Abhishek: The Quiet Storm of Indian Hockey

Abhishek: The Quiet Storm of Indian Hockey

Abhishek, a rising star in the Indian men’s hockey team, has emerged as a crucial player in the team’s pursuit of Olympic glory. His journey to the national squad has been a testament to his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Growing up in Sonepat, Abhishek’s passion for hockey ignited at a young age. He spent countless hours honing his skills on grass before joining the National Hockey Academy in Delhi. Despite being overlooked for the junior India team, he remained steadfast in his resolve.

Abhishek’s breakthrough came in 2022 when he was called up to the senior India camp. The transition to the national setup was a significant challenge, but he embraced the rigorous demands with open arms. Under the guidance of coach Graham Reid, Abhishek has developed into a formidable striker, known for his lightning-fast reflexes, impeccable ball control, and ability to find the right angles inside the circle.

Off the field, Abhishek is a stark contrast to his on-field persona. He is deceptively calm, preferring actions over words. His quiet confidence and unwavering belief in his abilities have been instrumental in his success.

The Olympics have always been a distant dream for Abhishek, but his performances in the national team have brought it within reach. He is determined to make the Paris squad and contribute to India’s medal hopes.

“To do whatever it takes — die, bleed, break bones — the end result is to score goals, win matches,” he says with a quiet intensity.

Abhishek’s journey is a reminder that success is not always a straight path. It requires hard work, perseverance, and a belief in oneself. As he prepares for the biggest stage in sports, Abhishek is confident that he can make his mark and help India achieve its Olympic dreams.

Suryakumar Yadav Embraces Leadership Role, Inspires Indian Team to Victory

Suryakumar Yadav Embraces Leadership Role, Inspires Indian Team to Victory

Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed permanent T20I captain of the Indian cricket team, has embarked on a journey to become a true leader, inspiring and guiding his team beyond the responsibilities of a captain. In his first series as captain, Suryakumar showcased his exceptional skills, earning the prestigious ‘Player of The Series’ title with two outstanding performances in the initial matches.

However, his contribution extended further when he claimed two crucial wickets with his off-spin bowling during a nail-biting Super Over victory, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to his achievements. “Like I said before the series, I don’t want to be the captain, I want to be the leader,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

He expressed endless admiration for his fellow players, who demonstrated immense courage and determination while safeguarding a humble total of 137 runs. “The amount of skill they have, self-confidence, it makes my job easy. The positivity, the care for each other is unbelievable. After the last game, I told few boys will be rested and they were ready to sit out.”

The Indian skipper said that just as people enjoy high scores of 220 or 230, they should also start appreciating low-scoring games, as it brings balance to the sport. “More than the last over, I feel when we were around 30/4 and 48 for 5, how the boys showed character, 140 was a par score on that track. I told, if we put our heart in it, we could pull it off.”

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka couldn’t explain what went wrong with the middle-order in all three games. “Definitely, really disappointed, especially the middle-order and lower-middle order. Very bad shot selection. The thinking was spinners were bowling and that’s why Wanindu Hasaranga came up the order and we gave him the license to hit one or two boundaries,” Asalanka said.

“I think especially we played some wrong shots and when the ball gets old, the shot selection has to be spot on. We can’t give excuses and we have to do more than this.”I want to see good batting performance in ODIs and I think the boys will do better,” the dejected Lankan skipper added.

Manu Bhaker Makes History with Two Olympic Medals in Paris 2024

Manu Bhaker Makes History with Two Olympic Medals in Paris 2024

Manu Bhaker’s Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. In Tokyo 2020, a technical glitch with her pistol shattered her dreams of reaching the final. Three years later, Bhaker has not only redeemed herself but has also become the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics since the nation’s independence.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Bhaker reflected on her remarkable achievement. “Victory cannot teach you what defeat teaches you,” she said. “From Tokyo, the journey has been full of ups and downs. I’ve tried my best in performing in all the competitions, but sometimes you just can’t keep up.”

Bhaker’s success is a testament to her unwavering determination and the guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana. “The planning part was definitely entirely Jaspal sir’s programme,” she said. “He planned it according to if my shoulder is in good shape. I always look at him whenever I lack courage or I want to feel more confident.”

