Vinesh Phogat Begins Paris Olympics Campaign Against Defending Champion Yui Susaki

Vinesh Phogat Begins Paris Olympics Campaign Against Defending Champion Yui Susaki

Vinesh Phogat, India’s wrestling icon, embarks on her quest for Olympic glory at the Paris Olympics 2024, commencing on Tuesday. She faces a formidable challenge in her opening bout against Japan’s Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion in the women’s 50kg category.

Phogat, a world championship bronze medalist and a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Asian Championships, is determined to start her campaign with a victory. However, Susaki poses a significant obstacle, having won gold at Tokyo 2020 without surrendering a single point. Her undefeated streak since 2010, with the exception of three losses to Yuki Irie, further underscores her dominance.

Susaki’s exceptional technique has earned her numerous accolades, including gold medals at the 2017 Paris World Wrestling Championships (48kg), 2018 Budapest World Wrestling Championships (50kg), and 2022 World Wrestling Championships (50kg). Her impressive resume also boasts an Olympic gold, five World Championships golds, two Asian Championships golds, and gold medals at the Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin and World U-23 Championships.

Phogat faces an arduous task, having suffered a quarterfinal defeat at Tokyo 2020 against Belarusian Vanesa Kaladzinskaya. In her Olympic debut at Rio 2016, she was a medal contender but was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.

Despite the daunting challenge, facing Susaki could prove advantageous for Phogat. As the Japanese wrestler is heavily favored to reach the final, it could open up the repechage route for Phogat, who dropped down to the 50kg category to accommodate Antim Panghal in the 53kg category.

Phogat’s accomplishments are remarkable, making her the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. She is also the only Indian woman wrestler to win multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships.

Duplantis Soars to New Heights, Breaks World Record in Paris

Duplantis Soars to New Heights, Breaks World Record in Paris

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulting sensation, has once again etched his name in the annals of sporting history by breaking his own world record and securing the Olympic gold medal in Paris.

In a thrilling climax to the fifth day of track and field at the Stade de France, Duplantis soared over the bar set at an astonishing 6.25 meters, surpassing his previous best of 6.24m set in April. The crowd of 69,000 erupted in thunderous applause as the 24-year-old star shattered the world record by 1cm.

Duplantis’s triumph was not only a testament to his exceptional athleticism but also a display of his unwavering determination. It marked the ninth time the US-born Swede had broken the record, cementing his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time.

In the competition, American Sam Kendricks claimed the silver medal with a best of 5.95m, while Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis took bronze (5.90) on countback. Duplantis’s gold medal made him the first man to retain the pole vault title since American Bob Richards in 1952 and 1956.

After his historic victory, Duplantis celebrated in a unique way, mimicking the shooting pose of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who had gone viral on social media for his casual celebration after winning a silver medal in the Paris Games. Dikec himself took to Twitter to congratulate Duplantis, adding to the camaraderie and sportsmanship on display.

Duplantis described his record-breaking performance as an “out-of-body experience.” He expressed his gratitude for the support of the crowd, saying, “The biggest dream since a kid was to break the world record at the Olympics, and I’ve been able to do that in front of the most ridiculous crowd I’ve ever competed in front of.”

As he made an emotional lap of the track, draped in the Swedish flag and with Abba’s “Dancing Queen” playing in the background, Duplantis rang the victory bell, symbolizing another exceptional display from the irrepressible young athlete.

Duplantis’s victory was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of national pride for Sweden. The country’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, tweeted, “Congratulations to Armand Duplantis on his fantastic world record and Olympic gold! What an incredible achievement!”

The Swedish pole vaulting star’s success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. His record-breaking performance in Paris will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.

India's Olympic Hopes Soar on Day 6: Chopra, Hockey Team in Action

India’s Olympic Hopes Soar on Day 6: Chopra, Hockey Team in Action

India’s Paris Olympics 2024 Schedule: Day 6 Brings Hope and Anticipation

Day 6 of the Paris Olympics 2024 holds immense promise for India, offering a chance to redeem the disappointment of previous days. The Indian men’s hockey team faces Germany in a crucial semi-final match, while celebrated wrestler Vinesh Phogat takes to the mat. The spotlight, however, will be on Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in javelin throw.

