Neeraj Chopra Tops Javelin Qualification, Eyes Historic Olympic Gold

Neeraj Chopra Tops Javelin Qualification, Eyes Historic Olympic Gold

Neeraj Chopra, India’s reigning Olympic and world champion in javelin throw, has made a resounding start to his Paris Olympics campaign by topping the qualification round with a season’s best throw of 89.34m. This is the second consecutive Olympics where Chopra has finished first in the qualification.

Chopra’s throw was a statement of intent, sending a clear message to his rivals that he is in top form and ready to defend his Olympic title. The qualification standard was set at 84.00m, and Chopra’s throw was well above that mark.

The other Indian in the fray, Kishore Jena, could not make the 12-man final, with his best attempt being 80.73m. The qualification round was highly competitive, with five of the 12 finalists posting their season’s best throws.

Chopra’s main rivals include Czech Jakub Vadlejch, who has a personal best of 90.88m, and Germany’s Julian Weber, who threw 87.76m in the qualification. Pakistan’s Nadeem Arshad, who was placed in the same group as Chopra, also managed an automatic qualification with a season’s best throw of 86.59m.

Chopra’s ability to switch gears and touch peak performance at the biggest events is what makes him truly extraordinary. He is a rare Indian athlete who is a favorite for gold in a track and field event.

“The mindset and situation of a qualification and final are completely different. You have to just focus on the fact that you’ve had a good start and now you put in your best preparation towards the final,” Chopra said after the qualification.

Chopra said his adductor is feeling better after he pulled out of the Ostrava Golden Spike meet in Czechia last month as a precautionary measure. He is confident that he will be fully prepared for the final, which will be held in the evening session.

Chopra’s friend and on-field rival Weber spoke of spending time together with the Indian at the Games Village. “We talked a lot. He’s calm, and in good shape,” Weber said.

In Paris, Chopra is bidding to do what no Indian athlete has ever done before – win two successive Olympic gold medals. India so far has only three medals to show from this edition of the Games – all of them bronze – with curtains coming down on the Olympics in less than a week’s time.

COVID-19 Surge Hits Paris Olympics: Over 40 Athletes Infected

COVID-19 Surge Hits Paris Olympics: Over 40 Athletes Infected

COVID-19 Surge Impacts Paris Olympics: Over 40 Athletes Test Positive

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over a global resurgence of COVID-19 cases, highlighting the infection of over 40 athletes at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics. The WHO emphasized the need for countries to enhance their response systems as the virus continues to circulate.

Prominent athletes have fallen victim to COVID-19 at the Games. British swimmer Adam Peaty tested positive after winning silver in the 100m breaststroke, while Australian medal hopeful Lani Pallister withdrew from the women’s 1500m freestyle due to illness.

Data from 84 countries indicates a steady rise in the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Wastewater surveillance suggests that the virus’s circulation is significantly higher than reported, potentially two to 20 times more.

“This is concerning because the virus continues to evolve, posing a risk of more severe variants that could evade detection and medical interventions,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness director.

The high circulation of the virus is unusual for respiratory viruses, which typically experience seasonal surges. However, in recent months, many countries have witnessed COVID-19 spikes, including at the Olympics.

“It’s not surprising that athletes are being infected, given the rampant circulation of the virus,” Van Kerkhove added.

The WHO urged countries to strengthen their surveillance, testing, and vaccination efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus. The organization also emphasized the importance of adhering to public health measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing.

India's Men's Table Tennis Team Bows Out of Paris Olympics After Loss to China

India’s Men’s Table Tennis Team Bows Out of Paris Olympics After Loss to China

India’s Olympic hopes in men’s table tennis were dashed on Tuesday as they succumbed to a 0-3 defeat against table tennis powerhouse China in the pre-quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics.

The Indian duo of Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar faced an uphill battle in the opening doubles match, losing 2-11 3-11 7-11 to the formidable Chinese pair of Ma Long and Chuqin Wang.

Veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal, India’s lone medal hope, displayed resilience in the first singles against Olympic champion Fan Zhendong. Sharath stunned the Chinese star by winning the first game 11-9. However, Zhendong regrouped and showcased his class, outplaying Sharath 11-7 11-7 11-5 in the subsequent three games.

With India trailing 0-2, the onus fell on 24-year-old Manav Thakkar to salvage the tie. However, Thakkar struggled against Chuqin, losing 9-11 6-11 9-11.

The Indian women’s team had earlier made history by defeating higher-ranked Romania 3-2 in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter. Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamat displayed exceptional skill and determination to secure India’s place in the quarterfinals.

Despite the disappointing result, the Indian men’s team can take solace in their spirited performance against one of the world’s strongest table tennis nations. Sharath Kamal’s resilience and the young players’ determination bode well for the future of Indian table tennis.

Novak Djokovic Wins Olympic Gold, Calls It 'Biggest Sporting Achievement'

Novak Djokovic Wins Olympic Gold, Calls It ‘Biggest Sporting Achievement’

Novak Djokovic’s Olympic dream finally came true as he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling men’s singles final at the Paris Olympics. The Serbian legend, who had previously won all four Grand Slams multiple times, called the gold medal his “biggest sporting achievement.”

The match was a tense affair, with neither player able to break the other’s serve. Both the first and second sets went to tie-breakers, with Djokovic prevailing both times. The Serbian’s experience and composure proved crucial in the end, as he held his nerve to win 7-6(7), 7-6(5).

Alcaraz, who is widely regarded as the future of men’s tennis, put up a valiant fight but was ultimately unable to match Djokovic’s consistency. The Spaniard’s serve, which has been a major weapon for him throughout his career, let him down at crucial moments.

Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who congratulated Djokovic on his triumph, highlighted Alcaraz’s service as the key factor in the match. “Alcaraz has what it takes, but to truly dominate for years on all surfaces, he’ll need to step up his serve,” Tendulkar said.

Djokovic, who is now 37 years old, admitted that winning the Olympic gold medal was the pinnacle of his career. “This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling,” he said. “I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today.”

Djokovic’s victory marks a historic moment in tennis history. He is now the first man to win all four Grand Slams, the Olympic gold medal, and the ATP Finals. This achievement cements his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

Duplantis Soars to New Heights, Breaks World Record in Paris

Duplantis Soars to New Heights, Breaks World Record in Paris

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulting sensation, has once again etched his name in the annals of sporting history by breaking his own world record and securing the Olympic gold medal in Paris.

In a thrilling climax to the fifth day of track and field at the Stade de France, Duplantis soared over the bar set at an astonishing 6.25 meters, surpassing his previous best of 6.24m set in April. The crowd of 69,000 erupted in thunderous applause as the 24-year-old star shattered the world record by 1cm.

Duplantis’s triumph was not only a testament to his exceptional athleticism but also a display of his unwavering determination. It marked the ninth time the US-born Swede had broken the record, cementing his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time.

In the competition, American Sam Kendricks claimed the silver medal with a best of 5.95m, while Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis took bronze (5.90) on countback. Duplantis’s gold medal made him the first man to retain the pole vault title since American Bob Richards in 1952 and 1956.

After his historic victory, Duplantis celebrated in a unique way, mimicking the shooting pose of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who had gone viral on social media for his casual celebration after winning a silver medal in the Paris Games. Dikec himself took to Twitter to congratulate Duplantis, adding to the camaraderie and sportsmanship on display.

Duplantis described his record-breaking performance as an “out-of-body experience.” He expressed his gratitude for the support of the crowd, saying, “The biggest dream since a kid was to break the world record at the Olympics, and I’ve been able to do that in front of the most ridiculous crowd I’ve ever competed in front of.”

As he made an emotional lap of the track, draped in the Swedish flag and with Abba’s “Dancing Queen” playing in the background, Duplantis rang the victory bell, symbolizing another exceptional display from the irrepressible young athlete.

Duplantis’s victory was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of national pride for Sweden. The country’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, tweeted, “Congratulations to Armand Duplantis on his fantastic world record and Olympic gold! What an incredible achievement!”

