PR Sreejesh Retires from International Hockey with Olympic Bronze

PR Sreejesh Retires from International Hockey with Olympic Bronze

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has bid farewell to international hockey on a high note, helping India secure a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo. The 36-year-old goalkeeper announced his retirement before the Games, and his final match was a fitting tribute to his illustrious career.

In a thrilling third-place play-off, India defeated Spain 2-1, with Sreejesh playing a pivotal role. He made several crucial saves throughout the match, including a penalty shootout stop that sealed the victory.

“This is the better way to finish an Olympic Games, with a medal,” said Sreejesh after the match. “We are not going home empty-handed, that’s a great thing.”

Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a mainstay in the team for over a decade, and his leadership and experience have been invaluable. He was part of the bronze-winning team in Tokyo in 2020, and his performance in Paris was equally impressive.

“The team did a wonderful job and made this game so beautiful,” said Sreejesh. “Tokyo has a special place in my heart. That (bronze) gave us back the confidence that we can win medals (in Olympics).”

Sreejesh’s legacy as India’s greatest goalkeeper is secure. He has played over 300 matches for his country, and his contributions have been immense. He has been a role model for young players and an inspiration to the entire nation.

India's Paris Olympics Journey: Triumphs, Disappointments, and Controversies

India’s Paris Olympics Journey: Triumphs, Disappointments, and Controversies

The Paris Olympics 2024 have been a rollercoaster of emotions for India, with both triumphs and disappointments. The Indian contingent has secured five medals so far, including four bronze and one silver. However, there have been some near misses and controversies that have left a bittersweet taste.

One of the most heartbreaking moments came in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final, where Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight. This shattered her hopes of a medal and left the Indian contingent in shock.

Another disappointment came in badminton, where India’s medal hopes were pinned on Lakshya Sen. However, he lost the bronze medal match, leaving India without a medal in the sport. This led to criticism from former badminton player Prakash Padukone, who called on the players to take responsibility for their losses.

However, this statement sparked a debate, with some players criticizing Padukone for blaming Lakshya. Olympics Expert Tejaswin Shankar argued that coaches should also take responsibility for their players’ performances.

Despite these setbacks, India has had some notable successes. Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw, becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in athletics since 1900. The Indian women’s hockey team also made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time.

The Paris Olympics 2024 have been a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian athletes. While there have been disappointments, there have also been moments of triumph. The Indian contingent will continue to strive for success in the remaining events, hoping to add to their medal tally and make the nation proud.

Mumbai Olympics 2024: Comedian's Hilarious Take on India's Financial Capital

Mumbai Olympics 2024: Comedian’s Hilarious Take on India’s Financial Capital

Mumbai Olympics 2024: Comedian Viraj Gehlani’s Hilarious Take on India’s Financial Capital

Comedian Viraj Gehlani has taken the internet by storm with his hilarious take on the Olympics, set not in Paris but in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. In a series of five events, Gehlani captures the essence of India’s financial capital with humor and wit, highlighting the everyday challenges and quirks that an average Mumbaikar faces.

In the first event, “1.2 Meter Splash Dodge,” Gehlani showcases his agility as he expertly dodges water splashes from a passing car, a common occurrence during Mumbai’s monsoon season. He emerges victorious, earning a gold medal for his quick reflexes.

Next up is the “Vada Pav Eating Contest,” where Gehlani indulges in the iconic street snack of Mumbai. With a confident bite into a chili, he demonstrates the perfect combination that makes vada pav a beloved delicacy. Gehlani’s enthusiasm and love for the dish earn him another gold medal.

The third event, “Puddle Jumping,” tests Gehlani’s ability to navigate the city’s infamous puddles. With a graceful leap, he clears a giant puddle, leaving his competitors behind and securing another gold medal.

The fourth event, “Mumbai Local Window Seat Grab,” is a true test of survival in the city’s crowded public transport system. Gehlani battles his way through a sea of commuters, ultimately securing a coveted window seat, earning him yet another gold medal.

However, in the final event, “Autorickshaw Catching,” Gehlani faces defeat. Despite his valiant efforts, another competitor manages to grab the three-wheeler before him, leaving Gehlani to rue his missed opportunity.

Gehlani’s video has garnered immense popularity, with over 5.6 million views and 2.73 lakh likes on Instagram. It has also caught the attention of celebrities and influencers, including Amazon Music and former Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover.

Tsitsipas Blasts Father-Coach After Montreal Loss

Tsitsipas Blasts Father-Coach After Montreal Loss

Stefanos Tsitsipas’s frustrations boiled over after his second-round loss to Kei Nishikori at the ATP Montreal Masters, as he launched a scathing attack on his father-coach, Apostolos. The Greek star, who has plummeted to 11th in the ATP rankings, has endured a disappointing two-season stretch, winning only two titles.

Tsitsipas’s outburst stemmed from his belief that his father has not been an effective coach, particularly in handling match situations. “Masters 1000 matches are important, I need a coach who listens to me as a player,” he said. “My father has not been very smart in handling some situations, in trying to read what is happening on the court.”

