Djokovic Ends 2024 with Olympic Gold Despite US Open Disappointment

Djokovic Ends 2024 with Olympic Gold Despite US Open Disappointment

Novak Djokovic’s 2024 season has been a tale of contrasting fortunes. Despite a disappointing early exit at the US Open, the Serbian legend ended the year on a high note by capturing his maiden Olympic gold medal in Paris.

Djokovic’s US Open campaign came to an abrupt end in the third round, where he was stunned by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in straight sets. It marked his earliest Grand Slam defeat since the 2017 Australian Open. The loss was a major setback for Djokovic, who had been hoping to add to his record-breaking tally of 23 Grand Slam titles.

However, Djokovic’s Olympic triumph in Paris more than made up for his US Open disappointment. The 37-year-old had endured a string of near misses at the Olympics, losing in the semifinals in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. He also suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the final of Tokyo 2020.

In Paris, Djokovic finally broke through the Olympic barrier, defeating Alexander Zverev in the final to claim the elusive gold medal. The victory was particularly special for Djokovic, who had been carrying a knee injury and had not won a title all season.

“The Olympics were my main goal,” Djokovic said after his victory. “I was very worried after the knee injury I suffered at Roland Garros, but when I managed to play the final at Wimbledon, I felt relieved because I knew I would be ready for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

Djokovic’s Olympic triumph is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous setbacks throughout his career, he has never given up on his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. His victory in Paris is a fitting reward for his unwavering commitment to the sport.

Manu Bhaker: India's Shooting Star Shines Bright in Paris

Manu Bhaker: India’s Shooting Star Shines Bright in Paris

Manu Bhaker, India’s shooting star, etched her name into Olympic folklore by becoming the first Indian markswoman to secure a podium finish in the 10m air pistol event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her historic bronze medal was followed by a second bronze in the mixed team event, making her India’s first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics since independence.

Bhaker’s success was not without its challenges. After a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, she drew inspiration from the Bhagwat Gita, particularly the famous quote, “You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.” This mantra fueled her determination to overcome adversity and achieve her Olympic dream.

Beyond her shooting prowess, Bhaker is known for her strong support system. She credits her coach and fellow athletes for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections for an athlete’s well-being. Her role model, badminton superstar PV Sindhu, has been a constant source of inspiration, with Bhaker even creating fake profiles to defend Sindhu on social media.

Bhaker’s double bronze feat has brought her a wave of new opportunities and responsibilities. She has become a national icon, carrying the Indian flag during the closing ceremony of the Paris Games. Her success has also inspired others, reminding them of the power of determination and resilience.

In a recent interview, Bhaker shared her daily routine, which includes yoga, shooting practice, physical fitness, and time for relaxation. She also spoke about her memorable interaction with Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin throw champion, who shared his insights on the pressures of competition and the importance of mental strength.

Bhaker’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport. Her achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. As she prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Bhaker remains determined to continue her legacy of excellence and inspire future generations.

India Concludes Paris Paralympics with Record-Breaking Medal Haul

India Concludes Paris Paralympics with Record-Breaking Medal Haul

The Paris Paralympic Games 2024 concluded with India achieving its most successful campaign ever, securing 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This remarkable performance placed India at the 18th position in the points table, surpassing several top nations.

India’s medal haul was led by track-and-field, which contributed 17 medals, including four golds. Navdeep Singh’s gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F41 classification was particularly noteworthy, as he originally finished with a silver but was upgraded to gold after the disqualification of Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah for displaying an objectionable flag. Simran also added a bronze in the women’s 200m (T12) event, setting a personal best time.

India’s success in Paris was a testament to the significant progress made in para-sports in the country. The team outperformed traditional Paralympic powerhouses such as Switzerland, Belgium, South Korea, Turkey, and Argentina, finishing among the top 20 nations in the world.

In comparison, Paralympic heavyweights China, Great Britain, USA, and Italy continued to dominate, finishing among the top 10 nations. India’s performance in Paris sets the stage for an even stronger showing at the 2028 LA Para Games.

Indian Duo Triumphs in Men's Club Throw F51 at Paris Paralympics

Indian Duo Triumphs in Men’s Club Throw F51 at Paris Paralympics

Indian Duo Dominates Men’s Club Throw F51 at Paris Paralympics

India celebrated a historic one-two finish in the men’s club throw F51 event at the Paris Paralympics, with Dharambir and Pranav Soorma claiming gold and silver medals, respectively.

Dharambir, a rising star in Indian para-athletics, shattered the Asian record with a remarkable throw of 34.92m in his fifth attempt. His exceptional performance earned him the coveted gold medal, making him the fifth Indian to achieve this feat at the Paris Paralympics.

Soorma, a seasoned campaigner, also showcased his prowess with a strong throw of 34.59m in his opening attempt. However, he was unable to surpass his initial effort in subsequent attempts, settling for the silver medal.