Chopra, who made history as India’s first Olympic gold medalist in athletics, has continued his dominance since his Tokyo triumph. He has emerged victorious in the World Championship, Asian Games, and Diamond League finals. On Tuesday, he will begin his Olympic campaign in Qualification Group B at 15:20 IST.

An hour earlier, Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Kumar Jena will aim to qualify for the final in Men’s Javelin Throw Qualification Group A at 13:50 IST. The day will commence with the men’s table tennis team of Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, and Achanta Sharath Kamal launching their campaign in the Quarterfinals of the Men’s Team Competition.

In athletics, Kiran Pahal will compete in the Women’s 400m Repechage at 2.50 pm IST. Vinesh Phogat, India’s wrestling star, will face Japan’s Yui Susaki in the Women’s 50kg Round of 16 at 2.30 pm IST.

Mondo Duplantis Soars to New Heights, Breaks World Record Again

Mondo Duplantis Soars to New Heights, Breaks World Record Again

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter known as “Mondo,” has once again etched his name in history by breaking the world record for the ninth time at the Tokyo Olympics. With a leap of 6.25 meters (20 feet, 6 inches), Duplantis soared to new heights, surpassing his previous record by one centimeter.

The 24-year-old Louisiana native, who competes for his mother’s native Sweden, has now cemented his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time. His victory marks his second consecutive Olympic gold medal and further solidifies his dominance in the sport.

Duplantis’s record-breaking performance came after a thrilling night of track and field action. Noah Lyles, the American sprint star, had electrified the crowd with a narrow victory in the men’s 100 meters the previous night. Lyles was on hand to witness Duplantis’s historic feat, adding to the excitement of the evening.

The drama unfolded over a half hour, as Duplantis cleared the bar at 6.10 meters to set a new Olympic record. With the crowd chanting his name, he then raised the bar to one centimeter higher than his previous world record. After two unsuccessful attempts, Duplantis took a break to study video with his parents, who were both former LSU track and field athletes.

With the crowd clapping in rhythm and singing along to a French song, Duplantis prepared for his final attempt. Drawing on his years of training and the support of his family, he soared over the bar, setting a new world record and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the sport.

Duplantis’s victory was not the only highlight of the night. Beatrice Chebet of Kenya pulled off an upset in the women’s 5,000 meters, while Keely Hodgkinson captured Britain’s first gold medal of the track meet in the 800 meters. Val Allman of the United States also won her second straight Olympic gold in the discus throw.

Neeraj Chopra Ready to Defend Olympic Javelin Title in Paris

Neeraj Chopra Ready to Defend Olympic Javelin Title in Paris

Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in javelin, is poised to defend his Olympic title at the upcoming Paris Games. The reigning world champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist will embark on his quest for a second consecutive Olympic gold on Tuesday at the iconic Stade de France.

Chopra’s journey to Paris has been marked by consistency and determination. Despite a minor abductor issue that forced him to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike, he has showcased his prowess with a season-best throw of 88.36m at the Doha Diamond League. He also claimed gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games with a throw of 85.97m.

Chopra’s main rival in Paris is Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, who currently holds the top spot in the men’s javelin throw rankings. Vadlejch defeated Chopra in the Diamond League in the lead-up to the Summer Games and is a strong contender for gold.

Another threat to Chopra’s title is Anderson Peters of Grenada, the two-time world champion. Peters has recovered from an injury-marred 2023 season and has a best throw of 86.62m in 2024. His career-best throw of 93.07m remains unmatched by any of the javelin throwers competing in Paris.

European champion Julian Weber of Germany is also a formidable opponent. With a personal best of 89.54m, Weber has consistently thrown over 85m in all five competitions he has participated in this season.

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won silver at the World Championships last year, is another athlete to watch. Nadeem has a personal best of 90.18m, but has yet to cross the 85m mark this season.

As Chopra prepares to defend his Olympic crown, he will face a formidable field of rivals. However, his unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a strong favorite to add another golden chapter to India’s athletics history.

