Wishlist0
0
Continue Shopping

 +91 91155 12977

Home / News (Page 457)

Category: News

Yves du Manoir: A Century of Olympic History Returns in 2024

Yves du Manoir: A Century of Olympic History Returns in 2024

By July 27, 2024 0

Yves du Manoir, the iconic stadium that graced the 1924 Paris Olympics, is set to make a grand return as a centerpiece of the 2024 Games. Steeped in a century of Olympic history, the venue has witnessed legendary moments and played a pivotal role in shaping the sporting landscape.

In 1924, Yves du Manoir hosted the Opening Ceremony and a wide range of athletic events, including the unforgettable exploits of Finnish runner Pavo Nurmi. Despite the oppressive heat and air pollution, Nurmi’s remarkable stamina and determination propelled him to claim five gold medals in just six days. The stadium also witnessed the rise of the Uruguayan football team, which triumphed over Switzerland in the final to secure international stardom.

Over the years, Yves du Manoir has hosted numerous other prestigious events, including the 1938 FIFA World Cup final and the sprint races between British athletes Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddle, immortalized in the film “Chariots of Fire.” However, the stadium fell into disrepair and was nearly abandoned before undergoing a major renovation in preparation for the 2024 Olympics.

Now adorned with a vibrant blue synthetic turf, Yves du Manoir has been transformed into a modern sporting arena with a reduced capacity of 15,000. It will once again host hockey matches, a sport that made its Olympic debut in 1928. Indian hockey captain Manpreet Singh expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing in such a historic venue, while his teammate Harmanpreet Singh saw it as an opportunity to create unforgettable memories by winning the gold medal.

Despite its modernization, Yves du Manoir retains its historical charm. An old house still stands on its premises, serving as a reminder of the stadium’s rich past. The venue’s legacy is further preserved by the Georges-Vallerey swimming pool, where Johnny Weissmuller emerged as a star athlete before going on to play Tarzan on the silver screen, and the Vélodrome Jacques Anquetil La Cipale, which has hosted two previous Olympics.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, Yves du Manoir stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Games. It is a venue that has witnessed the triumphs and heartbreaks of countless athletes, and it is poised to create new chapters in the annals of Olympic history.

Categories: Others
Read more
Olympic Tennis: Swiatek, Alcaraz Extend Winning Streaks at Roland Garros

Olympic Tennis: Swiatek, Alcaraz Extend Winning Streaks at Roland Garros

By July 27, 2024 0

Amidst the drizzle of a Parisian Saturday, the 2024 Olympic Games commenced with a resounding start at Roland Garros, where reigning champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek extended their remarkable winning streaks on the hallowed clay courts.

Poland’s Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, entered the tournament with an astonishing 21-match winning streak at Roland Garros. The 23-year-old has dominated the clay surface, claiming three consecutive singles titles at the venue, including her most recent triumph in May.

Despite the Olympic branding and five-ring symbol adorning Court Philippe Chatrier, the outcome on Saturday remained familiar. Swiatek dispatched Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania with ease, securing a 6-2, 7-5 victory to advance to the second round. She now awaits the winner of the match between Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska and France’s Diane Parry.

Swiatek’s French Open final opponent, Jasmine Paolini of Italy, also emerged victorious on opening day, overcoming Romania’s Ana Bogdan 7-5, 6-3. Paolini will face either Mirra Andreeva, an Individual Neutral Athlete, or Magda Linette of Poland, who both recently captured WTA titles.

Later in the day, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic commenced his Olympic campaign with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory over Australia’s Matthew Ebden on Chatrier. He will next face either Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics or Spain’s Rafael Nadal, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster second-round clash.

Rain has plagued the opening day of the Olympic tennis competition, causing extensive delays and suspending play on the outer courts. However, under the shelter of Court Suzanne Lenglen, Spain’s Alcaraz extended his own winning streak at Roland Garros.

Having successfully defended his French Open title earlier this year, Alcaraz returned to Paris with a 14-match undefeated run at the venue. The No. 2 seed faced little resistance against Lebanon’s Hady Habib, dispatching him 6-3, 6-1 to extend his impressive record.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Lakshya Sen Soars to Victory in Olympic Badminton Debut

Lakshya Sen Soars to Victory in Olympic Badminton Debut

By July 27, 2024 0

Ace Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen made a resounding start to his Olympic campaign, dispatching reigning Pan American champion Kevin Cordon of Guatemala in straight games in their men’s singles badminton group match at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Sen, making his Olympic debut, displayed his class and composure to overcome Cordon 21-8 22-20 in a match that lasted 42 minutes. The victory sets the stage for Sen to make a deep run in the tournament, having already established himself as one of the rising stars in the sport.

Sen, who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2021 World Championships, dominated the first game against Cordon, showcasing his aggressive style of play and precise shot-making. He took the opening game with ease, 21-8.

However, Cordon, a veteran of the sport, fought back in the second game, pushing Sen to the limit. The Guatemalan shuttler displayed his resilience and determination, forcing Sen to dig deep and find his best form. Despite Cordon’s spirited comeback, Sen held his nerve and emerged victorious, winning the second game 22-20.

Sen’s victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it bodes well for his chances of success in the tournament. He will face Julien Carraggi of Belgium in his second group match on Monday, and a win there would put him in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.

The Indian contingent will be hoping that Sen can continue his impressive form and bring home a medal from the Paris Olympics. His victory over Cordon has certainly raised expectations, and he will be one of the players to watch in the men’s singles competition.

Categories: Badminton
Read more
Indian Paddler Harmeet Desai Triumphs in Olympic Debut

Indian Paddler Harmeet Desai Triumphs in Olympic Debut

By July 27, 2024 0

Indian table tennis star Harmeet Desai made a triumphant debut at the Paris Olympics, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Jordan’s Zaid Abo Yaman in the men’s singles preliminary round. The 31-year-old from Surat showcased his exceptional skills and experience, dominating the match from start to finish.

Desai, ranked 103rd in the world, faced little resistance from his opponent, who is ranked 538th. The Indian paddler quickly established his rhythm, winning the first game 11-7. He maintained his momentum in the subsequent games, taking them 11-9, 11-5, and 11-5. The match lasted a mere 30 minutes, highlighting Desai’s superior technique and tactical prowess.

Desai’s victory marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Having competed in numerous international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games where he won team gold medals in 2018 and 2022, the Olympics had remained an elusive dream. His determination and hard work have finally paid off, as he now stands among the elite table tennis players on the world’s grandest sporting stage.

In preparation for the Olympics, Desai participated in three preparatory tournaments and underwent rigorous personal training in Germany. His dedication and commitment to the sport are evident in his performance at Paris. He is one of two Indian men’s singles players competing in the Olympics, alongside veteran Sharath Kamal.

Desai’s victory has ignited hope and excitement among Indian table tennis enthusiasts. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with perseverance and unwavering belief, anything is possible. As the competition progresses, Desai will undoubtedly face tougher challenges, but his impressive start has set the tone for a memorable Olympic journey.

Categories: Others
Read more
Djokovic Cruises to Olympic Opener, Sets Up Potential Nadal Clash

Djokovic Cruises to Olympic Opener, Sets Up Potential Nadal Clash

By July 27, 2024 0

Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, cruised to a dominant 6-0, 6-1 victory over Australia’s Matthew Ebden in his Olympic opener on Saturday. The win sets up a potential blockbuster clash against his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal, in the next round.

Djokovic, who is seeking his first Olympic gold medal to add to his impressive collection of 24 Grand Slams, displayed his exceptional form under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier. He dispatched Ebden in just 53 minutes, barely breaking a sweat.

Nadal, who has been battling a thigh strain, will face Marton Fucsovics of Hungary on Sunday. If he emerges victorious, it will mark the 60th meeting between Djokovic and Nadal, two of the greatest players in tennis history. Djokovic holds a narrow 30-29 head-to-head advantage over the Spaniard.

However, Nadal has a significant edge over Djokovic at Roland Garros, where he has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slams. The Spaniard boasts an 8-2 head-to-head record against the Serb on the Parisian clay.

In Saturday’s match, Djokovic faced little resistance from Ebden, a 36-year-old doubles specialist who entered the tournament as an alternate. Ebden had not played a singles match in two years before receiving the unexpected Olympic call.