The Swedish pole vaulting star’s success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. His record-breaking performance in Paris will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.

Neeraj Chopra Ready to Defend Olympic Javelin Title in Paris

Neeraj Chopra Ready to Defend Olympic Javelin Title in Paris

Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in javelin, is poised to defend his Olympic title at the upcoming Paris Games. The reigning world champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist will embark on his quest for a second consecutive Olympic gold on Tuesday at the iconic Stade de France.

Chopra’s journey to Paris has been marked by consistency and determination. Despite a minor abductor issue that forced him to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike, he has showcased his prowess with a season-best throw of 88.36m at the Doha Diamond League. He also claimed gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games with a throw of 85.97m.

Chopra’s main rival in Paris is Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, who currently holds the top spot in the men’s javelin throw rankings. Vadlejch defeated Chopra in the Diamond League in the lead-up to the Summer Games and is a strong contender for gold.

Another threat to Chopra’s title is Anderson Peters of Grenada, the two-time world champion. Peters has recovered from an injury-marred 2023 season and has a best throw of 86.62m in 2024. His career-best throw of 93.07m remains unmatched by any of the javelin throwers competing in Paris.

European champion Julian Weber of Germany is also a formidable opponent. With a personal best of 89.54m, Weber has consistently thrown over 85m in all five competitions he has participated in this season.

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won silver at the World Championships last year, is another athlete to watch. Nadeem has a personal best of 90.18m, but has yet to cross the 85m mark this season.

As Chopra prepares to defend his Olympic crown, he will face a formidable field of rivals. However, his unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a strong favorite to add another golden chapter to India’s athletics history.

Indian Badminton Contingent Fails to Medal at Paris Olympics, Padukone Urges Players to Take Responsibility

Indian Badminton Contingent Fails to Medal at Paris Olympics, Padukone Urges Players to Take Responsibility

India’s badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics failed to secure a medal, despite high expectations and a roster featuring some of the country’s top players. Prakash Padukone, a legendary former Indian shuttler and mentor to Lakshya Sen, expressed disappointment and urged the players to take responsibility for their underwhelming performances.

Lakshya Sen, who became the first Indian male shuttler to reach an Olympic semi-final, squandered an opportunity to bring home a medal, according to Padukone. The Indian men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were knocked out in the quarterfinal, while two-time medallist PV Sindhu bowed out in the round of 16 in women’s singles.

Padukone emphasized that the players have received adequate support from the government and that they should not blame external factors for their failures. “After Milkha Singh in ’64 and PT Usha in the ’80s, we have so many fourth-place finishes. I think it’s high time that the players also take responsibility,” he said.

Padukone urged the players to introspect and question whether they are working hard enough. He pointed out that they have access to excellent facilities and support staff, which is not the case in many other countries.

Regarding Lakshya Sen’s defeat, Padukone was particularly critical of the way he squandered his 1-0 lead against Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match. “He could have definitely gotten a medal,” Padukone said. “He cannot give this as an excuse. Take the responsibility and work harder.”

Padukone’s comments highlight the need for Indian badminton players to step up and deliver when it matters most. They must take ownership of their performances and strive for excellence, rather than relying solely on external support.

Avinash Sable Qualifies for 3000m Steeplechase Final, Kiran Pahal to Compete in Repechage

Avinash Sable Qualifies for 3000m Steeplechase Final, Kiran Pahal to Compete in Repechage

Avinash Sable, India’s most decorated track and field athlete after Neeraj Chopra, has become the first Indian man to qualify for the 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris Olympics. Sable finished fifth in his heat with a time of 8:15.43 minutes, securing a spot in the final round.

Sable’s heat was won by Morocco’s Mohamed Tindouft (8:10.62 minutes), followed by Samuel Firewu of Ethiopia (8:11.61 minutes). Abraham Kibiwot of Kenya (8:12.02 minutes) and Ryuji Miura of Japan (8:12.41 minutes) finished third and fourth, respectively.

Despite leading the first two laps, Sable slowed down strategically to conserve energy and qualify for the final. His heat timing was below his personal best of 8:09.91 minutes, which he set at the Paris Diamond League last month.

