Paris Olympics 2024: Medals Up for Grabs on Day 1 in Aquatics, Shooting, and More

Paris Olympics 2024: Medals Up for Grabs on Day 1 in Aquatics, Shooting, and More

The 2024 Paris Olympics kick off today with a thrilling lineup of events. Medals will be awarded in aquatics, cycling, fencing, judo, rugby sevens, shooting, and skateboarding.

Shooting:

India’s shooting contingent will be eager to make a mark after disappointing performances in the last two Olympics. Sandeep Singh and Elavenil Valarivan will compete in the 10m air rifle mixed team final, while Arjun Babuta and Ramita will also be in action. Sarabjot Singh and Arjun Singh Cheema will participate in the 10m air pistol men’s qualification.

Hockey:

India, the Tokyo Games bronze medallists, will begin their campaign against New Zealand. Harmanpreet Singh’s team will aim to give a fitting farewell to veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is competing in his fourth Olympics.

Badminton:

Badminton, which has brought India three medals in recent editions, will also commence on Saturday. Lakshya Sen, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, will face Kevin Cordon of Guatemala. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will take on French shuttlers Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar. Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto will compete against former All England champions Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong of South Korea.

Swimming:

An epic rivalry will resume in the women’s 400m freestyle, where Australian Ariarne Titmus and American Katie Ledecky will battle for gold. Canada’s Summer McIntosh and New Zealand’s Erika Fairweather are also contenders in this highly anticipated event.

Rugby 7s:

The men’s rugby sevens event will conclude with back-to-back Olympic champions Fiji facing Australia and South Africa taking on hosts France in the semi-finals. The bronze and gold medal matches will take place later on Saturday evening.

Other Events:

Cycling, fencing, and judo will also feature on the first day of the Olympics. Skateboarding will make its Olympic debut, with medals awarded in the men’s and women’s street events.

India's Olympic Journey Begins: Day 1 Schedule Unveiled

India’s Olympic Journey Begins: Day 1 Schedule Unveiled

India’s Olympic Odyssey Begins: Day 1 Schedule Unveiled

The stage is set for the Paris Olympics 2024, and India’s athletes are poised to make their mark from the very first day. On July 26, a host of Indian stars will take to the field, court, and range, eager to showcase their skills and bring glory to their nation.

Badminton: Shetty and Rankireddy Lead the Charge

India’s badminton contingent will be spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. The pair will face Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar of France in their men’s doubles group match, aiming to secure a top spot in their group.

Shooting: Eyes on the Target

India’s shooters will also be in action on Day 1. Sandeep Singh and Elavenil Valarivan, along with Arjun Babuta and Ramita Jindal, will compete in the 10m air rifle mixed team qualification. They will need to finish in the top four to advance to the gold medal match.

Hockey: Men in Blue Face New Zealand

The Indian men’s hockey team will kick off their Olympic campaign against New Zealand in a Pool B match. The team will be looking to start their tournament with a strong performance and set the tone for the rest of their matches.

Boxing: Preeti Pawar’s Olympic Debut

Preeti Pawar will make her Olympic debut in the women’s 54kg boxing category. She will face Thi Kim anh Vo of Vietnam in the opening round, with a victory securing her a spot in the Round of 16.

Rowing: Panwar Balraj Takes to the Water

Panwar Balraj will represent India in the men’s single sculls rowing event. He will be aiming to qualify for the main draw of the competition and make a strong impression on the Olympic stage.

Table Tennis: Harmeet Desai’s Preliminary Challenge

Harmeet Desai will face Zaid Abo Yaman of Jordan in the men’s singles preliminary round of table tennis. A victory will earn him a place in the main draw of the Round of 64.

Tennis: Bopanna and Balaji Aim for Round of 16

Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will team up in the men’s doubles first round match of tennis. They will face Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Fabien Reboul of France, with a win securing their place in the Round of 16.

