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.

Mirabai Chanu Faces Uphill Battle for Second Olympic Medal

Mirabai Chanu Faces Uphill Battle for Second Olympic Medal

Mirabai Chanu, India’s weightlifting icon, faces a daunting task as she aims to become the nation’s first double Olympic medalist in the sport. However, her path to glory is fraught with challenges, including a lingering hip injury and a formidable field of competitors.

Chanu’s Olympic journey has been marred by injuries and workload management issues. Since her silver medal performance in Tokyo, she has endured a disappointing cycle, with her best effort being a 201kg lift at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In her preferred 49kg weight category, Chanu faces an uphill battle for a podium finish. Reigning Olympic champion Hou Zhihui of China is the overwhelming favorite to retain her title. Other contenders include Jourdan Delacruz of the USA, Surodchana Khambao of Thailand, and Mihaela Cambei of Romania.

Despite concerns about her fitness, Chanu and her coach, Vijay Sharma, insist that she has fully recovered from her hip injury. However, her recent performances have fallen short of her personal bests, raising doubts about her ability to surpass the 200kg mark.

Chanu’s main obstacle lies within herself. Her snatch performance has been inconsistent, and her clean and jerk has also been underwhelming. While she has shown resilience and determination in the past, she must overcome these technical hurdles to challenge for a medal.

The 49kg event at the Paris Olympics promises to be a fiercely competitive contest. Chanu’s entry weight of 200kg places her alongside Delacruz and Khambao, while Zhihui and Cambei have set higher entry weights.

Despite the odds stacked against her, Chanu remains a formidable competitor. Her fighting spirit and unwavering determination could propel her to another historic performance. However, she must summon her best form and overcome her physical limitations to achieve her Olympic dream.

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.

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.

Nisha Dahiya's Olympic Dream Crushed by Heartbreaking Injury

Nisha Dahiya’s Olympic Dream Crushed by Heartbreaking Injury

Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya’s Olympic dream was shattered in heartbreaking fashion on Monday as she suffered a devastating injury in her quarterfinal bout against North Korea’s Pak Sol Gum at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Dahiya, competing in the women’s 68 kg freestyle category, had dominated the match early on, leading 8-1 with just over 90 seconds remaining. However, tragedy struck when she sustained a severe injury to her right hand, leaving her in excruciating pain.

Despite a medical break, Dahiya’s right hand was rendered useless, and Pak Sol Gum seized the opportunity to execute a ruthless leg-hold, scoring nine consecutive points to secure a 10-8 victory.

The injury was a cruel blow for Dahiya, who had fought valiantly throughout the match. With just 10 seconds remaining, the score was tied at 8-8, but the Haryana wrestler was unable to muster any resistance in the dying moments.

Dahiya’s loss was met with an outpouring of sympathy and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. Despite the setback, she has been hailed as a true warrior for her unwavering spirit and determination.

“What a fighter, Nisha Dahiya,” tweeted former Indian cricketer Farzi Cricketer. “Win or lose, you’ve made India proud.”

The Bharat Army, a fan group supporting Indian sports teams, echoed the sentiment: “Nisha might have a shot at repechage if her North Korean opponent reaches the final, but whether she will be in a position to even take the mat is a bigger question.”

Dahiya’s injury is a reminder of the unforgiving nature of sport. However, her resilience and fighting spirit have inspired countless others, proving that true victory lies not only in winning but also in overcoming adversity with grace and determination.

Indian Skeet Shooters Miss Out on Bronze at Paris Olympics

Indian Skeet Shooters Miss Out on Bronze at Paris Olympics

India’s Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka narrowly missed out on a historic bronze medal in the skeet mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Monday. The Indian duo put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against China’s Yiting Jiang and Jianlin Lyu in a thrilling bronze-medal match.

In the qualification round, Chauhan and Naruka displayed impressive form, aggregating 146 to secure a spot in the medal match. Chauhan recorded scores of 24, 25, and 25 (74), while Naruka also registered an identical tally of 74 (25, 23, 24).

The bronze-medal match was a tense affair, with both teams trading shots and neither side able to gain a significant advantage. In the first station, China’s Lyu and Jiang earned perfect scores of 4/4 against India. India’s Anant Jeet missed out on one of the four targets (3/4), while Chauhan earned a score of 4/4.

In Station 2, Anant Jeet and Chauhan both missed one target, while Jiang missed three targets, resulting in a tie between the two teams. The match remained close throughout, with both teams tied on scores after Station 3.

In Station 4, India fell behind by a point, but Anant Jeet and Chauhan made a perfect start in Station 5. However, in the decider, China’s Lyu and Jiang achieved a perfect 4/4 to secure the bronze medal. India finished fourth with a score of 43/48, just one point behind China’s 44/48.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on a medal, Chauhan and Naruka can be proud of their performance. They represented India with distinction and showcased their talent on the world stage. Their performance bodes well for the future of Indian shooting and raises hopes for success in future Olympic Games.

Pin Trading: A Thrilling Tradition at the Olympics

Pin Trading: A Thrilling Tradition at the Olympics

Pin Trading: A Thrilling Tradition at the Olympics

The Olympic Games are not just about athletic prowess and medal counts. Alongside the fierce competition, there’s a vibrant and engaging tradition that has become an integral part of the event: pin trading.

Pin trading dates back to the inaugural Olympics in Athens in 1896. Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, revived the practice, which initially involved participants wearing cardboard badges for identification. Over the years, pins have evolved into intricate, metallic collectibles, and pin trading has become a beloved tradition among athletes, fans, and collectors alike.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, pin trading is in full swing. The Park of Nations features The Olympic Collectors’ House, a dedicated space where traders can gather and exchange their pins. American pin collector Ed Schneider, a veteran of 14 Olympics, explains that there are various types of pins available for trade, including National Olympic Committees (NOCs), media pins, host city pins, sponsor pins, athlete pins, and mascot pins.

Pin trading is a serious business, with collectors often spending years amassing their collections. Nicholas Wolaver, another avid American collector, advises beginners to be patient, avoid interrupting trades in progress, and consider trading two pins for one to maintain their collection while acquiring new pins.

One notable newcomer to the pin trading scene is Snoop Dogg. The iconic rapper has made his mark at the Paris Olympics by offering his sleek, silver card design to American tennis player Coco Gauff. This gesture symbolizes the growing popularity of pin trading and its appeal to celebrities and fans alike.

Pin trading is more than just a hobby; it’s a way for people from all over the world to connect, share their passion for the Olympics, and create lasting memories. It’s a tradition that adds a unique and vibrant dimension to the Olympic experience.

Hassan Sardar Backs India to Win Olympic Hockey Gold in Paris

Hassan Sardar Backs India to Win Olympic Hockey Gold in Paris

Legendary Pakistani hockey player Hassan Sardar has expressed his belief that Team India has the potential to end their long wait for an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games 2024. India’s impressive performance in the ongoing Summer Games, where they defeated Great Britain in a thrilling shootout to enter the semi-finals, has caught the attention of Sardar.

India’s last Olympic gold medal in hockey came at the 1980 Moscow Games, and they will be hoping to break their drought in Paris. Sardar, who played a key role in leading Pakistan to a gold medal at the 1984 LA Olympics, believes that the current Indian team has the talent and determination to achieve success.

“I always support India when Pakistan is not playing cricket or hockey,” Sardar said. “It’s a much better side and one of the best Indian teams I have seen. They have improved a lot and they are giving hard times to the Europeans. They (India) can win and they should win this Olympics.”

Sardar praised India’s performance against Australia in the group stage, highlighting their mental strength and ability to adapt to different situations. He also shared some valuable advice for the Harmanpreet-led side ahead of their semi-final clash against Germany.

“When we won the Asian gold against India, we only focused on taking the lead and doubling it,” Sardar said. “Both teams played well but we were lucky that we could score so many goals. Mental strength is the most important aspect in crucial matches. The Germans are a tough team.”

Sardar emphasized the importance of short passes, preventing counter-attacks, and scoring from penalty corners against Germany. He also advised the Indian team to stay calm and play as a unit, even when things are not going their way.

India will be without key defender Amit Rohidas for the semi-final against Germany after his one-match suspension was upheld by the FIH. However, Sardar believes that the team has the depth and quality to overcome this setback.

India's Wrestling Contingent Ready for Paris 2024 Challenge

India’s Wrestling Contingent Ready for Paris 2024 Challenge

India’s wrestling contingent is poised to embark on their quest for Olympic glory at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. Six Indian wrestlers, including one male and five females, will represent the nation at the Champ de Mars Arena in the French capital.

Aman Sehrawat, the 20-year-old Asian champion and Asian Games bronze medalist, will carry India’s hopes in the men’s freestyle 57kg category. Sehrawat, who replaced Ravi Kumar Dahiya in the category, is known for his ability to withstand pressure and keep opponents at bay.

In the women’s division, all eyes will be on two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who will compete in the 50kg category. Phogat, India’s most accomplished female wrestler, has won two World Championships, three Commonwealth Games, and eight Asian Championships medals. However, she is yet to prove her worth on the Olympic stage, having suffered a freak injury in Rio 2016 and a crushing defeat in Tokyo 2020.

Other Indian wrestlers to watch out for include Commonwealth Games silver medalist Anshu Malik (women’s 57kg), U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women’s 76kg), and Asian Championships silver medalist Nisha Dahiya (women’s 68kg). All three will be making their Olympic debuts in Paris.

India’s wrestling schedule at the 2024 Paris Olympics is as follows:

* August 5 (6:30 PM IST): Women’s 68kg (Nisha Dahiya)
* August 6 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 50kg (Vinesh Phogat)
* August 7 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 53kg (Antim Panghal)
* August 8 (3:00 PM IST): Men’s freestyle 57kg (Aman Sehrawat), Women’s 57kg (Anshu Malik)
* August 10 (3:00 PM IST): Women’s 76kg (Reetika Hooda)

The Indian wrestlers will face stiff competition from the likes of the United States, Russia, Japan, and Iran. However, they will be determined to make their mark on the Olympic stage and bring glory to their nation.

Noah Lyles Crowned Fastest Man on Earth in Thrilling 100m Photo Finish

Noah Lyles Crowned Fastest Man on Earth in Thrilling 100m Photo Finish

Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion, has etched his name in the annals of Olympic history by claiming the coveted men’s 100m gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. In a thrilling photo finish, Lyles emerged victorious by a mere five-thousandths of a second, becoming the fastest man on the planet.

Lyles’ triumph was the culmination of a remarkable journey that began with a sluggish start in the semi-finals. Despite being behind British sprinter Louie Hinchliffe, Lyles’ determination and showmanship shone through. With his signature sunglasses, hat, and mask, he captivated the crowd and sent a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with.

In the final, Lyles faced a formidable challenge from Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, who had given him a “death stare” in the semi-finals. However, Lyles remained unfazed and executed a flawless dip at the finish line, edging out Thompson by the narrowest of margins.

Lyles’ victory marked the closest-ever Olympic 100m final, with both him and Thompson clocking in at 9.79 seconds. The American’s time of 9.784 seconds ultimately separated him from Thompson’s 9.789 seconds. American Fred Kerley claimed the bronze medal in 9.81 seconds, while South Africa’s Akani Simbini finished fourth.

Lyles’ triumph is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He now sets his sights on becoming the first sprinter since Usain Bolt to win both the 100m and 200m events at the Olympics. Bolt, the undisputed sprint king, holds the world records for both events and has won eight Olympic gold medals.

Lyles’ victory in Paris has reignited the debate about whether he can match Bolt’s legendary status. While Bolt’s 100m Olympic record of 9.63 seconds remains untouched, Lyles’ potential to create his own legacy is undeniable. The Paris Games will undoubtedly provide another thrilling chapter in the rivalry between these two exceptional sprinters.

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