Manu Bhaker Makes History, Reaches Olympic Shooting Final

Manu Bhaker Makes History, Reaches Olympic Shooting Final

Manu Bhaker, India’s shooting prodigy, has made history by becoming the first Indian female shooter to reach the final of an individual shooting event at the Olympic Games. Three years after the heartbreak of Tokyo, Bhaker produced a supremely confident performance to qualify for the women’s 10m air pistol final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

Bhaker’s journey to the final was not without its challenges. In the qualifications, she faced stiff competition from Hungarian ace Veronika Major, who claimed the top spot with a score of 582. However, Bhaker remained composed and shot 580 to finish third, securing her place in the final.

The 22-year-old from Jhajjar has been through a rollercoaster of emotions since her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. A pistol malfunction during the qualifications reduced her to tears, but she has shown remarkable resilience to bounce back from that setback.

Bhaker’s personal coach, Jaspal Rana, was overcome with emotion after witnessing her performance. “What happened today doesn’t matter anymore. Tomorrow is when it counts. We start afresh,” he said.

Bhaker’s success is a testament to her hard work and determination. She has won numerous medals on the international stage, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. If she takes the top podium spot in the final on Sunday, she will become the only Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

India has not won an Olympic medal in shooting since 2012, and Bhaker is well-placed to end that lean run. Her performance in the qualifications has given her a strong foundation for the final, and she will be determined to make history for her country.

Mixed Fortunes for India on Day 1 of Paris Olympics 2024

Mixed Fortunes for India on Day 1 of Paris Olympics 2024

The inaugural day of the Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed a mixed bag of performances for the Indian contingent. While some athletes made their mark, others fell short of expectations.

Shooting:

India’s shooting campaign got off to a disappointing start. In the 10m air rifle mixed team event, both Indian pairs failed to qualify for the medal matches. Arjun Babuta and Ramita Jindal finished 13th, while Elavenil Valarivan and Sandeep Singh placed 15th. In the men’s 10m air pistol, Sarabjot Singh and Arjun Cheema failed to make the final eight. However, Manu Bhaker qualified for the final in the women’s 10m air pistol, finishing third in the qualification round.

Badminton:

Lakshya Sen kicked off his Paris Olympics campaign with a straight-sets victory over Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon in the men’s singles. The Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also secured a win in the men’s doubles, defeating France’s Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar. However, Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto suffered a defeat in the women’s doubles, losing to South Korea’s Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong.

Hockey:

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team made a strong start to their Olympic campaign, defeating New Zealand 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Goals from Mandeep Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Harmanpreet Singh sealed the victory for India.

Table Tennis:

Harmeet Desai advanced to the Round of 64 in the men’s singles table tennis, beating Jordan’s Zaid Abo Yaman 4-0. He will face Felix Lebrun of France in the next round.

Boxing:

Preeti Pawar progressed to the Round of 16 in the women’s 54kg boxing, defeating Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Anh by a unanimous decision.

Rowing:

Balraj Panwar finished fourth in the first heat race of the men’s single sculls, failing to qualify directly for the quarterfinals.

India's Medal Hopes Rise on Day 2 of Paris Olympics

India’s Medal Hopes Rise on Day 2 of Paris Olympics

Paris Olympics 2024: India’s Day 2 Schedule and Medal Hopes

Day 2 of India’s campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be action-packed, with several medal contenders taking center stage.

Shooting: Manu Bhaker’s Redemption Quest

Manu Bhaker, India’s pistol shooting sensation, will be the focus of attention as she aims to secure the country’s first medal at the Games. After a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker is determined to make amends. She will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol final, where she will face stiff competition from Hungarian ace Veronika Major.

Badminton: Sindhu and Prannoy Begin Campaigns

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu will kick off her women’s singles campaign against FN Abdul Razzaq of Maldives. Sindhu, who was India’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, will be looking to add to her impressive medal tally. HS Prannoy will also begin his men’s singles journey, facing Fabian Roth of Germany.

Archery: Women’s Team Targets Semifinals

The Indian women’s archery team, comprising Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Deepika Kumari, will aim for a semifinal spot in the team event. They will face either France or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

Other Events

Elavenil Valarivan will compete in the women’s 10m air rifle qualification, while Sandeep Singh and Arjun Babuta will represent India in the men’s 10m air rifle qualification.

In table tennis, Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, and Sreeja Akula will open their respective singles campaigns.

Balraj Panwar will participate in the men’s single sculls repechage in rowing.

Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu will represent India in the men’s 100m backstroke and women’s 200m freestyle swimming events, respectively.

In tennis, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will play in the men’s doubles round 1, while Sumit Nagal will face Corentin Moutet of France in the men’s singles round 1.

Athletes Defy Oppression at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Athletes Defy Oppression at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony witnessed a poignant display of resistance and defiance as athletes from Palestine and Afghanistan took to the Parade of Nations. Waseem Abu Sal, a 20-year-old boxer from Palestine, wore a shirt emblazoned with a chilling image of bombs falling on a child playing football. This powerful statement highlighted the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli forces have killed at least 350 athletes since last October.

The Palestine Olympic Committee has appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA to ban Israel for its actions in Gaza. However, the IOC’s stance on sanctions against Russia for its aggression in Ukraine appears to be inconsistent.

Afghanistan’s female athletes also defied the Taliban’s oppressive regime by participating in the Olympics. Road cyclists Fariba and Yulduz Hashimi have faced threats and violence for daring to ride bicycles. They fled the country after the Taliban takeover and are now rebuilding their lives in Italy.

The Olympics have a long history of serving as a platform for protest. In 1906, Irishman Peter O’Connor raised the Irish flag on the podium, refusing to be identified as British. In 1968, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a powerful act of defiance against racial segregation.

While the IOC has softened its stance on protest, demonstrations during matches or medal ceremonies are still prohibited. However, the Games venue itself has seen protests from French civil liberties groups and environmental organizations.

The Palestinian athletes in Paris are determined to make a statement. They flashed peace signs and wore keffiyehs, symbols of their national identity. Waseem, who trained for the Olympics during the war, will return to his conflict-ridden country after the Games.

The opening ceremony also featured a rendition of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Imagine,” a poignant reminder of the need for peace. As the performance concluded, the words “We stand and call for peace” appeared on the screen.

Women's Sports Take Center Stage at Paris Olympics: Overcoming Adversity, Inspiring Triumph

Women’s Sports Take Center Stage at Paris Olympics: Overcoming Adversity, Inspiring Triumph

Women’s Sports Shine Bright at Paris Olympics: Overcoming Adversity and Inspiring Triumph

The upcoming Paris Olympics will witness a historic moment as women take center stage in sports. Among the 5250 female athletes, several stand out for their remarkable journeys and unwavering determination.

Overcoming Health Challenges:

Rikako Ikee, a Japanese swimmer, faced a life-altering diagnosis of leukemia in 2019. After 10 months of hospitalization, she made a miraculous comeback, qualifying for the Olympic freestyle and medley relay teams. Similarly, Marloes Oldenburg, a Dutch rower, overcame a near-fatal bicycle accident that left her with six pins in her back. Despite the challenges, she returned to rowing and became a world champion.

Faith and Resilience:

Maddie Musselman, a 26-year-old water polo player, has drawn strength from her Catholic faith to cope with her husband’s lung cancer. She aims for her third consecutive Olympic gold medal, while Sunisa Lee, a gymnast, has reset her goals after a setback in the USA trials.

Clearing Names and Pursuing Dreams:

Shayna Jack, an Australian swimmer, was banned for four years after testing positive for a banned substance. Despite the controversy, she has worked tirelessly to clear her name and is now part of the world record-breaking 4x100m relay team. Yasameen Al-Raimi, an air pistol shooter from Yemen, has overcome war and lack of training facilities to pursue her Olympic dream.

Inspiring Stories of Triumph:

These women’s stories are not just about medals but about overcoming adversity and inspiring others. They represent the resilience, determination, and passion that drive women’s sports forward. Their presence at the Paris Olympics will not only showcase their athleticism but also serve as a testament to the power of human spirit.

India's Men's Hockey Team Edges New Zealand in Paris Olympics Opener

India’s Men’s Hockey Team Edges New Zealand in Paris Olympics Opener

India’s men’s hockey team made a winning start to their Paris Olympics campaign, edging out New Zealand 3-2 in a thrilling Pool B encounter on Saturday. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal from the spot a minute before full time.

New Zealand drew first blood through Sam Lane’s penalty corner in the 8th minute. However, India responded with a penalty corner conversion by Mandeep Singh in the 24th minute. Vivek Sagar Prasad gave India the lead four minutes into the second half, but Simon Child equalized for New Zealand with another penalty corner in the 53rd minute.

As the match entered its final stages, India pressed relentlessly for the winning goal. Sukhjeet Singh’s smart play earned them a penalty corner, which was initially saved by New Zealand goalkeeper Dominic Dixon. However, the ball struck Child on the body, resulting in a penalty stroke. Harmanpreet stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick to secure a vital victory for India.

Despite the win, India’s chief coach Craig Fulton may have some concerns about the team’s penalty corner conversion rate. India earned five penalty corners but converted only one, while New Zealand had nine set pieces and utilized two.

India will face a formidable challenge in their next Pool B match against Argentina on Monday.

High Jumper Tamberi Loses Wedding Ring in Seine River at Paris Olympics

High Jumper Tamberi Loses Wedding Ring in Seine River at Paris Olympics

World champion high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi’s Paris Olympics debut was marred by a mishap when he lost his wedding ring in the Seine river during the opening ceremony. The Italian flag-bearer’s ring slipped off his finger as he enthusiastically waved the Italian tricolour during the boat parade in the Parisian rain on Friday.

Tamberi, known for his charismatic personality, took to Instagram to apologize to his wife, Chiara Bontempi Tamberi, in a heartfelt post. “I’m sorry, my love, I’m so sorry,” he wrote, blaming “too much water, too many kilos lost in the last few months or maybe the irrepressible enthusiasm of what we were doing. Probably all three.”

The 32-year-old high jumper, who famously shared Olympic gold in Tokyo three years ago with Qatari friend and rival Mutaz Barshim, has a reputation as something of a showman. He is known for leaving one half of his face unshaved, adding to his unique persona.

Tamberi’s ring mishap has sparked a wave of sympathy and amusement on social media, with many users sharing their own stories of lost wedding rings. The incident has also highlighted the importance of cherishing the special moments in life, even amidst the excitement and spectacle of a major sporting event.

Despite the setback, Tamberi remains focused on his Olympic aspirations. He is determined to add to his medal collection and make his country proud. His unwavering spirit and infectious enthusiasm are sure to inspire his fellow athletes and fans alike.

Yves du Manoir: A Century of Olympic History Returns in 2024

Yves du Manoir: A Century of Olympic History Returns in 2024

Yves du Manoir, the iconic stadium that graced the 1924 Paris Olympics, is set to make a grand return as a centerpiece of the 2024 Games. Steeped in a century of Olympic history, the venue has witnessed legendary moments and played a pivotal role in shaping the sporting landscape.

In 1924, Yves du Manoir hosted the Opening Ceremony and a wide range of athletic events, including the unforgettable exploits of Finnish runner Pavo Nurmi. Despite the oppressive heat and air pollution, Nurmi’s remarkable stamina and determination propelled him to claim five gold medals in just six days. The stadium also witnessed the rise of the Uruguayan football team, which triumphed over Switzerland in the final to secure international stardom.

Over the years, Yves du Manoir has hosted numerous other prestigious events, including the 1938 FIFA World Cup final and the sprint races between British athletes Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddle, immortalized in the film “Chariots of Fire.” However, the stadium fell into disrepair and was nearly abandoned before undergoing a major renovation in preparation for the 2024 Olympics.