India's Olympic Medal Contenders Face Challenges in Paris

India’s Olympic Medal Contenders Face Challenges in Paris

India’s Olympic campaign kicks off on Friday with archers taking the stage, aiming to surpass their record medal haul of seven from Tokyo. Among the medal contenders, Neeraj Chopra faces stiff competition from Jakub Valdlejch and Arshad Nadeem in the javelin throw. The men’s hockey team faces a challenging group stage, with Australia posing a significant threat. PV Sindhu, despite recent struggles, remains a medal hopeful but could face a showdown with reigning gold medalist Chen Yu Fei. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have a potential semifinal clash with Chinese top seeds in men’s doubles. Nikhat Zareen identifies Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu as her biggest challenge in the women’s 50kg boxing category. Vinesh Phogat, despite past Olympic disappointments, aims to break the curse and secure a medal in wrestling.

PR Sreejesh to Retire After Paris Olympics, Indian Hockey Era Ends

PR Sreejesh to Retire After Paris Olympics, Indian Hockey Era Ends

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh, a stalwart in the national team for over a decade, has announced his retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympics. The announcement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey, as Sreejesh has been a pivotal figure in the team’s resurgence on the international stage.

Sreejesh, who made his senior debut in 2006, has been a cornerstone of the Indian defense, renowned for his exceptional reflexes and leadership skills. He played a crucial role in India’s historic bronze medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the team’s first Olympic medal in 41 years.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Sreejesh has also been a mentor and inspiration to younger players. Harmanpreet Singh, the current captain of the men’s team, credits Sreejesh’s guidance for his own development.

“He has been an inspiration for all of us,” said Harmanpreet. “We want to ‘Win it for Sreejesh’ and we are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again.”

Sreejesh’s retirement announcement has been met with an outpouring of gratitude and admiration from the hockey community. He has expressed his heartfelt thanks to his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.

“This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Sreejesh. “I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, and fans.”

As Sreejesh prepares for his final international tournament, the Indian team is determined to give him a fitting send-off. They have dedicated their Paris 2024 campaign to the legendary goalkeeper, aiming to win another Olympic medal in his honor.

PR Sreejesh: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph in Indian Hockey

PR Sreejesh: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph in Indian Hockey

PR Sreejesh’s illustrious career has been intertwined with the resurgence of Indian men’s hockey. After the team’s dismal failure to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Sreejesh emerged as a beacon of hope during a tumultuous period.

London 2012: A Disappointing Debut

Sreejesh’s Olympic debut in London 2012 proved to be a bitter disappointment. India lost all their group stage matches, finishing bottom of the pile with a dismal goal difference of -11. The team’s struggles were evident, and the future seemed bleak.

Rio 2016: A Glimmer of Hope

Following the London debacle, Sreejesh became a pivotal figure in the Indian dressing room. The team’s fortunes improved, winning the Asian Games gold medal in 2014 and a bronze medal at the 2015 FIH Hockey World League Final. Sreejesh was appointed captain ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, where India recorded two group stage wins and reached the quarterfinals.

Tokyo 2020: A Historic Triumph

India entered the Tokyo Olympics with high expectations but also a history of underperformance. A 7-1 thrashing by Australia in their opening match raised concerns. However, the team rallied, winning all their subsequent group stage matches. Sreejesh’s leadership and vocal presence were instrumental in India’s resurgence.

In the semifinals, India faced eventual gold medallists Belgium and lost. But in the bronze medal match against Germany, the team displayed remarkable resilience, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win 5-4. Sreejesh’s Olympic dream was finally realized, and Indian hockey fans celebrated their first Olympic medal since 1980.

Indian Men's Hockey Team Intensifies Training for Paris 2024 Gold Medal Quest

Indian Men’s Hockey Team Intensifies Training for Paris 2024 Gold Medal Quest

With the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaching, the Indian men’s hockey team is intensifying its preparations to end a 44-year gold medal drought. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh has revealed that the team is in the “last stages of an intense training block” as they aim to secure a top-four finish in Pool B and progress to the quarterfinals.