Djokovic needed only 24 minutes to secure the first set and raced to a 4-0 lead in the second before Ebden managed to win a game. The Australian, cheered on by a sympathetic crowd, celebrated his hard-fought game by pulling his shirt over his head.

But that was the extent of Ebden’s success. Djokovic broke his serve six times and hit 24 winners compared to Ebden’s seven. The Serbian star is now one step closer to his Olympic gold medal dream, but a potential clash with Nadal in the next round looms large.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Indian Badminton Duo Rankireddy and Shetty Aim for Olympic Glory

Indian Badminton Duo Rankireddy and Shetty Aim for Olympic Glory

By July 27, 2024 0

Indian Badminton Duo Rankireddy and Shetty Aim for Olympic Glory

Defending Asian and Commonwealth Games champions in men’s doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, embark on their Paris Olympics campaign with high hopes of securing a medal for India. The former World No.1 pair will face the French duo of Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar in their opening match later today.

Rankireddy and Shetty are considered India’s top medal prospects in badminton, alongside two-time Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu. Sindhu aims to become the first Indian sportsperson to win medals in three consecutive Olympic Games editions.

Long-jumper Murali Sreeshankar believes that Rankireddy and Shetty have the best chance of returning home with a medal. “We hope they can replicate the performances they have delivered over the last couple of years,” said Sreeshankar, who is an Olympics Expert for JioCinema. “Satwik and Chirag won a gold medal in men’s doubles at the Asian Games, which is much tougher than doing so at the Olympics because, at the Asian Games, you compete against two Chinese teams, whereas, in the Olympics, only the top-16 in world ranking can participate.”

Sreeshankar emphasized the importance of the Asian Games gold medal in boosting the morale of the Indian pair. “They just need to continue doing what they have been doing and concentrate on the process,” he said. “Their track record is so good that if they just focus on the process, I’m sure they will be able to win a medal and be proud of themselves.”

Rankireddy and Shetty have been in impressive form in recent years, winning the India Open and the Thailand Open in 2023. They also reached the semifinals of the All England Open and the World Championships in 2022.

The Indian duo will face stiff competition in Paris, with several top-ranked pairs in the fray. However, their experience and determination will make them a formidable force. If they can maintain their focus and execute their game plan, Rankireddy and Shetty have the potential to create history and bring home an Olympic medal for India.

Categories: Badminton
Read more
Climate Activists Blocked from Olympic Protest in Paris

Climate Activists Blocked from Olympic Protest in Paris

By July 27, 2024 0

French Police Thwart Climate Activists’ Olympic Protest in Paris

On the inaugural day of the Paris Olympics, French authorities swiftly intervened to prevent a demonstration by climate activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR). The group had planned to occupy the Pont des Arts bridge over the Seine, the site of the Games’ opening ceremony hours earlier.

However, police officers swiftly apprehended 45 XR activists before the protest could commence. “Around 30 people were preventively arrested Saturday in Paris, without any offense to truly accuse them of,” said Alexis Baudelin, one of the group’s lawyers. A group of journalists covering the event were also detained.

XR France expressed frustration over the government’s heavy-handed response. “The French government has deployed great resources to block our special Olympic action,” they stated. “Our democracy burns and we are watching the flame of Paris 2024.”

The activists’ demands include increased participatory democracy and the establishment of a citizen assembly to draft a new constitution for France. “We need a new model for society, which has to be fair and democratically accepted,” said Sandro, an XR activist.

The foiled protest follows a series of arrests of XR activists in the lead-up to the Olympics. Nine activists, including a minor, were detained east of Paris on Friday, while eight were arrested and released for posting critical stickers in the Paris metro.

Despite organizers’ pledges to prioritize climate action, the Games have faced criticism from academics and campaigners. They argue that the sponsorship of car giant Toyota, which promotes hydrogen cars, undermines the event’s environmental goals.

Climate activists have launched a campaign highlighting Toyota’s high emissions, with mock advertisements displayed in Paris and other French cities. Toyota maintains that hydrogen will play a crucial role in decarbonization.

Categories: Others
Read more
Afghanistan to Host New Zealand in Historic One-Off Test Match

Afghanistan to Host New Zealand in Historic One-Off Test Match

By July 27, 2024 0

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that the Afghanistan men’s cricket team will face New Zealand in a one-off Test match from September 9-13 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in India. This historic encounter will mark the first time Afghanistan and New Zealand have met in the longest format of the game.