In the women’s 400m, Kiran Pahal failed to secure an automatic semi-final berth after finishing seventh in her heat. Pahal clocked 52.51 seconds, well below her season’s and personal best of 50.92 seconds.

World champion Marileidy Paulino of Dominica won Pahal’s heat with a time of 49.42 seconds, followed by Aaliyah Butler (50.52 seconds) of the USA and Susanne Gogl-Walli (50.67 seconds) of Austria.

Pahal will now compete in the repechage round on Tuesday, where she will have a second chance to qualify for the semi-finals. The repechage round was introduced in the Paris Olympics for all individual track events from 200m to 1500m, including hurdles events.

Simone Biles Wins Floor Exercise Silver, Ends Paris Olympics with 4 Medals

Simone Biles Wins Floor Exercise Silver, Ends Paris Olympics with 4 Medals

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, concluded her remarkable Paris Olympics campaign with a silver medal in the floor exercise on Monday. Despite a fall on the balance beam, Biles showcased her resilience and determination, finishing behind Brazilian Rebeca Andrade.

Biles entered the final day of competition with the potential to break the record for most gold medals won by a woman in a single Olympics. She had already led the United States to team gold, regained her all-around crown, and soared to vault gold. However, she faced setbacks on Monday.

On the balance beam, Biles suffered a major hiccup, falling off the apparatus. It was her first significant error of the Games, three years after the “twisties” forced her to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics. Biles finished fifth in the beam final, with Italy’s Alice D’Amato claiming gold.

Despite the disappointment on the beam, Biles rebounded with a breathtaking floor routine. However, two out-of-bounds errors proved costly, preventing her from reaching the top of the podium. Andrade secured gold with 14.166 points, while Biles earned 14.133 for silver.

Biles expressed pride in her performance, acknowledging that she had accomplished more than she could have ever imagined. With a total of 11 Olympic and world medals, including 30 golds, she remains one of the most decorated gymnasts in history.

“I’ve accomplished way more than my wildest dreams not just at this Olympics but in the sport,” Biles said. “So I can’t be mad at my performances.”

Biles’s legacy extends beyond her medal count. She has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has inspired countless young athletes. Her return to the Olympics after the challenges she faced in Tokyo is a testament to her perseverance and resilience.

In other apparatus finals, Japan’s Shinnosuke Oka won his third gold medal of the Games, adding the horizontal bar title to his team and all-around victories. China’s Zou Jingyuan retained his parallel bars title, while Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun took silver and Oka earned bronze.

India's Hockey Team Soars to Semifinals, Belief Soars

India’s Hockey Team Soars to Semifinals, Belief Soars

India’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has emerged as a formidable force at the Paris Olympics, defying adversity and showcasing unwavering resilience. Their stunning victory against Great Britain in the quarterfinals has ignited a belief within the squad that they possess something special.

The team’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by a series of challenges, including a narrow escape against New Zealand and a hard-fought draw with Ireland. However, they have risen to the occasion, displaying exceptional attacking prowess against Australia and a masterclass in defense against Great Britain.

Harmanpreet Singh attributes their success to a newfound team spirit and a belief that they can overcome any obstacle. “The kind of situation that happened in the match and we still managed to win, I think something is there,” he said. “We are just two steps (away).”

The next step for India is a daunting semifinal clash against Germany, the reigning World Cup champions. Germany boasts a formidable attack, led by drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, and a strong defense. However, India’s confidence is sky-high after their victory against Great Britain.

“If we can win from one man down, then we can definitely beat any team playing with 11 men,” said Manpreet Singh, the captain of the Tokyo Olympics team. “If we have beaten Australia, we can beat any team in the world.”

Mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton has played a crucial role in developing the team’s resilience. “We’ve worked hard on it, but it was only ever going to be revealed when the rubber hit the road,” he said. “Now we’ve seen they have resilience.”

Despite the suspension of Amit Rohidas for the Germany match, India remains determined to make history. They have proven their ability to adapt and overcome adversity, and they are now within touching distance of a medal of a different color than the bronze they won in Tokyo.

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