Deepika Kumari Vows to Continue Olympic Quest Despite Paris Disappointment

Deepika Kumari Vows to Continue Olympic Quest Despite Paris Disappointment

Deepika Kumari, India’s star archer, has vowed to continue her pursuit of an elusive Olympic medal despite enduring a disappointing performance at the Paris Games. Having competed in four consecutive Olympics without reaching the podium, Kumari remains determined to break the jinx in Los Angeles in 2028.

Kumari’s Olympic struggles have been attributed to her inability to handle pressure situations. However, she is confident that she can overcome this mental hurdle and perform to her full potential. “I want to play more in the future and will continue my game,” she said. “I really want to win an Olympic medal, and I won’t quit until I achieve that.”

To improve her chances of success, Kumari plans to focus on three key areas: maintaining composure, improving her shooting form and concentration, and enjoying the game. She also acknowledges the need to develop her “quick shooting” skills, which proved to be a weakness in Paris.

Despite her Olympic setbacks, Kumari has enjoyed a successful career, winning numerous World Cup medals. She made a remarkable comeback after giving birth to her daughter in 2022, winning an individual gold at the Shanghai World Cup in April.

At the Paris Olympics, Kumari faced a challenging ranking round, qualifying as the 23rd seed. She struggled in the team event but showed resilience in the individual category, reaching the quarterfinals. However, she was defeated by Korean archer Nam Suhyeon in a closely contested match.

Kumari believes that the absence of India’s sports psychologist, Gayatri Vartak, did not significantly impact their performance. She emphasized that they stayed in touch with Vartak throughout the Games.

With her sights set on LA 2028, Kumari is determined to make amends for her past Olympic disappointments. She is confident that she can develop the mental strength and technical skills necessary to achieve her dream of an Olympic medal.

Lovlina Borgohain's Olympic Boxing Campaign Ends in Quarterfinal Loss

Lovlina Borgohain’s Olympic Boxing Campaign Ends in Quarterfinal Loss

India’s boxing campaign at the ongoing Olympics concluded without a medal after Lovlina Borgohain, the reigning world champion in the 75kg category, lost a hard-fought quarterfinal bout to China’s Li Qian on Sunday.

Borgohain, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, went down 1-4 in a messy contest marred by repeated cautions for clinching and holding. The 26-year-old’s defeat marked the end of India’s boxing campaign in the Games, following Nishant Dev’s exit from the men’s 71kg quarterfinals on Saturday night.

The six-strong boxing contingent, comprising four women and two men, had a disappointing outing in Tokyo. Four of the six boxers crashed out in the preliminary stage itself.

The quarterfinal bout between Borgohain and Qian started at a fast pace, but neither boxer was willing to take the initiative. The holding and clinching began early, forcing the referee to intervene repeatedly.

Qian, the 34-year-old Tokyo Games silver medalist, seemed more determined and landed some clean combination punches and a left hook towards the end of the first round. She took a 3-2 lead in the contest.

The second round followed a similar pattern, with Qian being more purposeful in her approach. Borgohain was cautioned twice for excessive holding, and Qian maintained her slender one-point lead.

The holding and clinching continued in the third round, and both boxers appeared drained. However, Qian showed great presence of mind to keep Borgohain at a distance. Borgohain struggled to control the pace of the bout and repeatedly took hits on counter-attacks.

Borgohain had previously faced Qian in the Asian Games final last year, losing 0-5. She later beat Qian in the semifinals of the world championship semifinal in 2023. However, Qian had the upper hand in a pre-Olympic tournament in Czechia in June.

Gujarati Family Finds Home Away from Home at Paris India House

Gujarati Family Finds Home Away from Home at Paris India House

In the heart of Paris, amidst the bustling Parc de la Villette, a Gujarati family from Jamnagar, India, found solace and a taste of home at India House. Saifuddin Loukmanjee, 52, his wife Lamya, and their daughters Sarah, 15, and Anisha, 10, eagerly awaited their order of mini sambar idlis and vada pav.

Despite the relentless rain, the family exuded a sense of contentment as they stood patiently in line. Their body language spoke volumes of the comfort they shared. Loukmanjee, who arrived in Paris via Madagascar 35 years ago, had discovered India House through his mother-in-law’s WhatsApp group.

“The food is not expensive and it tastes great,” Loukmanjee exclaimed. “I am very excited to try more dishes on the menu.”

Sarah and Anisha, born and raised in Paris, were equally enthusiastic about the upcoming 2024 Olympics. They spoke French and Gujarati fluently, with a smattering of English. Their excitement for the Games was palpable, and they expressed their hopes for France to emerge victorious.

Lamya, while eagerly anticipating the sporting spectacle, was equally delighted by the cultural experiences and events surrounding the Olympics. The Bollywood music playing in the background had her tapping her feet with joy.

As the family savored their authentic Indian cuisine, they reflected on the significance of India House. It was a place where they could connect with their heritage and share their love of food and culture with others.

The Loukmanjee family’s experience at India House is a testament to the power of food and sports to bring people together. It is a reminder that even in a foreign land, the bonds of family and the spirit of community can be found in the most unexpected places.

Sreejesh Shines as India Reaches Hockey Semifinals at Paris Olympics

Sreejesh Shines as India Reaches Hockey Semifinals at Paris Olympics

In a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Paris Olympics, veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh played a pivotal role in his team’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Great Britain. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Sreejesh making several crucial saves to keep India in the game.

Sreejesh, who is playing in his last international tournament, was the star of the show. He denied Great Britain numerous scoring opportunities, including a penalty stroke in the second half. In the penalty shootout, he saved two shots to help India secure the win.

“It’s a daily job of a goalie,” Sreejesh said after the match. “Some days it’s a different effort, but today is our day. Even in the shootout, the guys who took shots didn’t disappoint.”

India played with great determination and unity, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Sreejesh said it was a “do-or-die” situation for him, and he was ready to give it his all.

“When I stepped on this field today, there were two options for me,” he said. “This can be my last match, or I got an opportunity for two more matches, and I think, yeah, I got two more matches now.”

Sreejesh said India will focus on their own game in the semifinals. “Whoever comes in the semis, we (will) just play our game,” he said. “That’s it, that’s important, because now it’s a different game, because we are one man down and we need to focus on that now.”

India will wait for the FIH’s decision on the red card shown to Amit Rohidas with more than 40 minutes left in the game. “I don’t know how it’s going to be,” Sreejesh said. “They must take a decision on that. We are just waiting for that, but still, we need to play our best game in the semifinals.”

Indian Athletics Disappoints at Paris Games as Parul Chaudhary and Jeswin Aldrin Fail to Qualify

Indian Athletics Disappoints at Paris Games as Parul Chaudhary and Jeswin Aldrin Fail to Qualify

India’s disappointing performance at the Paris Games athletics continued on Sunday as national record holders Parul Chaudhary and Jeswin Aldrin failed to qualify for the women’s 3000m steeplechase and men’s long jump, respectively.

Parul finished eighth in her heat race and 21st overall, ending her campaign in the Paris Olympics. Despite undergoing high-altitude training in the USA, she ran the distance in 9 minutes 23.39 seconds, her season’s best but well below her national mark of 9:15.31. The top five from each of the three heat races qualified for the final.

Parul’s failure to qualify adds to India’s disappointing performance in the women’s 5000m race, where she and Ankita Dhyani also failed to advance. Lalita Babar remains the only Indian woman 3000m steeplechaser to qualify for the final round in the Olympics, finishing 10th in Rio 2016.

In the men’s long jump qualification round, Aldrin fouled his first two attempts before managing a jump of 7.61m in the third. He finished 13th in Group B qualification and 26th overall. Only athletes who jumped the automatic qualification mark of 8.15m or were among the 12 best performers advanced to the final round.