Toronto's Must-Dos: Beyond the National Bank Open

Toronto’s Must-Dos: Beyond the National Bank Open

Toronto, the bustling metropolis of Canada, welcomes the WTA tour for the National Bank Open. Beyond the thrilling tennis matches, the city offers a plethora of unique experiences that will captivate visitors. Here are five must-dos for an unforgettable trip to Toronto:

1. The Monkey’s Paw: Immerse yourself in a literary wonderland at The Monkey’s Paw, an antiquarian bookstore specializing in rare and vintage reads. Don’t miss the Biblio-Mat, a vending machine that dispenses random books for a mere $5.

2. Fossils and More at Skullstore: Explore the fascinating world of natural history at Skullstore, a shop dedicated to skulls, fossils, and animal products. From human skulls to butterfly specimens, this oddities shop offers a wide range of unique and sustainable collectibles.

3. Berczy Park Dog Fountain: Delight in the whimsical Dog Fountain, a three-tiered water fountain adorned with 27 dog sculptures. Watch as dogs frolic around the bone-shaped peak, while a solitary cat gazes into the distance.

4. Bata Shoe Museum: Step into the Bata Shoe Museum, home to over 12,000 shoes from around the world. Discover the history of footwear and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of shoes from different eras.

5. “Little Canada”: Experience the vastness of Canada in miniature at “Little Canada.” This 45,000-square-foot space showcases detailed models of iconic landmarks and landscapes from across the country. Get “littlized” with a 3D-printed miniature of yourself and take home a unique souvenir.

Avinash Sable Qualifies for 3000m Steeplechase Final, Kiran Pahal to Compete in Repechage

Avinash Sable Qualifies for 3000m Steeplechase Final, Kiran Pahal to Compete in Repechage

Avinash Sable, India’s most decorated track and field athlete after Neeraj Chopra, has become the first Indian man to qualify for the 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris Olympics. Sable finished fifth in his heat with a time of 8:15.43 minutes, securing a spot in the final round.

Sable’s heat was won by Morocco’s Mohamed Tindouft (8:10.62 minutes), followed by Samuel Firewu of Ethiopia (8:11.61 minutes). Abraham Kibiwot of Kenya (8:12.02 minutes) and Ryuji Miura of Japan (8:12.41 minutes) finished third and fourth, respectively.

Despite leading the first two laps, Sable slowed down strategically to conserve energy and qualify for the final. His heat timing was below his personal best of 8:09.91 minutes, which he set at the Paris Diamond League last month.

In the women’s 400m, Kiran Pahal failed to secure an automatic semi-final berth after finishing seventh in her heat. Pahal clocked 52.51 seconds, well below her season’s and personal best of 50.92 seconds.

World champion Marileidy Paulino of Dominica won Pahal’s heat with a time of 49.42 seconds, followed by Aaliyah Butler (50.52 seconds) of the USA and Susanne Gogl-Walli (50.67 seconds) of Austria.

Pahal will now compete in the repechage round on Tuesday, where she will have a second chance to qualify for the semi-finals. The repechage round was introduced in the Paris Olympics for all individual track events from 200m to 1500m, including hurdles events.

Simone Biles Wins Floor Exercise Silver, Ends Paris Olympics with 4 Medals

Simone Biles Wins Floor Exercise Silver, Ends Paris Olympics with 4 Medals

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, concluded her remarkable Paris Olympics campaign with a silver medal in the floor exercise on Monday. Despite a fall on the balance beam, Biles showcased her resilience and determination, finishing behind Brazilian Rebeca Andrade.

Biles entered the final day of competition with the potential to break the record for most gold medals won by a woman in a single Olympics. She had already led the United States to team gold, regained her all-around crown, and soared to vault gold. However, she faced setbacks on Monday.

On the balance beam, Biles suffered a major hiccup, falling off the apparatus. It was her first significant error of the Games, three years after the “twisties” forced her to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics. Biles finished fifth in the beam final, with Italy’s Alice D’Amato claiming gold.

