Swapnil Kusale Qualifies for 50m Rifle Three Positions Final at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale Qualifies for 50m Rifle Three Positions Final at Paris Olympics

Swapnil Kusale, a 28-year-old Indian shooter, has qualified for the final of the 50m rifle three positions event at the Paris Olympics. This is his second major final after the 2022 World Championships, where he finished fourth.

Kusale’s qualification score of 590 included 38 hits to the inner ring, demonstrating his accuracy and consistency. He will be hoping to break the jinx of finishing fourth in major competitions and secure a medal for India.

The rifle three positions event tests the endurance and technique of shooters, requiring them to shoot from kneeling, prone, and standing positions. Kusale has worked on his game since his disappointing performance at the World Championships and Asian Games, focusing on developing a strong mind and maintaining confidence.

His coach, Deepali Deshpande, praised Kusale’s accuracy and patience during the qualification round. She believes that his maturity and ability to handle pressure will serve him well in the final.

Kusale’s qualification for the final is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has come a long way since winning his first senior national title in 2015 and has consistently performed at the international level.

Olympic Redemption: Athletes Triumph Over Setbacks

Olympic Redemption: Athletes Triumph Over Setbacks

In the realm of sports, setbacks and triumphs are intertwined, shaping the journeys of athletes. The Tokyo Olympics witnessed several such tales of resilience and redemption.

Simon Biles, the gymnastics icon, faced the dreaded “twisties” in Tokyo, a mental block that threatened her Olympic dreams. Yet, she persevered, winning her eighth Olympic medal and becoming the most decorated gymnast in US history. Her triumph was not merely a victory on the scoreboard but a testament to her mental fortitude.

Manu Bhaker, India’s shooting prodigy, endured relentless trolling after a disappointing performance in Tokyo. The pressure and self-doubt nearly shattered her spirit. However, she found solace in taking a break and rediscovering her love for the sport.

China’s diving “Dream Team” suffered a rare setback in Tokyo, losing their four-decade-long streak in men’s synchro platform. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but it ignited a fire within Cao Yuan and Chen Aisen. They vowed to return stronger, proving that even in the face of adversity, redemption is possible.

American sprinter Noah Lyles, after a bronze medal in the 200 meters, realized the need for a change. He embraced discomfort, competing in events that challenged his limits. His silver medal in the 60 meters at the Indoor World Championships boosted his confidence, reminding him that setbacks can be stepping stones to success.

These athletes’ journeys highlight the transformative power of setbacks. They teach us that failure is not a dead end but an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By embracing the lessons learned from adversity, athletes can emerge stronger, more resilient, and with a renewed appreciation for the joy of victory.

Indian Hockey Team Embraces Adventure in Swiss Alps Bootcamp

Indian Hockey Team Embraces Adventure in Swiss Alps Bootcamp

Indian Hockey Team’s Unconventional Bootcamp in the Swiss Alps: Building Resilience and Teamwork

In preparation for the Paris Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team embarked on an extraordinary two-day bootcamp in the Swiss Alps with renowned adventurer Mike Horn. This unconventional detour aimed to enhance the players’ mental resilience, teamwork, and strategic thinking.

Horn, who has previously worked with the Indian cricket team and IPL franchises, led the players through a series of challenging activities, including glacier walking, mountain climbing, via ferrata, and waterfall rappelling. These experiences pushed the players out of their comfort zones and tested their limits.

According to Horn, these activities foster mental resilience, enabling athletes to stay focused under pressure. They also strengthen team bonds and trust, as players face challenges together. Additionally, they enhance strategic thinking and adaptability, crucial skills in high-stakes competitions like the Olympics.

Horn shared personal anecdotes from his expeditions, exposing the players to the pressures of life and death. These stories resonated with the team, providing them with a fresh perspective on handling pressure in their own sport.

The bootcamp began at Glacier 3000, where the players walked with harnesses. Initially, some players expressed apprehension, but their concerns dissipated after spending the night in a hostel and cycling to Rougemont.

Horn gradually increased the intensity of the activities, culminating in a night spent on hay without sleeping bags or mattresses. This experience tested the players’ adaptability and resilience.

By the end of the camp, the players had embraced the challenges and developed a newfound sense of camaraderie and achievement. They left with a fresh perspective on handling pressure, a crucial skill for the upcoming Olympics.

