Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony: India's Flag Bearers to Lead Parade of Nations

Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony: India’s Flag Bearers to Lead Parade of Nations

The Paris Olympics 2024 is drawing to a close, with the closing ceremony set to take place at the iconic Stade de France in the early hours of August 12. This grand event will mark the culmination of the Games, celebrating the achievements of athletes and the success of the host city.

The closing ceremony will be a traditional affair, attended by an estimated 80,000 spectators. It will feature a spectacular display of music, dance, and cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of France. The ceremony will also include the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic flame, symbolizing the end of the Games.

For India, the closing ceremony will be a moment of pride as our flag bearers, PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker, lead the Parade of Nations. Sreejesh, the veteran hockey goalkeeper, expressed his delight at being chosen as the flag-bearer, saying, “It is the cherry on the cake. I am going out with a medal, and now I have been chosen to be the flag-bearer. One cannot demand anything more than this.”

The closing ceremony will also witness the transfer of the Olympic flag to the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee, marking the transition to the next host city.

India Concludes Paris Olympics 2024 Campaign with Six Medals

India Concludes Paris Olympics 2024 Campaign with Six Medals

India’s Paris Olympics 2024 campaign concluded on Saturday with a total of six medals, marking the end of a 15-day journey. The contingent’s performance was highlighted by Manu Bhaker’s two bronze medals in shooting, Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in shooting, and Neeraj Chopra’s silver in javelin throw. The men’s hockey team also secured a bronze medal after defeating Spain.

On the final day of competition, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar finished outside the top ten in golf, while wrestler Reetika Hooda suffered a quarter-final defeat to Alperi Medet of Kyrgyzstan. Despite the match ending in a 1-1 tie, Medet advanced due to scoring the last point. Her subsequent semi-final loss eliminated Hooda from repechage contention.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was expected to announce its verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s joint-silver medal verdict but deferred it to August 13. Phogat had announced her retirement from wrestling on Friday.

IOC President Thomas Bach stated that the IOC would abide by the CAS decision, emphasizing that the International Federation (United World Wrestling) has the responsibility to interpret and apply its rules.

Naomi Osaka to Play WTA Qualifying for First Time in Six Years

Naomi Osaka to Play WTA Qualifying for First Time in Six Years

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make a rare appearance in a WTA qualifying match this weekend at the Cincinnati Open. The former world No. 1, who is currently ranked No. 95, will face Anna Blinkova on Sunday in an attempt to secure a spot in the main draw of the WTA 1000 event.

Osaka’s return to qualifying marks a significant milestone in her comeback season after her 2023 maternity leave. The 26-year-old has been steadily climbing the rankings since her return in January, when she was ranked No. 833.

The main-draw cut-off for direct entry into the tournament was world No. 49 Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria. However, Osaka’s determination to regain her former glory is evident in her willingness to play through qualifying.

Should Osaka defeat Blinkova, she will face either her compatriot Moyuka Uchijima or 20-year-old American Ashlyn Krueger for a place in the main draw. Osaka last played qualifying in Doha in 2018, seven months before winning her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.

Osaka’s journey back to the top of the game has been marked by both challenges and resilience. Despite suffering some tough losses, she remains committed to her goal. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get back to where I feel like I deserve to be,” she said.

The Cincinnati Open features a star-studded field, including world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. Defending champion Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, and Jessica Pegula are also among the top seeds.

Osaka’s performance in Cincinnati will be closely watched as she continues her quest to regain her status as one of the world’s best tennis players.

Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka, Reaches First WTA 1000 Semifinal

Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka, Reaches First WTA 1000 Semifinal

Amanda Anisimova’s remarkable resurgence continued on Saturday as she stunned world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto. The victory marks Anisimova’s first WTA 1000-level semifinal appearance and her first Top 10 win since 2022.

Anisimova, who took a break from the tour in 2023 to prioritize her mental health, displayed impressive resilience and determination throughout the match. She saved all five break points she faced in the first set and broke Sabalenka’s serve twice to take the set 6-4.

The second set was equally impressive for Anisimova. After losing her serve early, she responded with five consecutive game wins to seal the victory. Her aggressive play and consistent groundstrokes proved too much for Sabalenka, who was visibly frustrated throughout the match.

Anisimova’s victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has now defeated Sabalenka five times in their seven career meetings, including their last encounter at the Australian Open earlier this year.

“I’m just really happy to be out here,” Anisimova said after the match. “I’ve had a lot of matches in the last couple of weeks, and it’s honestly been so nice just being able to play day after day.”

Anisimova’s performance in Toronto has significantly boosted her ranking. She entered the tournament ranked No. 132 but is projected to return to the Top 70 regardless of her result in the semifinals.

In the semifinals, Anisimova will face fellow American Emma Navarro, who also reached her first WTA 1000 semifinal with a victory over Taylor Townsend. An American is guaranteed to reach the final in Canada for the second consecutive year.