Despite the disappointment on the beam, Biles rebounded with a breathtaking floor routine. However, two out-of-bounds errors proved costly, preventing her from reaching the top of the podium. Andrade secured gold with 14.166 points, while Biles earned 14.133 for silver.

Biles expressed pride in her performance, acknowledging that she had accomplished more than she could have ever imagined. With a total of 11 Olympic and world medals, including 30 golds, she remains one of the most decorated gymnasts in history.

“I’ve accomplished way more than my wildest dreams not just at this Olympics but in the sport,” Biles said. “So I can’t be mad at my performances.”

Biles’s legacy extends beyond her medal count. She has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has inspired countless young athletes. Her return to the Olympics after the challenges she faced in Tokyo is a testament to her perseverance and resilience.

In other apparatus finals, Japan’s Shinnosuke Oka won his third gold medal of the Games, adding the horizontal bar title to his team and all-around victories. China’s Zou Jingyuan retained his parallel bars title, while Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun took silver and Oka earned bronze.

India's Hockey Team Soars to Semifinals, Belief Soars

India’s Hockey Team Soars to Semifinals, Belief Soars

India’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has emerged as a formidable force at the Paris Olympics, defying adversity and showcasing unwavering resilience. Their stunning victory against Great Britain in the quarterfinals has ignited a belief within the squad that they possess something special.

The team’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by a series of challenges, including a narrow escape against New Zealand and a hard-fought draw with Ireland. However, they have risen to the occasion, displaying exceptional attacking prowess against Australia and a masterclass in defense against Great Britain.

Harmanpreet Singh attributes their success to a newfound team spirit and a belief that they can overcome any obstacle. “The kind of situation that happened in the match and we still managed to win, I think something is there,” he said. “We are just two steps (away).”

The next step for India is a daunting semifinal clash against Germany, the reigning World Cup champions. Germany boasts a formidable attack, led by drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, and a strong defense. However, India’s confidence is sky-high after their victory against Great Britain.

“If we can win from one man down, then we can definitely beat any team playing with 11 men,” said Manpreet Singh, the captain of the Tokyo Olympics team. “If we have beaten Australia, we can beat any team in the world.”

Mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton has played a crucial role in developing the team’s resilience. “We’ve worked hard on it, but it was only ever going to be revealed when the rubber hit the road,” he said. “Now we’ve seen they have resilience.”

Despite the suspension of Amit Rohidas for the Germany match, India remains determined to make history. They have proven their ability to adapt and overcome adversity, and they are now within touching distance of a medal of a different color than the bronze they won in Tokyo.

Neeraj Chopra Returns to Paris as Global Face of Javelin

Neeraj Chopra Returns to Paris as Global Face of Javelin

Paris, the heart of the 2024 Olympics, reverberates with the global spirit of track and field. Amidst the 80,000-strong crowd at the Stade de France, athletes from diverse nations converge, united by their passion for sport.

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic champion, returns to the javelin throw arena, his presence transcending national boundaries. From Tokyo to Paris, Chopra’s journey has transformed him into a global icon, inspiring athletes and fans alike.

Max Dehning, a rising star from Germany, acknowledges Chopra’s impact on the sport. “He brought more attention to javelin throw and athletics,” Dehning says. “He is one of the most famous athletes there is.”

Chopra’s affability and kindness have endeared him to fellow athletes. Ukraine’s Kokhan Mykhaylo, a bronze medalist in hammer throw, recalls their interactions in international meets. “He’s a good guy. He’s very kind. You can always talk with him,” Mykhaylo says.

Chopra’s dedication to his craft is evident in his training regimen. He spends significant time away from home, seeking optimal conditions for his preparation. Like Mykhaylo, who trains in Turkey, Chopra often visits Antalya for training.

As Chopra embarks on his Paris Olympics campaign, the world eagerly anticipates his performance. Mykhaylo, having achieved his medal, extends his support to the Indian star. “I wish him good, good luck to secure his Olympic title here,” Mykhaylo says.

Chopra’s journey in Paris is a testament to the global reach of the Olympics and the transformative power of sport. His presence on the world stage inspires millions, showcasing the aspirations and achievements of athletes from all corners of the globe.

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