Confidence is crucial in major competitions, and Bhaker credits her family, friends, and training environment for instilling it in her. “When you come to a major Games, confidence plays a huge part,” she said. “It comes from the roots, from my family, from my friends, from the atmosphere I trained in the last two-three years, and from my coach.”

Bhaker’s journey at Paris 2024 may not be over yet. She is set to participate in the 25m air pistol events, where she will aim to add to her medal tally. Her achievements have already made her a role model for aspiring shooters and a source of pride for India.

India Clinch 3-0 T20I Sweep Over Sri Lanka with Miraculous Collapse

India Clinch 3-0 T20I Sweep Over Sri Lanka with Miraculous Collapse

In a thrilling conclusion to the three-match T20I series, India secured a 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Tuesday. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh emerged as unlikely heroes with the ball, orchestrating a remarkable collapse that handed India the victory.

Chasing a modest target of 138, Sri Lanka appeared in control at 110 for 1 in the 15th over. However, Suryakumar and Rinku turned the tide with two game-changing overs. Suryakumar, bowling the 20th over, defended six runs successfully by taking two wickets in his first two balls. Rinku, in a pressure-filled 19th over, bagged two crucial wickets, including that of Kusal Perera, when Sri Lanka needed just nine runs from 12 balls.

The two incredible overs from Rinku and Suryakumar stopped the Lankans on 137, taking the game into the Super Over. Washington Sundar then shone in the Super Over, giving away only two runs and taking two wickets. Suryakumar sealed the win with a sweeping shot on the first ball he faced in the Super Over.

Suryakumar’s strategic move of introducing Rinku in the 19th over proved decisive. Rinku’s dismissal of Perera, who had scored 46 runs, came just when Sri Lanka appeared to have the match secured.

Earlier, India had posted 137 for 9, with Shubman Gill (39 off 37 balls) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18 balls) stitching a crucial 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Sri Lankan spinners effectively restrained the Indian batters on a pitch offering significant turn and variable bounce.

Despite the challenges, Gill adjusted his play style, curbing his natural attacking instincts, and Parag showcased his potential with explosive shots. However, both fell attempting glory shots.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, missed the services of their premier pacer Matheesha Pathirana due to a shoulder injury. Skipper Charith Asalanka effectively used their four-pronged spin attack, maintaining pressure on Indian batsmen and taking wickets at regular intervals.

Iga Swiatek Makes History, Reaches Olympic Quarterfinals

Iga Swiatek Makes History, Reaches Olympic Quarterfinals

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, has made history by becoming the first Polish player, male or female, to reach the singles quarterfinals at the Olympics. Her impressive 6-3, 6-4 victory over China’s Wang Xiyu in the third round of the Paris Olympics on Tuesday night marked a significant milestone for Polish tennis.

Swiatek’s victory extends her remarkable winning streaks: she has now won 15 consecutive matches against left-handed opponents, 22 straight matches on clay, and 24 consecutive matches at Stade Roland Garros, where the Olympics are being held.

The match against Wang was not without its challenges. Swiatek faced break points in both her second and third service games in the first set, but she managed to save them and eventually take the set 6-3. In the second set, she broke Wang’s serve twice but was broken back both times. However, she broke Wang’s serve once more for a 5-4 lead and served out the match.

Swiatek’s next opponent in the quarterfinals will be No. 8-seeded Danielle Collins, who defeated Colombia’s Camila Osorio earlier in the day. Collins famously defeated Swiatek in the semifinals of the 2022 Australian Open, but Swiatek has won all five meetings since then, including a hard-fought victory in Melbourne this year.

Swiatek’s success at the Olympics is a testament to her exceptional talent and determination. She is a role model for young Polish tennis players and an inspiration to all who follow the sport.

North Korea Wins First Olympic Medal in Eight Years, Learns from China

North Korea Wins First Olympic Medal in Eight Years, Learns from China

North Korea’s Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong made history by winning their country’s first Olympic medal in eight years, claiming silver in the mixed doubles table tennis event at the Paris Games. The duo’s impressive performance came after a hard-fought 11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 11-8 defeat to China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha.

