Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Gold, Break World Record in Paris

Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Gold, Break World Record in Paris

Sumit Antil, India’s Paralympic javelin star, is poised to defend his gold medal at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Having shattered world records and dominated the F64 category, Antil is determined to surpass his previous achievements.

Antil’s journey to the top began at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he broke the world record three times and secured the gold medal. Since then, he has extended his global supremacy, setting a new world record of 73.29m at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou. This year, he has also won world titles in Paris and Kobe.

For Antil, major championships are his focus. He trains diligently at home and at the SAI center in Sonepat. “I prefer to train in India because I have all the facilities and a great team,” he said. “I didn’t compete much this year because it was important to peak for the Paris Paralympics.”

Antil’s success is attributed to his unwavering focus and discipline. “After winning gold in Tokyo, I am more focused and work harder every day,” he said. “I want to go to Paris and come back with a gold medal.”

In Paris, Antil aims to not only defend his title but also break his world record. “I want to throw 75m and, for once in my life, touch 80m,” he said. “Whenever I have set a target, I have achieved it.”

While acknowledging the competition, Antil remains confident in his abilities. “There will be good competition, but I am hoping that Sandeep bhai (Chaudhary) and I can both win in Paris,” he said.

Antil’s journey has been inspired by Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic javelin champion. “Neeraj has been a consistent thrower for so many years,” he said. “Once he crosses the 90m barrier, he will be winning only gold medals.”

As India’s flagbearer at the opening ceremony, Antil is honored to represent the country’s large contingent. “It is an honor for me to represent such a contingent,” he said. “I am feeling really proud and I want to enjoy the moment.”

Pakistan's Haider Ali Embarks on Paris Paralympics Journey

Pakistan’s Haider Ali Embarks on Paris Paralympics Journey

Haider Ali, Pakistan’s sole para-athlete bound for the Paris Paralympics, embarked on his journey to the French capital on Monday, accompanied by his coach Akbar Ali. The Games, scheduled to commence on August 28 with an opening ceremony, will follow the successful conclusion of the Olympics earlier this month.

Hailing from Gujranwala, Haider will represent Pakistan in the F37 category of the discus throw event on September 6. This will mark his fifth appearance at the quadrennial event, where he has consistently showcased his exceptional abilities. In the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Haider clinched a gold medal in the discus throw with an impressive throw of 55.26 meters.

Prior to his triumph in Tokyo, Haider had secured a silver medal in the long jump at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and a bronze in the same event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from competing in the 2012 London Paralympics.

Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Yasir Pirzada expressed confidence in Haider’s abilities, stating, “We are honored to send Haider Ali to the Paralympics once again. His exceptional talent and dedication make him a top contender for another medal, and we are confident that he will make Pakistan proud again.”

The Paris Paralympics will witness the participation of over 4,000 athletes from 170 countries, showcasing the remarkable abilities of athletes with various physical disabilities. In the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Pakistan’s javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem made history by clinching a gold medal with an Olympic record throw of 92.97m, opening Pakistan’s medal tally.

Haider Ali’s journey to the Paralympics is a testament to his unwavering determination and the indomitable spirit of Pakistani athletes. His achievements have not only brought glory to Pakistan but have also inspired countless individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

Armand Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record Again, Soaring to 6.26 Meters

Armand Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record Again, Soaring to 6.26 Meters

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulting prodigy, has once again etched his name in the annals of athletics history by breaking his own world record for the 10th time. At the Silesia Diamond League meeting in Poland, Duplantis soared over a staggering 6.26 meters, surpassing the previous record of 6.25 meters he set at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Duplantis’s remarkable feat was achieved on his second attempt, after he had already cleared 6.0 meters to secure victory. Speaking after his historic jump, he expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the crowd. “It almost feels weird and unnatural to get so much love and support from the crowds when I compete,” he said. “I see that especially in Poland. The energy in this stadium just keeps getting better every year.”

Duplantis’s world record-breaking performance comes as no surprise, given his exceptional form in recent years. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of human ability in pole vaulting, setting new records and inspiring a generation of young athletes.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Duplantis captured the gold medal with a record-breaking jump of 6.25 meters. The moment was made even more special when he ran into the stands to embrace his girlfriend, sharing his joy with the world.

Duplantis’s success is not only a testament to his athletic prowess but also to his unwavering determination and focus. He has dedicated countless hours to training and perfecting his technique, and his hard work has paid off in spectacular fashion.

As Duplantis continues to soar to new heights, the world eagerly awaits his next record-breaking performance. With his exceptional talent and unwavering spirit, there is no doubt that he will continue to push the limits of human potential and inspire generations to come.

Bhavina Patel Targets Gold, Defying Chinese Dominance at Paris Paralympics

Bhavina Patel Targets Gold, Defying Chinese Dominance at Paris Paralympics

Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist Bhavina Patel is determined to upgrade her medal to gold at the upcoming Paris Paralympics, which commence on August 28. Patel, who became the first Indian paddler to win a medal in the Class 4 event at Tokyo, expressed her confidence in challenging the dominance of Chinese opponents.

“Chinese players are humans, and so are we,” Patel asserted. “China does not matter to me. I have beaten a Chinese player before, so there’s no pressure on me to face them. I have changed my tactics accordingly and will deploy my best plans against them.”

Patel, a Commonwealth Games champion and Asian Games medalist, emphasized her focus on giving her best. “There is no nervousness. I just have to give my best. When we think about giving our best, nothing else comes to mind,” she said.

Her doubles partner, Sonalben Patel, echoed her sentiments, stating, “Bhavina and I have put in a double amount of effort in our training as partners. We will try our utmost to return home with a medal.”

Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist in men’s singles badminton SH6 event, Krishna Nagar, expressed his aim to replicate his performance. “I hope everything will be fine in Paris, and I will try to win gold for India again. I will give it my all to defend my gold from Tokyo. Preparations went well, I feel positive, and will look to play safe,” he said.

Debutant shot putter Sachin Khilari set high expectations for himself. “There is a lot of excitement in me. I have been preparing for the Paralympics for 1.5 years. I performed well at the World Championship, and I expect a gold medal out of myself because I have worked hard to earn it,” he said.

Discus throw athlete Sakshi Kasana, also making her debut, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. “I have worked tirelessly hard for this moment to come true. Representing your nation at the Paralympics is the biggest thing for any athlete, so I hope my four years of hard work pays off.”

PCI President and legendary para javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia predicted a strong performance from India. “I have 20 years of experience in para sports. I have taken 3 medals. I know each player and their performances individually. We have received support from PM Modi, and 50 players from the TOPS scheme are going,” he said.

“Many players got help under CSR activity. We will be winning more than 25 medals. India will be in the top 20 in the medal tally.” Jhajharia also expressed confidence in Sumit Antil defending his gold medal. “Sumit will definitely defend his gold medal. He is fit, not under any kind of injury, and has a high level of confidence in himself. The national anthem will definitely be played, and Sumit will win gold,” Jhajharia said.

India has sent an 84-member team, the largest ever for Paralympics, to Paris, where the Games will be held from August 28 to September 8.

Indian Paralympic Contingent to Paris Grows to 179 Members

Indian Paralympic Contingent to Paris Grows to 179 Members

The Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, will comprise 84 athletes and 95 officials, totaling 179 members. This marks a significant increase from the 54-member contingent that represented India at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.

The large number of officials accompanying the athletes is attributed to the special needs of para athletes. Many participants will have personal coaches and escorts to assist them with their specific requirements. The contingent includes 77 team officials, nine contingent medical officials, and nine contingent officials.

India is sending its largest-ever contingent to the Paralympics, with athletes competing in 12 sports. The para-athletics team is the largest, with 38 competitors, followed by the para-badminton team with 14 members. Other sports represented include para-swimming, para-shooting, para-powerlifting, para-table tennis, para-archery, para-canoeing, para-cycling, para-equestrian, para-rowing, and para-taekwondo.

Notable athletes in the contingent include javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shooter Avani Lekhara, both of whom won gold medals at the Tokyo Paralympics. They will be accompanied by personal coaches to support their efforts to defend their titles.

The participation of the entire contingent, except for the Chef de Mission and one team manager for para badminton, will be funded by the government. All members will receive a daily out-of-pocket allowance of USD 50 during the Games, including acclimatization and training periods.

Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia, who is leading the contingent, will stay outside the Games Village to provide support to athletes competing outside Paris. He has expressed optimism that India will surpass its medal tally of 19 from the Tokyo Paralympics, aiming for over 25 medals, including double-digit gold.

Indian Shooting Contingent Aims to Surpass Tokyo Paralympics Medal Tally in Paris

Indian Shooting Contingent Aims to Surpass Tokyo Paralympics Medal Tally in Paris

Indian shooting contingent is poised to surpass its Tokyo Paralympics medal tally at the upcoming Paris Games, according to pistol marksman Manish Narwal. The team’s intense training regimen has prepared them for success, he said.

A 10-member shooting contingent, including rifle exponent Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, and Narwal, will compete at the Chateauroux Centre near Paris from August 30. India had won two gold, a silver, and two bronze medals at the Tokyo Paralympics.

“Our preparations have been intense, and we are eager to give our best shot in Paris. We aim to surpass our previous performance and bring more medals home,” said Narwal, who won the 50m pistol (SH1) gold in Tokyo and will be competing in 10m air pistol at the Paris Games.

Besides Narwal, Avani, and Mona, the other members of the shooting contingent are Amir Ahmad Bhat, Rudransh Khandelwal, Rubina Francis, Swaroop Unahalkar, Sidhartha Babu, Shriharsha Devaraddi, and Nihal Singh.

The spotlight will be on reigning Paralympic champion Avani, who made history by becoming the first woman shooter from India to win two medals in Tokyo. The Jaipur shooter, then 19, had clinched gold in 10m air rifle and 50m rifle 3-positions (SH1). She will look to replicate her gold medal-winning performances in Paris.

The Paralympic Committee is expecting a record-breaking 25-plus medals in Paris, and the performance of the shooting team will have a great impact on the overall tally.

Paralympics to Ignite Paris with Extraordinary Athleticism and Inclusivity

Paralympics to Ignite Paris with Extraordinary Athleticism and Inclusivity

The Paralympic Games, a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes with disabilities, will commence in Paris on August 28th, following the resounding success of the Olympic Games. The French capital will once again serve as a stage for extraordinary athleticism, with 18 of the 35 Olympic venues repurposed for the Paralympics.

Among the iconic venues returning for the Paralympics is the Grand Palais, which garnered acclaim for hosting fencing and taekwondo during the Olympics. The La Defense Arena will witness the thrilling spectacle of 141 gold-medal events in para-swimming, while the Stade de France will host track and field competitions.

The opening ceremony will take place at Place de la Concorde, marking a departure from the traditional stadium setting. This symbolic location, which hosted skateboarding and other urban sports during the Olympics, underscores the Paralympics’ commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Ticket sales, initially sluggish, have surged since the Olympics, with several venues reporting sellouts. The Games promise to unveil a new generation of Paralympic stars, including American sprinter and high jumper Ezra Frech, whose remarkable journey has garnered widespread attention.

Seasoned veterans will also grace the Paralympic stage, such as British amputee sprinter Jonnie Peacock, who seeks to add to his medal tally at his fourth consecutive Paralympics. The Paralympics, however, extend beyond athletic competition, serving as a platform to amplify the voices of people with disabilities.

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons emphasizes the Games’ potential to elevate disability issues on the global agenda. He believes that Paris 2024 will challenge perceptions and foster a more inclusive society.

China, a Paralympic powerhouse, will field a formidable squad, aiming to replicate its dominance in Tokyo, where it claimed 96 gold medals. Host nation France, buoyed by the success of its Olympic team, will strive to surpass its 11 gold medals from 2021.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the country will send a delegation of 140 athletes across 17 sports, demonstrating their resilience and determination. Athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete under a neutral banner, without team colors or participation in ceremonies.

The Paralympic Games in Paris promise to be a celebration of human spirit, showcasing the extraordinary abilities of athletes with disabilities. They will inspire, challenge perceptions, and leave a lasting legacy of inclusivity and empowerment.

