India and Pakistan Make History with 1-2 Finish in Men's Javelin at Paris Olympics

India and Pakistan Make History with 1-2 Finish in Men’s Javelin at Paris Olympics

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the men’s javelin final witnessed a historic moment as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem claimed gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97m, while India’s Neeraj Chopra secured silver with 89.45m. This 1-2 finish marked a rare triumph for both nations in athletics at the Olympics.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who witnessed the event, acknowledged the significance of this achievement. “There was some bragging rights,” he said, referring to the friendly rivalry between India and Pakistan. “It’s absolutely fantastic, also because it was a sumptuous competition.”

Coe noted that Nadeem’s victory shattered the Olympic record and surpassed the gold-winning mark in Tokyo. He also recalled a conversation with Chopra, who had expressed confidence in his ability to win in Paris. However, Nadeem’s exceptional performance proved to be a formidable challenge.

Chopra, despite his silver medal, expressed joy for Nadeem’s historic achievement. Both athletes have played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of athletics in their respective countries.

Coe emphasized the global reach of athletics, stating that the sport is becoming increasingly popular in both track and field events. He highlighted the importance of India as a market and talent hub for World Athletics.

“India is an important market for us,” Coe said. “It’s great to know that young people are talking about athletics now as well. And recognising that cricket is not the only game in town.”

The historic 1-2 finish by India and Pakistan in the men’s javelin final at the Paris Olympics serves as a testament to the growing global presence of athletics and the potential for the sport to inspire and unite nations.

USA Shatters Olympic Record in Men's 4x400m Relay

USA Shatters Olympic Record in Men’s 4x400m Relay

Rai Benjamin’s exceptional performance anchored the United States to a resounding victory in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics 2024. The quartet, comprising Benjamin, Christopher Bailey, Vernon Norwood, and Bryce Deadmon, shattered the Olympic record with a blistering time of 2 minutes and 54.43 seconds.

Botswana, led by 200m champion Letsile Tebogo, put up a valiant fight, securing the silver medal with an African record of 2:54.53. Great Britain claimed the bronze with a European record of 2:55.83.

Despite Quincy Hall’s absence from the relay, the US team showcased their dominance in the 400m event. Bayapo Ndori of Botswana gave his team an early lead, but Britain briefly took the advantage before Deadmon’s impressive third leg propelled the Americans back into contention.

As Benjamin received the baton, Tebogo was hot on his heels and maintained the pressure until the finish line. However, Tebogo’s shorter sprint pace proved insufficient to overcome Benjamin’s relentless stride.

The US team’s victory marked a significant achievement, adding to their impressive medal haul in Paris. Benjamin’s versatility, having already secured gold in the 400m hurdles, further cemented his status as one of the most formidable athletes in the world.

Botswana’s silver medal was a testament to their growing strength in track and field, while Great Britain’s bronze demonstrated their continued competitiveness on the global stage.

Canada Triumphs in Olympic Men's 4x100m Relay, US Disqualified

Canada Triumphs in Olympic Men’s 4x100m Relay, US Disqualified

Andre de Grasse led Canada to a thrilling victory in the Olympic men’s 4x100m relay in Paris on Friday, marking a historic moment for the nation. The Canadian quartet, comprising Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, and Brendon Rodney, displayed exceptional teamwork and speed to secure the gold medal with a time of 37.50 seconds.

South Africa claimed the silver medal with an African record time of 37.57 seconds, while Great Britain took the bronze in 37.61 seconds. Defending champions Italy, featuring 2021 100m champion Marcell Jacobs, finished fourth in 37.68 seconds.

The United States, who were considered favorites, suffered a disappointing disqualification after a botched baton handover between Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek. The incident occurred during the first exchange, causing Bednarek to come to an almost complete standstill. Despite the efforts of Kyree King and Fred Kerley, the US quartet was unable to recover and finished seventh in 37.89 seconds.

This disqualification continues the United States’ dismal Olympic run in the men’s 4x100m relay. The last time the US men medalled was with a silver at the 2004 Athens Games. In recent years, the team has faced setbacks, including a botched handoff in the heats of the 2021 Tokyo Games, a disqualification at the 2016 Rio Games, and a failure to medal in London in 2012 and Beijing in 2008.

Canada’s victory is a testament to their hard work and determination. Andre de Grasse, who anchored the team, has emerged as a world-class sprinter and played a crucial role in securing the gold medal. The Canadian quartet’s success is a source of pride for the nation and a reminder of the power of teamwork and perseverance.

Champions from the Road Less Traveled: Inspiring Stories from Smaller Nations

Champions from the Road Less Traveled: Inspiring Stories from Smaller Nations

The Olympic Games are a testament to the power of human spirit and determination. For athletes from smaller nations, the road to the podium is often fraught with challenges and obstacles. Yet, against all odds, they have emerged as champions, inspiring their countries and proving that anything is possible.

Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia, Adriana Ruano of Guatemala, Thea LaFond of Dominica, and Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan are just a few examples of these extraordinary athletes. Their journeys to Olympic glory are as diverse as their backgrounds.

Tebogo, a former footballer, turned to athletics after an injury sidelined his dreams. Alfred, driven by her father’s untimely death, moved to Jamaica as a teenager to pursue her sprinting ambitions. Ruano, a former gymnast, overcame a spinal injury to become a world-class shooter. LaFond, once a special education teacher, is now the world’s top triple jumper. Nadeem, from a humble village in Pakistan, relied on donations from his community to fund his training and travel.

Despite the challenges they faced, these athletes never lost sight of their goals. They trained tirelessly, pushed their limits, and refused to be defined by their circumstances. Their unwavering determination and belief in themselves propelled them to the pinnacle of their sports.

Their victories have not only brought glory to their countries but have also ignited a spark of hope and inspiration. For smaller nations, their achievements serve as a reminder that success is not limited to the economic powerhouses. It is a testament to the power of grit, determination, and the belief that anything is possible.

The impact of these athletes’ victories extends far beyond the medals they have won. They have inspired countless young people in their countries to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face. They have shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Their stories are a reminder that the road less traveled is often the most rewarding. It is a path paved with challenges, but it is also a path that leads to greatness. For these athletes, the road less traveled has led them to the Olympic podium, where they have etched their names in history as champions.

Indian Men's 4x400m Relay Team Misses Out on Paris Olympics Final

Indian Men’s 4x400m Relay Team Misses Out on Paris Olympics Final

The Indian men’s 4x400m relay team’s Olympic aspirations were dashed on Friday as they finished 10th overall in the heat race, failing to secure a spot in the final round of the Paris Olympics.

Despite clocking a season’s best of 3 minutes and 0.58 seconds, the quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Muhammed Ajmal, Amoj Jacob, and Rajesh Ramesh could only manage a seventh-place finish in heat number 2. This placed them 10th overall out of 16 teams, with only the top three teams from each heat and the next two fastest across the two heats advancing to the final.

Botswana (2:57.76), Great Britain (2:58.88), and the USA (2:59.15) emerged as the top three finishers in the heat, while Japan secured the fourth spot with a time of 2:59.48. India’s failure to qualify for the final came as a disappointment, given their Asian record of 2:59.05 set at the 2023 Budapest World Championships.

The Athletics Federation of India had high hopes for the men’s 4x400m relay team to reach the final round, but their hopes were ultimately dashed. The women’s 4x400m relay team also failed to qualify for the final, finishing 15th overall out of 16 countries in the round one heats.

The quartet of Vithya Ramraj, Jyothika Sri Dandi, MR Poovamma, and Subha Venkatesan clocked 3:32.51 to finish eighth and last in heat number two. This placed them 15th overall, ending their Olympic dreams.

Pakistani Javelin Thrower Arshad Nadeem Shatters Olympic Record

Pakistani Javelin Thrower Arshad Nadeem Shatters Olympic Record

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem has etched his name in Olympic history by shattering the men’s javelin throw record with an extraordinary 92.97m throw during the final. Achieving this monumental feat on his second attempt, Nadeem eclipsed the previous Olympic record of 90.57m, set by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen.

Despite a rocky start, during which he initially aborted his first attempt due to a flawed run-up and eventually did not register his opening throw, Nadeem displayed remarkable composure and precision to deliver the record-breaking throw that stunned the athletics world.

The Pakistan javelin thrower, who claimed the silver medal at the 2023 World Championships, has consistently been a formidable force in the javelin circuit, and his Olympic record further cements his legacy. His primary rival, India’s Neeraj Chopra, led the qualification round with an impressive 89.34m throw and later improved to a season-best 89.45m in the final.

Nadeem was a gold medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which Chopra skipped owing to an injury. He also won a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games. In the previous Olympics, Nadeem stood fifth with the highest attempt of 84.62m.

Nadeem was widely seen as Pakistan’s top contender for a medal at the Olympic games, and with his gargantuan throw in the final, he has all but assured that he will stand on the podium after the final. If Arshad wins a medal, he will become the first track and field athlete from the country to stand on the Olympic podium.

Nadeem’s record-breaking throw is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. It is a moment of immense pride for Pakistan and a historic achievement that will inspire generations to come.

Neeraj Chopra Dominates Javelin Qualification, Sets Stage for Paris Olympics Final

Neeraj Chopra Dominates Javelin Qualification, Sets Stage for Paris Olympics Final

Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy of athletics, made a triumphant start to his Paris Olympics journey on August 26, 2024, which was aptly dubbed “Neeraj Chopra Day” by the official Olympics X handle. The reigning Olympic champion and India’s only medalist in athletics in independent history, Chopra breezed into the men’s javelin final with a season-best throw of 89.34m in the qualification round.

Chopra’s dominance was evident from the outset as he was the first to take his attempt in Qualification B. With his very first throw, he surpassed the automatic qualification mark of 85m, securing his place in the final. The Olympics X handle celebrated the moment, tweeting, “Happy Neeraj Chopra day, to all those who celebrate. The reigning champ is back in Olympic action for today’s Men’s Javelin qualifiers, could he be adding another medal to his collection soon?”

The final, scheduled for Thursday at 11:55 pm IST, promises to be a thrilling affair. Speaking to JioCinema after his qualification, Chopra acknowledged the differences in conditions between Tokyo and Paris. “In Tokyo, we threw in the sunshine and here it’s a bit cooler and the humidity is much lesser. Tokyo was much warmer and more humid than Paris. The big difference is that there are crowds here,” he said.

Despite his impressive performance in the qualification round, Chopra remained focused on the task ahead. “Final will be a cracker, the Tokyo final mark has already been surpassed by qualification. We were a little relaxed today. The burden and pressure will be much more in the final,” he added.

Chopra also addressed his recent injury concerns, stating, “I have had a few issues with my groin and that is why I did not take part in a lot of competitions. It is important to stay fit and reach the final.”

Chopra’s performance in the qualification round has set the stage for a thrilling final, where he will aim to defend his Olympic title and add another chapter to India’s sporting history.

Indian Quarter-Miler Kiran Pahal Fails to Advance in Paris 2024 Olympics

Indian Quarter-Miler Kiran Pahal Fails to Advance in Paris 2024 Olympics

Indian quarter-miler Kiran Pahal’s Olympic journey came to an end on Tuesday as she finished sixth in heat 1 of the women’s 400m repechage round at the Paris 2024 Olympics, failing to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Pahal clocked 52.59s in the repechage round, a time slower than her 52.51s finish in the first round. The 24-year-old’s hopes of advancing were dashed as only the top athletes in each heat, along with the two best in repechage overall, progressed to the next stage.

The Paris 2024 Olympics introduced a repechage round for all individual track events from 200m to 1500m (including hurdles). This new format, covering six different distances in both men’s and women’s races, consists of four rounds instead of the usual three.

In the repechage format, athletes who fail to qualify by placing in round one heats are given a second chance to reach the semi-finals by competing in repechage heats. This system replaces the previous one, where athletes advanced based on fastest times, known as ‘lucky losers,’ in addition to the top placings in the heats.

Pahal had punched her ticket to Paris in the women’s 400m during the Inter-State Athletics in June. She clocked a blistering 50.92 seconds, surpassing the Paris Olympic Games qualification time of 50.95.

Pahal’s performance has made her the second-fastest Indian female 400m runner of all time, behind Hima Das, who holds the national record of 50.79 seconds set in 2018.