Serbia’s Filip Graovac secured the bronze medal with a throw of 34.18m in his second attempt.

India’s impressive performance in the men’s club throw F51 event has propelled the country to 13th place in the Paris Paralympics standings. With these two medals, India’s total tally at the Games has reached 24, including five golds, nine silvers, and ten bronzes.

Dharambir’s triumph is a testament to his unwavering determination and the guidance of his mentor, Amit Kumar Saroha, a former world championship silver medalist. Soorma’s silver medal adds to India’s growing medal haul and highlights the country’s rising stature in para-athletics.

Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics, Bagging 21 Medals

Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics, Bagging 21 Medals

Indian para-athlete Amisha narrowly missed out on a medal in the F46 Shot Put final at the ongoing Paris Paralympics, finishing 14th with a personal best of 9.25 m. The podium was dominated by Noelle Malkamaki of the USA, who set a new world record with a throw of 14.06 m, Mariia Shpatkivska of Ukraine with an area record of 12.35 m, and Holly Robinson of New Zealand with a throw of 11.88 m.

In the men’s up to 49 kg para-lifting category, India’s Parmjeet Kumar also failed to secure a medal, finishing eighth with a best lift of 150 kg. The gold medal went to Jordan’s Qarada Omar Sami Hamadeh (181 kg), followed by Turkey’s Abdullah Kayapinar (180 kg) and Vietnam’s Le Van Cong (171 kg).

Despite these setbacks, the Indian contingent has already amassed 21 medals (three gold, eight silver, and ten bronze) and is poised to extend its record medal haul in a single edition of the Paralympics. In the Tokyo edition, India recorded its best-ever medal tally of 19 (five gold, eight silver, and six bronze).

On Wednesday, para-athlete Sachin Khilari clinched the silver medal in the men’s shot put F46 final with a throw of 16.32 m, setting an area record. However, he narrowly missed the gold by 0.6 m.

Over the past few days, the Indian contingent has won 13 medals, including golds for Avani Lekhara in the women’s 10m air rifle and Sumit Antil in the men’s javelin throw F64, silver medals for Manish Narwal in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 and Nishad Kumar in the men’s high jump T47, and bronze medals for Mona Agarwal in the women’s 10m air rifle, Rubina Francis in the women’s 10m air pistol SH-1, Preeti Pal in the women’s 100m T35, Yogesh Kathuniya in the men’s discus throw F56, Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi in the mixed team compound archery, Nithya Sre Sivan in the women’s SH6 para-badminton, Nitesh in the men’s singles SL3 para-badminton, Thulasimathi Murugesan in the women’s singles SU5 para-badminton, and Manisha in the women’s singles SU5 para-badminton.

Nishad Kumar Soars to Silver in Paris Paralympics High Jump

Nishad Kumar Soars to Silver in Paris Paralympics High Jump

Nishad Kumar’s remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics has earned India its seventh medal, a silver in the men’s high jump T47 event. This triumph marks India’s second medal on Sunday and adds to Kumar’s impressive record, having previously won a silver in the Tokyo Paralympics.

Kumar’s exceptional jump of 2.04m, his season’s best, secured him the silver medal. The gold medal went to USA’s Roderick Townsend, who soared to a height of 2.12m, while Georgii Margiev of the Neutral Paralympic Athletes claimed the bronze with a jump of 2.00m.

The T47 classification is reserved for athletes with below-elbow or wrist amputations or impairments. Kumar’s silver medal is a testament to his unwavering determination and the exceptional abilities of athletes with disabilities.

Earlier in the day, Preethi Pal made history by becoming the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics. She clinched the bronze in the 200m T35 category with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds.

Pal’s historic achievement makes her only the second Indian woman to win two medals in a single Paralympics, following shooter Avani Lekhara’s gold and bronze in Tokyo. Her bronze medal is a testament to the growing strength and success of Indian women in Paralympic sports.

Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics: Rongali Fifth in Shot Put, Raju Bows Out

Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics: Rongali Fifth in Shot Put, Raju Bows Out

India’s Ravi Rongali showcased an impressive performance in the men’s F40 shot put final at the Paris Paralympics, securing a commendable fifth place. Rongali, who had previously earned a silver medal at the Asian Para Games in China, achieved a personal best of 10.63m. However, this was not sufficient to secure a podium finish in a highly competitive field.

Portugal’s Miguel Montero, the world record holder, claimed the gold medal with a throw of 11.21m. Mongolia’s Battulga Tsegmid (11.09m) and Iraq’s Garrah Tnaiash (11.03m) secured the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Russian Denis Gnezdilov, the reigning world para athletics champion, finished fourth with a throw of 10.80m.

In the women’s 1500m T11 race, India’s Rakshita Raju faced disappointment in the opening round heats. Raju, 23, finished last out of four runners in Heat 3 with a timing of 5:29.92s. Only the top two runners from each heat qualified for the final.

The T11 category is designated for athletes with visual impairments, including complete loss of vision or limited ability to perceive light. These athletes often run with guides.

On Friday, Preethi Pal had made history by winning India’s first athletics medal in a Paralympics track event. Pal secured a bronze medal in the women’s T35 100m event with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. The T35 classification is for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.

Indian Paralympians Impress in Paris, Badminton Star Solaimalai Stuns

Indian Paralympians Impress in Paris, Badminton Star Solaimalai Stuns

Indian Paralympians Shine in Paris, Badminton Star Sivarajan Solaimalai Impresses

The Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Paralympics has made a strong start, returning with four medals on Friday. While not all athletes have secured podium finishes, many have showcased exceptional performances, including badminton star Sivarajan Solaimalai.

In a men’s singles SH6 group play stage match against Hong Kong’s Man Kai Chu, Solaimalai displayed remarkable skill and determination. A video of the match has gone viral, capturing the duo’s intense rally and awe-inspiring shots.

Indian para shuttlers have performed exceptionally well on Day 3 of the Paralympic Badminton event, with several advancing to the next stages. In the men’s SL3 category, Kumar Nitesh dominated China’s Yang Jianyuan, securing a straight-sets victory. Suhas L Yathiraj also impressed in the SL4 category, defeating Korea’s Shin Kyung Hwan in a thrilling match.

The women’s category has also seen strong performances. Thulsimathi Murugesan and Nithya Sre both booked their spots in the semifinals with impressive victories. However, Mansi Joshi, Manoj Sarkar, and Palak Kohli faced tough opponents and were unable to advance.

Despite these setbacks, India’s athletes remain focused and determined. This year’s contingent is the largest ever, with 84 athletes competing across 12 sports. India aims to surpass its previous achievements in Tokyo, where it won 19 medals, including five golds.

Harmanpreet Singh Leads India to Back-to-Back Olympic Hockey Medals

Harmanpreet Singh Leads India to Back-to-Back Olympic Hockey Medals

Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh has led his team to back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, a remarkable achievement that has reignited the glory days of the sport in the country. After a 40-year wait for an Olympic medal, India secured a bronze in Tokyo 2020, followed by another bronze in Paris 2024.

Singh, fondly known as ‘Sarpanch sahab,’ believes that Indian hockey is on the rise. “Now you see people discussing the sport, the achievements, and celebrating it as well,” he said. “It feels nice when people do that because it means that people have an interest.”

The 28-year-old captain credits the team’s success to their hard work and determination. “We played really well in the entire tournament, and really fought in every match,” he said. “Even the semis was a close match, we deserved the Gold medal, but we lost that match narrowly, but that’s alright. A medal, after all, is a medal.”

Singh’s personal triumph was made even sweeter by the presence of his one-year-old daughter, Ruhanat, in the stands. “She doesn’t understand hockey much, but my wife was telling me that she has started picking up the stick and hitting the ball,” he said. “So that’s nice. Plus she was there with me throughout the event, and to be able to take her to the stadium and pose along with the medal, was something really special and will be a memory I will cherish forever.”

Singh’s leadership and the team’s collective spirit have inspired a new generation of hockey enthusiasts in India. “The Indian hockey team is not just there to participate but win the medals as well,” he said. “Things have improved remarkably.”

2024 Paralympics Open in Paris with Call for Inclusion Revolution

2024 Paralympics Open in Paris with Call for Inclusion Revolution

The 2024 Paralympics in Paris commenced with a grand opening ceremony, marking the beginning of 11 days of fierce competition. French President Emmanuel Macron officially declared the Games open, igniting the spirit of the athletes and spectators alike.

The ceremony, held in the heart of Paris at the Place de la Concorde, was a vibrant spectacle. The 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations marched into the arena, with host nation France receiving a thunderous ovation. The atmosphere was electric as the sun set, casting a warm glow over the proceedings.

In a poignant moment, French singer Lucky Love, who is missing his left arm below the elbow, performed a moving rendition of his song “My Ability.” The performance, accompanied by both able-bodied and disabled dancers, symbolized the spirit of inclusion and diversity that the Paralympics represents.

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons expressed his hope for an “inclusion revolution” before Macron officially declared the Games open. The ceremony culminated in the lighting of the cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens, a symbol of the Paralympic flame.

The Paralympics will utilize 18 of the 35 Olympic venues, including the Grand Palais and the Stade de France. Ticket sales have surged since the Olympics, with over two million of the 2.5 million available tickets sold.

Host nation France aims to improve upon its 11 gold medals from 2021, while Paralympic powerhouse China remains a formidable force. Ukraine, despite the ongoing war, has sent a team of 140 athletes to compete.

Notable athletes to watch include American sprinter/high jumper Ezra Frech, Iranian sitting volleyball legend Morteza Mehrzad, and Italian fencer Beatrice “Bebe” Vio.

The Paralympics not only showcases athleticism but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. IPC president Parsons believes the Paris Games will bring these issues to the forefront of global priorities.

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