India's Olympic Hockey Hopes Hinge on Defensive Strength

India’s Olympic Hockey Hopes Hinge on Defensive Strength

Craig Fulton’s defensive strategy will face its ultimate test as India embarks on their Olympic campaign in Paris. The world No.7 team aims to secure consecutive Olympic medals for the first time in over half a century.

To achieve this, India must overcome formidable opponents such as the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, and Germany. Former India forward SV Sunil emphasizes the importance of a strong defense, stating that “if we keep our defense strong, then we can finish on the podium.”

India’s recent performances in the Pro League and their tour of Australia have highlighted the need for defensive improvement. They conceded 21 goals in eight Pro League games and were whitewashed 5-0 by Australia.

Former India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne stresses the significance of converting limited opportunities, saying, “You will not get many and if you need too many chances to score you will not win these matches.”

India will face New Zealand in their opening match on July 27th. A strong start is crucial, as a win can set the tone for the tournament. Harmanpreet Singh, India’s captain, acknowledges New Zealand’s strength and emphasizes the need to maintain momentum throughout the game.

India’s Olympic campaign will be a test of their defensive capabilities and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. If they can execute Fulton’s strategy effectively, they have the potential to challenge for a medal in Paris.

Benjamin Hassan: The Unconventional Tennis Star

Benjamin Hassan: The Unconventional Tennis Star

Benjamin Hassan, a free-spirited tennis player from Lebanon, stands out in the regimented world of professional tennis. Despite his unconventional approach, Hassan has achieved remarkable success, earning an Olympic spot and reaching the top 150 in the world rankings.

Hassan’s journey began in Germany, where he was born to Lebanese parents. Tennis runs in his family, with his father representing Lebanon in the Davis Cup. However, Hassan’s early years were marked by a lack of motivation. It wasn’t until he received a wild card to his hometown Challenger in 2017 that he rediscovered his passion for the sport.

Despite his late start, Hassan quickly made up for lost time. His unique style of play, characterized by variety and anticipation, has allowed him to compete with top-ranked opponents. He holds a 6-15 record against the Top 100, including a memorable victory over Flavio Cobolli, who is now ranked 48th in the world.

Hassan’s unconventional approach extends beyond his on-court performance. He prioritizes fun and spontaneity over strict routines and intense training. His former coach, Dominik Meffert, describes him as a “free thinker” who cannot be pushed too hard.

Hassan’s affable personality and sense of humor have made him a fan favorite. He is known for his ability to escape from seemingly impossible situations, such as saving 12 match points in a single match.

At the Olympics, Hassan hopes to make a name for himself and inspire others. He is proud of his achievements and remains hungry for more. His goal is to qualify for a Grand Slam main draw and continue to challenge himself against the best in the world.

Simone Biles Aims for Sixth Eponymous Skill in Paris Olympics

Simone Biles Aims for Sixth Eponymous Skill in Paris Olympics

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, is poised to make history once again at the upcoming Paris Olympics. She has submitted an original skill to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for consideration, aiming to have a sixth unique move named after her.

This new skill, a variation on a move first performed by Canadian Wilhelm Weiler, involves a clear hip circle forward with 1 1/2 turns to handstand. Biles plans to execute it at the beginning of her uneven bars routine.

If successful, Biles will become the only active female gymnast to have at least one skill named for her on all four apparatuses. She currently has two skills named for her on vault, two on floor exercise, and one on balance beam.

The FIG describes the skill as “a clear hip circle forward with 1 1/2 turns to handstand.” It requires Biles to circle her body below one bar, rise back into a handstand, and then pirouette 1 1/2 times before stopping in the handstand.

Biles’s submission comes after a challenging Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events due to a debilitating bout of the “twisties.” She is now determined to make a strong comeback in Paris and cement her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

Nellie Kim, a five-time Olympic gold medalist for the former Soviet Union, currently holds the record for the most eponymous skills, with seven named for her. Biles is now on the cusp of surpassing that mark.

Other female gymnasts aiming to have original elements named for them in Paris include Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, who has submitted a Yurchenko triple twisting vault, and Lieke Wevers and Naomi Visser of the Netherlands, who will both attempt a triple turn with one leg held horizontally on floor exercise.

Sri Lanka's LPL Stars Vie for Top Batting Spots in National Team

Sri Lanka’s LPL Stars Vie for Top Batting Spots in National Team

Sri Lanka’s new T20 captain, Charith Asalanka, has identified the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as the benchmark for selecting the national team’s top-order batters. Asalanka believes that the LPL’s high level of competition provides a reliable indicator of players’ T20 abilities.

Based on their impressive performances in the LPL, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Perera have emerged as strong contenders for the top three batting positions. Kamindu Mendis, who showcased his versatility by bowling with both arms, has secured the No. 4 spot.

Asalanka emphasized the importance of using the LPL as a selection criterion, stating, “If you look at the LPL, it’s the No. 1 tournament we have to make decisions like this. More than domestic T20s, the LPL is at a much higher level.”

Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera all displayed exceptional batting prowess in the LPL. Mendis accumulated 329 runs at a strike rate of 150, while Nissanka amassed 333 runs at a strike rate of 153. Fernando impressed with 374 runs at a strike rate of 163, and Perera boasted the highest strike rate of 169, scoring 296 runs.

Asalanka’s leadership style revolves around man-management and fostering a positive environment. He aims to extract the best from his players and empower them to execute their plans with confidence.

“I’ve played under many captains, and I’ve tried to absorb as many of their good traits into my captaincy and into my life as possible,” Asalanka said. “What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them.”

With a wealth of talented batters at his disposal, Asalanka faces the challenge of selecting the optimal top three for Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20 matches. The LPL performances of Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera will heavily influence his decision-making process.

Indian Boxing History: Kabilan Sai Ashok to Officiate at Paris Olympics

Indian Boxing History: Kabilan Sai Ashok to Officiate at Paris Olympics

India’s Kabilan Sai Ashok to Officiate at Paris Olympics, Making History

India’s former international boxer Kabilan Sai Ashok has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest Indian to officiate at the Olympic Games. The 32-year-old has been appointed as a Referee Judge for the Paris Olympics, which commence on Friday.

Sai Ashok’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Indian boxing. He is only the fourth Indian since 1904 to officiate at the Olympics, and the first to have represented the country as both a player and an official at a World Championship event.

Beyond his Olympic appointment, Sai Ashok has also made waves in the boxing administration. He currently serves as a boxing administrator at the Army Sports Institute in Pune and holds the distinction of being the first Indian to become the president of the World Military Boxing Council.

Sai Ashok’s rise to prominence has been marked by his exceptional skills and dedication. He holds the record of being the only Indian referee to have been fast-tracked from two-star to three-star status. His appointment as a Referee Judge at the Paris Olympics is a testament to his expertise and the high regard in which he is held within the boxing community.

The last Indian to officiate at the Olympics was in 2012 in London. Sai Ashok’s appointment as a Referee Judge for the Paris Olympics is a proud moment for India and a reflection of the country’s growing stature in the sport of boxing.

Verstappen Dominates Belgian GP Practice Despite Grid Penalty

Verstappen Dominates Belgian GP Practice Despite Grid Penalty

Max Verstappen, despite facing a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, dominated the opening free practice session on Friday. The Red Bull driver set the fastest lap time, outpacing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by over half a second.

Verstappen, who had a heated outburst on team radio during the Hungarian Grand Prix, showcased his pace on the track. He clocked a best lap of 1:43.372, remaining unchallenged throughout the session. The Dutchman is aiming to end his three-race winless streak and secure his fourth consecutive Belgian triumph.

Williams’ Alex Albon impressed with the third-fastest time, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez of Red Bull, and Lando Norris in the second McLaren rounded out the top eight.

Carlos Sainz finished ninth for Ferrari, while Lance Stroll took 10th for Aston Martin. The session was held in warm but cloudy conditions, with Russell being the first driver to take to the track. Verstappen quickly established his dominance, setting the early pace on hard tires.

Piastri, who claimed his maiden Formula One victory in Hungary, initially used soft tires but later switched to hards. Esteban Ocon, who recently announced his move to Haas next year, faced a setback as his Alpine team worked on a suspected water leak.

Verstappen’s 10-place grid penalty was confirmed during the session, along with a similar penalty for Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda. Both drivers will start from the back of the grid due to engine component changes.

Perez joined Verstappen on track midway through the session and complained of car responsiveness issues. Hamilton also reported problems with bouncing and a lack of rear end grip. Despite these concerns, Mercedes showed inconsistent pace in conditions that typically favor their cars.

Paris 2024: A Milestone in Gender Equality for the Olympics

Paris 2024: A Milestone in Gender Equality for the Olympics

The modern Olympic Games have come a long way in terms of gender equality, with Paris 2024 setting a new benchmark as the most gender-equal Games ever. The journey to this milestone has been a gradual one, marked by significant milestones and the unwavering efforts of women athletes and advocates.

When the Games were revived in 1896, women’s participation was non-existent. It was not until the 1900 Paris Games that 22 women were reluctantly allowed to compete, representing a mere 2.2% of the total athletes. Paris again took the lead in 1924, with over 100 women participating, a significant increase from previous editions.

The road to equality was not without its challenges. Athletics, one of the most popular disciplines, only permitted women to participate in 1928. The women’s marathon event was not added until 1984. Other sports, such as swimming, fencing, and gymnastics, gradually welcomed women athletes from 1912, 1924, and 1928 respectively.

The post-World War II era saw a steady increase in women’s participation, reaching 34% in the 1996 Atlanta Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in collaboration with International Federations and National Olympic Committees, has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in sports.

Paris 2024 has not only achieved numerical equality but has also embraced its spirit. The Games will feature the mixed team race walking event and schedule the women’s marathon as the final event, a symbolic gesture that highlights the progress made in women’s sports.