India faces a formidable challenge in Pool B, which includes reigning Olympic champions Belgium, world number three Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. The team will begin its campaign on July 27 against New Zealand, followed by matches against Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia.

“We are in the last stages of an intense training block right now,” said Harmanpreet. “The team has worked on the areas we felt needed attention after the Tour of Australia. Soon, we will head to Europe to play some essential matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 to test ourselves against some tough opponents like Argentina, Belgium, Germany, and Great Britain.”

Vice-captain Hardik Singh expressed his excitement for the Olympics, stating, “The team is leaving no stone unturned in our endeavor to change the color of our previous medal and clinch Gold at the Olympics this time. We have players like PR Sreejesh and Manpreet Singh who could be playing their fourth Olympics along with quite a few players who could be playing their third Olympics, including our Captain. Their experience has been instrumental in molding some of the younger players we have in the squad right now.”

India has a rich history in hockey at the Olympics, having won eight gold medals, one silver medal, and three bronze medals. The team’s last Olympic medal was a bronze in Tokyo 2020.

As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, the Indian men’s hockey team is determined to make history and bring home the gold medal that has eluded them for over four decades.

Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team Prepares for European Tour with Rohit as Captain

Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team Prepares for European Tour with Rohit as Captain

Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team Embarks on European Tour with Rohit as Captain

The Indian junior men’s hockey team, under the leadership of defender Rohit, is set to embark on a European tour from May 20-29. The 20-member squad will play five matches across three nations—Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands—as part of Hockey India’s initiative to provide the team with valuable exposure and experience.

Rohit, who has been a key member of the Indian junior team for the past two years, expressed his excitement about the upcoming tour. “We have been training hard at our camp and have developed an understanding of each other’s gameplay,” he said. “It will be wonderful to play together against teams from other nations to help us build on our game and get better through this kind of exposure.”

The team’s vice-captain, Shardanand Tiwari, echoed Rohit’s sentiments. “This will be a wonderful experience and will go a long way in evaluating where we stand as a team and as individual players,” he said. “It will be a great way to figure out our strengths and what areas we would need to touch upon.”

The Indian team will face a tough challenge during their tour, as they will be playing against some of the top junior teams in Europe. However, the players are confident that they can perform well and gain valuable experience.

“We are all very excited about this tour,” said midfielder Ankit Pal. “We have been working hard in training and we are ready to give our best on the field. We know that the competition will be tough, but we are confident that we can perform well and make our country proud.”

The Indian team will play their first match on May 20 against Belgium in Antwerp, before playing the same opponents in Breda, Netherlands on May 22. India will then play the Netherlands’ Club team Bredase Hockey Vereniging Push in Breda on May 23, followed by a game against Germany on May 28 in Germany. They will then return to Breda to play Germany once again on 29th May in their final match of the tour.

Salima Tete Replaces Savita Punia as Indian Women's Hockey Captain

Salima Tete Replaces Savita Punia as Indian Women’s Hockey Captain

The Indian women’s hockey team has undergone a leadership change, with Salima Tete taking over as captain from Savita Punia. The decision was made with an eye towards the future, including the 2026 World Cup and Asian Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Tete, 22, has been a regular member of the squad since 2019 and has helped India win several medals, including bronze at the 2022 Asia Cup, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games. She was also named Player of the Year 2023 by Hockey India.

“I am happy that I have been appointed to lead the team,” said Tete. “It is a big responsibility and I am looking forward to this new role. We have a strong squad and it’s a mix of experienced and young players.”

Tete will be supported by Navneet Kaur, who has replaced Deep Grace Ekka as vice-captain. The 28-year-old Kaur will share duties as an attacking midfielder.

“In the upcoming Belgium and England legs of the Pro League, we look to put our strong foot forward,” said Kaur. “We have been training rigorously in the camp. We have worked on areas where we needed to improve. I am sure that we will put up good performances and get the results we desire.”

Savita, 33, will continue to play as a goalkeeper, along with Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defensive line-up includes Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Jyoti Chhatri, and Mahima Chaudhary.