China, the undisputed table tennis powerhouse, has dominated the sport at the Olympics, winning 32 of the 37 available gold medals since its inception. However, they missed out on the mixed doubles title in Tokyo three years ago. Wang and Sun rectified that with their victory, setting the stage for a potential clean sweep of table tennis golds in Paris.

North Korea, which skipped the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 concerns, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to train with the Chinese team in preparation for Paris. Kim acknowledged the invaluable lessons they learned from the world’s best.

“We had some time with the Chinese team, which is the world’s best,” said Kim. “Of course it wasn’t enough in the end. We had a good performance but there are some regrets. We learned a lot from them.”

Despite their defeat, Ri and Kim remained optimistic, vowing to return stronger. “We hope to do better next time and win the gold,” said Kim.

Wang and Sun, who have not lost outside China in four years, faced an unfamiliar challenge in the North Korean pair. “It’s quite rare to have a North Korean pair in international competition,” said Sun. “We had never played them before. They have strengths and they have been able to beat a lot of opponents. They have a distinctive style.”

After a close first game, China took control, but North Korea fought back to level the match. China regained the lead, but North Korea once again showed their resilience. Ultimately, the Chinese pair prevailed, but Sun admitted that the loss in Tokyo had motivated them.

“All of us were so devoted, we invested a lot,” said Sun. “Every match we had certain difficulties but we backed each other up and we got to the final and beat such a good team.”

Gloucestershire Triumph Over Surrey in Metro Bank One-Day Cup

Gloucestershire Triumph Over Surrey in Metro Bank One-Day Cup

Cameron Bancroft’s masterful century and a disciplined bowling performance propelled Gloucestershire to a convincing 37-run victory over Surrey in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.

Bancroft’s 100 from 109 deliveries laid the foundation for Gloucestershire’s imposing total of 301. Miles Hammond contributed a brisk 51, while skipper Jack Taylor’s explosive 44, featuring five sixes, provided late impetus.

Surrey’s chase was anchored by Ryan Patel’s defiant 87 and Josh Blake’s 50, but they fell short of the target, mustering only 264. Conor McKerr impressed with List A best figures of 4-32, while Cameron Steel claimed 4-61.

Gloucestershire’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout Surrey’s innings. Matt Taylor’s 4-44 and Ajeet Singh Dale’s 2-49 proved crucial in restricting the hosts.

Surrey’s top order struggled against Taylor’s new ball burst, with Dom Sibley and Ben Geddes dismissed cheaply. Patel and Ben Foakes rallied with an 89-run partnership, but Singh Dale and Taylor broke the stand.

Blake and McKerr threatened with an 85-run seventh-wicket partnership, but Taylor’s sharp lifter ended McKerr’s resistance. Singh Dale then removed Foakes and Patel, leaving Surrey on the brink of defeat.

Blake and McKerr’s late resistance delayed Gloucestershire’s victory, but Dom Goodman’s dismissal of Blake sealed the deal.

Bancroft’s century anchored Gloucestershire’s innings, while Hammond’s half-century provided early momentum. Taylor’s late cameo gave the visitors a significant boost.

Surrey’s bowlers, led by McKerr and Steel, kept Gloucestershire in check for much of the innings. However, Taylor’s aggressive batting and Bancroft’s steady accumulation proved too much for the hosts.

Sibling Rivalry and Resilience: Olympic Games Witness Family Legacies

Sibling Rivalry and Resilience: Olympic Games Witness Family Legacies

In the heart of Paris, the Olympic Games witnessed a bittersweet tale of sibling rivalry and resilience. Hifumi Abe, the reigning 66kg judo champion, found solace in victory after his sister Uta’s shocking defeat.

Uta Abe, a four-time world champion, had been undefeated since 2019. However, in Paris, she stumbled in the second round, shattering their hopes of a sibling gold medal sweep. Hifumi, driven by his sister’s loss, vowed to fight for her honor.

“It was a hard day,” said Hifumi, “but I felt I had to work hard for my sister. I had no choice but to do my best as the older brother.”