This is not the first time Tsitsipas has expressed dissatisfaction with his father’s coaching. In late 2022, he brought on Mark Philippoussis as an assistant coach, but that partnership ended in May 2023, paving the way for Apostolos’s return.

Apostolos Tsitsipas has a reputation for being overly vocal during matches, often providing unsolicited advice between points. This behavior has drawn criticism in the past, and it appears to have reached a breaking point for his son.

“It has been a poor performance from my father and it’s not the first time,” Tsitsipas said. “I’m disappointed with him.”

Tsitsipas emphasized the importance of collaborative coaching, where the player’s perspective is valued. “The coach needs to listen. The player is the one holding the racquet,” he said. “I have power here to some degree but it should be a collaborative effort on both sides, for me to develop my tennis.”

It remains to be seen whether Tsitsipas will make a permanent change to his coaching setup. However, his public criticism of his father suggests that he is seeking a more supportive and effective partnership.

Australia A Dominate India A with Debutant Stars

Australia A Dominate India A with Debutant Stars

Australia A’s depth was on full display as they clinched the T20 series against India A with an emphatic eight-wicket victory. Legspinner Grace Parsons and quick Nicola Hancock, both making their Australia A debuts, played pivotal roles in the triumph.

Parsons, a 20-year-old Brisbane Heat WBBL squad member, made a stunning T20 debut, claiming four wickets for just 30 runs in her eight overs. She dismissed India A’s top-scorer Priya Punia (29) and wrapped up her spell with two wickets in three balls.

Hancock, a late addition to the squad, also impressed, taking the first wicket and conceding only 14 runs from her three overs. Her dismissal of Shweta Sehrawat, caught by Nicole Faltum, set the tone for India A’s struggles.

India A’s batting faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals. They lost three wickets for just 10 runs between the 11th and 13th overs, failing to build any momentum.

Australia A’s chase was controlled by Tahlia Wilson, who scored her second consecutive half-century. Captain Tahlia McGrath, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first match, provided support with a flurry of boundaries. The pair put on an unbroken 69-run stand to seal the victory with ten deliveries to spare.

Parsons and Hancock’s impressive debuts highlight the depth of talent available to Australia A. Their performances, along with Wilson’s consistent batting, have given the team a strong foundation for the future.

Mohammed Shami Nears Return from Ankle Injury, Targets Bangladesh Test

Mohammed Shami Nears Return from Ankle Injury, Targets Bangladesh Test

Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is nearing a return to action after a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury. The injury, sustained shortly after the 2023 ODI World Cup, initially appeared minor, but subsequent swelling necessitated surgery.

Shami’s recovery has progressed steadily at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He resumed bowling last month and has gradually increased his workload. The selectors are closely monitoring his progress and will soon decide if he should participate in the Duleep Trophy matches starting September 5 to prove his fitness.

The first Test against Bangladesh on September 19 in Chennai remains the target for Shami’s comeback. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that “September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal.”

Even if Shami misses some or all of India’s home Tests, he has ample time to regain his rhythm before the tour of Australia. The Ranji Trophy begins in October, followed by two first-class games for India A in Australia from October 31.

Shami’s return will be a significant boost for India, who have relied heavily on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav in his absence. His experience and wicket-taking ability will be crucial in the upcoming Test series and the World Test Championship.

Khelif, Henry Aim for Gold as Paris Games Near End

Khelif, Henry Aim for Gold as Paris Games Near End

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has been at the center of an Olympic gender eligibility controversy, will compete for gold in Paris on Friday. The boxing competition has been overshadowed by a dispute over whether Khelif and Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting should be allowed to compete in the women’s category.

Khelif and Lin were disqualified from last year’s world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after failing unspecified gender eligibility tests. However, they were cleared to compete in Paris by the International Olympic Committee, which is running the boxing competition in the French capital.

The 25-year-old Khelif and Lin both fought at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago without controversy. On Friday, Khelif will face China’s Yang Liu in the 66kg final, while Lin will compete in a different weight category on Saturday.

The penultimate evening of track and field action features the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays, the men’s 400m hurdles, the women’s 400m, and the final event of the heptathlon, the 800m.

US sprint star Noah Lyles, who won the 100m earlier this week, could only manage bronze in his favored 200m on Thursday. Minutes after the race, won by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, Lyles revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19. The American later posted on social media that his Games were likely over.

In Friday’s women’s 10,000m final, Dutch runner Sifan Hassan will attempt to defend her crown after coming up short in her bid for a historic long-distance treble. Defending champion and world record-holder Karsten Warholm is favored to defend his title in the men’s 400m hurdles.

In football, Thierry Henry’s France will take on Spain in the men’s final at the Parc des Princes. Henry, one of France’s all-time great players, has led his country to the brink of their second football gold, 40 years after they won the title in Los Angeles.