Archery's Tiny Margins: Dhiraj Bommadevara's Heartbreaking Defeat

Archery’s Tiny Margins: Dhiraj Bommadevara’s Heartbreaking Defeat

Archery, a sport of precision and minute margins, witnessed a heart-wrenching defeat for India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara in the Round of 32 at the ongoing Commonwealth Games. In a nail-biting shoot-off against Canada’s Eric Peters, both archers hit a perfect 10. However, Peters’ arrow landed a mere 2.4 cm closer to the center (X), resulting in Dhiraj’s elimination.

The target face in archery measures 122 cm in diameter, with the 10-ring spanning 12.2 cm. Archers stand a staggering 70m away from the target, making the distance equivalent to approximately 3/4ths of a football field.

“The bow and release must align perfectly with the X, with a precision of at least 2 mm,” explains Sanjeeva Singh, an archery Dronacharya awardee. “Even a 0.01 percent error in finger release can result in the arrow missing the X.”

In contrast to Dhiraj’s misfortune, India’s Deepika Kumari experienced a stroke of luck in the Round of 64. She won a shoot-off with an 8, despite her Estonian opponent Reena Parnat also shooting an 8. Deepika’s arrow was closer to the center (123.3mm) than Parnat’s (146.7mm).

Deepika’s luck continued in the next round when her Dutch opponent Quinty Roeffen shot a zero, her arrow landing outside the 10 concentric circles. This rare occurrence propelled Deepika to the Round of 16 in the individual competition.

Despite hitting only three 10s in 12 arrows against Roeffen, Deepika’s performance was sufficient to advance. She joins Bhajan Kaur as the second Indian female archer to reach the quarterfinals. Deepika’s next challenge will be against world No. 13 Michelle Kroppen, a formidable opponent who will test her limits.

Manika Batra's Olympic Journey Ends in Pre-Quarterfinals

Manika Batra’s Olympic Journey Ends in Pre-Quarterfinals

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra’s remarkable journey at the Paris Olympics ended in the women’s singles pre-quarterfinals on Wednesday, as she succumbed to a 1-4 defeat against higher-ranked Japanese Miu Hirano.

Batra, who had scripted history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the round of 16 at the Olympics, faced a formidable opponent in Hirano. Despite a valiant effort, Batra’s uncharacteristic errors proved costly, resulting in a 6-11 9-11 11-9 14-12 8-11 6-11 loss in a match that lasted 47 minutes.

The 29-year-old Batra had entered the match with high hopes, having previously defeated France’s world number 18 Prithika Pavade 4-0 in the round of 16. However, Hirano’s superior experience and skill proved too much for Batra, who suffered her fifth consecutive loss to the Japanese player.

Earlier in the day, Batra’s compatriot Sreeja Akula had advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s singles competition, providing a glimmer of hope for India in table tennis. Batra, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, had previously reached the round of 32 at the Tokyo Games three years ago.

Despite the disappointing result, Batra’s performance at the Paris Olympics has been a testament to her determination and resilience. She has once again showcased her exceptional talent and has inspired countless young Indians to pursue their dreams in table tennis.

Argentine Surprise: Jose Torres Gil Wins BMX Freestyle Gold in Paris

Argentine Surprise: Jose Torres Gil Wins BMX Freestyle Gold in Paris

Jose Torres Gil, an unheralded rider from Argentina, stunned the BMX freestyle world by capturing the gold medal at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday. Torres Gil’s sublime first run, featuring a massive 720 and a near-flawless execution, earned him a score of 94.82 points, which proved insurmountable for his rivals.

British world champion Kieran Reilly and French superstar Anthony Jeanjean, both considered favorites for the podium, fell short in their attempts to dethrone Torres Gil. Reilly’s impressive run, which included a clean 720, earned him a score of 93.91, just shy of the gold medal. Jeanjean, who crashed on his opening run, mounted a valiant comeback but could only manage a score of 93.76, relegating him to the bronze medal.

Torres Gil’s victory was a testament to his skill and determination. The 29-year-old from Cordoba, who was not considered among the favorites, showcased his exceptional aerial prowess and technical precision. His first run, which began with a huge transfer to the massive park, set the tone for his performance.

Despite the intense heat and lack of shade, the riders pushed the boundaries of freestyle BMX. Torres Gil’s triumph marked the second time the discipline had been featured at the Summer Olympics, and the riders showcased their ever-evolving skills.