The journey to gender equality in the Olympics has been a testament to the determination and resilience of women athletes. From the pioneering women who broke barriers in the early 20th century to the current generation of Olympians, their contributions have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.

Polish Tennis Stars Rescued by Billionaire for Paris Olympics

Polish Tennis Stars Rescued by Billionaire for Paris Olympics

Polish tennis stars Magda Linette and Magdalena Frech faced a major hurdle on the eve of the Paris Olympics when the closure of French airspace threatened to derail their travel plans. The duo had just made history by contesting the first all-Polish WTA singles final in the Open Era at the Livesport Prague Open, with Linette emerging victorious.

However, their Olympic dreams were put in jeopardy due to the late start of their Prague final and the subsequent airspace closure. With no flights available, Linette and Frech appealed to the public for help via social media.

Their plea was answered by Polish billionaire Rafal Brzoska, CEO of InPost. Brzoska offered to assist the players, and within hours, Linette announced that they were on their way to the Olympics.

Linette expressed her gratitude to Brzoska, calling him their “life saver.” She also shared a photo of herself on his plane, acknowledging that “angels” exist and that they are named Rafal.

Despite the travel scare, Linette and Frech’s success in Prague had already ensured that they would miss the official commencement of the Games, where iconic singer Céline Dion was scheduled to perform. Linette expressed her disappointment, having missed previous opportunities to see Dion live.

However, the players remain focused on their Olympic goals. Linette is set to face Roland Garros semifinalist Mirra Andreeva in the first round of singles, while Frech will take on Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria. Linette will also team up with Alicja Rosolska in doubles against the Ukrainian duo of Dayana Yastremska and Marta Kostyuk.

Despite the challenges they faced, Linette and Frech are determined to make the most of their Olympic experience. Linette, who has gone 0-3 in her previous Olympic appearances, is hoping to secure her first win at the age of 32.

PV Sindhu, Sharath Kamal to Lead India at 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

PV Sindhu, Sharath Kamal to Lead India at 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

PV Sindhu and Achanta Sharath Kamal will lead India’s contingent of 78 athletes and officials at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Friday. The Indian contingent will be part of the Athletes’ Parade, which will feature over 10,000 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

The Indian contingent includes athletes from 12 disciplines, including shooting, badminton, table tennis, rowing, archery, and hockey. However, some athletes, such as rower Balraj Panwar and members of the air rifle and air pistol teams, have been exempted from participating in the Parade due to their competition schedules.

India will begin its Olympic campaign on Saturday with competitions in shooting, badminton, table tennis, rowing, archery, and hockey. Athletes from these disciplines who are available will participate in the Parade.

Among the prominent athletes who will be part of the Parade are:

* Archery: Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai
* Badminton: PV Sindhu
* Boxing: Lovlina Borgohain
* Equestrian: Anush Agarwalla
* Golf: Shubhankar Sharma
* Hockey: Krishan Pathak, Nilakanta Sharma, and Jugraj Singh
* Judo: Tulika Mann
* Sailing: Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan
* Shooting: Anjum Moudgil, Sift Kaur Samra, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, and Anish
* Swimming: Srihari Nataraj, Dhinidhi Desinghu
* Table Tennis: Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra
* Tennis: Rohan Bopanna, Sumit Nagal, and Sriram Balaji

The Opening Ceremony will be held along the Seine River, with athlete barges floating down the river starting at the Austerlitz Bridge. The barges will pass under historic bridges and by iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame and the Louvre.

Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya's Bond Unbreakable Despite Leadership Change

Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya’s Bond Unbreakable Despite Leadership Change

Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya’s Camaraderie Unfazed by Leadership Change

Ahead of the first T20I match against Sri Lanka, Team India’s training session in Kandy witnessed a heartwarming display of camaraderie between Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Despite Hardik losing out on the T20I captaincy to Surya, there were no signs of animosity between the two players.

During a fielding exercise designed by T Dilip, Surya and Hardik engaged in friendly banter and laughter. The camaraderie between them remained unaffected by the change in leadership roles within the team.

In a video posted by the BCCI, Suryakumar and Hardik were captured chuckling during the training session. Head coach Gautam Gambhir couldn’t help but smile at the lighthearted moment.

Suryakumar replaced Rohit Sharma as T20I captain after Rohit announced his retirement from the 20-over format. He pipped Hardik to the post due to concerns over Hardik’s frequent injury absences.

However, Suryakumar holds Hardik in great esteem and emphasized that his responsibilities within the team will remain unchanged. “Hardik’s role has always been the same. He is a very important player for the team. The way he performed in the World Cup, I hope he will continue to do the same,” he said.

The camaraderie between Suryakumar and Hardik is a testament to the strong team spirit within the Indian squad. Despite the competitive nature of the sport, the players maintain a positive and supportive environment, which is crucial for their success on the field.

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