Spain came from behind to beat Morocco 2-1 in their semi-final in Marseille, giving them confidence that they can handle the pressure in the French capital.

In diving, China is targeting gold in the women’s 3m springboard as they close in on a clean sweep in Paris, with victories in all six events so far. Defending champions the Netherlands will take on China in the women’s hockey final, chasing their fourth title in five Games.

History will be made when the first Olympic medals are won in the breaking competition staged at La Concorde.

BBC Host Misgenders Non-Binary Athlete Raven Saunders Live on Air

BBC Host Misgenders Non-Binary Athlete Raven Saunders Live on Air

BBC Host Corrected Live on Air for Misgendering Non-Binary Athlete Raven Saunders

At the Paris Olympics 2024, BBC commentator Steve Backley repeatedly misgendered American shot putter Raven Saunders, who identifies as non-binary and uses the pronouns “they/them.” During the women’s shot put qualifying round, Backley referred to Saunders as “her” and “she.”

Backley’s co-host, Jazmin Sawyers, promptly corrected him live on air, stating that Saunders is non-binary and wearing a mask. The incident sparked a heated debate on social media, with some questioning why a non-binary athlete was competing in a women’s sport.

Saunders, 28, won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics and is known for their distinctive Hulk alter-ego, complete with green and purple hair and a face-obscuring mask. Their appearance at the Paris Games has reignited the ongoing discussion about gender identity in sports.

The controversy surrounding Saunders’ participation highlights the complex and evolving nature of gender identity. While some argue that non-binary athletes should not compete in gender-segregated sports, others believe that inclusivity and respect for individual identities should prevail.

The incident also raises questions about the role of commentators in ensuring accurate and respectful coverage of athletes. Backley’s misgendering of Saunders underscores the importance of sensitivity and awareness when discussing gender-diverse individuals.

The debate over gender identity in sports is likely to continue as more non-binary and transgender athletes come to the forefront. The Paris Olympics 2024 has become a platform for these important conversations, challenging traditional notions of gender and promoting inclusivity in the sporting world.

Tebogo Makes History, McLaughlin-Levrone Shatters World Record at World Athletics Championships

Tebogo Makes History, McLaughlin-Levrone Shatters World Record at World Athletics Championships

Letsile Tebogo’s historic triumph in the men’s 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, marked a significant moment for Botswana and African sprinting. The 21-year-old became the first African to win the Olympic 200m title, leaving behind American favorite Noah Lyles, who settled for bronze after revealing he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Tebogo’s victory was a testament to his determination and resilience. He had stopped training for a month after the tragic loss of his mother in May, but he carried her memory with him on the track, wearing spikes that bore her date of birth. His African record time of 19.47 seconds placed him fifth on the all-time list.

In the women’s 400m hurdles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone produced a stunning performance, smashing her own world record with a time of 50.37 seconds. The American left Dutch rival Femke Bol in her wake, securing her second consecutive Olympic title.

Other notable performances included Grant Holloway’s gold medal in the 110m hurdles, Tara Davis-Woodhall’s victory in the women’s long jump, and Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic record throw of 92.97m in the men’s javelin, earning Pakistan its first individual gold medal at a Summer Games.

Tebogo’s triumph and McLaughlin-Levrone’s world record highlight the exceptional talent and determination of athletes from around the globe. Their performances inspire future generations and demonstrate the power of sport to unite and uplift.

India Trails Pakistan in Olympic Medals Tally Despite Higher Medal Count

India Trails Pakistan in Olympic Medals Tally Despite Higher Medal Count

The Paris Olympic Games 2024 have concluded, with India securing a total of 5 medals: 4 bronze and 1 silver. Despite surpassing Pakistan in medal count, India finds itself ranked lower due to the International Olympic Committee’s ranking system, which prioritizes gold medals.

India’s medal hopes rested heavily on javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had emerged as a gold medal contender after wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. However, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem shattered those hopes, claiming the gold medal and setting a new Olympic record. This victory propelled Pakistan ahead of India in the overall medals tally.

As of Day 13, Pakistan stood at 53rd in the standings with a single gold medal, while India occupied 64th place with one silver and four bronze. The ranking discrepancy stems from the IOC’s system, which places greater value on gold medals. Silver and bronze medals are only considered in the event of a tie in gold medal count.

Arshad’s triumph marked Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medal in four decades. Prior to this, the nation had only won gold medals in field hockey, with three victories in 1960, 1968, and 1984. Pakistan’s Olympic medal history also includes two individual bronze medals in wrestling (1960) and boxing (1988). The country’s last Olympic medal was a bronze in field hockey at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

India’s medal haul in Paris included a silver in weightlifting by Mirabai Chanu and bronze medals in wrestling (Bajrang Punia), boxing (Lovlina Borgohain), badminton (PV Sindhu), and hockey (men’s team). While these medals represent a commendable achievement, India’s lower ranking highlights the importance of gold medals in the Olympic ranking system.

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