The defending gold medalist, Logan Martin of Australia, suffered a disappointing outing, crashing out of both of his runs. Marcus Christopher of the United States finished just off the podium in fourth, while Rimu Nakamura of Japan placed fifth.

Torres Gil’s victory was a reminder that anything is possible in the world of sports. The unassuming rider from Argentina proved that with determination and skill, even the most unexpected athletes can achieve Olympic glory.

North Korea Wins First-Ever Olympic Diving Medal, China Continues Dominance

North Korea Wins First-Ever Olympic Diving Medal, China Continues Dominance

North Korea has made history by winning its first-ever Olympic diving medal, a silver in the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform event. The victory marks a significant achievement for the nation, which has long been overshadowed by China’s dominance in the sport.

China continued its reign in diving, securing its 50th Olympic gold medal in the discipline. Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan, the reigning Olympic champions, led the competition from the start, amassing a commanding lead after just two dives.

North Korea’s Jin Mi Jo and Mi Rae Kim finished a distant second, but their performance was nonetheless impressive. It was the nation’s second medal of the Paris Games, following a silver in mixed doubles table tennis.

Despite their disappointment at not winning gold, Kim expressed their determination to challenge China in the future. “We really wanted to give gold to our country, but the performance was not done as we expected,” she said. “The next time we do it, we will try hard for the gold.”

Great Britain’s Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix and Lois Toulson claimed the bronze medal, while Mexico’s Alejandra Orozco and Gabriela Agundez finished fifth. Orozco, a four-time Olympian, plans to retire after the Games.

Ukrainian divers Kseniia Bailo and Sofiia Lyskun competed with heavy hearts, dedicating their performance to those suffering in their war-torn homeland. Despite finishing second-to-last, they received warm cheers from the crowd.

“I’m happy to be in the Olympics because I compete today for my country, for soldiers and for athletes and coaches who died in war,” said Bailo. “I’m really proud of me.”

China’s dominance in diving remains unchallenged, as they continue to sweep the Olympic pool. However, North Korea’s historic silver medal and the resilience of the Ukrainian divers serve as reminders that the sport is about more than just winning.

Neeraj Chopra's Dedicated Supporter Cycles 22,000 Kilometers to Paris Olympics

Neeraj Chopra’s Dedicated Supporter Cycles 22,000 Kilometers to Paris Olympics

Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in athletics, has a dedicated supporter who has embarked on an extraordinary journey to witness his triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024. Fayis Asraf Ali, a cyclist from Kerala, has pedaled over 22,000 kilometers across 30 countries in the past two years to reach Paris for the Summer Games.

Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, will lead a 29-member Indian athletics contingent at the Paris Games. The contingent will compete in 16 medal events, with the track and field events taking place at the iconic Stade de France.

Chopra’s journey to Paris has been marked by consistent success. After his historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, he won the Diamond League title in 2022 and the Asian Games gold medal in 2023. He arrives in Paris as the reigning world champion in javelin throw.

Joining Chopra in the men’s javelin competition will be Kishore Jena, who won silver at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. Other notable members of the Indian athletics contingent include Muhammed Anas, who will make his third Olympic appearance, and steeplechaser Parul Chaudhary, who will make her Olympic debut.

The Indian athletics squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics includes:

Men:
* Avinash Sable (3000m steeplechase)
* Neeraj Chopra (javelin throw)
* Kishore Jena (javelin throw)
* Tajinderpal Singh Toor (shot put)
* Praveen Chithravel (triple jump)
* Abdulla Aboobacker (triple jump)
* Sarvesh Kushare (high jump)
* Akshdeep Singh (20km race walk)
* Vikash Singh (20km race walk)
* Paramjeet Singh Bisht (20km race walk)
* Muhammed Anas (4x400m relay)
* Muhammed Ajmal (4x400m relay)
* Amoj Jacob (4x400m relay)
* Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan (4x400m relay)
* Rajesh Ramesh (4x400m relay)
* Mijo Chacko Kurian (4x400m relay)
* Suraj Panwar (race walk mixed marathon)
* Jeswin Aldrin (long jump)