The midfield will be marshalled by Tete, Kaur, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Manisha Chauhan, and Lalremsiami. The forward line will have Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey, Vandana Katariya, Sunelita Toppo, and Deepika Soreng.

India has had a mixed performance in the Pro League so far, with two outright wins, one shootout victory, and five losses. They will play four matches against Argentina and hosts Belgium in Antwerp from May 22 to 26 before travelling to London where they will face Germany and hosts Great Britain in another four games from June 1 to 9.

Hockey Olympians Guide Young Players at Coaching Camp

Hockey Olympians Guide Young Players at Coaching Camp

Hockey Olympians Rupinderpal Singh and Adrian D’Souza Share Insights at Coaching Camp

Former Indian hockey goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza and penalty corner specialist Rupinderpal Singh recently conducted a coaching camp in Chennai, organized by Hockey India. The camp aimed to identify and groom promising young players under the age of 19.

D’Souza, who represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics, emphasized the importance of proper technique and strategy in penalty corner defense. He shared his expertise with the young goalkeepers, guiding them on how to effectively guard the goal and anticipate shots.

Rupinderpal Singh, a key member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, focused on the nuances of drag flicks. He demonstrated the technique and provided valuable tips to the players on how to generate power and accuracy in their shots.

The Olympians also discussed the challenges faced by the Indian men’s hockey team in recent international matches, particularly the 0-5 whitewash in the Test series against Australia. They highlighted the need for improved penalty corner defense and a greater emphasis on scoring field goals.

D’Souza expressed concern about India’s performance in Perth, Australia, where the team has historically struggled. He emphasized the importance of finding new rushers to complement the likes of Manpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas.

Rupinderpal Singh stressed the importance of team effort and camaraderie in hockey. He believes that if these aspects are present, any team can overcome adversity. He also pointed out that the team has ample time to prepare for the Paris Olympics, unlike the Tokyo Games where practice matches were limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Adrian D’Souza cautioned against underestimating Australia’s counter-attacking abilities. He believes that the Australian team can quickly convert defensive opportunities into goalscoring chances. He also emphasized the need for India to convert the limited penalty corners they get in international matches.

Both Olympians expressed optimism about India’s chances of winning a medal at the Paris Olympics. They believe that the team has the potential to succeed if they remain consistent and play as a unit.

Sreejesh vs. Pathak: India's Goalkeeper Rivalry Heats Up for Paris Olympics

Sreejesh vs. Pathak: India’s Goalkeeper Rivalry Heats Up for Paris Olympics

PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak, India’s two elite goalkeepers, are engaged in a fierce rivalry for the coveted spot in the Paris Olympics squad. With only one goalkeeper allowed per team, the competition between these two stalwarts has intensified.

Sreejesh, a three-time Olympian, has been India’s undisputed number one for years, while Pathak has emerged as a formidable challenger. Pathak’s impressive performances, including a crucial role in India’s Asian Games gold medal triumph, have put him on par with Sreejesh.

The team’s strategy of rotating goalkeepers every quarter has provided Pathak with ample playing time, allowing him to develop his skills and confidence. His patience and exceptional stick saves have made him a formidable opponent for Sreejesh.

Pathak has also invested significant time off the pitch, studying opponents’ attacking patterns and penalty corner setups. This meticulous preparation has enhanced his game and reduced his vulnerability during matches.

However, Sreejesh’s experience and expertise in shootouts remain a significant advantage. In the high-stakes knockout rounds of major tournaments, shootouts often determine the outcome. Sreejesh’s intelligent gameplay and composure in these situations make him a valuable asset.

Despite his age, Sreejesh maintains his fitness and mental sharpness. He believes that goalkeepers should be prepared to play full matches and handle the pressure of international competition.

The final decision on who will represent India in Paris rests with coach Craig Fulton. Both Sreejesh and Pathak have proven their worth, making it a difficult choice. The outcome of this rivalry will have a significant impact on India’s Olympic aspirations.

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