South Africa Seize Control in Rain-Hit Test, Set Up Thrilling Final Day

South Africa Seize Control in Rain-Hit Test, Set Up Thrilling Final Day

The fourth day of the Test match between South Africa and West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago witnessed a dramatic turn of events, setting the stage for a thrilling final day. Despite rain interruptions and a delayed start, South Africa seized control of the game, leaving West Indies facing an uphill battle.

After bowling out West Indies for 233 in their first innings, South Africa gained a 124-run lead. The Proteas then added 30 runs in five overs before the close of play on Saturday, putting themselves in a strong position to push for a victory.

On Sunday, with a yellow-level weather alert in place and heavy rainfall in the area, it seemed that the match would be further delayed or even abandoned. However, after a six-hour delay, play finally commenced. South Africa wasted no time in asserting their dominance, triggering a West Indian collapse of 6 for 60 in just 16.1 overs.

The Proteas’ bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, wreaked havoc on the West Indian batting lineup. Rabada claimed three wickets, while Ngidi picked up two. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 162, giving South Africa a commanding lead of 286 runs.

With only one day remaining in the Test, South Africa will be looking to press home their advantage and secure a victory. However, the weather remains a major concern, and further rain interruptions could potentially spoil the Proteas’ plans.

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, this Test match has been a captivating affair, with both teams showing resilience and determination. The final day promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with South Africa aiming to complete a memorable victory and West Indies fighting to salvage a draw.

Andrey Rublev Completes Masters 1000 Quarterfinals Set, Joins Elite Group

Andrey Rublev Completes Masters 1000 Quarterfinals Set, Joins Elite Group

Andrey Rublev has achieved a remarkable milestone in his tennis career by becoming the seventh player born in 1990 or later to complete the set of Masters 1000 quarterfinals. With his straight-set victory over Brandon Nakashima at the National Bank Open, Rublev has now reached the last eight at all nine Masters 1000 tournaments.

This accomplishment is a testament to Rublev’s consistency and ability to perform at the highest level on different surfaces. He has reached the semifinals of Indian Wells and Miami, won the prestigious Monte Carlo and Madrid titles, and reached the finals of Cincinnati and Shanghai.

Rublev’s success is not limited to the Masters 1000 events. He has also reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams, making him one of the most well-rounded players on the tour. His best results at the majors include reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open three times, the French Open twice, Wimbledon once, and the US Open four times.

By completing both the Masters 1000 and Grand Slam quarterfinals sets, Rublev has joined an elite group of players born in 1990 or later. Only Grigor Dimitrov and Daniil Medvedev have achieved this feat before him.

Rublev’s rise to the top has been impressive. Born in 1997, he has quickly established himself as one of the most promising players in the world. His powerful groundstrokes and aggressive style of play have made him a formidable opponent for any player.

As Rublev continues to improve and gain experience, he will undoubtedly be a contender for major titles in the years to come. His recent success at the National Bank Open is a sign that he is ready to take the next step in his career and challenge for the biggest prizes in tennis.

Sinner and Rublev to Clash in Montreal Masters Quarterfinal

Sinner and Rublev to Clash in Montreal Masters Quarterfinal

Montreal Masters: Sinner and Rublev Set for Heavyweight Quarterfinal Clash

Montreal, Canada – The National Bank Open in Montreal is set for a thrilling Saturday night showdown as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and world No. 8 Andrey Rublev, two of the top players in the world, will face off in a heavyweight quarterfinal clash.

Both Sinner and Rublev advanced to the last eight with impressive victories earlier in the day. Sinner, the defending champion, extended his winning streak in Canada to six matches with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph over No. 15 seed Alejandro Tabilo of Chile. Rublev, meanwhile, raced into the quarterfinals with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over American Brandon Nakashima.

Rublev’s victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as he completed the boxed set of quarterfinals at ATP Masters 1000 level. Despite having reached the last eight at all eight other Masters 1000 events, he had never before progressed this far in Canada.

In the other quarterfinal on Saturday night, resurgent Japanese star Kei Nishikori will take on 23-year-old Italian Matteo Arnaldi. Nishikori, who upset Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, sealed his first ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal berth since 2019 with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Portugal’s Nuno Borges. Arnaldi, meanwhile, reached his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal when Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired with Arnaldi ahead 4-6, 7-6(5), 3-0.

In delayed second-round action, No. 4 seed Hubert Hurkacz made a winning return from a knee injury that he suffered at Wimbledon, while Washington, D.C. champion Sebastian Korda extended his winning streak to seven matches. Hurkacz outlasted Australian Thanasi Kokkinaki 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) in the second round, while Korda received a walkover into the third round after No. 6 seed Casper Ruud withdrew from their anticipated clash due to illness.

The Montreal Masters is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several top players still in contention for the title. The Sinner-Rublev quarterfinal promises to be a particularly intriguing matchup, as both players are in excellent form and will be eager to prove their worth on the hard courts of Canada.

