Neeraj Chopra Bids Farewell to Coach Klaus Bartonietz

Neeraj Chopra Bids Farewell to Coach Klaus Bartonietz

Neeraj Chopra, India’s star javelin thrower, bid an emotional farewell to his German coach Klaus Bartonietz, who ended their five-year partnership due to family commitments. Bartonietz, 75, guided Chopra to a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, a silver at the Paris Games, and several other medals.

Chopra expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging Bartonietz’s profound impact on his growth as an athlete and a person. “You are more than just a mentor to me,” Chopra wrote. “Everything you taught has helped me grow both as an athlete and person.”

Bartonietz’s quiet yet impactful presence was highlighted by Chopra. “You were one of the quietest in the stands, but your words to me rang the loudest in my ears when I threw,” he said. “I will miss the pranks and the laughs we shared, but more than anything, I will miss US as a team.”

Indian athletics chief coach Radhakrishnan Nair confirmed that Bartonietz’s contract expired after the Paris Olympics and a new coach will be appointed before the end of the year. “The AFI and Neeraj will together look for a coach for him,” Nair said.

Bartonietz initially joined as a biomechanics expert but later became Chopra’s coach after Uwe Hohn’s departure. Under Bartonietz’s guidance, Chopra achieved remarkable success, including the Tokyo Olympics gold, Paris Games silver, world championship title, Diamond League championship, and Asian Games gold medal.

Chopra’s emotional farewell underscores the deep bond he shared with Bartonietz, who played a pivotal role in shaping his career. The search for a new coach will be crucial as Chopra aims to continue his dominance in javelin throwing.

IOA President Usha Slams EC for Neglecting Olympic Medalists, Blocking Funds

IOA President Usha Slams EC for Neglecting Olympic Medalists, Blocking Funds

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has expressed deep concern over the Executive Committee’s (EC) failure to honor Olympic medalists and the Finance Committee’s blockage of funds intended for athletes’ preparation for the Paris Games.

Usha lamented that despite India’s historic medal haul of six, including two bronze by Manu Bhaker, the EC has not organized a formal felicitation ceremony. She emphasized the importance of celebrating athletes’ achievements and expressed disappointment that the EC “does not want to celebrate their success.”

The IOA President also revealed that a proposal for a preparatory grant of Rs 2 lakh for each Olympic-bound athlete and Rs 1 lakh for each coach had been blocked by the Finance Committee, particularly by IOA Treasurer Sahdev Yadav. Usha believes this grant would have provided crucial support to athletes in the lead-up to the Games.

Usha highlighted the contrast with previous leadership, which organized a successful felicitation ceremony for the Tokyo 2021 medalists despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She questioned the commitment of some EC members, especially former athletes, to recognizing the hard work and sacrifices of athletes.

The IOA had planned to award each individual medalist between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore, with coaches receiving Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. Usha urged the EC to take immediate action and ensure that athletes receive the honors they deserve.

She reaffirmed her commitment to stand by the athletes, stating, “Our athletes are the heart and soul of Indian sport. I will not rest until they are given the due respect, support, and acknowledgment they have earned.”

Usha’s concerns come amidst allegations of “autocratic” leadership and a demand by 12 EC members to remove IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer. Usha has dismissed these accusations as “malicious and false,” asserting that they aim to undermine her leadership and efforts to improve Indian sports.

Indian Athletics Disappoints at Paris Games as Parul Chaudhary and Jeswin Aldrin Fail to Qualify

Indian Athletics Disappoints at Paris Games as Parul Chaudhary and Jeswin Aldrin Fail to Qualify

India’s disappointing performance at the Paris Games athletics continued on Sunday as national record holders Parul Chaudhary and Jeswin Aldrin failed to qualify for the women’s 3000m steeplechase and men’s long jump, respectively.

Parul finished eighth in her heat race and 21st overall, ending her campaign in the Paris Olympics. Despite undergoing high-altitude training in the USA, she ran the distance in 9 minutes 23.39 seconds, her season’s best but well below her national mark of 9:15.31. The top five from each of the three heat races qualified for the final.

Parul’s failure to qualify adds to India’s disappointing performance in the women’s 5000m race, where she and Ankita Dhyani also failed to advance. Lalita Babar remains the only Indian woman 3000m steeplechaser to qualify for the final round in the Olympics, finishing 10th in Rio 2016.

In the men’s long jump qualification round, Aldrin fouled his first two attempts before managing a jump of 7.61m in the third. He finished 13th in Group B qualification and 26th overall. Only athletes who jumped the automatic qualification mark of 8.15m or were among the 12 best performers advanced to the final round.

Aldrin, who has not been able to touch 8m this year, made it to the Paris Games at the last minute through world rankings. His season best is 7.99m, while his personal best is 8.42m.

India’s poor showing in athletics at the Paris Games is a cause for concern, as the country has traditionally been strong in the sport. The failure of national record holders to qualify for the finals is a reflection of the need for improved training and support for Indian athletes.

Swapnil Kusale's Bronze Medal Brings Glory to India and His Family

Swapnil Kusale’s Bronze Medal Brings Glory to India and His Family

Swapnil Kusale’s parents expressed their unwavering belief in their son’s ability to secure a medal for India at the Paris Games. Suresh Kusale, Swapnil’s father, stated that they had refrained from contacting him the day before the event to avoid any distractions. He emphasized Swapnil’s dedication and focus over the past decade, expressing confidence that he would not disappoint the nation.

As Swapnil clinched the bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, his family and friends erupted in jubilation at their home in Kolhapur. His mother, Anita, who had been praying moments before, was overcome with emotion. The atmosphere was filled with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” as they celebrated Swapnil’s triumph.

Suresh Kusale acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts made by the family over the years, but attributed Swapnil’s success to his hard work and determination. He also expressed gratitude to Swapnil’s coach, Dipali Deshpande, for her guidance and support.

Anita Kusale shared that Swapnil hails from Kambalwadi village in Kolhapur district and developed a passion for shooting while in Sangli. He later pursued further training in Nashik. Swapnil’s brother expressed his appreciation for the support and belief shown by the nation in the 28-year-old shooter.

Swapnil’s medal adds to India’s tally of three at the Paris Games, following Manu Bhaker’s bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol alongside Sarabjot Singh. Despite finishing seventh in the qualification round, Swapnil’s calm and patient approach, inspired by cricket icon MS Dhoni, helped him secure a podium finish.

Indian Athletes Disappointed with Paris Games Uniforms

Indian Athletes Disappointed with Paris Games Uniforms

Indian Athletes Face Uniform Disappointment at Paris Games

As the Indian contingent embarks on its quest for medals at the Paris Games, a disheartening issue has emerged off the field. Several athletes have expressed disappointment over the quality of dresses and attires provided for them.

Former badminton star Jwala Gutta took to social media to voice her concerns, criticizing the designer responsible for the uniforms. She highlighted the poor fit of the blouses, the lack of pre-draped sarees for those unfamiliar with wearing them, and the unflattering color and print.

“I had huge expectations from the designer, but only met disappointment,” Gutta wrote. “It was a work of absolute mediocrity and looked shabby.”

The uniforms, designed by Tarun Tahiliani, were intended to reflect a modern Indian ethos with ikat-inspired prints and Banarasi brocade. However, the athletes and fans alike have expressed dissatisfaction with the final product.

The women’s sarees, made of viscose crepe, feature a high-neck blouse and digital printed saffron and green-hued panels. The men’s kurta-bundi set is crafted from lightweight moss cotton with similar tricolour detailing.

Despite the designer’s efforts to incorporate Indian cultural elements, the uniforms have failed to impress. The poor fit and unflattering design have raised concerns about the comfort and confidence of the athletes.

This issue highlights the importance of prioritizing the needs of athletes in all aspects of their preparation. While aesthetics are important, the functionality and comfort of uniforms should be paramount.

The Indian contingent has already begun its medal hunt, with several athletes advancing to medal rounds. However, the uniform controversy has cast a shadow over their efforts. It is crucial that the authorities address these concerns promptly to ensure that the athletes can focus on their performances without distractions.

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