Pahal’s qualification for the Olympics marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics, as she is the first Indian female quarter-miler to qualify for the Games after an eight-year gap since Nirmal Sheoran (Haryana) qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Saint Lucia's Alfred Targets Olympic Sprint Double, Ingebrigtsen-Kerr Clash Looms

Saint Lucia’s Alfred Targets Olympic Sprint Double, Ingebrigtsen-Kerr Clash Looms

Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred is poised to make history on Tuesday as she aims for an Olympic sprint double in the 200m, following her triumph in the 100m. The tiny Caribbean island nation has never had an Olympic medalist before Alfred’s groundbreaking victory.

Alfred’s quest for a double mirrors that of Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, who achieved the feat at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Alfred faces stiff competition from US sprinter Gabrielle Thomas, who boasts the world’s fastest time this year.

Meanwhile, the men’s 1500m promises a thrilling showdown between Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Great Britain’s Josh Kerr. Ingebrigtsen has been critical of Kerr’s absence from certain events, while Kerr has vowed to prove his worth on the track.

In boxing, Algeria’s Imane Khelif is at the center of a gender controversy after being disqualified from last year’s world championships. However, the IOC has cleared her to compete in Paris, where she is guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

The women’s football competition is heating up, with World Cup holders Spain and four-time gold medalists the United States on course for a potential final showdown. Spain faces Brazil in the semifinals, while the rejuvenated USA under new coach Emma Hayes takes on Germany.

Track cycling powerhouse Great Britain has already secured gold in the women’s team sprint and will seek to repeat their success in the men’s event. China’s divers are also aiming for a fifth gold in the women’s 10m platform.

In surfing, France’s Kauli Vaast and the United States’ Caroline Marks have already claimed gold medals in the men’s and women’s events, respectively. The USA now leads the overall medal table with 21 golds, ahead of China.

Noah Lyles Cruises to 200m Semifinals, Eyes Sprint Treble

Noah Lyles Cruises to 200m Semifinals, Eyes Sprint Treble

Noah Lyles, the newly crowned Olympic 100m champion, effortlessly advanced to the 200m semifinals at the Stade de France on Monday. Lyles, who triumphed in the 100m by a mere five-thousandths of a second over Jamaican Kishane Thompson, dominated his 200m heat with a time of 20.19 seconds.

Despite a sluggish start, Lyles surged ahead as he rounded the bend, showcasing his exceptional control. The triple world 200m champion expressed his contentment with his performance, stating, “I was up by seven. My body has this clock that wakes up at seven because that’s when I practice every day.”

Lyles, who will also compete for gold in the 4x100m relay, emphasized his preference for the 200m, describing it as “my favorite race because I feel it shows all my abilities.” He elaborated, “I spent years working on the 100m, but the 200 is where it’s at. This is where I get to show my speed, endurance, and top-end speed. This is where I get to show I’m stronger than everybody else.”

Lyles’ Jamaican partner, Junelle Bromfield, also qualified for the women’s 400m semifinals on the couple’s two-year anniversary. Lyles expressed his admiration for Bromfield, who was a former training partner of Thompson.

Joining Lyles in the 200m semifinals as heat winners were fellow 100m finalists Letsile Tebogo of Botswana (20.10 seconds) and American Kenny Bednarek (19.96 seconds). Tebogo, who finished sixth in the 100m with a national record of 9.86 seconds, acknowledged the importance of moving on from the disappointment.

Tebogo highlighted the more forgiving nature of the 200m compared to the 100m, stating, “The 100m is more of a tactical race. You have to get everything correct from the block, to your running, even timing your dip. It’s a lot of tactics. In the 200m, you know you’ve got 200m to go, where you can correct a silly mistake along the way.”

Another American, Erriyon Knighton, a silver and bronze medalist at the past two world championships, topped another heat in 19.99 seconds. Canada’s Andre de Grasse, the defending champion and silver medalist at the Rio Games, also qualified, clocking 20.30 seconds behind Lyles.

South Africa’s 400m world record holder and gold medalist in Rio, Wayde van Niekerk, advanced after finishing third in his heat, won by Liberia’s Joseph Fahnbulleh.

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