Indian Paralympic Contingent Sets Sights on Unprecedented Medal Haul in Paris

Indian Paralympic Contingent Sets Sights on Unprecedented Medal Haul in Paris

The Indian Paralympic contingent, led by star javelin thrower Sumit Antil, has embarked on its journey to the Paris Paralympics with the aim of securing an unprecedented five gold medals and a total of 12 medals. The first batch of 16 para athletes will acclimatize to the conditions in Paris before entering the Games Village on August 25.

Antil, who is aiming to become the first Indian to defend his Paralympics gold, will train at facilities near the French capital to adjust to the weather conditions. Para athletics events will be held at Stade de France, the same venue where the able-bodied athletes competed during the Paris Olympics.

Para-athletics head coach Satyanarayana expressed confidence in the team’s medal prospects, stating, “We are aiming for at least five gold and 12 medals in total. This will be our best performance in the Paralympics.” India’s hopes are buoyed by their success at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, where they finished sixth in the medal tally with six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals.

In addition to Antil, other medal contenders include Deepthi Jeevanji (women’s 400m T20), Sachin Khilari (men’s shot put F46), Ekta Bhyan (women’s club throw F51), Simran Sharma (women’s 200m T12), and Mariyappan Thangavelu (men’s high jump T42).

India is sending its largest ever team of 84 athletes across 12 sports to the Paralympics, with 38 from the para-athletics team. Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia has predicted at least 25 medals from the Paris Games.

Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav, who won a silver in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in women’s shot put F34, will be the joint flag bearers for India during the Opening Ceremony, which will be held outside a stadium for the first time. The ceremony will take place from Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris.

Satya Prakash Sangwan Appointed Chef de Mission for Indian Contingent at Paris Paralympics

Satya Prakash Sangwan Appointed Chef de Mission for Indian Contingent at Paris Paralympics

Paralympic Committee of India Appoints Satya Prakash Sangwan as Chef de Mission for Paris Paralympics

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has appointed Satya Prakash Sangwan as the chef de mission of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Sangwan, who is the PCI’s vice president, brings with him over a decade of experience in the Paralympic movement.

As the chef de mission, Sangwan will be responsible for leading India’s largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes, who will compete across 12 sports disciplines at the Paris Paralympics. This will be the first time that India will send such a large contingent to the Paralympics.

Sangwan expressed his honor at being entrusted with this responsibility and pledged to ensure that the athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics.

“It is a great honor to be entrusted with this responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that our athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics,” Sangwan said.

PCI President Devendra Jhajharia praised Sangwan’s dedication and leadership, expressing confidence that the team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics under his guidance.

“Mr. Satya Prakash Sangwan has been an integral part of the Paralympic Committee of India for over a decade. His dedication and leadership have always been an inspiration to our athletes,” Jhajharia said. “We are confident that under his guidance as Chef de Mission, our team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics 2024.”

Sangwan’s appointment as chef de mission is a testament to his commitment to the Paralympic movement and his dedication to ensuring that Indian para-athletes have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Thierry Henry Resigns as France Under-21 Coach After Olympic Silver

Thierry Henry Resigns as France Under-21 Coach After Olympic Silver

Thierry Henry, the legendary French striker, has decided to step down as coach of the France under-21 football team. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the news on Monday, citing “personal reasons” for Henry’s departure.

Henry took over the reins of the French youth side last summer, signing a contract until June 2025. Under his guidance, the under-23 team achieved a remarkable feat by securing a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This marked the first time since 1984 that France had reached the final of an Olympic men’s football tournament.

Despite the team’s success, Henry has opted to step away from his coaching role. In a statement released by the FFF, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the French youth teams. “Winning an Olympic silver medal for my country will remain one of the proudest moments of my life,” Henry said. “I’m incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff, and the fans for giving me this magical experience.”

FFF President Philippe Diallo thanked Henry for his contributions to the French football program. “We obviously regret this decision, as Thierry Henry was able to achieve the objectives set for him by winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris,” Diallo said. “His professionalism, rigor, and love for the blue jersey were evident throughout his campaign.”

Henry’s departure leaves a void in the French coaching ranks. The FFF will now begin the search for a new coach to lead the under-21 team.

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