The Abe siblings are not alone in their Olympic family legacy. History is replete with blood relations gracing the podium. The Swedish father-son duo of Oscar and Alfred Swahn won 15 shooting medals across three Games. Indian hockey legends Dhyan Chand and his brother Roop Singh, along with Dhyan’s son Ashok Kumar, are Olympic medalists.

In Paris, Ukrainian twins Maryna and Vladyslava Aleksiiva are aiming to surpass their artistic swimming bronze from Tokyo. Despite the horrors of war in their homeland, they have found solace in their sport.

“We wanted to showcase our resilience,” said Vladyslava. “Our music is cheerful and heroic, reflecting our determination to overcome adversity.”

The Sinkovic brothers, Valent and Martin, are Croatia’s hopes in men’s rowing. They have won gold and silver medals in previous Games and are looking to add to their tally.

“We wouldn’t last this long if we weren’t brothers,” said Valent.

South Korea’s Yeo Seo-jeong and her father Yeo Hong-chul, an Olympic medalist in gymnastics, share a special bond. Yeo Seo-jeong hopes to emulate her father’s success in Paris.

British runner Jake Wightman will face the challenge of defending his 1500m title. His father Geoff, a former marathon runner, will be commentating on the race.

Tatsuru Saito, the son of two-time Olympic judo champion Hitoshi Saito, will carry his father’s legacy in the men’s 100+ kg event.

The Paris Olympics is a testament to the power of family and the indomitable spirit of athletes who overcome adversity to achieve their dreams.

Pin Trading: The Unofficial Olympic Sport

Pin Trading: The Unofficial Olympic Sport

Pin trading, an Olympic tradition dating back to 1896, has become an unofficial sport at the Games. Athletes, officials, and media members eagerly seek out rare and coveted pins, creating a vibrant and social atmosphere in the Olympic Village.

Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, and Serena Williams are among the high-profile athletes who have expressed their enthusiasm for pin trading. Osaka has vowed to “beg” for a Haitian pin, while Murray has embarked on a mission to find the smallest country’s representative in the Village.

The allure of pin trading lies in its ability to foster connections and break the ice. Athletes from different nations exchange pins, sharing their experiences and creating lasting memories. For some, like Don Bigsby, pin trading has become a lifelong passion. He has attended 20 Olympic Games and founded “Olympin,” a forum for collectors to trade pins and memorabilia.

Certain pins become highly sought-after, such as the 1996 Atlanta pin featuring onion rings for the Olympic rings and the 2002 Salt Lake City pin with a green Jell-O design. At the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles’ custom heart-shaped pins were a hot commodity.

Serena Williams, who began collecting pins at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, cherishes her collection, particularly pins from Thailand and North Korea. Former Indian shooter Anjali Bhagwat recalls the excitement of hunting for pins in the Olympic Village, creating a sense of camaraderie among athletes.

Pin trading not only provides a fun and social activity but also serves as a tangible reminder of the Olympic experience. For Bigsby, his collection represents a lifetime of memories and friendships forged around the world.

Aditi Ashok Prepares for Third Olympic Games with Focus on Driving

Aditi Ashok Prepares for Third Olympic Games with Focus on Driving

Aditi Ashok, India’s top female golfer, is gearing up for her third Olympic Games in Paris. Having competed in two previous Olympics, she is determined to make the most of this opportunity.

Ashok’s journey to the Olympics began at the age of 14 when she set her sights on Rio 2016. She worked tirelessly to improve her amateur ranking and secure sponsor invites to professional events. In Rio, she finished 41st despite being only 18 years old and having limited professional experience.

In Tokyo 2020, Ashok showcased her maturity and skill, finishing fourth and narrowly missing out on a medal. This performance gave her immense confidence and proved that she could compete with the world’s best.

Heading into Paris 2024, Ashok is focused on her driving, which she believes is key to her success. She has been working on improving her speed and accuracy off the tee. Despite the pressure of expectations, Ashok remains composed and focused on her game plan.

Ashok is excited to compete at Le Golf National, the storied venue for the Paris Olympics. She believes the course’s open layout and potential for windy conditions will provide a challenging but enjoyable experience.

Reflecting on her previous Olympic experiences, Ashok emphasizes the importance of staying present and committed to every shot. She believes her game is strong enough to keep her in contention and is eager to make the most of this opportunity.

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