Manu Bhaker's Bronze Lifts India's Medal Tally at Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker’s Bronze Lifts India’s Medal Tally at Paris Olympics 2024

India’s medal hopes at the Paris 2024 Olympics received a boost on Saturday as Manu Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event. This achievement propelled India to 22nd place in the medal tally.

Japan currently leads the standings with an impressive haul of four golds, two silvers, and one bronze. Their dominance was evident in Fencing (Men’s Épée Individual), Judo (men and women), and women’s Street Skateboarding.

South Korea has emerged as a strong contender, overtaking Australia and tying with Japan with seven total medals. Their standout performance came from 16-year-old Ban Hyojin, who shattered records in the women’s 10m air rifle, equaling the Olympic record set by China in Tokyo 2020.

Australia remains in third place with six medals (4 gold, 2 silver). Despite leading in total medals (12), the USA has only secured three golds in fencing and swimming events. They have also accumulated six silver and three bronze medals.

Day 3 of the Games promises to be action-packed with 22 medal events. Great Britain’s Tom Daley will attempt to defend his gold medal in the men’s synchronized 10m platform.

For India, Arjun Babuta will vie for a medal in the 10m air rifle men’s final. While Ramita Jindal narrowly missed out on a medal in the women’s 10m air rifle final, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh have advanced to the bronze medal match in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

Bhaker’s potential to become the first Indian athlete to win two medals at the same Olympic Games has ignited excitement among Indian fans. Her historic achievement in Tokyo 2020 as the first Indian woman to clinch a shooting medal has set the stage for another remarkable performance.

Ramita Jindal Finishes Seventh in Women's 10m Air Rifle Final at Olympics

Ramita Jindal Finishes Seventh in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Final at Olympics

In a thrilling display of precision and composure, India’s Ramita Jindal narrowly missed out on a podium finish in the women’s 10m air rifle final at the ongoing Olympics in Chateauroux. Competing in her maiden Games, the 20-year-old from Haryana showcased her exceptional talent, finishing seventh in a high-quality field.

Ramita’s journey began with a promising fifth-place finish in the qualifications, securing her a spot in the eight-woman final. Starting strongly, she fired an impressive series of shots, including a perfect 10.9. However, a costly 9.7 on her tenth shot dropped her to seventh place after the first stage.

Undeterred, Ramita fought back with two solid shots of 10.4 and 10.5, keeping her hopes alive. As the competition progressed, the pressure intensified, with elimination beginning from the 12th shot. Ramita found herself tied with France’s Oceanne Muller for seventh place, necessitating a single-shot shoot-off.

Under immense pressure, Muller shot a near-perfect 10.8, leaving Ramita with the daunting task of hitting the bull’s eye. Despite taking her time, Ramita’s shot fell just short, scoring an impressive 10.5 but ultimately not enough to advance.

The final moments of the match were equally dramatic, as China’s Yuting Huang, the reigning Asian Games champion, was edged out by South Korea’s 16-year-old Hyojin Ban in a nerve-wracking shoot-off. Ban’s ice-cold composure and solid 10.4 in the shoot-off proved decisive, securing her the Olympic gold medal.

Ramita’s performance in her maiden Olympics is a testament to her talent and determination. Despite narrowly missing out on a medal, she has gained invaluable experience and will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in future competitions.

Triathlon Events at Paris Olympics in Doubt as River Seine Contamination Persists

Triathlon Events at Paris Olympics in Doubt as River Seine Contamination Persists

Paris 2024 Triathlon Events in Jeopardy as River Seine Contamination Persists

Olympic officials have canceled a second day of swim training for triathletes in the River Seine in Paris due to water contamination caused by weekend showers. The decision raises concerns about the viability of the triathlon events scheduled to begin on Tuesday, July 30.

“The tests carried out in the Seine revealed water quality levels that did not provide sufficient guarantees to allow the event to be held,” stated a joint statement from Paris 2024 organizers and World Triathlon. “This is due to rain that has fallen on Paris on 26 and 27 July.”

The River Seine is set to host the triathlon events, including the men’s and women’s individual races, as well as marathon swimming events in August. However, if the river’s quality does not meet the required standards by Tuesday, organizers have two reserve days on August 2 and 3.

Open-water 10km swimming events are scheduled for August 8 and 9 and could be moved to the Marne River if necessary. If the water quality does not improve by the reserve days, the event may be converted into a duathlon, with swimming canceled.

“Given the weather forecast for the next 36 hours, Paris 2024 and World Triathlon are confident that water quality will return to below limits before the start of the triathlon competitions on 30 July,” organizers said.

The contamination issue stems from heavy rainfall in Paris, which has led to pollutants entering the river. Despite efforts to clean the Seine in preparation for the Olympics, water quality tests have shown unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria.

In 2015, Olympic organizers invested $1.5 billion to improve the Seine’s water quality. However, the recent rainfall has highlighted the challenges of maintaining the river’s cleanliness.