Now adorned with a vibrant blue synthetic turf, Yves du Manoir has been transformed into a modern sporting arena with a reduced capacity of 15,000. It will once again host hockey matches, a sport that made its Olympic debut in 1928. Indian hockey captain Manpreet Singh expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing in such a historic venue, while his teammate Harmanpreet Singh saw it as an opportunity to create unforgettable memories by winning the gold medal.

Despite its modernization, Yves du Manoir retains its historical charm. An old house still stands on its premises, serving as a reminder of the stadium’s rich past. The venue’s legacy is further preserved by the Georges-Vallerey swimming pool, where Johnny Weissmuller emerged as a star athlete before going on to play Tarzan on the silver screen, and the Vélodrome Jacques Anquetil La Cipale, which has hosted two previous Olympics.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, Yves du Manoir stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Games. It is a venue that has witnessed the triumphs and heartbreaks of countless athletes, and it is poised to create new chapters in the annals of Olympic history.

Indian Paddler Harmeet Desai Triumphs in Olympic Debut

Indian Paddler Harmeet Desai Triumphs in Olympic Debut

Indian table tennis star Harmeet Desai made a triumphant debut at the Paris Olympics, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Jordan’s Zaid Abo Yaman in the men’s singles preliminary round. The 31-year-old from Surat showcased his exceptional skills and experience, dominating the match from start to finish.

Desai, ranked 103rd in the world, faced little resistance from his opponent, who is ranked 538th. The Indian paddler quickly established his rhythm, winning the first game 11-7. He maintained his momentum in the subsequent games, taking them 11-9, 11-5, and 11-5. The match lasted a mere 30 minutes, highlighting Desai’s superior technique and tactical prowess.

Desai’s victory marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Having competed in numerous international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games where he won team gold medals in 2018 and 2022, the Olympics had remained an elusive dream. His determination and hard work have finally paid off, as he now stands among the elite table tennis players on the world’s grandest sporting stage.

In preparation for the Olympics, Desai participated in three preparatory tournaments and underwent rigorous personal training in Germany. His dedication and commitment to the sport are evident in his performance at Paris. He is one of two Indian men’s singles players competing in the Olympics, alongside veteran Sharath Kamal.

Desai’s victory has ignited hope and excitement among Indian table tennis enthusiasts. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with perseverance and unwavering belief, anything is possible. As the competition progresses, Desai will undoubtedly face tougher challenges, but his impressive start has set the tone for a memorable Olympic journey.

Climate Activists Blocked from Olympic Protest in Paris

Climate Activists Blocked from Olympic Protest in Paris

French Police Thwart Climate Activists’ Olympic Protest in Paris

On the inaugural day of the Paris Olympics, French authorities swiftly intervened to prevent a demonstration by climate activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR). The group had planned to occupy the Pont des Arts bridge over the Seine, the site of the Games’ opening ceremony hours earlier.

However, police officers swiftly apprehended 45 XR activists before the protest could commence. “Around 30 people were preventively arrested Saturday in Paris, without any offense to truly accuse them of,” said Alexis Baudelin, one of the group’s lawyers. A group of journalists covering the event were also detained.

XR France expressed frustration over the government’s heavy-handed response. “The French government has deployed great resources to block our special Olympic action,” they stated. “Our democracy burns and we are watching the flame of Paris 2024.”

The activists’ demands include increased participatory democracy and the establishment of a citizen assembly to draft a new constitution for France. “We need a new model for society, which has to be fair and democratically accepted,” said Sandro, an XR activist.

The foiled protest follows a series of arrests of XR activists in the lead-up to the Olympics. Nine activists, including a minor, were detained east of Paris on Friday, while eight were arrested and released for posting critical stickers in the Paris metro.

Despite organizers’ pledges to prioritize climate action, the Games have faced criticism from academics and campaigners. They argue that the sponsorship of car giant Toyota, which promotes hydrogen cars, undermines the event’s environmental goals.

Climate activists have launched a campaign highlighting Toyota’s high emissions, with mock advertisements displayed in Paris and other French cities. Toyota maintains that hydrogen will play a crucial role in decarbonization.

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