Women:
* Kiran Pahal (400m)
* Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase and 5,000m)
* Jyothi Yarraji (100m hurdles)
* Annu Rani (javelin throw)
* Jyothika Sri Dandi (4x400m relay)
* Subha Venkatesan (4x400m relay)
* Vithya Ramraj (4x400m relay)
* MR Poovamma (4x400m relay)
* Prachi (4x400m relay)
* Priyanka Goswami (20km race walk and race walk mixed marathon)
* Ankita Dhyani (5000m)

Olympic Records Fall as Athletes Showcase Extraordinary Talent

Olympic Records Fall as Athletes Showcase Extraordinary Talent

The 2024 Summer Paris Olympic Games have already witnessed a plethora of record-breaking performances, showcasing the extraordinary talent and athleticism of the world’s finest athletes. With just a few weeks remaining, the anticipation for more breathtaking feats is palpable.

In the pool, Australia’s Kaylee McKeown shattered her own Olympic record in the women’s 100m backstroke, clocking in at 57.33 seconds. Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen also made history, breaking the Olympic record in the men’s 800m freestyle with a time of 7:38.19.

Mollie O’Callaghan of Australia continued her impressive run, setting a new Olympic record in the women’s 200m freestyle with a time of 1:53.27. France’s Léon Marchand etched his name in the record books by breaking the Olympic record in the men’s 400m individual medley, finishing in 4:02.95.

Gretchen Walsh from the United States made waves in the women’s 100m butterfly, breaking the Olympic record with a time of 55.37 seconds. China’s Pan Zhanle also set a new Olympic record in the men’s 100m freestyle, clocking in at 46.92 seconds.

The Australian women’s 4×100 freestyle relay team broke their own Olympic record, finishing in 3:28.92. In surfing, Brazil’s Gabriel Medina earned the highest-ever single wave score in Olympic history, scoring 9.90 in the fifth heat of the men’s surfing event.

Shooting also saw its share of record-breaking performances. Britain’s Nathan Hales set a new Olympic record in the men’s trap with a score of 48. China’s Sheng Lihao broke the Olympic record in the men’s 10-meter air rifle with a score of 252.

In archery, South Korea’s Lim Si-hyeon broke the world record in the women’s 72 arrows, 70-meter round with a score of 694. Her team also broke the Olympic record in the women’s 216 arrows, 70-meter round with a score of 2,046.

Rugby sevens witnessed some remarkable achievements as well. Maddison Levi of Australia broke the Olympic record for the number of tries at a single Olympic Game, scoring 11. The New Zealand rugby team also set a new Olympic record, scoring 55-5 against China.

As the 2024 Summer Paris Olympic Games draw to a close, the world eagerly awaits more thrilling performances and the possibility of even more records being shattered.

Swapnil Kusale, India's First Shooter in 50m Rifle Three Positions Final, Draws Inspiration from M.S. Dhoni

Swapnil Kusale, India’s First Shooter in 50m Rifle Three Positions Final, Draws Inspiration from M.S. Dhoni

Swapnil Kusale, the first Indian shooter to reach the 50m rifle three positions final at the Olympics, draws inspiration from M S Dhoni. Like Dhoni, Kusale is also a railway ticket collector. The 29-year-old from Maharashtra has been competing in international events since 2012 but had to wait 12 years to make his Olympics debut.

Kusale relates to Dhoni’s calm and patient demeanor, which are essential qualities for a shooter. He has watched Dhoni’s biopic multiple times and hopes to emulate his achievements. A top-three finish in the 50m rifle three positions final would certainly elevate Kusale’s status in Indian sport.

“I admire Dhoni for the person that he is,” Kusale said. “My sport requires me to be as calm and patient as he is on the field. I also relate to his story as I am a ticket collector like he was.”

Kusale has been working for Central Railways since 2015. He qualified for the final with a score of 590, the most inner 10s among the three shooters who shot the same score.

Kusale’s family has also been a source of inspiration. His father and brother are teachers, while his mother is the sarpanch of their village.

Aishwary Pratap Tomar, another Indian shooter, finished 11th in the qualification round.

National coach Manoj Kumar Ohlyan is optimistic about Kusale’s chances in the final. “He is in a good frame of mind,” Ohlyan said. “We are hoping for the best. We just want him to perform the way he did today. He was patient. He is good technically and physically.”

Kusale’s journey to the Olympics has been a long one, but he is now on the cusp of making history. With his calm demeanor and unwavering determination, he has the potential to become one of India’s most successful shooters.

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