B-Girl India: The Dutch Breakdancing Sensation at the Paris Olympics

B-Girl India: The Dutch Breakdancing Sensation at the Paris Olympics

Breakdancing, a vibrant and energetic dance form, made its debut at the Paris Olympics 2024, introducing the world to a new generation of talented athletes. Among them, B-Girl India, an 18-year-old Dutch sensation, emerged as a standout performer.

Despite her moniker, B-Girl India has no direct connection to the South Asian country. Her real name is India Sardjoe, and she hails from The Hague, Netherlands. Her father is from Suriname, while her mother is Dutch.

Sardjoe’s journey to breakdancing began with football, but her passion for hip-hop and breakdancing eventually led her to switch paths. Her talent quickly became evident, and she soon earned the nickname B-Girl India, a nod to her first name.

At the Paris Olympics, Sardjoe made history as the first breakdancer to win a battle at the Games. She defeated Afghan breakdancer Manizha Talash in a play-off, securing her place in the main group stage.

However, Sardjoe’s Olympic dream ended in heartbreak as she lost in the bronze medal match. The disappointment was compounded by the news that breakdancing will not be included in the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

Despite the setback, Sardjoe remains a rising star in the breakdancing world. Her impressive achievements include a gold medal at the 2022 European Breaking Championship and the 2023 European Games.

Sardjoe’s success is a testament to her dedication, talent, and the growing popularity of breakdancing. As the dance form continues to gain recognition and acceptance, B-Girl India is poised to become one of its most iconic figures.

Indian Badminton Stars Disappoint at Paris Olympics, Prakash Padukone and Sunil Gavaskar Criticise Lakshya Sen

Indian Badminton Stars Disappoint at Paris Olympics, Prakash Padukone and Sunil Gavaskar Criticise Lakshya Sen

The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a bittersweet experience for Indian sports fans. After the high of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where India returned with a record seven medals, the expectation was that at the Paris Olympics, the haul would be bigger. However, following a string of narrow misses and some unlucky incidents (like the Vinesh Phogat disqualification), India won six medals.

Badminton was one sport where India has fared well in the last three editions. Starting from the 2012 Olympics, Indian badminton stars have returned with at least one medal. However, this time there were no medals. The star duo of Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty could not enter the semi-finals. Singles player Lakshya Sen became the first Indian male shuttler to enter the Olympic semi-final but lost crucial matches despite being in a strong situation.

Amid such displays, badminton legend Prakash Padukone said that It was time for the badminton stars to bring home good results as there was enough support from the government and other stakeholders. The comment was criticised by many. Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar, however, has supported Prakash Padukone and critisiced Lakshya Sen’s mental block.

Gavaskar felt that Lakshya had lost his “thought and concentration”. “For those who watched both the semifinal and the bronze medal matches, it did appear that Lakshya had lost his trend of thought and concentration in the way he looked at his racquet as he sipped from his water bottle in between points or at the changeovers,” Gavaskar wrote.

“I could be completely wrong, but on TV, it looked like a blank expression, and that’s usually a sign that the mind has wandered. Concentration and focus are things that no coach or trainer can ever teach. It can be developed over the years by the athlete by observing other champions and having an inner resolve, but there’s no specific program for it. Yes, mind trainers are around, but they can only do so much and not more. It’s got to be within the athlete.”

Matteo Berrettini: A Dark Horse to Watch at the 2024 US Open

Matteo Berrettini: A Dark Horse to Watch at the 2024 US Open

As the 2024 US Open approaches, the tennis world eagerly anticipates the return of the sport’s elite. Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner lead the oddsboard, but a closer look reveals a potential dark horse: Matteo Berrettini.

Despite his current ranking of 42nd, Berrettini possesses the talent and experience to challenge the top contenders. A semifinalist at both the US Open and Australian Open, he also reached the Wimbledon final in 2021. His impressive 2024 season includes three titles on clay and a Performance Rating of 7.61, comparable to his peak in 2021.

Berrettini’s exceptional serve and forehand make him a formidable opponent on quick hard courts. His improved backhand further strengthens his game. His recent victories over Lorenzo Musetti, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and a close match against Sinner at Wimbledon demonstrate his current form.

While Berrettini’s injury history raises concerns, his recent performances suggest he has regained his peak fitness. At 28 years old, he is in the prime of his career. His odds of +4700 offer significant value compared to the top favorites.

Betting on Berrettini to win the tournament may be a long shot, but his chances of a deep run are strong. Even if he does not reach the final, his progress through the tournament could provide opportunities for hedging and profit.

For those seeking a less risky option, betting on Berrettini to win his quarter is a viable strategy. This would require him to reach the semifinals, a more achievable goal.

In conclusion, Matteo Berrettini is a player to watch at the 2024 US Open. His talent, experience, and recent form make him a potential threat to the top contenders. While his odds may be long, his value is undeniable.

Alexei Popyrin Stuns Rublev to Win Montreal Masters 1000 Title

Alexei Popyrin Stuns Rublev to Win Montreal Masters 1000 Title

Alexei Popyrin has etched his name into the annals of tennis history by becoming the first Australian to win an ATP Masters 1000 title since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003. The 25-year-old Sydneysider capped off a remarkable week in Montreal by defeating world No. 5 Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 in the final of the Omnium Banque Nationale.

Popyrin’s triumph marks a stunning breakthrough for the Australian, who had never previously reached a Masters 1000 quarterfinal. His victory is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

The match began with Popyrin seizing the initiative, breaking Rublev’s serve in the opening game. The Australian continued to dominate, showcasing his impressive range of shots and aggressive play. Rublev struggled to find his rhythm, and Popyrin took full advantage, securing a double break to take control of the first set.

In the second set, Popyrin continued to dictate the pace, breaking Rublev’s serve early on. However, Rublev showed his resilience by breaking back and leveling the set at 3-3. Undeterred, Popyrin regained the momentum, breaking Rublev’s serve once more and serving out the match to claim his third tour-level title.

Popyrin’s victory is a major milestone for Australian tennis. It is the first time an Australian man has won a Masters 1000 event since Hewitt’s triumph at Indian Wells in 2003. Popyrin’s success is a testament to the strength and depth of Australian tennis, and it bodes well for the future of the sport in the country.

Mbappé's Monthly Salary at Real Madrid Exceeds Kohli and Sharma's Combined IPL Earnings

Mbappé’s Monthly Salary at Real Madrid Exceeds Kohli and Sharma’s Combined IPL Earnings

Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has joined Real Madrid in a record-breaking move that has made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. Despite taking a pay cut to leave Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé’s monthly salary at Real Madrid still eclipses the combined earnings of Indian cricket superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Mbappé’s lucrative deal with Los Blancos will see him earn an estimated INR 285 crore in his first year at the Santiago Bernabeu. This translates to a staggering INR 23.7 crore per month, making him the highest-paid player in the Spanish league.

In comparison, Kohli and Sharma, two of the most celebrated cricketers in India, are expected to earn around INR 7 crore each per year from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) annual central contracts. While they are also the faces of their respective teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), their combined IPL salaries still fall short of Mbappé’s monthly earnings at Real Madrid.

Mbappé’s astronomical salary is a testament to his exceptional talent and marketability. The 25-year-old forward has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world, winning numerous individual and team accolades. His move to Real Madrid has been highly anticipated by fans and pundits alike, and he is expected to play a key role in the club’s quest for more silverware.

While Mbappé’s salary may seem excessive to some, it reflects the growing financial power of football clubs and the increasing value of top-tier athletes. In recent years, several football players have signed contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, highlighting the lucrative nature of the sport.

Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid is a significant moment in his career and a testament to his status as one of the most sought-after players in the world. His astronomical salary is a reflection of his exceptional talent and the financial power of football clubs.

India-Pakistan Javelin Rivalry Heats Up in Paris 2024

India-Pakistan Javelin Rivalry Heats Up in Paris 2024

The rivalry between India and Pakistan, once confined to hockey, has found a new battleground in javelin throw. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India’s Neeraj Chopra emerged victorious, while Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem missed out on a medal. However, in Paris 2024, the tables turned.

Nadeem shattered the Olympic record to claim gold, while Chopra, despite an impressive throw of 89.45m, could only manage silver. To surpass Nadeem’s throw, Chopra would have needed to break his own personal best and cross the 90m mark, a feat he has yet to achieve.

Despite the disappointment, Chopra’s performance was lauded by Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. Bindra acknowledged the immense pressure on Chopra, who was expected to deliver gold. “He performed admirably,” Bindra said. “A lot of expectations were on him. It’s not easy to be in that spot, but he delivered.”

Bindra also highlighted the challenges of performing at the Olympics. “The Olympics is a very, very hard platform to perform at,” he said. “There’s external expectations, and you also have internal expectations, that just doesn’t allow you to let go.”

Athletes need a certain level of freedom to perform at their best, but that is often difficult to achieve at the Olympics. “Performance sometimes is almost artistic in nature,” Bindra explained. “That’s where you almost have to allow it to happen. And the ability to let go is very difficult.”

Despite the challenges, Chopra’s silver medal is a testament to his talent and determination. He has proven himself to be a formidable competitor, and the rivalry with Nadeem is sure to continue in the years to come.

Team GB Cricket Teams in the Works for 2028 Olympics

Team GB Cricket Teams in the Works for 2028 Olympics

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking the sport’s return to the Olympics after a 128-year absence. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland have initiated discussions to field men’s and women’s Team GB cricket teams at the Games.

The ICC has proposed six-team T20 tournaments for both the women’s and men’s competitions, with each tournament expected to last around a week. Qualification details are yet to be confirmed, but the ICC’s T20I rankings will likely play a role.

If England qualifies, they will compete as Great Britain, in line with the rest of the Olympics. This opens up the possibility of Scottish players, such as Brandon McMullen or Sarah and Kathryn Bryce, representing Team GB.