The contamination concerns have cast a shadow over the Paris 2024 triathlon events. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and will make a decision on the viability of the races based on water quality tests.

Manu Bhaker Wins Historic Bronze in Shooting at Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker Wins Historic Bronze in Shooting at Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker’s historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics marks a triumphant return for the young shooter after a challenging period. Bhaker’s journey to the podium was not without its obstacles, but with the unwavering support of her coach, Jaspal Rana, she overcame adversity to become the first Indian markswoman to win an Olympic shooting medal.

After a disappointing exit at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Bhaker contemplated giving up shooting. However, Rana’s belief in her potential reignited her passion. Rana’s guidance and encouragement helped Bhaker rediscover her focus and determination.

In the women’s 10m Air Pistol final, Bhaker displayed nerves of steel. Despite facing stiff competition, she maintained her composure and shot with precision. Her bronze medal not only ended India’s 12-year wait for a shooting medal at the Olympics but also cemented her place in Indian sporting history.

Bhaker’s success is a testament to her resilience and the transformative power of mentorship. Rana’s unwavering support and belief in her abilities played a crucial role in her journey to the podium.

Bhaker’s victory is a source of inspiration for aspiring shooters and athletes alike. It demonstrates that even in the face of setbacks, perseverance and the support of a dedicated coach can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Commentator Bob Ballard Axed for Sexist Remark During Olympics Commentary

Commentator Bob Ballard Axed for Sexist Remark During Olympics Commentary

Commentator Bob Ballard Removed for Sexist Remark During Olympics Commentary

Veteran commentator Bob Ballard has been removed from the commentary panel by broadcasters after making a sexist remark on air during a swimming event at the Olympics.

During the Australia women’s 4x100m freestyle swimming relay team’s victory celebration, Ballard commented on Eurosport, “You know what women are like… hanging around, doing their make up.”

The remark sparked outrage, with co-commentator and British swimming champion Lizzie Simmonds labeling it as “outrageous.” Ballard initially laughed off the criticism.

Following the incident, Eurosport issued a statement confirming Ballard’s removal from the commentary panel. “During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment. To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect,” the statement read.

Ballard, who has been a commentator for almost 40 years, has covered various Olympic sports, including water polo, ice hockey, diving, and swimming.

The incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of sexism in sports commentary. Many have called for commentators to undergo training to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Australia women’s 4x100m freestyle swimming relay team, consisting of Mollie O’Callaghan, Emma McKeon, Meg Harris, and Shayna Jack, secured Australia’s fourth consecutive gold medal in the event at the Olympics.

Harmeet Desai's Olympic Dream Ends with Second Round Loss

Harmeet Desai’s Olympic Dream Ends with Second Round Loss

India’s Harmeet Desai’s Olympic debut in men’s singles table tennis came to an end on Sunday after a disappointing 0-4 loss to world no. 5 Felix Lebrun of France in the second round. The 31-year-old from Surat struggled to find his rhythm against the 17-year-old local hopeful, going down 8-11 8-11 6-11 8-11 in just 28 minutes.

Desai, who was part of the Indian team that won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022, had progressed to the second round with a convincing 4-0 victory over Jordan’s Zaid Abo Yaman on Saturday. However, his performance against Lebrun was a far cry from his showing in the opening round match.

Desai had come into the Olympics after playing in three preparatory tournaments and undergoing personal training in Germany. However, he was unable to replicate his form in the second round, as Lebrun’s aggressive play and quick reflexes proved too much for the Indian.

Earlier, veteran Sharath Kamal, making his fifth Olympics appearance, also suffered a shock exit in the men’s singles competition. The 39-year-old lost 2-4 (12-10 9-11 6-11 7-11 11-8 10-12) to Deni Kozul of Slovenia, ranked 86 places below him.

With Desai and Kamal’s exits, India’s campaign in men’s singles table tennis at the Tokyo Olympics has come to an end. The focus will now shift to the women’s singles competition, where Manika Batra and Sutirtha Mukherjee will be representing India.

India Eyes More Medals in Shooting, Archery at Paris Olympics

India Eyes More Medals in Shooting, Archery at Paris Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics are underway, and India is poised to make a strong showing in several sports. On Monday, shooting and archery will take center stage, with the potential for multiple medals.

Shooting:

Manu Bhaker, who won India’s first medal in Paris on Sunday, will team up with Sarabjot Singh in the 10m air pistol mixed team qualification. Ramita Jindal and Arjuna Babuta will compete in the finals of the 10m air rifle, while Prithviraj Tondaiman will participate in the men’s trap qualification.

Archery:

The Indian men’s archery team, comprising Dhiraj Bommadevara, Pravin Jadhav, and Tarundeep Rai, will begin their elimination round in the quarter-finals. Seeded third, India will face the winner of the pre-quarter-final between Turkey and Colombia. A victory would likely set up a semi-final clash with hosts France.

