Manu Bhaker Celebrates Raksha Bandhan, Embraces Hobbies During Time Off

Manu Bhaker Celebrates Raksha Bandhan, Embraces Hobbies During Time Off

Manu Bhaker, India’s shooting sensation who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, is making the most of her time off by indulging in her hobbies and spending quality time with her family.

During the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Bhaker shared glimpses of her celebrations on social media. She posted a picture with her brother, symbolizing the traditional ritual of siblings blessing each other with gifts.

In another Instagram story, Bhaker showcased her culinary skills, hilariously captioning it as “making the right use of my holidays with classes from my mother.”

Beyond her shooting prowess, Bhaker has revealed her passion for martial arts. She plans to dedicate her time off to practicing this discipline, which she pursued as a teenager before transitioning to shooting.

“Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again,” Bhaker told PTI. “I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that. Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies.”

Bhaker’s hobbies extend beyond martial arts to include horse riding, skating, fitness, and dance. She is particularly fond of Bharatnatyam, a classical Indian dance form.

“I was training in France, I wasn’t able to get time, not able to cope up with the (Bharatnatyam) classes,” said Bhaker, whose trainer is from Tamil Nadu.

Bhaker’s diverse interests and dedication to her hobbies demonstrate her well-rounded personality and her commitment to personal growth beyond her sporting achievements.

Olympic Gymnast Zhou Yaqin Serves Food at Family Restaurant

Olympic Gymnast Zhou Yaqin Serves Food at Family Restaurant

Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin, who captured hearts at the Paris Olympics 2024 with her heartwarming medal-biting moment, has returned home to a new viral sensation. The 18-year-old silver medalist in the balance beam event has been spotted helping her parents serve food at their local restaurant in Hengyang, Hunan province.

Zhou’s Olympic journey began at the tender age of three when she discovered her passion for gymnastics. Specializing in the balance beam, she quickly rose through the ranks, winning an individual gold in the Chinese Championships in 2020. Her senior-level achievements include gold medals at the National Games of China and the World Championships.

At the Paris Olympics, Zhou made history by qualifying ahead of legendary gymnast Simone Biles in the balance beam event. She went on to secure a silver medal with a total score of 14.100, just behind Italy’s Alice D’Amato. Zhou’s performance was particularly impressive as she outscored Biles, who finished outside the podium in fifth place.

Zhou’s Olympic moment of fame came after the medal ceremony when she was captured on camera trying to bite her silver medal, mimicking the actions of the Italian gymnasts who had done so before her. The wholesome moment went viral on social media, endearing Zhou to fans worldwide.

Now, back home in Hengyang, Zhou has traded her Olympic uniform for an apron, helping her parents run their restaurant. In a heartwarming gesture, she has been serving food to customers in her Olympic uniform, promoting the family business and inspiring her community.

Zhou’s story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to achieve Olympic success. It also highlights the importance of family and community support in the lives of athletes. As she continues her gymnastics career, Zhou Yaqin remains an inspiration to young athletes and a symbol of the Olympic spirit.

India's Olympic Performance Raises Concerns, Mahindra Expresses Distress

India’s Olympic Performance Raises Concerns, Mahindra Expresses Distress

India’s Disappointing Performance at Paris Olympics 2024 Raises Concerns

India’s performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024 has left many disappointed, including Mahindra Group founder Anand Mahindra. Despite the government’s significant investment in sports infrastructure and incentives, India finished a lowly 71st in the medals tally with just six medals (five bronze and one silver). Pakistan, on the other hand, finished ahead with a single gold medal in men’s javelin throw.

Mahindra expressed his distress over India’s poor showing, stating that he had “run out of thoughts and [was] confused” about what needed to be done to improve the country’s performance. He acknowledged the efforts of the government and private sector in promoting sports, but questioned why India was still struggling to produce world-class athletes in Olympic sports.

One of India’s biggest medal hopes was javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had won gold at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. However, Chopra failed to repeat his success in Paris, finishing behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a Games record with a 92.97m throw. Nadeem’s victory marked Pakistan’s first individual gold medal at the Olympics.

Mahindra highlighted the need to identify and nurture young talent, providing them with the necessary support and resources to excel at the highest level. He also emphasized the importance of a strong grassroots sports culture, where children are encouraged to participate in sports from a young age.

The Indian contingent had several athletes who finished fourth in their respective events, narrowly missing out on medals. This suggests that India has the potential to improve its performance, but needs to address the factors that are preventing its athletes from reaching the podium.

Neeraj Chopra Claims Silver in Paris Olympics Javelin, Eyes Hat-Trick in Los Angeles

Neeraj Chopra Claims Silver in Paris Olympics Javelin, Eyes Hat-Trick in Los Angeles

Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy of javelin, narrowly missed out on the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, settling for silver despite a season-best throw of 89.45m. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem stole the show with a mammoth 92.97m throw, breaking the Olympic record and leaving Chopra in his wake.

Chopra’s best effort came on his second attempt, but his subsequent four throws were all fouls. Experts believe that Chopra’s eagerness to surpass Nadeem’s record may have contributed to his fouls.

“When Nadeem threw 92.97 meters, there was pressure on Neeraj,” said three-time Paralympic medalist Devendra Jhajharia. “He wanted to throw over 93 meters and put in extra effort, which resulted in four fouls.”

Despite the setback, Chopra remains a force to be reckoned with. He won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and is determined to complete a sensational hat-trick of medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“Neeraj is very passionate about javelin,” added Jhajharia. “He is so focused and humble. I am sure he will make a hat-trick of Olympic medals in Los Angeles.”

Chopra’s silver medal in Paris is a testament to his resilience and determination. He will undoubtedly be a contender for gold in Los Angeles, where he will aim to cement his legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time.

Vinesh Phogat's Emotional Return to India After Olympics Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat’s Emotional Return to India After Olympics Disqualification

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s return to India after her Paris Olympics 2024 campaign was met with an overwhelming reception from the crowd. Hundreds of supporters had gathered outside the IGI airport in New Delhi to give a rousing welcome to Vinesh, who was disqualified for being overweight after reaching the 50kg final at the Olympics. Vinesh’s appeal against her disqualification was also rejected by the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Amid this grand welcome in Delhi, a very heartwarming moment was captured from Vinesh’s native village in Haryana. Upon arriving at Balali, Haryana, Vinesh hugged her uncle and mentor Mahavir Singh Phogat, and the duo shared a very emotional moment. During Vinesh’s disqualification at the Olympics, Mahavir was constantly extending support to Vinesh.

This particular hug between the duo left all the netizens and fans emotional. On August 8, Vinesh penned an emotional note to announce her decision to retire from wrestling. However, after seeing such a warm reception from the fans, she stated that she has got the courage to pick up the threads and get on with life.

“As I got love from my fellow Indians, my village, and my family members, I guess I would get some courage to make this wound heal. Maybe, I could return to wrestling,” Vinesh told the media.

“I just want to say that missing the Olympic medal is the biggest wound in my life. I don’t know how much time it would take to heal this wound. I don’t know if I would pursue wrestling or not, but the kind of courage I got today (Saturday), I want to use that in the right direction,” she added.

Vinesh and fellow Olympians Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have been protesting for more than a year against the Wrestling Federation of India and its former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for his alleged sexual harassment of women grapplers.

“Our fight has not ended, and the fight will continue, and I pray to God that the truth will prevail,” said Vinesh.

Arshad Nadeem vs Neeraj Chopra Rivalry Surpasses Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Arshad Nadeem vs Neeraj Chopra Rivalry Surpasses Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem’s historic gold medal victory in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics 2024 has sparked comparisons to the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy rivalry between India and Australia. Nadeem’s record-breaking throw of 92.97m dethroned defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India, who settled for silver with a throw of 89.45m.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has ignited the debate, claiming that the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra has surpassed the magnitude of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ali argues that the India-Pakistan rivalry transcends all other sporting contests, including the Ashes between England and Australia.

“The whole world knows that India vs Pakistan is on one side and everything else is on the other side. Even Ashes isn’t that big,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.

Ali believes that the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra will draw massive crowds regardless of the venue. “When Neeraj and Arshad compete in javelin, the whole world will be in front of the television, and the stadium will be full,” he added.

Nadeem’s gold medal was Pakistan’s first in 40 years since the men’s team won it in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The victory has ignited a sense of national pride in Pakistan and has further fueled the rivalry with India.

While the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a bilateral cricket series, the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra extends beyond the confines of a single sport. It represents the intense competition and national pride that exists between India and Pakistan.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Journey Ends Without Medal, But Love and Respect Abound

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Journey Ends Without Medal, But Love and Respect Abound

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 may have ended without a medal, but the outpouring of love and respect from her fans has made her mother believe that it outweighs any gold medal.

Upon her arrival in India on Saturday, Vinesh was greeted by a roaring crowd at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears as she was welcomed by family and loved ones.

“Everyone from our village and nearby areas have come here to welcome her. We will felicitate her… she is a champion for me. The country has given her more honor than a gold medal,” said her mother, Premlata, to ANI.

Premlata also revealed that she had prepared Vinesh’s favorite meal to welcome her home. Vinesh is expected to travel to her native village Balali later in the day.

Despite qualifying for the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final, Vinesh was not allowed to compete due to weighing in 100gm over the weight limit on the second day. However, her mother believes that this setback will only fuel her determination to win an Olympic gold medal.

“Preparations are underway in her native village to welcome her… She couldn’t win the medal but we will work hard and surely win the Olympic gold medal,” said Vinesh’s brother, Harinder Punia.