The ECB and Cricket Scotland are collaborating on the proposed Team GB cricket teams. Cricket Scotland is eager to contribute players and staff, while the ECB will serve as the teams’ nominated governing body.

Andy Anson, the chief executive of the British Olympic Association, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the ECB and Cricket Scotland. He cited successful examples in other sports, such as golf, rugby, and women’s football, where the Four Nations have come together to nominate a single governing body.

The venue for the cricket events at the 2028 Olympics is yet to be confirmed. Los Angeles Knight Riders and Major League Cricket are planning to build a stadium in Great Park in Irvine, while the Oakland Coliseum is also a potential option.

West Indies’ potential involvement presents some complications, as cricket is organized on an all-Ireland basis. However, there is precedent from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where Barbados represented West Indies in the women’s cricket event.

Involvement in the Olympics will add to an already busy 2028 summer for England’s men, which includes six Tests and white-ball tours from Australia and India.

Naomi Osaka's Cincinnati Open Hopes Dashed in Qualifying

Naomi Osaka’s Cincinnati Open Hopes Dashed in Qualifying

Naomi Osaka’s recent struggles continued in the Midwest, culminating in a disappointing exit from the Cincinnati Open qualifying tournament. The former world No. 1’s woes began even before she arrived in Mason, Ohio, when United Airlines lost her luggage, threatening her participation in the event.

Despite the setback, Osaka remained optimistic, expressing her eagerness to compete in Cincinnati and prepare for the upcoming US Open. However, her ranking of No. 95 meant she was not automatically eligible for the main draw and had to play qualifying.

In her first qualifying match, Osaka faced Anna Blinkova and emerged victorious in three sets. The win set up a clash with American Ashlyn Krueger, who ultimately proved too strong for the Japanese star. Osaka led 3-1 in the final set but faltered, losing the last five games to bow out of the tournament.

Osaka’s defeat in Cincinnati highlights her ongoing struggles since returning from maternity leave in 2024. She has repeatedly cited the US Open as her target for a resurgence, but her recent performances have been underwhelming.

Despite her setbacks, Osaka remains a formidable opponent, as evidenced by her victory over Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Her “US Open or bust” mentality could provide the motivation she needs to rediscover her best form in time for the season’s final Grand Slam.

ATP Stars Unite to Keep One-Handed Backhand Alive

ATP Stars Unite to Keep One-Handed Backhand Alive

The one-handed backhand, a once-ubiquitous stroke in tennis, has faced a decline in recent years. However, a group of ATP Tour stars, including Grigor Dimitrov, Lorenzo Musetti, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, are determined to keep the shot alive.

In a humorous tribute video, these players poked fun at the challenges of transitioning to a two-handed backhand. Dimitrov joked about the difficulties of using two hands for everyday tasks, such as brushing teeth and eating lunch.

Despite the lighthearted tone, the video underscores the players’ commitment to preserving the one-handed backhand. Dimitrov, now 33, has long been a vocal advocate for the shot. Earlier this year, he declared himself the “biggest supporter” of the one-handed backhand.

In February, for the first time since the inception of the ATP rankings in 1973, there were no players with a one-handed backhand ranked in the Top 10. However, Dimitrov and Tsitsipas have since rectified that situation.

Dimitrov believes that the one-handed backhand is a unique and beautiful shot that deserves to be preserved. He encourages other players to continue using the shot and pushing its boundaries.

“I think the beauty of the one hand is just there’s so much to it in order to hit the ball right with one hand,” Dimitrov said.

The one-handed backhand may be facing challenges, but it is far from dead. With players like Dimitrov, Musetti, and Tsitsipas leading the charge, the shot is sure to continue to grace the courts for years to come.

Algerian Boxing Champion Imane Khelif Returns Home a Hero Amidst Gender Controversy

Algerian Boxing Champion Imane Khelif Returns Home a Hero Amidst Gender Controversy

Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif returned to a hero’s welcome in Algeria on Monday, alongside fellow medalists Kaylia Nemour and Djamel Sedjati. Khelif, who faced a gender controversy during the Olympics, expressed her triumph as a victory for Algerian women.

Khelif’s journey to the women’s 66kg title was marked by controversy. The International Boxing Association (IBA), led by Umar Kremlev, had previously disqualified Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from its world championships, claiming tests showed “these are men.” However, the IBA had allowed both boxers to compete in Tokyo three years ago.

Addressing the “relentless campaign” against her, Khelif thanked the Algerian people for their support. “I wanted to show the strength of performance and the presence of women in general, and Algerian women in particular,” she said.

Khelif’s victory is seen as a symbol of resilience and a testament to the strength of Algerian women. “Algerian women are an example and a model for the whole world,” she declared. “Thanks to God, we have restored Algeria’s honor and flown the Algerian flag in Paris, which is the most important thing.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took over the boxing competition in Paris after losing patience with the IBA. The IBA’s actions have raised concerns about the organization’s commitment to fairness and equality in boxing.

Khelif’s triumph and the controversy surrounding it have sparked a wider discussion about gender equality in sports. Her victory serves as an inspiration to women and girls around the world, demonstrating that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart