Indian Boxing History: Kabilan Sai Ashok to Officiate at Paris Olympics

Indian Boxing History: Kabilan Sai Ashok to Officiate at Paris Olympics

India’s Kabilan Sai Ashok to Officiate at Paris Olympics, Making History

India’s former international boxer Kabilan Sai Ashok has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest Indian to officiate at the Olympic Games. The 32-year-old has been appointed as a Referee Judge for the Paris Olympics, which commence on Friday.

Sai Ashok’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Indian boxing. He is only the fourth Indian since 1904 to officiate at the Olympics, and the first to have represented the country as both a player and an official at a World Championship event.

Beyond his Olympic appointment, Sai Ashok has also made waves in the boxing administration. He currently serves as a boxing administrator at the Army Sports Institute in Pune and holds the distinction of being the first Indian to become the president of the World Military Boxing Council.

Sai Ashok’s rise to prominence has been marked by his exceptional skills and dedication. He holds the record of being the only Indian referee to have been fast-tracked from two-star to three-star status. His appointment as a Referee Judge at the Paris Olympics is a testament to his expertise and the high regard in which he is held within the boxing community.

The last Indian to officiate at the Olympics was in 2012 in London. Sai Ashok’s appointment as a Referee Judge for the Paris Olympics is a proud moment for India and a reflection of the country’s growing stature in the sport of boxing.

Polish Tennis Stars Rescued by Billionaire for Paris Olympics

Polish Tennis Stars Rescued by Billionaire for Paris Olympics

Polish tennis stars Magda Linette and Magdalena Frech faced a major hurdle on the eve of the Paris Olympics when the closure of French airspace threatened to derail their travel plans. The duo had just made history by contesting the first all-Polish WTA singles final in the Open Era at the Livesport Prague Open, with Linette emerging victorious.

However, their Olympic dreams were put in jeopardy due to the late start of their Prague final and the subsequent airspace closure. With no flights available, Linette and Frech appealed to the public for help via social media.

Their plea was answered by Polish billionaire Rafal Brzoska, CEO of InPost. Brzoska offered to assist the players, and within hours, Linette announced that they were on their way to the Olympics.

Linette expressed her gratitude to Brzoska, calling him their “life saver.” She also shared a photo of herself on his plane, acknowledging that “angels” exist and that they are named Rafal.

Despite the travel scare, Linette and Frech’s success in Prague had already ensured that they would miss the official commencement of the Games, where iconic singer Céline Dion was scheduled to perform. Linette expressed her disappointment, having missed previous opportunities to see Dion live.

However, the players remain focused on their Olympic goals. Linette is set to face Roland Garros semifinalist Mirra Andreeva in the first round of singles, while Frech will take on Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria. Linette will also team up with Alicja Rosolska in doubles against the Ukrainian duo of Dayana Yastremska and Marta Kostyuk.

Despite the challenges they faced, Linette and Frech are determined to make the most of their Olympic experience. Linette, who has gone 0-3 in her previous Olympic appearances, is hoping to secure her first win at the age of 32.

India's Shooting Contingent Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris

India’s Shooting Contingent Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris

India’s Shooting Contingent Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris

As the Paris Olympics draw near, India’s shooting contingent, comprising a record 21 members, embarks on a historic mission to break the medal drought that has plagued the nation in recent editions of the Summer Games.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has selected a squad based on current form rather than past achievements, placing its hopes on a group of debutants who are unburdened by the weight of past performances.

Among the key athletes to watch is Manu Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooting prodigy who has won numerous medals at world events. Despite a setback at the Tokyo Games, Bhaker will be competing in three disciplines: 10m air pistol, 25m pistol, and 10m pistol mixed team.

Another promising shooter is Sift Kaur Samra, who won gold in the 50m rifle three positions at the Asian Games. She will team up with seasoned pro Anjum Moudgil in the women’s 50m rifle three positions event.

On the men’s side, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, a member of the gold-winning team at the 2023 World Championships, will be a key contender in the 50m rifle three positions alongside Swapnil Kusale.

Debutants such as Anish Bhanwala, Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Babuta, Arjun Singh Cheema, and Vijayveer Singh will also be looking to make their mark on the international stage.

India’s main challenge will come from China, which is also fielding a strong contingent of 21 shooters. However, India’s chef de mission, Gagan Narang, believes that the team is well-prepared and confident in their abilities.

“There is genuine belief that we are at par with the best in the world,” said Narang, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics.

The shooting competition will take place in the sleepy French town of Chateauroux, away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. This could prove to be an advantage for the Indian shooters, who will be able to focus solely on their performances.

With a squad full of talented debutants and a strong belief in their abilities, India’s shooting contingent is poised to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics and end the nation’s medal drought in this prestigious event.

Indian Boxers Aim for Olympic Glory in Paris

Indian Boxers Aim for Olympic Glory in Paris

Indian boxing is poised to make history at the upcoming Paris Olympics, with a strong contingent of medal contenders aiming to surpass the nation’s previous Olympic boxing medal tally of three. Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, and Nishant Dev will lead the charge, navigating challenging draws in their respective weight classes.

Zareen, the reigning world champion in the light-flyweight (50kg) division, faces a formidable challenge. Her half of the draw includes top medal contenders Wu Yu (China), Chuthamat Raksat (Thailand), and Sabina Bobokulov (Uzbekistan). Zareen’s opening bout against Germany’s Maxi Klotzer will be followed by a potential clash with top-seeded Wu. If she overcomes these hurdles, she could face Raksat or Bobokulova, both of whom have recently defeated her.

Amit Panghal (51kg) has had a rollercoaster year, but he is determined to make amends for his first-round exit in Tokyo. He has received a first-round bye and will face African Games champion Patrick Chinyemba in the round of 16. Panghal’s path to the semifinals could include Asian Games silver medalist Thitisan Panmod (Thailand) and Rio Olympics and reigning world champion Hassanboy Dusmatov (Uzbekistan).

Nishant, one of India’s most consistent performers, has received a favorable draw. With a first-round bye, he will take on Ecuador’s Rodriguez Tenorio in the pre-quarters. If successful, he will face Pan American Games champion Merco Verde (Mexico) in the quarterfinals and potentially top seed Sewon Okazawa (Japan) in the semifinals.

Borgohain, the reigning Olympic bronze medalist in the 69kg category, has moved up to 75kg. She will face Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad in the first round, but her quarterfinal opponent, Chinese Li Qian, poses a significant challenge. Qian is a two-time Olympic and world medalist and defeated Borgohain at the Asian Games.

Preeti Pawar (54kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) will make their Olympic debuts. Pawar will face Vietnam’s Vo Thi Kim Anh in the first round, while Lamboria has a daunting task against Tokyo silver medalist Nesthy Petecio (Philippines) in her opening bout.

The boxing events at the Paris Games will be held at two venues, with the early rounds taking place at the North Paris Arena and the semifinals and finals at the iconic Stade Roland-Garros.

India's 117-Strong Contingent Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris

India’s 117-Strong Contingent Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris

India’s Olympic contingent for the Paris Games is their second-largest ever, with 117 athletes representing the nation across 16 disciplines. This includes 29 athletes in athletics and 21 in shooting, the largest contingents in those sports for India at the Olympics.

Among the 117 athletes, 72 are making their Olympic debut, while veterans like Sharath Kamal (table tennis), Rohan Bopanna (tennis), PV Sindhu (badminton), and Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting) will be competing in their third or more Olympics.

India’s medal hopes rest on the shoulders of several athletes, including Neeraj Chopra (javelin), Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (men’s doubles badminton), PV Sindhu (women’s singles badminton), the Indian women’s archery team, the Indian men’s archery team, the Indian men’s hockey team, Sift Kaur Samra (shooting), Manu Bhaker (shooting), Nikhat Zareen (boxing), and Antim Panghal (wrestling).

India has won 35 Olympic medals in total, with 12 coming from team sports and 134 athletes winning individual or team medals. Only three Indians have won multiple Olympic medals: Norman Pritchard, Sushil Kumar, and PV Sindhu.

The Paris Olympics will be a crucial test for India’s athletes, who will be aiming to surpass their best-ever medal haul of seven from the Tokyo Games. With a strong contingent and high expectations, India will be hoping to make history in Paris.

Iga Swiatek: Overwhelming Favorite for Olympic Tennis Gold

Iga Swiatek: Overwhelming Favorite for Olympic Tennis Gold

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, is poised to dominate the upcoming Paris Olympic Tennis Event. Her unparalleled success at Roland Garros, the venue for the Olympics, makes her the overwhelming favorite for the gold medal.

Swiatek has established an astonishing 32-1 record at Roland Garros over the past five years, claiming four titles in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Her current 21-match winning streak on these courts is the fourth-longest in the Open Era for women.

Beyond Roland Garros, Swiatek has extended her dominance to all clay surfaces. She has won the last three tournaments she played on clay, including Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros, amassing a 19-match winning streak.

Her tour-leading 21-1 record on clay this year further solidifies her status as the clay-court queen. Her only loss came to Elena Rybakina in the semifinals of Stuttgart in April.

In contrast to Swiatek’s dominance, the men’s field is more competitive. While four players have recorded 20 or more wins on clay this year, including Sebastian Baez, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Luciano Darderi, none have achieved Swiatek’s level of success.

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Roland Garros champion, has a modest 12-3 record on clay this year due to injuries. However, his talent and recent victory at Roland Garros make him a contender for the Olympic gold medal.

With her unparalleled record at Roland Garros and her current form on clay, Iga Swiatek is the clear favorite to win the women’s gold medal at the Paris Olympic Tennis Event. Her dominance on this surface is unmatched, and she will be difficult to dethrone.

Naomi Osaka Stuns as Style Queen at Paris Olympics

Naomi Osaka Stuns as Style Queen at Paris Olympics

Naomi Osaka, the Japanese tennis star, has emerged as a fashion icon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her stylish presence has been captivating the fashion world and fellow Olympians alike.

At the star-studded “Prelude to the Olympic Games” event hosted by LVMH and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Osaka showcased her impeccable style. She donned a flowy light blue button-down top, paired with an asymmetrical black skirt and black pumps. The highlight of her ensemble was a matching Louis Vuitton GO-14 Mini Malletage bag, reflecting her role as a global brand ambassador for the maison.

Osaka’s fashion statement extended beyond the event. On social media, she shared a mini-vlog from the Olympic Village, unboxing her Team Japan bag. The video revealed a range of red and white gear provided by ASICS, including sportswear, shoes, and bags. However, Osaka also highlighted unique Japanese care items such as miso soup, bandaids, and a bracelet.

Osaka’s Olympic journey will begin on Saturday, July 27, at the Roland Garros tennis venue. She faces a challenging path, with a first-round match against the retiring Angelique Kerber and a potential quarterfinal clash with No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula.

Despite the competitive nature of the tournament, Osaka remains focused on her Olympic aspirations. She has expressed her love for the event and the camaraderie among athletes. Her stylish presence and determination to succeed make her a formidable force both on and off the court.

India's Hockey Team Faces Challenges in Paris Olympics Quest

India’s Hockey Team Faces Challenges in Paris Olympics Quest

The Indian men’s hockey team’s failure to qualify for the 2008 Olympics marked a turning point in their history. Despite being eight-time Olympic gold medalists, they had not won a major title since the 1975 World Cup. A significant financial investment aimed at reversing their fortunes led to their return to the Olympics in 2012, but it proved disastrous. India finished last in the 12-team competition, and their players’ lackluster approach shocked observers.

Former Australian player and India’s chief coach, Michael Nobbs, expressed his disappointment at the players’ complacency. He noted their reluctance to engage in physical challenges and their casual execution of shots. Nobbs emphasized the need for a “killer instinct” and a willingness to sacrifice for the team.

In contrast to India’s struggles, seasoned Australian defender Matt Dawson demonstrated unwavering determination. Despite injuring his finger in training, he underwent an amputation to remain in contention for the Olympics. Such commitment highlights the physical risks that players are willing to take in modern hockey.

International hockey has evolved into a fast-paced and competitive sport where physicality plays a crucial role. Teams rely heavily on analysis to identify weaknesses and exploit them. The results of the recent FIH Pro League will have little bearing on the Olympics, providing India with an opportunity to improve their performance under coach Craig Fulton.

Harmanpreet Singh, India’s captain, has been a key player with his drag flicks, but opponents have developed strategies to neutralize his threat. He recognizes the need to introduce new elements into his shots to maintain his effectiveness.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper P R Sreejesh’s experience will be invaluable. His ability to maintain defensive structure and deal with penalty corners will be crucial.

While the bronze medal at Tokyo could motivate India, it could also weigh them down. They have struggled to replicate their success and finished among the also-rans at the 2023 World Cup. However, the Olympic preliminary pool draw provides them with an opportunity to gain momentum against lower-ranked opponents before facing tougher challenges.

India’s performance against Argentina could determine their quarter-final draw and potentially set them up for a favorable matchup. They have a history of defeating Argentina, having done so in the 2016 Olympics.

Rybakina Withdraws from Paris Olympics, Upending Women's Singles Draw

Rybakina Withdraws from Paris Olympics, Upending Women’s Singles Draw

Elena Rybakina Withdraws from Paris Olympics, Shaking Up Women’s Singles Draw

Shortly after the release of the women’s singles draw for the Paris Olympics on Thursday, the withdrawal of Elena Rybakina sent shockwaves through the tournament. The No. 3 seed, behind Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, was slated to face a challenging path in the draw.

No official reason was given for Rybakina’s withdrawal, but the Kazakh has struggled with illnesses throughout 2024. She has withdrawn from several tournaments, including Indian Wells, Rome, Eastbourne, and Dubai. She also retired from her second-round match in Berlin.

Rybakina’s absence has significant implications for the draw. Caroline Garcia moves into her slot as the No. 17 seed, facing Jaqueline Cristian in the first round. Australia’s Daria Saville now takes Garcia’s place against sixth seed Zheng Qinwen.

In mixed doubles, Rybakina and Alexander Bublik have been replaced by Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska and Maximo Gonzalez, who will face third seeds Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz.

Rybakina’s withdrawal is a major blow to the women’s singles competition. The 25-year-old is a former Wimbledon champion and one of the most dangerous players on tour. Her absence opens up the draw for other contenders, including Swiatek, Gauff, and Zheng.

Rybakina’s focus now shifts to the North American hardcourt swing, where she is scheduled to compete at the National Bank Open in Toronto beginning on August 6. It remains to be seen if she can regain her form and make a deep run in the remaining Grand Slams of the season.

Youngest Indian Hockey Player Makes History with Olympic Selection

Youngest Indian Hockey Player Makes History with Olympic Selection

Sanjay, a 23-year-old defender and drag-flicker, has made history by becoming the youngest and most inexperienced player on India’s 16-member hockey squad for the Paris Olympics. Despite his limited international experience of just 35 matches, Sanjay’s impressive performances in trials and his ability to defend fearlessly earned him a spot on the team.

Sanjay’s selection has raised eyebrows, as many expected his more experienced teammate Jugraj Singh to be chosen. However, the selectors and chief coach Craig Fulton saw something special in Sanjay, who played a key role in India’s Asian Games gold medal victory last year.

Sanjay’s inclusion is crucial for India, as it provides a much-needed second penalty corner (PC) specialist to partner the brilliant Harmanpreet Singh. Top teams often have multiple world-class drag-flickers, and Sanjay’s presence will give India a significant advantage.

Sanjay’s childhood coach, Gurminder Singh, believes his protege has the potential to shine on the world’s biggest stage. He praised Sanjay’s strength, ball sense, and ability to handle pressure.

Sanjay’s selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has trained tirelessly at the Chandigarh Hockey Academy since 2011 and has consistently impressed with his performances in the Pro League.

Sanjay’s ability to defend fearlessly is another key factor in his selection. He is known for his man-to-man marking and his willingness to take a hit. This defensive prowess will be invaluable to India in Paris.

Sanjay is confident in his abilities and is determined to make the most of his Olympic debut. He said, “The coach has trusted my abilities. I’ll try to play my best hockey in Paris.”

Sanjay’s selection is a reminder that age and experience are not always the only factors in determining success. With his talent, determination, and the support of his teammates, Sanjay has the potential to make a significant impact on India’s Olympic campaign.

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