Vinesh has previously paid tribute to her mother’s unwavering spirit, revealing that she was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer just two months after her father’s death.

“Seeing my mother’s hardships, never-give-up attitude, and fighting spirit is what makes me the way I am. She taught me to fight for what is rightfully mine. When I think about courage, I think about her, and it is this courage that helps me fight every fight without thinking about the outcome,” Vinesh had written.

Vinesh’s journey may have ended in Paris without a medal, but the love and support she has received from her fans and family have made it a victory in its own right.

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Bond Beyond Competition

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Bond Beyond Competition

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Tale of Sportsmanship and Mutual Respect

India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem are fierce competitors on the javelin field, but off the ground, they share an unbreakable bond. Their mutual respect and admiration transcend the outcome of any competition.

In the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Arshad claimed the gold medal in the javelin throw event, while Neeraj secured the silver. Despite the rivalry, their camaraderie was evident in a post-medal ceremony interview.

When asked who he would cast as Arshad in a biopic, Neeraj suggested Amitabh Bachchan, citing his height and stature. Arshad, in turn, proposed Shah Rukh Khan for Neeraj’s biopic.

Neeraj’s silver medal performance in Paris was a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite falling short of retaining his gold, he acknowledged his physical limitations and vowed to improve.

“Mentally I was ready, but physically, I was retraining myself. My legwork on the runway was not how it should have been,” Neeraj said.

He also announced his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, scheduled to begin on August 22.

The bond between Neeraj and Arshad is a beacon of sportsmanship and camaraderie. It demonstrates that even in the face of intense competition, respect and friendship can prevail.

Lakshya Sen's Olympic Heartbreak: India's Medal Hopes Dashed

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Heartbreak: India’s Medal Hopes Dashed

Lakshya Sen’s heartbreaking fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics 2024 shattered India’s hopes of a badminton medal. The 22-year-old shuttler’s devastating loss to Viktor Axelsen in the semifinals and Lee Zii Jia in the bronze-medal match left a bitter taste in the mouths of Indian fans.

Sen’s journey to the semifinals was nothing short of remarkable. Despite having his first-round win against Kevin Cordon “deleted” due to the Guatemalan’s injury, he fought his way through a series of tough opponents, including Julien Carraggi, Jonatan Christie, HS Prannoy, and Chou Tien-Chen.

However, in the semifinals against Axelsen, Sen’s momentum faltered. He squandered three game points in the first game and a 7-0 lead in the second, handing the match to the Danish star.

A day later, with the bronze medal still within reach, Sen seemed poised to secure a podium finish. He won the first game against Lee, but a disastrous second game, in which he lost nine straight points, opened the door for the Malaysian. Lee capitalized on Sen’s lapse and sealed the victory, ending India’s 12-year streak of winning at least one Olympic medal in badminton.

Sen’s coach, Prakash Padukone, was brutally honest in his assessment of the shuttler’s performance. He urged Lakshya and other Indian players to take more responsibility and highlighted the need for a stricter approach. Padukone’s strictness was evident in his decision to confiscate Sen’s phone during the Olympics.

Despite the disappointment, Sen remains optimistic about the future. He acknowledged the learning experience and expressed his determination to improve. Axelsen himself predicted that Sen could be a strong contender for gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Heartbreak: Coach Feared for Her Life During Weight-Cut

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Heartbreak: Coach Feared for Her Life During Weight-Cut

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic heartbreak took a dramatic turn as her coach, Woller Akos, revealed the harrowing ordeal she endured the night before the 50kg final at the Paris Olympics 2024.

After an inspiring victory over reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the quarterfinals, Vinesh faced a grueling weight-cut session. For five hours, she and her coaching staff desperately tried to shed 100 grams of excess weight. Despite cutting her hair and drawing blood, Vinesh’s weight remained stubbornly high.

As the clock ticked down, Akos and his team resorted to extreme measures. From midnight to 5:30 AM, Vinesh underwent intense cardio and wrestling drills, collapsing at one point. She spent an hour in the sauna, but not a drop of sweat appeared.

“I don’t intentionally write dramatic details, but I only remember thinking that she might die,” Akos wrote in a now-deleted post.

Vinesh was eventually hospitalized, and her disqualification from the final sent shockwaves through the Indian wrestling contingent and the nation.

Despite the crushing disappointment, Vinesh remained positive. “Coach, don’t be sad because you told me that if I find myself in any difficult situation and need extra energy, I should think that I beat the best woman wrestler in the world,” she told Akos. “I achieved my goal, I proved that I am one of the best in the world.”

Vinesh’s disqualification meant she would not receive a silver medal, leading to her retirement announcement. Her team appealed to the CAS, but their plea was dismissed.

Akos’s revelation sheds light on the extreme sacrifices athletes make in pursuit of Olympic glory. Vinesh’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the physical and mental toll that elite competition can take.

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