Aldrin, who has not been able to touch 8m this year, made it to the Paris Games at the last minute through world rankings. His season best is 7.99m, while his personal best is 8.42m.

India’s poor showing in athletics at the Paris Games is a cause for concern, as the country has traditionally been strong in the sport. The failure of national record holders to qualify for the finals is a reflection of the need for improved training and support for Indian athletes.

Dillon Pennington's England Debut Hopes Dented by Hamstring Injury

Dillon Pennington’s England Debut Hopes Dented by Hamstring Injury

Dillon Pennington’s hopes of making his England debut against Sri Lanka have been dealt a blow after the fast bowler was forced to withdraw from the Hundred due to a hamstring injury.

Pennington, 25, has been one of the standout performers in the County Championship this season, taking 31 wickets at an average of 23.80 in eight appearances for Nottinghamshire. His impressive form earned him a call-up to England’s Test squad for the recent series against West Indies, where he impressed captain Ben Stokes.

Stokes had hinted that Pennington could be in line for a debut against Sri Lanka, saying: “There’s no doubt that if an opportunity comes to him, then he’ll be ready to go.”

However, Pennington’s chances of making his international bow have now been dented after he suffered a hamstring injury in his first competitive appearance for a month. Playing for Northern Superchargers against Oval Invincibles in the Hundred, Pennington bowled just five balls before being forced to leave the field.

Superchargers have confirmed that Pennington has withdrawn from the final two weeks of the competition, making him a major doubt for England’s first Test against Sri Lanka on August 21 at Emirates Old Trafford.

Stokes had praised Pennington’s work ethic and progress during his time with the England squad. “He’s done everything that you’d expect someone in a squad to do – even if they’re not playing,” Stokes said. “He’s got a naturally high release point, and I think his move to Notts has been very, very good for him.”

England are expected to name their squad for the Sri Lanka Tests imminently, with Zak Crawley considered a major doubt after breaking his finger in the third Test against West Indies. If Crawley is unavailable, Dan Lawrence is expected to deputise as Duckett’s opening partner.

Lakshya Sen's Olympic Gold Hopes Dashed, Bronze Medal Match Awaits

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Gold Hopes Dashed, Bronze Medal Match Awaits

India’s Olympic badminton gold medal hopes were shattered on Sunday as Lakshya Sen succumbed to a valiant defeat against reigning champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark. Despite a spirited performance, Sen fell short with scores of 20-22, 14-21. However, the 22-year-old Indian shuttler still has a chance to make history by securing a men’s singles medal in the bronze medal match against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia.

Sen’s match against Axelsen was a testament to his growing prowess and determination. The first game was a nail-biter, with both players showcasing their exceptional skills. Sen initially trailed but adapted his strategy, engaging in long rallies and displaying patience and precision. Despite Axelsen’s uncharacteristic errors, the Danish champion displayed his resilience, saving three game points to snatch the victory 22-20.

The second game saw Sen start strongly, building a 7-0 lead as Axelsen struggled to find his rhythm. However, the Danish shuttler, known for his mental fortitude, mounted an impressive comeback. With a combination of solid defense, drop shots, and high smashes, Axelsen leveled the score at 10-10. Despite Sen’s mid-game advantage, Axelsen eventually wore down the Indian shuttler, securing the game 21-14 and clinching his place in the Olympic final for the second time.

Axelsen’s victory highlighted his experience and mental toughness, proving why he is a dominant force in the BWF circuit. Sen’s Olympic journey is not over yet; he has the opportunity to secure India’s first men’s singles medal in badminton when he faces Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match on Monday. His match takes place at 6PM IST. Sen has a chance to become the third Indian Olympic medallist in badminton after PV Sindhu (silver in Rio 2016, bronze in Tokyo 2020) and Saina Nehwal (bronze in London 2012).

Axelsen, meanwhile, will face Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, who defeated Jia in straight games (21-14, 21-15). Interestingly, Vitidsarn has earlier defeated Axelsen in last year’s India Open final, clinching a 22-20, 10-21, 21-12 win in a three-game thriller in New Delhi.