Hockey:

After a hard-fought 3-2 victory over New Zealand in their Group B opener, the Indian men’s hockey team will face a tougher test against Argentina. The Rio 2016 champions pushed Australia to the limit in a 1-0 loss. Another win for India would bring them closer to the quarter-finals.

Judo:

The Champ-de-Mars Arena will host the women’s 57kg and men’s 73kg medal matches in judo. The day will feature two bronze medal matches in the 57kg followed by the final, with the same sequence repeated in the men’s 73kg event.

Swimming:

The women’s 400m individual medley final will take place at Paris’ La Defense Arena. Canadian Summer McIntosh is the favorite after breaking her own world record in May. McIntosh will also compete in the women’s 200m freestyle, the last swimming final of the night.

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana's Unique Training Regimen Leads to Success

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana’s Unique Training Regimen Leads to Success

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana’s unique training regimen has been instrumental in their success in shooting. During each training session, they set a specific target score. If Manu fails to achieve it, she incurs a fine equivalent to the deficit in points. This fine is either donated or used to purchase items for distribution to people in need.

Rana’s coaching methods are unconventional and demanding. He pushes Manu to her limits, both technically and mentally. This approach has helped Manu regain her focus and love for shooting after a period of setbacks.

After a bitter public fallout, Manu reached out to Rana, seeking his guidance once again. Rana’s unwavering belief in her potential and his rigorous training methods have played a crucial role in Manu’s redemption.

In preparation for the Chateauroux competition, Rana subjected Manu to intense training in conditions that simulated the warm temperatures inside the ranges. This meticulous preparation paid off, as Manu secured a bronze medal.

Rana’s passion for the sport is matched by Manu’s dedication. Their journey has been marked by challenges, but they have emerged stronger and more determined. Rana believes that Manu has the potential to push her limits even further and achieve greater success in the future.

South Sudan Makes History with First Olympic Basketball Victory

South Sudan Makes History with First Olympic Basketball Victory

South Sudan’s historic Olympic debut in men’s basketball was marred by an unfortunate glitch, but the team’s resilience and determination shone through as they secured their first Olympic victory.

Prior to the game against Puerto Rico, the wrong national anthem was played for South Sudan, a nation that emerged from civil war to gain independence in 2011. The error, which cut off the anthem after 20 seconds, left the Sudanese players and fans bewildered.

However, the team’s coach, Royal Ivey, an American, rallied his players, emphasizing the importance of national pride and the need to earn respect. The correct anthem was eventually played, and the South Sudanese players embraced, ready to face the challenge.

“It gave us fuel to the fire,” said forward Nuni Omot. “We felt disrespected, but we have to continue to show the world what we’re capable of.”

Despite the initial setback, South Sudan played with heart and determination, overcoming a 10-point deficit to secure a 90-79 victory. Omot praised the support from Puerto Rico’s players and fans, who showed solidarity during the anthem mix-up.

“Respect to them,” Omot said. “They want us to succeed, and they listened and waited for us. That’s a testament to the type of people they are.”

Coach Ivey commended his players for their resilience and focus. “These guys wanted to play,” he said. “They wanted to hear their anthem. We all make mistakes, but at the end of the day, these guys are brothers.”

South Sudan’s victory marks a significant milestone for the young nation, showcasing their talent and determination on the world stage. The team’s journey is a testament to the power of sports to unite and inspire.

Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Sparks Controversy, Organizers Apologize

Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Sparks Controversy, Organizers Apologize

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony, a daring and unconventional spectacle, has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from some Catholic groups and French bishops. The ceremony, choreographed by theater director Thomas Jolly, featured scenes that were perceived as mocking Christianity, particularly a performance involving dancers, drag queens, and a DJ in poses reminiscent of the Last Supper.

Paris 2024 organizers have expressed regret for any offense caused but have vehemently denied any intention to disrespect religious beliefs. Spokeswoman Anne Descamps emphasized that the ceremony aimed to promote tolerance and inclusivity, not to denigrate any faith.

Jolly, the ceremony’s director, has also defended his work, stating that it was inspired by pagan mythology and not by the Last Supper. He emphasized his commitment to creating a unifying and celebratory event that reflects France’s Republican values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Despite the controversy, the opening ceremony has been met with widespread praise. A poll commissioned by Paris 2024 revealed that the majority of French people viewed the ceremony positively. American broadcaster NBC reported that the procession was the most-watched start to an Olympics since London 2012, while German broadcaster ARD claimed it was the most-watched in 20 years.

The ceremony also featured other striking moments, including the appearance of a woman holding a bloodied severed head, representing executed French queen Marie-Antoinette. Jolly clarified that the scene was not intended to glorify the guillotine but rather to highlight its historical significance.

With around 700,000 spectators expected to attend events around Paris on Sunday, the second full day of the Games, the opening ceremony has set the stage for an unforgettable and thought-provoking Olympic experience.

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