P.R. Sreejesh Announces Retirement from International Hockey After Paris Olympics

P.R. Sreejesh Announces Retirement from International Hockey After Paris Olympics

P.R. Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has announced his retirement from international hockey after the Paris Olympics. His decision, made through a series of comic strips on social media, was a testament to his clarity of thought and meticulous planning.

Sreejesh’s journey began in 2004 when he made his junior India debut against Australia. He played his first game for the national team at the 2006 SAF Games and went on to win the Junior Asia Cup title in 2008 as the ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament.’

Throughout his career, Sreejesh has been a beacon of excellence. He was instrumental in India’s victory in the 2011 Asian Champions Trophy and the 2014 Asian Games. He was handed the reins of the team for the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming the first goalkeeper to captain India.

Sreejesh’s crowning achievement came at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he led India to a historic bronze medal, ending a 41-year medal drought. He was also recognized as the ‘Man with Lightning Reflexes’ at the end of the 2023-24 season of FIH Pro League.

Beyond the field, Sreejesh has been a mentor to generations of Indian hockey players. He played a crucial role in guiding the Junior World Cup-winning side in 2016, sharing his experience and expertise with Vikas Dahiya and Krishan Pathak.

Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a role model for aspiring athletes, a source of inspiration for fans, and a symbol of the sport’s resurgence in India. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players.

Legendary Shooter Peter Wilson Eyes Indian Coaching Job for 2028 Olympics

Legendary Shooter Peter Wilson Eyes Indian Coaching Job for 2028 Olympics

Legendary double trap marksman Peter Wilson, who guided his compatriot Nathan Hales to trap gold at the recent Paris Olympics, has expressed interest in coaching the Indian shooting team for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Wilson, 37, is a decorated shooter who won a gold medal in double trap at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the youngest competitor to achieve this feat. He holds the world record in double trap and transitioned to shooting after a snowboarding accident prevented him from playing cricket.

After double trap was removed from the Olympic program, Wilson turned to coaching the Great Britain trap team. His most notable success came in Paris, where his protégé Nathan Hales won gold with an Olympic record, ending a 12-year drought for Great Britain in the event.

Wilson has expressed his desire to work with the Indian team, both the senior squad for the LA Games and the juniors for the next 8-12 years. He emphasized his unwavering pursuit of success and his belief that continental championships like the Asian Games and World Cups are stepping stones towards Olympic glory.

Wilson’s coaching credentials are impeccable. He was trained by the legendary Ahmad Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai royal family and the 2004 Athens Olympics gold medalist in double trap. India’s Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore finished second behind Al Maktoum in Athens.

India has been without a foreign trap coach for some time, with most shooters at the Paris Olympics relying on personal coaches. Marcello Dradi of Italy was the last trap coach hired by the Sports Authority of India and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

NRAI secretary-general Sultan Singh confirmed that Wilson’s CV has been received and that a decision on the coaching setup for all shooting events will be made soon. He indicated that the selection committee may meet before the NRAI president’s election on September 14 if necessary.

Other potential candidates for the job include Daniele Di Spigno, Italy’s double trap stalwart, and David Kostelecky, the personal coach of Indian trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari. However, the NRAI is committed to selecting the best coach available to meet the team’s requirements.

Neeraj Chopra Battles Injury, Aims for Distance Improvement

Neeraj Chopra Battles Injury, Aims for Distance Improvement

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic silver medalist in javelin throw, is currently training in Switzerland to prepare for his upcoming competitions. Despite battling a long-standing groin injury, Chopra remains confident in his abilities and aims to improve his distance.

Chopra’s injury has limited his training sessions, but he has managed to maintain his form and consistency. He plans to compete in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22 and will continue through the season before undergoing surgery for his groin issue.

Despite his injury, Chopra believes he could have surpassed Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic record throw of 92.97m. However, he acknowledges that his physical limitations prevented him from pushing himself to the limit.

Chopra’s performance in Paris was affected by the fast track at the Stade de France, which caused him to foul more often than usual. He also struggled with his legwork on the runway, which hindered his ability to generate power in his throws.

Despite the challenges, Chopra is satisfied with his silver medal and believes it is a testament to his resilience and determination. He is eager to improve his distance and cross the 90m barrier, but recognizes that he needs to be injury-free to achieve his goals.

Chopra’s consistency at major competitions has raised the bar for Indian athletics and drummed up interest in javelin throw. His performance in Paris, even while battling an injury, is a reminder of his exceptional talent and the bright future of Indian sports.

Indian Paralympic Contingent Aims for 25 Medals in Paris Despite Bhagat Suspension

Indian Paralympic Contingent Aims for 25 Medals in Paris Despite Bhagat Suspension

The Indian Paralympic contingent, despite the absence of star shuttler Pramod Bhagat, remains optimistic about achieving a medal haul of at least 25 at the upcoming Paralympics in Paris. With an 84-member contingent competing across 12 disciplines, the Indian team is aiming to surpass its performance at the Tokyo Paralympics, where it won 19 medals, including five gold.

Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympics gold medalist in javelin throw, expressed confidence in the team’s abilities. “The target of 25 medals is based on our current contingent of 84 players. Pramod Bhagat is not included in this,” Jhajharia said.

While Bhagat’s suspension for breaching the BWF’s anti-doping whereabouts clause is a setback, Jhajharia believes the team has the potential to overcome this challenge. “Pramod being a gold medal winner of the last Games not being in the Indian team is extremely sad and unfortunate, but we cannot do anything,” he said.

Jhajharia’s confidence stems from the team’s rigorous training and preparation. “I have kept this target after closely monitoring our players,” he said. “We have worked hard on their physical fitness and mental strength.”

The Indian contingent includes 47 new players, who are eager to make their mark on the Paralympic stage. Jhajharia expects the highest medal haul from the athletics team, which comprises 38 track and field athletes.

“Each and every player of our contingent is a medal prospect,” Jhajharia said. “We have 38 track and field athletes and I am expecting the most medals from them.”

The Indian team will also compete in Blind Judo, Para Sailing, and Para Cycling for the first time, expanding its presence in various sports. Jhajharia believes this increased participation will contribute to the team’s overall medal tally.

“I have set a target of 25 medals and to be in the top 20 in the medal table, but we will win more medals than this,” Jhajharia said. “We had 56 players in the Tokyo Paralympics, this time 84 players will compete.”

With a strong contingent and a determined spirit, the Indian Paralympic team is poised to make a significant impact in Paris and bring glory to the nation.

Arshad Nadeem's Olympic Gold Sparks Controversy over Olympian Invitations

Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic Gold Sparks Controversy over Olympian Invitations

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s celebrated javelin thrower, has become a national icon after his historic gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His record-breaking throw of 92.97m ended Pakistan’s long wait for an Olympic gold medal.

Upon his return to Pakistan, Nadeem has been showered with accolades and rewards. The Punjab government recently honored him with a cash prize of 10 million Pakistani rupees and a brand-new car. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally visited Nadeem’s village to present him with the awards.

“Arshad deserves everything he gets because he has brought so much joy and pride to the nation,” Nawaz said.

However, the celebrations have been marred by controversy. Former hockey player Rao Saleem Nazim alleged that the Pakistan government withdrew invitations to several Olympians for the gala dinner hosted in Nadeem’s honor.

Nazim, who heads the former Pakistan hockey players forum, claimed that the PM House had initially sent invitations to hockey stalwarts but later withdrew them due to guest management issues.

“Is this how you show respect to players who have brought not one but several Olympic medals in hockey for the country?” Nazim questioned.

Pakistan’s last Olympic gold medal came in 1983 in hockey, and the last time the country won any medal in the Summer Games was also through hockey in 1992. The Pakistan hockey team has not qualified for the last three Olympic Games.

Despite the controversy, Nadeem’s achievement has brought immense joy and pride to Pakistan. His victory has inspired a new generation of athletes and has reignited the nation’s passion for sports.

Krishan Bahadur Pathak Set to Succeed PR Sreejesh as India's No. 1 Goalkeeper

Krishan Bahadur Pathak Set to Succeed PR Sreejesh as India’s No. 1 Goalkeeper

PR Sreejesh’s retirement from international hockey after the Paris Olympics has left a void in the Indian team’s goalkeeping department. Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Sreejesh’s deputy for the past three years, is the frontrunner to succeed him.

Pathak, 27, has 125 caps and has shown maturity and temperament in several matches, including the Asian Games and World Cup. India’s goalkeeping consultant, Dennis van de Pol, believes Pathak is ready to fill Sreejesh’s shoes.

“Now is Pathak’s time. He has already shown that he can be on Sreejesh’s level,” van de Pol said. “During the 2023 World Cup, it didn’t matter whether we put Pathak or Sreejesh in the goal as both played equally well.”

However, Pathak has never been the No. 1 goalkeeper for India. He has always been Sreejesh’s deputy, and his only appearances in the Olympics and other major tournaments have been as a standby.

“It was of course a hard time for him, going to two Olympics and not getting any medal when the team is winning medals,” van de Pol said. “But he also knows now it is his time.”

With Pathak taking over as the No. 1 goalkeeper, the question is who will be his deputy. Van de Pol believes there are several talented young goalkeepers who could fill that role, including Suraj Karkera, Pawan Malik, and Mohit.

“Luckily, there are loads of guys who have proven themselves,” van de Pol said. “We will see who takes the second spot, but that is all up to their form.”

The first test for Pathak and Co will come at the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir City, China from September 8 to 17.

Neeraj Chopra Settles for Silver in Paris Olympics Javelin Throw

Neeraj Chopra Settles for Silver in Paris Olympics Javelin Throw

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, fell short of retaining his gold medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, settling for silver with a best throw of 89.45 meters. In a virtual press briefing, Chopra expressed his disappointment, acknowledging that he lacked the physical sharpness to push himself to his limits.

“Mentally, I was ready, but physically, I was retraining myself,” Chopra said. “My legwork on the runway was not how it should have been. My efforts were going in vain.”

Chopra’s silver medal came behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured bronze with a throw of 88.54 meters.

Chopra’s performance was particularly disappointing given his previous dominance over Nadeem, whom he had defeated in all nine of their previous head-to-head matchups. However, Nadeem’s throw of 90.18 meters at the 2022 Commonwealth Games had surpassed Chopra’s top effort.

Chopra admitted that the last two to three years have been challenging for him in terms of fitness. “I am always injured,” he said. “I really tried hard, but I have to work on my injury (staying injury-free) and technique.”

Despite the setback, Chopra remains determined to improve and regain his status as the world’s top javelin thrower. He has already announced his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, which begins on August 22.

Chopra’s silver medal is a reminder that even the greatest athletes can face setbacks. However, his determination to overcome adversity and return to the top is a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit.

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: CBI Identifies Suspects, IMA Calls for Nationwide Strike

Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder: CBI Identifies Suspects, IMA Calls for Nationwide Strike

The heinous rape-murder of a young doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked outrage and protests across the nation. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation under the orders of the Calcutta High Court.

CBI officials have identified at least 30 suspects and are actively questioning them. Former India cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has strongly condemned the incident, calling for severe punishment for the perpetrators.

Ganguly clarified his earlier statement, which was misinterpreted as downplaying the incident. He emphasized that the crime was “terrible” and “shameful.” He expressed hope that the CBI investigation would lead to the apprehension of the culprits and the imposition of strict penalties.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a nationwide strike to protest the gruesome incident. Routine OPD services and elective surgeries will be suspended, while emergency services will remain operational. The IMA has demanded an overhaul of working conditions for resident doctors, including shorter shifts and safe resting places. They have also called for a central law to prevent violence against medical professionals.

The Health Ministry has appealed to the protesting doctors to resume their duties in the public interest. The ministry has assured them that a committee will be formed to address their concerns and ensure the safety of healthcare workers. Representatives from state governments and other stakeholders have been invited to provide input to the committee.

The incident has highlighted the urgent need to address the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals in India. The government and medical authorities must work together to implement effective measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Romanian Gymnast Bărbosu Shows Empathy for Chiles in Medal Controversy

Romanian Gymnast Bărbosu Shows Empathy for Chiles in Medal Controversy

Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu extended heartfelt sympathy to Jordan Chiles as she received her Olympic bronze medal for the floor exercise on Friday. The medal ceremony in Bucharest, Romania, followed a controversial ruling that stripped Chiles of the medal she had initially been awarded.

Bărbosu acknowledged the emotional turmoil faced by Chiles and her Romanian teammate Sabrina Voinea, emphasizing that none of the athletes had acted improperly during the competition. “I can’t help but think about Sabrina and Jordan right now,” Bărbosu said. “It’s a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions. I hope everyone understands that we have not done anything wrong at the Olympics.”

The medal reallocation stemmed from a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that an inquiry to increase Chiles’ score, which had initially secured her the bronze, was submitted too late and should not have been accepted. Consequently, Chiles’ score was lowered, dropping her to fifth place and elevating Bărbosu to third. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the reallocation, leading to the ceremony where Bărbosu received the bronze medal.

Chiles had initially received the bronze after her coach, Cecile Landi, successfully challenged her original score during the floor exercise final in Paris. The challenge slightly increased Chiles’ difficulty score, placing her ahead of the Romanian gymnasts. However, the Romanian Olympic Committee contested the challenge, and the CAS upheld their appeal.

Following the reversal, Chiles expressed her disappointment on social media, describing the decision as unjust and highlighting the emotional toll it had taken on her. “I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey,” Chiles said. “To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful.”

Bărbosu’s gesture of empathy underscores the spirit of sportsmanship and the importance of recognizing the challenges faced by all athletes. The medal reallocation highlights the complexities of judging in gymnastics and the need for clear and consistent guidelines.

PM Modi's Lighthearted Moments with Olympic Medalists: Choorma Banter and Medal Celebrations

PM Modi’s Lighthearted Moments with Olympic Medalists: Choorma Banter and Medal Celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent interactions with Indian Olympic medalists have been marked by lighthearted moments and a shared love for traditional Indian delicacies. After his playful “choorma banter” with javelin star Neeraj Chopra, PM Modi engaged in another heartwarming exchange with Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning wrestler Aman Sehrawat.

During a meeting with the Indian Olympic contingent at his residence, PM Modi congratulated Sehrawat on becoming India’s youngest Olympic medalist. With a broad smile, the Prime Minister inquired if Sehrawat had indulged in any of his favorite foods upon returning from Paris. The 21-year-old Haryana native replied with a smile, “I haven’t gone home yet, sir.”

PM Modi quipped, “You should’ve told us; we could’ve made something for you!” Sehrawat, in his typical Haryanvi accent, responded with simplicity, “Once I’m home, I’ll definitely have choorma.”

Sehrawat, who lost his parents at a tender age of 10, trains and resides at New Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium. He defeated Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 to win the bronze medal at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, extending India’s wrestling medal streak at the Olympics since the Beijing Games in 2008.

Earlier, PM Modi had a candid moment with silver medalist Neeraj Chopra during an interaction with athletes ahead of their departure for the Paris Games. In a humorous exchange, PM Modi joked, “I haven’t received my churma yet,” sparking laughter all around.

With a shy smile, Chopra replied, “This time I will treat you with churma from Haryana; last time we had the sugary one from Delhi.” The Prime Minister eagerly expressed his craving for homemade churma, saying, “I want to savor churma made by your mother.”

Later, Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, promised PM Modi that she would send a special ‘choorma’ for him.

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