Afghanistan has made significant strides in Test cricket since gaining full membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017. They have won three Test matches to date, against Ireland (2019), Bangladesh (2019), and Zimbabwe (2021).

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed his delight at hosting New Zealand for the first time in a Test match. He said, “We are delighted to host a quality New Zealand Test team for the first time in our cricketing history. This is a testament to the hard work we have put in through numerous discussions and meetings with different boards on the sidelines of the various ICC Board Meetings.”

Ashraf also expressed hope for future bilateral white-ball matches against New Zealand. “The Black Caps are an outstanding all-format team in world cricket, and we hope to reach an agreement with New Zealand Cricket for white-ball bilateral matches in the future,” he said.

The match will also mark Afghanistan’s return to international cricket at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, which has been designated as one of the venues for Afghanistan’s home games following an agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

New Zealand will arrive in Greater Noida on September 5 for a three-day conditioning camp ahead of the Test match. They will then face India in a three-Test series starting on October 16 in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan will head to New Delhi in late August for a one-week training and preparation camp. In their two Tests played this year, Afghanistan lost to Sri Lanka and Ireland, with their last win in the longer format coming in 2021 over Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Ricky Ponting Explains Decision to Move on from Prithvi Shaw

Ricky Ponting Explains Decision to Move on from Prithvi Shaw

By July 27, 2024 0

Ricky Ponting, the former head coach of the Delhi Capitals, has shed light on his decision to move on from Prithvi Shaw, citing the latter’s inability to meet team expectations. Shaw, once a promising talent in Indian cricket, has struggled to maintain his form, leading to his omission from the Delhi Capitals’ playing eleven during the IPL 2024 season.

Ponting expressed his disappointment in Shaw’s situation, acknowledging his exceptional skills and potential. However, he emphasized that despite multiple discussions and efforts to improve Shaw’s cricketing abilities, the player had not met the team’s expectations. Ponting stated, “When you feel like you’re not making players better and they’re not doing what you need for the team, then you’ve got to look for other players that can do it for you.”

Ponting’s comments highlight the challenges faced by coaches in developing players and the limitations of their influence. He acknowledged that Shaw is still a young and talented player, expressing hope that he will eventually realize his potential.

As the Delhi Capitals prepare for the IPL 2025 season, speculation about Shaw’s future with the team has arisen. It remains uncertain whether he will be retained, given the strategic planning underway ahead of the mega auction.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Unlocking Tennis Success: The Power of the Changeover

Unlocking Tennis Success: The Power of the Changeover

By July 27, 2024 0

Mastering the Changeover: A Key to Tennis Success

In the fast-paced world of tennis, every moment counts. While tactics and execution are crucial, the often-overlooked changeover can play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of a match. By utilizing this brief respite effectively, players can gain a significant advantage.

The Importance of Rest and Focus

During the changeover, it’s essential to prioritize rest and focus. Sit down, towel off, and take a drink to replenish energy and clear your mind. Avoid distractions like checking your phone or engaging in unnecessary conversations.

Reflecting on the Past

Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or celebrating successes, use the changeover to analyze the previous two games. Identify the shots and tactics that led to positive or negative outcomes. This information will help you make informed decisions for the upcoming games.

Planning for the Future

Based on your analysis, develop a plan for the next two games. If you’re serving, visualize the winning shot combinations you’ll use. If you’re returning, determine your strategy for both first and second serves. This proactive approach will put you in a winning position from the start.

Additional Tips for Effective Changeovers

* Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or sports drinks to maintain optimal performance.
* Use a towel: Wipe away sweat to prevent distractions and maintain grip.
* Take deep breaths: Inhale deeply to calm your nerves and increase oxygen intake.
* Communicate with your partner (in doubles): Discuss tactics and provide support.
* Stay positive: Even if you’re losing, use the changeover to reset your mindset and focus on the next point.

Conclusion

By mastering the changeover, tennis players can gain a competitive edge. By prioritizing rest, analyzing past performance, and planning for the future, they can maximize their chances of success on the court. Remember, it’s not just about hitting the ball hard; it’s about using every moment, including the changeover, to your advantage.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Main Menu
Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart