout close.

His plan worked. He upset Abakarov 12-0, setting up a semi-final clash with Japan’s Rei Higuchi. Despite a strong start, Aman lost focus and was defeated.

Undeterred, he shed 3.5kg overnight to make weight for the bronze medal bout. With a clear mind, he approached the match as just another competition. He dominated Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 to secure a podium finish.

Upon his return to India, Aman was greeted as a hero. His village, academy, and fans celebrated his achievement. He realized the true magnitude of his accomplishment and the joy it brought to his community.

Aman’s success is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized through hard work and perseverance. His journey inspires countless young athletes to strive for greatness and to never give up on their aspirations.

Olympic Champions Descend on Lausanne for Diamond League Showdown

Olympic Champions Descend on Lausanne for Diamond League Showdown

The Lausanne Diamond League meeting, scheduled for Thursday, will witness a star-studded lineup featuring 18 Olympic and world champions. Among them are Armand Duplantis, Letsile Tebogo, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who will headline the event.

Duplantis, the reigning Olympic pole vault champion, will participate in a City Event on Wednesday before the main competition. The Swede, who recently broke his own world record with a jump of 6.25 meters, will face off against American Sam Kendricks and French legend Renaud Lavillenie.

Tebogo, the Olympic 200m champion from Botswana, will race against Fred Kerley and Erriyon Knighton. The 21-year-old set an African record of 19.46 seconds in Paris, becoming the first African to win the Olympic 200m.

The men’s 800m promises to be a thrilling contest, with four Olympic finalists set to compete. Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the Olympic champion and third-fastest man in history, will face Marco Arop, Bryce Hoppel, and Mohamed Attaoui.

Ingebrigtsen, the Olympic 5,000m champion, will seek redemption in the 1500m after a disappointing performance in Paris. He will face Cole Hocker, who upset Ingebrigtsen in the Olympic final.

The women’s high jump will feature Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who set a world record of 2.10m at the Paris Diamond League meet. She will be challenged by Nicola Olyslagers and Eleanor Patterson, the silver and bronze medalists from Paris.

Femke Bol, the Olympic bronze medalist in the 400m hurdles, will also compete in Lausanne.

Ducati to Build Race Track and Training Center in Greater Noida

Ducati to Build Race Track and Training Center in Greater Noida

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has offered a 200-acre land parcel for free to Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati. The land is located in Sector 22F along the 165km Yamuna Expressway and is suitable for Ducati’s plans to develop a race track and training center for motorbikes.

YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh said that the land parcel was earmarked for Ducati because it met the company’s requirements. He added that Ducati’s managing director Bipul Chandra and director Sunil Kumar Sharma met with him on Tuesday morning to discuss the project.

“We have decided to provide Ducati 200 acres of land for free under a public-private-partnership model so that they can invest and develop this racing track and training center,” Singh said. “Under Uttar Pradesh’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy, we can give 75% subsidy on land to a foreign company and take equity of 25%. Under this policy, we can allot the land for free because the company that wants to invest can come to develop mega projects that help in boosting growth and job creation.”

YEIDA officials said that they have adequate litigation-free land in Sector 22F, which was acquired from farmers long back. Ducati is interested in building the facility in this area because of its world-class infrastructure, including expressways, Metro connectivity, and the upcoming Noida International Airport.

“The Ducati officials also discussed the upcoming MotoGP race event scheduled in March next year,” Singh said. “We also discussed the issues which were faced by Ducati and other motorbike companies during the MotoGP race held in September 2023. The key issues are related to track, taxes, visas, fees to use track, and others. Ducati officials informed that participating in bike events in the region is a costly affair at present due to high transportation cost and participation fees. As Ducati has experience in developing tracks and holding events in other countries, we offered them land here, which is almost free of cost.”

The Ducati officials told YEIDA that they would discuss the project with senior company officials and respond. YEIDA officials said that bike races are frequently organized at the Buddh circuit, but high costs have prompted them to look for a facility dedicated to motorcycle racing.

“Buddh track is built for car racing, and the motorbike companies or racing agencies have to modify the circuit for motorbike events every time,” Singh said. “The agencies have spent huge amounts to change the design of the track and in preparing additional facilities.”

“We are helping the international players to invest and help in fueling growth in this region because the (UP) chief minister Yogi Adityanath wants to create opportunities for youth through such mega projects,” Singh added.

Hans Niemann's Chess Scandal: Controversy and Redemption

Hans Niemann’s Chess Scandal: Controversy and Redemption

Two years ago, the chess world was rocked by a major scandal involving American grandmaster Hans Niemann and world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Niemann’s victory over Carlsen in the Sinquefield Cup sparked accusations of cheating, which Niemann denied. Despite the lack of evidence, the controversy has continued to follow Niemann.

In the wake of the scandal, Niemann has launched a series of one-on-one matches against fellow grandmasters, titled “Hans Niemann Against The World.” Indian GM Vidit Gujrathi, who faced Niemann in one of these matches, believes that Niemann’s actions are beneficial for chess.

“I think what Hans is doing is good for chess,” Gujrathi said. “Every sport has special characters who bring money and attention to the game and evoke strong emotions in people.”

Niemann has expressed a desire for an apology from Carlsen, but has also stated that his “vengeance will be victory on the board.” He is scheduled to face Carlsen in the semifinals of the Speed Chess Championship in Paris on September 6.

Former world No. 2 Levon Aronian, who played in the controversial 2022 Sinquefield Cup, believes that Niemann is a talented player but has reservations about his actions.

“I think Hans is a talented player who can reach the heights in chess,” Aronian said. “But I can’t say I support him. In a way, he’s using this whole story perhaps to his advantage.”

The controversy has also sparked a conversation about cheating in chess. Aronian and Gujrathi agree that more stringent anti-cheating measures are needed.

“Anti-cheating measures have to be more stringent,” Gujrathi said. “When you allow spectators, there has to be a delay in broadcast. They shouldn’t be able to see the live position when they come in.”

Despite the challenges he faces, Niemann remains determined to become a top player.

“He has everyone rooting against him,” Gujrathi said. “But that doesn’t stop him. If anything, it fuels him.”

Manu Bhaker Scripts History with Two Olympic Medals

Manu Bhaker Scripts History with Two Olympic Medals

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two individual medals in a single edition of the Olympics. At the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Bhaker showcased her exceptional talent and determination, securing a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.

Bhaker’s remarkable achievement has been met with widespread acclaim and recognition. Upon her return to India, she was felicitated at a ceremony where she was seen grooving to the popular song “Kala Chashma” with school children, a video of which has gone viral on social media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with the Indian contingent that returned from Paris with six medals, including Bhaker’s historic haul. Bhaker proudly displayed the pistol that brought her two bronze medals to the Prime Minister, who expressed his admiration for her accomplishments.

The Indian men’s hockey team, which won its second consecutive bronze at the Paris Games, also presented the Prime Minister with a stick signed by all the players. The team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, posed with the Prime Minister, their bronze medals gleaming around their necks.

Prime Minister Modi praised the efforts of the Indian contingent, stating that every player who participated in the Paris Olympics is a champion. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting sports and ensuring the development of top-quality sporting infrastructure in India.

Bhaker’s historic achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Her success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams in sports.

Satya Prakash Sangwan Appointed Chef de Mission for Indian Contingent at Paris Paralympics

Satya Prakash Sangwan Appointed Chef de Mission for Indian Contingent at Paris Paralympics

Paralympic Committee of India Appoints Satya Prakash Sangwan as Chef de Mission for Paris Paralympics

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has appointed Satya Prakash Sangwan as the chef de mission of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Sangwan, who is the PCI’s vice president, brings with him over a decade of experience in the Paralympic movement.

As the chef de mission, Sangwan will be responsible for leading India’s largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes, who will compete across 12 sports disciplines at the Paris Paralympics. This will be the first time that India will send such a large contingent to the Paralympics.

Sangwan expressed his honor at being entrusted with this responsibility and pledged to ensure that the athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics.

“It is a great honor to be entrusted with this responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that our athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics,” Sangwan said.

PCI President Devendra Jhajharia praised Sangwan’s dedication and leadership, expressing confidence that the team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics under his guidance.

“Mr. Satya Prakash Sangwan has been an integral part of the Paralympic Committee of India for over a decade. His dedication and leadership have always been an inspiration to our athletes,” Jhajharia said. “We are confident that under his guidance as Chef de Mission, our team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics 2024.”

Sangwan’s appointment as chef de mission is a testament to his commitment to the Paralympic movement and his dedication to ensuring that Indian para-athletes have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Niewiadoma Wins Women's Tour de France by a Narrow Four Seconds

Niewiadoma Wins Women’s Tour de France by a Narrow Four Seconds

Katarzyna Niewiadoma’s triumph at the Women’s Tour de France was a testament to her resilience and determination. The Polish rider, representing Canyon-SRAM Racing, emerged victorious by a mere four seconds, the narrowest margin in the event’s history.

Niewiadoma’s victory was hard-fought, as she faced a formidable challenge from reigning champion Demi Vollering of the Netherlands. The final stage, culminating on the grueling Alpe d’Huez, saw Vollering secure a stage win and close in on Niewiadoma’s lead. However, Niewiadoma held on to her advantage, maintaining a four-second gap at the finish line.

The race was marked by dramatic events, including a significant crash involving Vollering in the fifth stage. Despite losing crucial time, Vollering mounted an impressive comeback, reducing the gap to just over a minute by the final stage.

During the last 150 km stretch, Vollering made a strong push, briefly overtaking Niewiadoma while climbing the Col du Glandon. Niewiadoma, however, regrouped in the final 5 km, regaining enough time to maintain her overall lead.

Niewiadoma’s victory was particularly significant given her previous near-misses in the race. She had placed third in the previous two editions and endured a disappointing eighth-place finish in the 2024 Olympic road race.

“This is one of the greatest achievements in Polish sport,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. “Bad luck at the Olympics, now a bit of luck, but above all skill.”

Niewiadoma’s win makes her the third different winner in as many editions of the Women’s Tour de France. She completed the eight-stage Tour with a total time of 24 hours, 36 minutes, and 7 seconds, narrowly ahead of Vollering. Pauliena Rooijakkers of the Netherlands finished third, just six seconds behind Vollering.

“I went through such a terrible time on that climb,” said Niewiadoma. “I hated everything, and then, getting to the finish line and realizing I’d won the Tour de France was just crazy! It’s overwhelming.”

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