USA Shatters Olympic Record in Men's 4x400m Relay

USA Shatters Olympic Record in Men’s 4x400m Relay

Rai Benjamin’s exceptional performance anchored the United States to a resounding victory in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics 2024. The quartet, comprising Benjamin, Christopher Bailey, Vernon Norwood, and Bryce Deadmon, shattered the Olympic record with a blistering time of 2 minutes and 54.43 seconds.

Botswana, led by 200m champion Letsile Tebogo, put up a valiant fight, securing the silver medal with an African record of 2:54.53. Great Britain claimed the bronze with a European record of 2:55.83.

Despite Quincy Hall’s absence from the relay, the US team showcased their dominance in the 400m event. Bayapo Ndori of Botswana gave his team an early lead, but Britain briefly took the advantage before Deadmon’s impressive third leg propelled the Americans back into contention.

As Benjamin received the baton, Tebogo was hot on his heels and maintained the pressure until the finish line. However, Tebogo’s shorter sprint pace proved insufficient to overcome Benjamin’s relentless stride.

The US team’s victory marked a significant achievement, adding to their impressive medal haul in Paris. Benjamin’s versatility, having already secured gold in the 400m hurdles, further cemented his status as one of the most formidable athletes in the world.

Botswana’s silver medal was a testament to their growing strength in track and field, while Great Britain’s bronze demonstrated their continued competitiveness on the global stage.

Abhinav Bindra Receives Prestigious Olympic Order for Outstanding Contributions

Abhinav Bindra Receives Prestigious Olympic Order for Outstanding Contributions

Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic Gold medalist, has been bestowed with the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This honor recognizes Bindra’s exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Bindra’s journey to this remarkable achievement is marked by numerous accolades and contributions both on and off the field. As an athlete, he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men’s 10m Air rifle event. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win a World Championship Gold in Air Rifle Shooting.

Over his two-decade-long career, Bindra won over 150 individual medals, earning recognition as one of India’s greatest sports icons. His exceptional service to the sport was further acknowledged when he was awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honor by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

Beyond his achievements in sports, Bindra has made significant contributions to sports governance. He chaired the ISSF Athletes Committee for eight years and currently serves as a member of the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission. These roles allow him to influence the development of global sports policies and advocate for athletes worldwide.

Post-retirement, Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots athletes in India through cutting-edge sports science technology. Through initiatives focused on high-performance training, education, and social upliftment, ABFT aims to bring global best practices to the Indian sporting landscape.

A key initiative under Bindra’s leadership is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which is being implemented in partnership with the IOC’s Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam. Launched in Odisha in 2022 and Assam in 2023, OVEP aims to instil the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in over 11,000 schools, impacting more than 1 million schoolchildren.

Bindra’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is reflected in the Odisha Ridley Forest Project, an initiative aimed at preserving the natural habitat of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coastline.

This recognition highlights Bindra’s enduring legacy in the world of sports and his continued efforts to promote the values of Olympism globally.

Tennis Canada's Purple Haze: Advancing Gender Equity in the Sport

Tennis Canada’s Purple Haze: Advancing Gender Equity in the Sport

Tennis Canada’s “Game. Set. Equity.” Campaign: A Purple Haze for Gender Equality

Tennis Canada has transformed its prestigious ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events in Montreal and Toronto into a vibrant canvas for gender equity advocacy. The national governing body has adorned the umpires’ chairs with the iconic purple hue of International Women’s Day, symbolizing its unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls in and beyond the sport.

This initiative is not merely a cosmetic gesture but a comprehensive strategy that has already yielded tangible results. Tennis Canada’s “Game. Set. Equity.” campaign, launched as part of its post-pandemic recovery efforts, has evolved into a holistic approach to advancing gender equality throughout the Canadian tennis ecosystem.

“The message is clear: the umpire’s chair sits atop our sport, where we believe all women and girls have a place,” Tennis Canada declared in a statement. CEO Gavin Ziv emphasized, “Our commitment is crystal clear. We want to move gender equity forward across the Canadian tennis ecosystem and will continue to build awareness of our initiatives in order to do so.”

The campaign has received a significant boost from a 10-year sponsorship from National Bank. According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the partnership has already supported over 2,000 women and girls in nearly 40 events across Canada. A substantial $50,000 has been invested in grassroots gender equity initiatives, and the Canadian events have pledged to offer equal prize money by 2027.

Thursday marked a special day dedicated to promoting gender equity at both tournaments. On-site activations, special guests, and the illumination of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium Tower in purple highlighted the occasion. This event followed Tennis Canada’s third annual conference for gender equity in sports, aptly titled “Unmatched.” Venus Williams, a trailblazer in securing equal prize money for women at Wimbledon, delivered the keynote address.

Tennis Canada’s “Game. Set. Equity.” campaign is a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable sport. By using its high-profile tournaments as a platform for advocacy, Tennis Canada is inspiring change and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential in tennis and beyond.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart