India's Sreejesh Urges Team to Focus on Bronze Medal After Semifinal Loss

India’s Sreejesh Urges Team to Focus on Bronze Medal After Semifinal Loss

Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh urged his team to seize their second chance at an Olympic medal in Paris 2024, despite their heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Germany in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics.

Sreejesh, who will retire from international hockey after the bronze medal match against Spain on Thursday, emphasized the importance of securing a medal for the country. “It’s a medal match, and it’s not about me; it’s about the country, the 19 players, and the staff,” he said. “We have one last opportunity to play, to get a medal for our country, and we should focus on that rather than dwelling on what happened today.”

The veteran custodian acknowledged that India missed several chances, including penalty corners. “We had our opportunities but couldn’t convert many of them. You can see it in the scoreline. It’s a matter of homework,” he said. “They did a wonderful job against Harman, how to tackle him. He’s one of the best drag-flickers in the world, and that’s what they did against us.”

Despite the setback, Sreejesh praised his team’s fighting spirit. “My players have done a wonderful job. They fought back, they really stood tall. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish it the way we wanted. It’s not an easy deal,” he said.

Sreejesh expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back against Spain in the bronze medal match. “We are tough. I believe we will bounce back in a better way. This consultation will have to be about how to fight that bronze medal match more than discussing this loss,” he said. “We need to look at this match also because from there we will realize what went wrong and what we can do better. Because a lot of the opposition look into these kinds of matches, they learn how they can hurt us in certain ways. So we need to find that out and we need to block that.”

“Spain is not an easy team. They are real fighters. The way they played in the quarterfinals showed that we can’t be in a relaxing chair,” Sreejesh added.

Mirabai Chanu Eyes Paris Podium Despite Injury-Marred Journey

Mirabai Chanu Eyes Paris Podium Despite Injury-Marred Journey

Mirabai Chanu, India’s weightlifting sensation, is poised to make her mark at the Paris Olympics. Despite a challenging journey marred by injuries and setbacks, Chanu remains determined to secure a medal on the grandest stage.

Her unwavering faith and spiritual practices have been a constant source of strength for Chanu. Every Tuesday, she performs an elaborate puja, seeking divine guidance and energy. This ritual has become an integral part of her preparation, instilling a sense of belief and tranquility.

As she enters the competition zone, Chanu transforms into a focused and determined athlete. Visualizing herself standing on the podium, she blocks out all distractions and pain. Her goal is clear: to make amends for her missed Asian Games medal and prove her resilience against a world-class field.

Chanu’s entry weight of 200kgs places her among the top contenders, alongside lifters from the United States, Thailand, Romania, and China. However, the absence of North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, the Asian Games champion and world record holder, has opened up the competition.

Despite lifting over 200kgs only once since Tokyo, Chanu remains confident in her abilities. Her recent return to competitive action at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, where she lifted 184kgs, has provided her with valuable experience.

China’s Hou Zhihui, the defending champion, is the runaway favorite. Her consistent 200kg lifts and impressive performances at major events make her a formidable opponent. The battle for the second spot will be intense, with Romania’s Valentina Cambei, USA’s Jourdan Delacruz, and Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao all capable of challenging Chanu.

Chanu’s coach, Vijay Sharma, is optimistic about her chances. He believes that her mental strength and determination will carry her through the competition. “We don’t expect an easy contest, but we have done the best we could,” Sharma said. “Mira is in great mental space and will do her best.”

As Chanu approaches her 30th birthday, a medal in Paris would be the perfect gift to herself and a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication.

Germany Stuns India in Men's Hockey Semifinal at Paris Olympics

Germany Stuns India in Men’s Hockey Semifinal at Paris Olympics

In a thrilling semifinal clash at the Paris Olympics, Germany rallied from behind to defeat India 3-2 in the men’s hockey competition. The match swung like a pendulum, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.

India started brightly, earning seven penalty corners in the opening quarter. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted the sixth one to give India an early lead. However, Germany responded with a crisp shot from Peillat Gonzalez off their first short corner.

The second quarter saw Germany take the lead through a stroke, awarded after a goal-bound ball hit Jarmanpreet Singh’s foot. India fought back in the third quarter, with Sukhjeet Singh leveling the scores off a Harmanpreet deflection.

The final period was a tense affair, with both teams desperate for a win. Germany regained the lead through Marco Miltkau’s deflection, and despite India’s best efforts, they could not find an equalizer.

India’s bronze medal hopes remain alive, as they will face the loser of the other semifinal between Australia and Belgium in the third-place match on Thursday.

India's Shooters Break Medal Drought at Paris Olympics

India’s Shooters Break Medal Drought at Paris Olympics

India’s shooting contingent has made history at the Paris Olympics, ending a two-decade medal drought with three bronze medals. The performance marks a significant turnaround for the sport in the country, which had failed to win any medals at the previous two Olympics.

The team’s success can be attributed to a comprehensive overhaul of its preparation strategy after the Tokyo Olympics. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) implemented a system that prioritized athlete-centric training, coach-driven guidance, and administrative support.

Sports science, mental training, strength and conditioning, and nutrition were meticulously incorporated into the program. Beijing Olympics champion Abhinav Bindra was brought in as a mentor to provide motivation and guidance.

The introduction of Olympic selection trials and the removal of bonus points ensured a level playing field for all athletes. This resulted in a highly competitive team that included some of the world’s top shooters.

At the Olympics, India’s shooters displayed remarkable consistency, with multiple athletes qualifying for finals. Manu Bhaker emerged as a star, winning two bronze medals in the air pistol individual and mixed events. Swapnil Kusale also secured a bronze in the 50m rifle three positions.

The team’s success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired a new generation of shooters. The NRAI’s focus on personal coaches and a positive team environment has fostered a culture of excellence that is likely to drive the growth of the sport in the years to come.

Quan Hongchan Wins Second Gold in Paris, Extends China's Diving Dominance

Quan Hongchan Wins Second Gold in Paris, Extends China’s Diving Dominance

Quan Hongchan, the 17-year-old diving prodigy from China, has continued her dominance in the sport by securing her second gold medal at the Paris Olympics. This victory marks her third Olympic gold and maintains China’s unblemished record in diving at the Games.

In the women’s 10m platform event, Quan showcased her exceptional skills, amassing a winning total of 425.60 points. Her teammate, Chen Yuxi, finished closely behind with 420.70 points, securing the silver medal. North Korea’s Kim Mi Rae claimed the bronze with a score of 372.10.

Quan’s triumph in Paris adds to her impressive resume, which includes a gold medal in the 10m platform at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a gold in the women’s synchronized 10m platform in Paris with Chen.

China’s dominance in diving remains unchallenged, as they have swept all five gold medals awarded in the sport so far at the Paris Olympics. With three more golds still up for grabs, China is poised to extend its reign at the top of the diving world.

In Tokyo, China’s divers showcased their superiority by winning all but one of the eight titles, with Britain claiming the remaining gold.

Quan Hongchan’s remarkable achievements at such a young age have solidified her status as one of the greatest divers of all time. Her exceptional talent and unwavering determination have made her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Olympic 10,000m Champion Cheptegei Withdraws from 5,000m in Paris

Olympic 10,000m Champion Cheptegei Withdraws from 5,000m in Paris

Newly-crowned Olympic 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei has announced that he will not defend his 5,000m title in Paris. The Ugandan distance runner made the announcement on Instagram Tuesday, expressing his pride in his recent 10,000m victory and his decision to focus on other goals.

“I’m so proud of having won Olympic gold in the 10,000m,” said Cheptegei, who won silver in the event in the Tokyo Games. “So proud for Uganda. After the world junior 10,000m title, three times the world 10,000m titles, the world 10,000m record, this gold medal in an Olympic record time completes my collection.”

Cheptegei, who holds the world record in the 10,000m, explained that after consulting with his team, they decided it was best not to compete in the 5,000m in Paris. Heats for the 5,000m are scheduled for Wednesday, with the final slated for Saturday.

Cheptegei’s decision to skip the 5,000m in Paris is a strategic one. The Ugandan runner is currently focused on preparing for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where he will be aiming to defend his 10,000m title. He is also eyeing the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he will be looking to repeat his 10,000m gold medal performance.

Cheptegei’s withdrawal from the 5,000m in Paris is a blow to the event, but it is also a testament to his commitment to his long-term goals. The Ugandan runner is one of the most talented distance runners in the world, and he is sure to continue to achieve great things in the years to come.

Paris Olympics Faces Plastic Pollution Concerns Despite Green Pledge

Paris Olympics Faces Plastic Pollution Concerns Despite Green Pledge

The Paris Olympics organizing committee has set an ambitious goal of reducing single-use plastics by half compared to the 2012 London Games. However, the widespread use of plastic bottles by major sponsor Coca-Cola has raised concerns about the committee’s ability to meet this target.

Despite the ban on spectators bringing single-use containers to Olympic sites, Coca-Cola has been distributing Fanta, Sprite, and Coke in plastic bottles at venues. Staff have been observed emptying these bottles into reusable cups, a practice that some argue undermines the Games’ pledge to be the greenest in history.

Coca-Cola initially stated that nearly 10 out of 18 million refreshments served to spectators would be “without single-use plastic.” However, the company has since acknowledged the use of plastics due to “technical and logistical constraints.”

At the swimming events, for instance, glass bottles are being emptied into red-and-white cups. Georgina Grenon, head of sustainability for the Paris Games, explained that plastic bottles are being used where glass alternatives are not feasible.

Despite these challenges, the organizing committee maintains that the Paris Games will still significantly reduce plastics use compared to London 2012. Grenon estimates that the target of a 50% reduction in single-use plastics will be achieved.

However, environmental protection charity France Nature Environment (FNE) has criticized Coca-Cola for “unjustified plastic pollution” and awarded the company the “gold medal for greenwashing” during the Olympics.

Coca-Cola, one of the world’s largest plastics producers, manufactured 134 billion plastic bottles in 2022. The company has set a goal of using fully recycled plastic for all its bottles by 2030. Of the bottles being used at the Paris Games, approximately 6.2 million are made from recycled PET plastic.

Neeraj Chopra Dominates Javelin Qualification, Sets Stage for Paris Olympics Final

Neeraj Chopra Dominates Javelin Qualification, Sets Stage for Paris Olympics Final

Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy of athletics, made a triumphant start to his Paris Olympics journey on August 26, 2024, which was aptly dubbed “Neeraj Chopra Day” by the official Olympics X handle. The reigning Olympic champion and India’s only medalist in athletics in independent history, Chopra breezed into the men’s javelin final with a season-best throw of 89.34m in the qualification round.

Chopra’s dominance was evident from the outset as he was the first to take his attempt in Qualification B. With his very first throw, he surpassed the automatic qualification mark of 85m, securing his place in the final. The Olympics X handle celebrated the moment, tweeting, “Happy Neeraj Chopra day, to all those who celebrate. The reigning champ is back in Olympic action for today’s Men’s Javelin qualifiers, could he be adding another medal to his collection soon?”

The final, scheduled for Thursday at 11:55 pm IST, promises to be a thrilling affair. Speaking to JioCinema after his qualification, Chopra acknowledged the differences in conditions between Tokyo and Paris. “In Tokyo, we threw in the sunshine and here it’s a bit cooler and the humidity is much lesser. Tokyo was much warmer and more humid than Paris. The big difference is that there are crowds here,” he said.

Despite his impressive performance in the qualification round, Chopra remained focused on the task ahead. “Final will be a cracker, the Tokyo final mark has already been surpassed by qualification. We were a little relaxed today. The burden and pressure will be much more in the final,” he added.

Chopra also addressed his recent injury concerns, stating, “I have had a few issues with my groin and that is why I did not take part in a lot of competitions. It is important to stay fit and reach the final.”

Chopra’s performance in the qualification round has set the stage for a thrilling final, where he will aim to defend his Olympic title and add another chapter to India’s sporting history.

Indian Golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar Aim for Olympic Glory in Paris

Indian Golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar Aim for Olympic Glory in Paris

Indian golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar are set to embark on their Olympic journeys in Paris, carrying the hopes of their nation. Aditi, a two-time Olympian, narrowly missed out on a medal in Tokyo, finishing fourth. Determined to make amends, she will be eager to secure a podium finish this time.

Diksha, on the other hand, has overcome a traumatic car accident that left her mother hospitalized. Despite the setback, the 23-year-old has remained resilient and is focused on achieving Olympic success.

The women’s golf competition in Paris will feature a quarter of the field who have competed in all three Games since the sport’s return in 2016. Aditi and Diksha are among the experienced players, with Aditi making her third appearance and Diksha her second.

Aditi will tee off alongside Gaby Lopez (Mexico) and Esther Henseleit (Germany), while Diksha will play with Wei-Ling Hsu (Chinese Taipei) and Emma Spitz (Austria). The competition runs from Wednesday to Saturday.

Aditi has enjoyed success on the Ladies European Tour, winning five times, but is yet to claim a victory on the LPGA. Her breakthrough moment came in 2021 when she came within a whisker of an Olympic medal. Despite missing out, she received widespread recognition and appreciation.

Diksha is a unique athlete who has competed in both the Deaflympics and the Olympics. A double medallist in the Deaflympics, she qualified for Tokyo at the last minute. This time, her consistent performances earned her a place months in advance.

In Paris, Diksha faced an unexpected scare when the car she was traveling in with her family was involved in an accident. While she and her father were uninjured, her brother sustained minor injuries and her mother suffered a back injury. However, her mother is now recovering.

Aditi is coming off a tie for 22nd at the LPGA Tour’s Portland Classic. She has played four weeks in a row and is looking to maintain her momentum in Paris.

The women’s golf field in Paris is highly competitive, with 12 of the top 15 players participating. Six players who have reached World No. 1 are among the contenders, including Jin Young Ko, Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, Atthaya Thitikul, Lilia Vu, and Ruoning Yin.

Minjee Lee of Australia will be making her third Olympic appearance, following her brother Min Woo’s debut in the men’s competition. The Lees are the only brother-sister combination in the Olympic golf fields.

Celine Boutier is one of two French players competing in the women’s golf competition, along with Perrine Delacour. Boutier had a stellar season in 2023, winning four times, including the Amundi Evian Championship in her home country.

Team MGD1 Clinches Silver at Inaugural World Blitz Team Championships

Team MGD1 Clinches Silver at Inaugural World Blitz Team Championships

Team MGD1, led by Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, made history by securing the silver medal at the inaugural World Blitz Team Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. The tournament, organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), featured 40 teams competing in a group-cum-knockout format.

Team MGD1, composed entirely of Indian players, dominated Pool B, winning all seven matches. In the knockout stage, they defeated Astana-2 and Israel’s Ashdod Chess Club to reach the semifinals. In the semifinals, they faced Al-Ain, the World Rapid Team Champions, and emerged victorious in a tie-breaker.

The final match against Team WR Chess was a thrilling encounter. Erigaisi, India’s highest-rated player in Classic Ranking, upset former World Champion Magnus Carlsen on the top board in Round 1. However, Carlsen’s teammates secured victories on the other boards, giving Team WR Chess a comfortable lead. Team MGD1 fought back in the second round, holding the eventual champions to a 3:3 draw, but it was not enough to force a playoff.

“Beating Magnus Carlsen in any format is special,” said Erigaisi. “But more than that win, it’s the collective performance of the team that helped us with the silver medal. The way we bonded and fought for each other makes this medal so special.”

Team MGD1’s success is a testament to the growing strength of Indian chess. The team’s lineup included GM Srinath Narayanan, SL Narayanan, B. Adhiban, former Women’s World Championships bronze medalist D. Harika, and amateur Mihir Shah.

“It’s a very proud moment for all of us,” said MGD1 co-founder Sreekar Chennapragada. “We at MGD1 are committed to the development of chess in India, and that is one of the reasons we fielded an all-Indian line-up in Astana. The players rose to the occasion.”

Team MGD1’s silver medal is a significant achievement for Indian chess and a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.

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