Djokovic vs Alcaraz: Clash of Titans in Paris Olympics Tennis Final

Djokovic vs Alcaraz: Clash of Titans in Paris Olympics Tennis Final

Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend, and Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish prodigy, are set to clash in the ultimate tennis men’s singles final at the Paris Olympics 2024. This highly anticipated match promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both players vying for Olympic glory.

Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, is seeking his first Olympic gold medal. He has previously won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A victory in Paris would make him only the fifth player to complete the Golden Slam, which includes all four Grand Slams and an Olympic title.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, is aiming to become the youngest Olympic tennis singles champion in history. The Spaniard has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, winning the US Open in 2022 and becoming the youngest world number one in ATP history.

The match will take place on Sunday, August 4 (IST) at Stade Roland Garros, Paris. It is expected to start at 5:30 PM IST and will be telecast live on the Sports 18 Network. The match will also be live streamed on the JioCinema app.

Djokovic and Alcaraz have faced each other twice before, with Djokovic winning both encounters. However, Alcaraz has shown remarkable improvement since their last meeting in 2022. He is known for his aggressive style of play and powerful groundstrokes.

The final is expected to be a close and thrilling contest. Djokovic’s experience and resilience will be tested against Alcaraz’s youthful exuberance and attacking prowess. The winner will not only claim the Olympic gold medal but also etch their name in the annals of tennis history.

Carolina Marin's Olympic Dream Crushed by Knee Injury

Carolina Marin’s Olympic Dream Crushed by Knee Injury

Former Olympic champion Carolina Marin’s hopes of a second gold medal were shattered in heartbreaking fashion as she suffered a devastating knee injury during her women’s singles badminton semifinal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Marin, who was leading the match 21-14, 10-6 against China’s He Bing Jiao, was forced to withdraw after falling awkwardly on her right knee. The incident occurred during the second game when she jumped to execute a return shot on her backhand side and landed awkwardly on her right foot.

The Spaniard burst into tears immediately after falling and was quickly attended to by medical staff. She returned to the court briefly to continue the match but played only two more points before limping to the side of the court and collapsing in tears.

Marin, who won the gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, missed the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to a knee injury. The Paris Games were expected to be her final Olympic appearance.

He Bing Jiao, who was visibly shocked by the incident, hugged Marin after she was forced to retire. The Chinese shuttler will now face Korean Republic’s An Se Young in the final.

Marin’s injury is a major blow to the badminton world. She is one of the most decorated players in the sport, having won three World Championships and the Olympic gold medal. Her absence from the final will be a significant loss for the tournament.

It remains to be seen if Marin will return for the bronze-medal match. However, her injury is a reminder of the physical toll that elite-level sport can take on athletes.

Sri Lanka Opt to Bat First in Second ODI Against India

Sri Lanka Opt to Bat First in Second ODI Against India

Sri Lanka, aiming to secure a series victory after the thrilling tie in the first ODI, opted to bat first in the second match at the R Premadasa Stadium. Captain Charith Asalanka made the decision based on the pitch’s expected behavior, which is similar to the one used in the series opener and likely to favor spinners as the game progresses.

Sri Lanka made two changes to their lineup. Jeffrey Vandersay replaced Wanindu Hasaranga, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, in a like-for-like legspinner swap. The other change saw batting allrounder Kamindu Mendis, who can also bowl spin, come in for fast bowler Mohamed Shiraz.

This move reflects Sri Lanka’s anticipation of spin-friendly conditions, leaving them with only one frontline seamer in Asitha Fernando. They also have the option of using Janith Liyanage’s part-time medium-pace if necessary. Sri Lanka’s spin options include Asalanka, who impressed with three wickets in the first ODI, including two in two balls to secure the tie.

India, on the other hand, fielded an unchanged XI. Captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of adaptability, as they prepare for another chase in challenging conditions.

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