PM Modi Hosts Reception for Indian Olympic Contingent, Praises Athletes' Efforts

PM Modi Hosts Reception for Indian Olympic Contingent, Praises Athletes’ Efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a reception for the Indian contingent that participated in the recently concluded Paris Olympics. The event was held after the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, where the athletes were also in attendance.

During the reception, Modi interacted with the athletes, including Lakshya Sen, who finished fourth in the men’s singles badminton competition. Modi praised Sen’s performance and noted his growth since their first meeting. Sen revealed that his coach, Prakash Padukone, had taken away his phone during the matches to minimize distractions.

Modi also had a light-hearted conversation with hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who shared the team’s experience of playing with 10 men for over 40 minutes in the quarterfinal against Great Britain. Singh credited the coaching staff and the team’s motivation for their success in overcoming the adversity.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of all the athletes who represented India and expressed his belief that the Paris Olympics will be a turning point for Indian sports. He emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and using it to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, which India is aiming to host.

Modi termed the athletes as “India’s soldiers of 2036 Olympics” and highlighted the value of their observations and experiences in planning for the future Games. He encouraged them to document their insights to ensure that India can provide the best possible facilities and management for the 2036 Olympics.

Indian Athletes Navigate Post-Olympic Rollercoaster: Medals, Near-Misses, and Emotional Challenges

Indian Athletes Navigate Post-Olympic Rollercoaster: Medals, Near-Misses, and Emotional Challenges

The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a bittersweet experience for Indian athletes. While the country’s six-medal haul marks its second-best performance at the Games, several events have left a lasting impact beyond the podium.

One notable aspect was the string of fourth-place finishes for Indian athletes. From wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s heartbreaking disqualification to the women’s hockey team’s narrow miss, these near-misses have highlighted the country’s growing competitiveness on the global stage.

However, the post-Olympic period has also brought challenges for some athletes. Rani Rampal, who captained the women’s hockey team to a historic fourth-place finish in Tokyo, has shared her insights on the emotional rollercoaster that follows the Games.

In a message originally penned by New Zealand hockey player Brooke Neal, Rampal emphasized the lack of preparation for the post-Olympic void. Athletes often experience a sense of emptiness and confusion after the intense bubble of competition.

“You’ve just competed at the world’s biggest sporting event and yet, this is one of the lowest times you’ve ever felt,” Neal wrote. “You weren’t prepared for life to continue as if nothing happened.”

Rampal’s own experience since Tokyo has been marked by adversity. She has fallen out of favor with the head coach and has struggled to regain her place in the national team.

Despite the challenges, Rampal remains optimistic about the future of Indian sports. She believes that the country’s athletes are capable of achieving even greater heights in the years to come.

India's Olympic Medal Haul: Six Medals, Third-Best Outing at Summer Games

India’s Olympic Medal Haul: Six Medals, Third-Best Outing at Summer Games

India’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in sports. With six medals, India fell just short of its record tally from Tokyo 2020, but it marked the country’s third-best outing at the Summer Games.

Archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, equestrian, golf, hockey, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, and tennis were the 16 sports in which Indian athletes competed. Athletics boasted the largest Indian representation with a 29-member squad, while shooting fielded a record 21 shooters.

Beyond medals, Indian athletes also set new records at the Games. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, added to his legacy with a silver medal, becoming the fifth two-time Olympic medallist from India. Manu Bhaker made history as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, claiming bronze in the 10m air pistol event.

Bhaker also teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to win India’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting team events. Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions marked India’s best medals tally in one sport at the Olympics, with three medals in shooting.

The Indian men’s hockey team continued their resurgence, winning bronze for the second consecutive Olympics. This was India’s first back-to-back Olympic medals in hockey since Munich 1972. Harmanpreet Singh emerged as India’s top scorer with 10 goals, while PR Sreejesh made crucial saves throughout the tournament.

In archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat finished fourth in the mixed team event, securing India’s best result in the sport at the Olympics. Lakshya Sen became the first Indian shuttler to reach the semi-finals in men’s badminton, while Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula made history in table tennis by reaching the pre-quarterfinals.

India’s performance at the Paris Olympics showcased the nation’s growing competitiveness on the global stage. With a strong contingent of athletes and a focus on excellence, India is poised for continued success in future Olympic Games.

India's Paris Olympics Performance: Mixed Bag with No Gold Medals

India’s Paris Olympics Performance: Mixed Bag with No Gold Medals

Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, expressed mixed emotions about India’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While acknowledging the team’s achievement in matching its London 2012 medal haul, Bindra lamented the absence of a gold medal.

India sent a 117-member contingent to Paris, hoping to surpass its previous best Olympic performance in Tokyo. However, the team returned with six medals: five bronze and one silver. Bindra believes this result falls short of expectations, particularly in terms of gold medals.

“The Olympics is an incredibly challenging platform to perform on,” Bindra said. “External and internal expectations can hinder athletes from letting go and performing at their best.”

India’s campaign began promisingly with Manu Bhaker winning two bronze medals in shooting. Swapnil Kusale added a third bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 position. However, the badminton, boxing, and archery contingents failed to deliver medals.

In the final days of the Games, Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in javelin throw, while the men’s hockey team and wrestler Aman Sehrawat clinched bronze. Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification prevented India from potentially winning a gold medal in wrestling.

Despite the disappointment, Bindra emphasized the importance of continued investment in Olympic sports. “We must consolidate the gains that have been made and work harder to get there,” he said.

Bindra believes that India’s athletes have performed well overall, but the lack of gold medals remains a concern. He urged athletes to focus on their own performance rather than external expectations.

India's Paris Olympics Campaign: Six Medals, Mixed Fortunes

India’s Paris Olympics Campaign: Six Medals, Mixed Fortunes

India’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 was a mixed bag of triumphs and disappointments. The contingent of 117 athletes aimed to surpass their record-breaking Tokyo 2020 tally, but ultimately returned with six medals: one silver and five bronze.

Manu Bhaker emerged as India’s first medallist, securing bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event. She made history by becoming the first Indian markswoman to win an Olympic podium finish and ending India’s 12-year wait for a shooting medal. Bhaker’s success continued with a second bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event alongside Sarabjot Singh.

Swapnil Kusale added a third medal in shooting, winning bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions. This marked India’s highest medal haul in a single sport at the Games.

The Indian men’s hockey team replicated their Tokyo Olympics feat, defeating Spain 2-1 to secure bronze. This was India’s first back-to-back medal in men’s hockey in 52 years.

Neeraj Chopra became India’s first track-and-field athlete to win consecutive Olympic medals, following his Tokyo gold with a silver in Paris. He also became the fifth Indian athlete with at least two Olympic medals and the third to win in back-to-back editions.

India’s campaign concluded with Aman Sehrawat winning bronze in men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling, becoming the nation’s youngest Olympic medallist.

However, India narrowly missed out on six additional medals. Arjun Babuta finished fourth in the men’s 10m air rifle individual final, while Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka lost by a single point in the skeet mixed team event. Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara came close to a bronze in archery but lost their playoff clash. Bhaker missed out on a third medal by a whisker in the women’s 25m Rapid Air Pistol event. Lakshya Sen had two opportunities to secure a medal in men’s singles badminton but fell short in both the semifinal and bronze-medal match. Mirabai Chanu narrowly missed a second Olympic medal, finishing fourth in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event.

Despite the missed opportunities, India’s performance in Paris was their third-best outing at the Summer Games after Tokyo 2020 and London 2012. The contingent’s six medals brought India’s total Olympic medal count to 35.

PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker to Jointly Bear Indian Flag at Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony

PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker to Jointly Bear Indian Flag at Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will be the joint flagbearer with pistol shooter Manu Bhaker at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This decision was made after extensive deliberation within the IOA leadership, including Chef de Mission Gagan Narang, and the entire Indian contingent.

IOA president PT Usha praised Sreejesh’s contributions to Indian hockey and sport in general, spanning over two decades. She highlighted his exceptional service and dedication to the nation. Usha also acknowledged the support of javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, for his graciousness in agreeing to Sreejesh’s appointment as flagbearer.

Chopra’s endorsement of Sreejesh reflects the immense respect he holds for the hockey goalkeeper’s achievements and contributions to Indian sport. Usha emphasized that Chopra’s willingness to step aside for Sreejesh is a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect among Indian athletes.

The IOA had previously named Manu Bhaker as the female flagbearer after she became the first Indian athlete to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games since India’s independence. Bhaker won bronze medals in the 10m air pistol women’s event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

Sreejesh’s selection as joint flagbearer is a fitting recognition of his outstanding career and his role as a role model for aspiring athletes. His presence at the closing ceremony will serve as an inspiration to the Indian contingent and the nation as a whole.

India's Olympic Near Misses: Five Athletes Finish Fourth in Paris 2024

India’s Olympic Near Misses: Five Athletes Finish Fourth in Paris 2024

India’s Olympic journey in Paris 2024 was marked by a series of near misses, with five athletes finishing just shy of the podium. Arjun Babuta, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Ankita Bhakat, Manu Bhaker, and Lakshya Sen all came agonizingly close to securing a medal, but ultimately fell short.

Babuta narrowly missed out on a bronze in the men’s 10m air rifle shooting, finishing fourth with a score of 208.4. In the mixed team archery event, Bommadevara and Bhakat made history by becoming the first Indian archers to reach the semi-finals, but lost in the bronze medal match to the USA.

Manu Bhaker, who had won two Olympic medals in previous editions, came close to a third in the women’s 25m pistol shooting final. However, a series of poor shots near the end caused her to drop to fourth place after a shoot-off against Hungary’s Veronika Major.

Badminton star Lakshya Sen’s hopes of becoming the first Indian male shuttler to win an Olympic medal were dashed in the semi-finals by Denmark’s Victor Axelsen. In the bronze medal match, he lost to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, crushing his dreams of a podium finish.

India’s shooting contingent also faced disappointment in the mixed skeet bronze-medal match. Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka lost by a single point to China, finishing fourth overall.

Despite these near misses, the Indian athletes displayed immense skill and determination. They join a list of 17 other Indian athletes who have finished fourth in their respective events at the Olympics, including wrestling legend Randhir Shinde, track and field icon Milkha Singh, and tennis duo Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati.

These fourth-place finishes serve as a testament to the growing competitiveness of Indian athletes on the global stage. While they may not have reached the podium, their performances have inspired a nation and set the stage for future Olympic success.

Indian Badminton Enthusiast Extends Paris Stay to Witness Sindhu's Olympic Quest

Indian Badminton Enthusiast Extends Paris Stay to Witness Sindhu’s Olympic Quest

Keerthana Sai Nalla, a 26-year-old Indian badminton enthusiast, has altered her plans to witness the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite securing a new job in Germany and wanting to return home before starting it, her passion for badminton and the allure of watching PV Sindhu’s historic Olympic quest have compelled her to extend her stay in Paris.

Nalla’s love for badminton has been a constant throughout her life, despite her family’s frequent relocations due to her father’s military service. She has been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the sport live at the Olympics, particularly the performances of the Indian men’s doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

Sindhu, a double Olympic medalist and Nalla’s all-time favorite sportsperson, is aiming for a record third Olympic medal, a feat no Indian has ever achieved. Nalla is determined to witness Sindhu’s journey and has purchased tickets for the badminton matches.

“This is my best chance to watch Sindhu in action at the Olympics, so I am going to be around till the badminton games are done,” said Nalla, who attended the Games live at Arena Porte de La Chapelle in Paris on Sunday.

The Indian pair of Satwik and Chirag’s victory over France’s Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar in straight games further solidified Nalla’s decision to stay back. “Badminton is my highlight at the Olympics, I really love that game,” she added.

Nalla is actively monitoring the Paris 2024 official ticket resale website for tickets to the women’s singles semi-finals, where she expects Sindhu to reach. Her unwavering passion for badminton and the opportunity to witness history unfold have made her sacrifice her original plans and embrace the unforgettable experience of the Paris Olympics.

Norman Pritchard: The Indian or British Olympic Pioneer?

Norman Pritchard: The Indian or British Olympic Pioneer?

Manu Bhaker’s recent Olympic success has reignited the debate surrounding Norman Pritchard, the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal. While Bhaker has become the second Indian to achieve this feat in a single edition, Pritchard’s nationality remains a subject of controversy.

Born in Kolkata in 1875, Pritchard dominated the Bengal sprinting scene for seven years, setting records and winning multiple titles. He represented India at the 1900 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian to compete and win an Olympic medal. However, his British heritage has led some historians to question his Indian nationality.

British historians argue that Pritchard’s birth into a colonial family and his participation in the 1900 AAA Championships as a member of the London AC indicate his British identity. The New York Times also referred to him as an “Englishman.”

On the other hand, Indian historians point to Pritchard’s birth in India, his representation of India at the Olympics, and his contributions to Indian sports administration as evidence of his Indian nationality. The Field magazine referred to him as an “Indian champion,” and the IOC credits India with his nationality.

The controversy stems from the fact that India and Great Britain did not have registered National Olympic Committees at the time of the 1900 Olympics. This has made it difficult to definitively determine Pritchard’s nationality.

Despite the ongoing debate, Pritchard’s achievements remain significant. He was a pioneer for Indian sports, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complex and often contested nature of national identity in the world of sports.

India Targets Olympic Glory in Paris, Eyes 2036 Bid

India Targets Olympic Glory in Paris, Eyes 2036 Bid

Paris 2024: India Aims to Surpass Tokyo Medal Haul, Eyes 2036 Olympic Bid

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, India sets its sights on surpassing its historic seven-medal performance in Tokyo. The Games, which officially commence on Friday, present an opportunity to showcase India’s sporting prowess and bolster its bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

The Indian contingent faces a challenging task, with the absence of several Tokyo medallists. However, a younger generation of athletes, including wrestlers Aman Sehrawat and Antim Panghal, and boxer Nikhat Zareen, are poised to make their mark.

Shooting, a sport that has underperformed in recent Olympics, will be under pressure to deliver. The team hopes to replicate its success at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where it won over half of its medals in team events.

Archery, another early medal sport, has faced disappointments in the past. However, the team remains hopeful of a podium finish.

The men’s hockey team, which won bronze in Tokyo, faces a tougher challenge this time around. The group is more competitive, and the team’s recent form has been inconsistent.

Mirabai Chanu, who won silver in Tokyo, has been hampered by injuries. PV Sindhu, another Tokyo medallist, has also struggled with injuries. However, both athletes are known for their resilience and determination.

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning javelin throw champion, remains India’s brightest medal hope. His consistency and dominance in the sport make him a strong contender for gold.

Beyond the medal count, India’s performance in Paris will also impact its bid to host the 2036 Olympics. A successful Games will add weight to India’s proposal, which was made public at last year’s IOC Session in Mumbai.

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