Manu Bhaker Makes History with Multiple Olympic Medals for India

Manu Bhaker Makes History with Multiple Olympic Medals for India

Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Bhaker shared her journey to the podium at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, where she secured two bronze medals.

Bhaker’s Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 ended in heartbreak due to a pistol malfunction. However, she returned to Paris with a renewed determination and a meticulously planned training regime. “We trained in a way that we were hoping for medals,” she revealed. “We planned in a way that things turn out good and this worked in our favour this time.”

Bhaker’s success in Paris is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing popularity of shooting in India. “Any achievement is enough to give us motivation,” she said. “I think India has a huge amount of talent. I think it will take some time but we will have great talents in the future.”

Bhaker’s medals are particularly inspiring for young girls who aspire to pursue shooting as a career. “I think the parents would be much more flexible with the girls, and the people would accept shooting more after this celebration,” she added.

The 22-year-old’s bronze medals came in the women’s 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event, where she partnered with Sarabjot Singh. She narrowly missed out on a third bronze in the 25m pistol, finishing a commendable fourth.

Bhaker’s achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also set a new benchmark for Indian shooters. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering focus serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.

Vinesh Phogat's Joint Silver Medal Appeal Dismissed by CAS

Vinesh Phogat’s Joint Silver Medal Appeal Dismissed by CAS

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s hopes of securing a joint silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 were dashed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed her petition on Wednesday. Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle wrestling gold medal match for being overweight, prompting her to file an appeal with CAS. However, her request for a shared silver medal was denied.

The CAS ruling sparked outrage among the Indian sporting community, with Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia taking to social media to express his disappointment. “Your medal was snatched away in this darkness,” Punia wrote. “You are shining like a diamond in the whole world today.”

Phogat’s disqualification stemmed from her failure to meet the weight limit for her category. Despite extreme measures such as cutting her hair, going without food and water, and working out overnight, she was still overweight. The United World Wrestling (UWW) regulations, which do not consider the physiological and psychological stresses faced by athletes, were criticized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

In a statement, IOA President PT Usha expressed “shock and disappointment” at the CAS decision. The body also lashed out at the “inhumane regulations” of UWW. The IOA said it will continue to explore legal options but acknowledged that the matter may be closed.

Phogat’s disqualification means India’s medal tally from the Paris Olympics will stand at six, including one silver and five bronze. The Haryana grappler, who was making her third Olympic appearance, announced her retirement from the sport soon after the setback.

The CAS ruling highlights the need for a review of the weight-cutting regulations in wrestling. Athletes should not be forced to put their health at risk in order to compete. The IOA’s commitment to supporting Phogat and exploring further legal options is a step in the right direction.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Dream Crushed by 100 Grams

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Dream Crushed by 100 Grams

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic dream was shattered by a mere 100 grams. The Indian wrestler, who had made history by reaching the final of the 50kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024, was declared overweight the next morning.

Phogat had weighed in under the weight limit of 50kg before the start of her matches. However, by the end of the first day of competition, she had gained 2.7kg, weighing in at 52.7kg.

This weight gain was not due to any miscalculation or negligence on Phogat’s part. Rather, it was the result of a Herculean effort to make weight.

Phogat had participated in 53kg events as recently as the 2022 World Championships. Her normal weight is reported to be near 57kg. Therefore, going down to 50kg was a significant challenge.

To make weight, Phogat underwent drastic measures. She limited her water intake, avoided food, and trained rigorously. After her weigh-in on the first morning, she consumed a glass of juice and several liters of fluid to stay hydrated for her bouts.

Phogat also took light snacks throughout the day to replenish her energy. This added up to an estimated 2.7kg of weight gain.

After weighing in at 52.7kg after her semi-final, Phogat underwent a grueling night. She trained on the treadmill for six hours and was in the sauna for another three, all without food or water. Her coaches also trimmed the elastic at the bottom of her costume and cut off some of her hair to reduce weight.

Despite these efforts, Phogat was still 100 grams overweight the next morning. This denied her the opportunity to compete for an Olympic medal.

Phogat’s story is a testament to the sacrifices that athletes make to compete at the highest level. It is also a reminder that even the smallest of margins can make a big difference in the outcome of a competition.

Manu Bhaker Makes History, Wins Two Medals at Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker Makes History, Wins Two Medals at Paris Olympics 2024

Manu Bhaker, the Indian shooting sensation, etched her name in history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian since independence to bag two medals in a single edition of the Games. India’s overall medal tally stood at six, with Bhaker contributing two. She secured a bronze in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker’s remarkable performance earned her the honor of being India’s flag-bearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

However, Bhaker’s Olympic triumph was overshadowed by rumors surrounding her personal life. Videos emerged on social media showing her interacting closely with star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had won a silver medal in Paris. The videos sparked speculation about a potential romantic relationship between the two athletes.

Addressing the rumors, Bhaker stated, “I don’t know much about it. I wasn’t there when this happened. But since 2018, we have been meeting on the sidelines of events. We don’t have that much interaction otherwise. During events, we talk a little. But there is no truth to the rumors that are going around.”

Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan, further dismissed the speculations, emphasizing that his daughter is too young for marriage. “Manu is still very young. She is not even of marriageable age. Not even thinking about it right now,” he said.

Kishan also shed light on the close bond between Bhaker’s mother and Chopra. “Manu’s mother considers Neeraj like her son,” he explained.

Chopra’s uncle also addressed the marriage rumors, stating, “Just as Neeraj brought the medal, the entire country got to know about it. Similarly, when he marries, then everyone will know.”

Despite the rumors, Bhaker remains focused on her shooting career. Her historic achievement at the Paris Olympics has cemented her status as one of India’s most promising young athletes.

P.R. Sreejesh's Jersey Retired, Appointed Junior National Hockey Coach

P.R. Sreejesh’s Jersey Retired, Appointed Junior National Hockey Coach

Hockey India has honored legendary goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh by retiring his jersey number 16 and appointing him as the junior national coach. This decision was announced after Sreejesh’s retirement following India’s historic second consecutive Olympic bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Games.

Sreejesh, who has been a stalwart in the Indian hockey team for nearly two decades, has been instrumental in the team’s success. His exceptional skills and leadership have earned him widespread recognition and respect. Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh praised Sreejesh’s contributions, stating that he is an inspiration to young players.

As the junior national coach, Sreejesh will be responsible for grooming the next generation of Indian hockey players. Singh expressed confidence that Sreejesh’s experience and expertise will help develop talented young goalkeepers who can carry on his legacy.

Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a symbol of resilience, determination, and excellence. His jersey number 16 will forever be etched in the annals of Indian hockey history, serving as a reminder of his remarkable achievements.

Arshad Nadeem's Olympic Gold Sparks Rewards and National Pride

Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic Gold Sparks Rewards and National Pride

Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has become a national hero after winning the country’s first-ever individual Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. His historic achievement has sparked a wave of celebrations and rewards.

Upon his return to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a cash prize of PKR 150 million (approx. INR 4.5 crore) and the prestigious Hilal Imtiaz civilian award for Nadeem. The Prime Minister also pledged PKR 100 million for Nadeem’s coach, Salman Iqbal Butt.

In a dinner ceremony held in Islamabad, Sharif praised Nadeem for his exceptional performance and for bringing pride to Pakistan. He emphasized that Nadeem’s success is a testament to the fact that challenges and limited resources cannot hinder the pursuit of excellence.

The government has also announced the establishment of the Arshad Nadeem High-Performance Academy at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad to nurture future javelin throwers. Additionally, a sports endowment fund of PKR 1 billion has been created to support the development of sports in Pakistan.

Nadeem’s victory has sparked widespread jubilation across the country. He has been hailed as a role model for aspiring athletes and an inspiration for the entire nation. His achievement has also highlighted the importance of investing in sports and providing opportunities for young people to excel.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that Nadeem will be the chief guest at the Independence Day ceremony in Islamabad. He urged filmmakers to consider producing a biographical movie about Nadeem’s journey from his humble beginnings in Mian Channu to his Olympic triumph.

Nadeem’s success has not only brought glory to Pakistan but has also inspired a new generation of athletes to dream big and strive for greatness. His legacy will continue to motivate and inspire Pakistanis for years to come.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Medal Verdict Postponed Again by CAS

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Medal Verdict Postponed Again by CAS

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic medal hopes hang in the balance as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has once again postponed the verdict date for her appeal. The Indian wrestler was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 women’s 50kg wrestling final for being 100 grams overweight.

Phogat’s appeal to CAS argues that she was within the permissible weight limit when she qualified for the final and should therefore be awarded a shared silver medal. However, the verdict date has been deferred twice, with the latest postponement to August 16.

Phogat’s legal team, including French lawyers and senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, have been working tirelessly on her case. Singhania has expressed optimism about the lengthy deliberation by CAS, stating that it indicates serious consideration of the matter.

Despite the low success rate at CAS, Singhania remains hopeful for a landmark decision in Phogat’s favor. He acknowledges the difficulty of the case but believes in Phogat’s determination and the strength of her legal team.

Phogat’s supporters and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are eagerly awaiting the verdict, which could potentially grant her a long-awaited Olympic medal. Regardless of the outcome, Phogat’s unwavering spirit and resilience have already made her a champion in the eyes of many.

Paris Olympics 2024: Over 140 Cyberattacks Reported, No Disruptions

Paris Olympics 2024: Over 140 Cyberattacks Reported, No Disruptions

Paris Olympics 2024: Over 140 Cyberattacks Reported, None Disrupted Competitions

During the recently concluded Paris Olympics, French authorities reported a significant number of cyberattacks targeting the event. However, none of these attacks managed to disrupt the competitions or cause any major disruptions.

In the lead-up to and throughout the Games, France’s cyber security agency, Anssi, maintained a heightened state of alert to prevent potential attacks that could impact the organizing committee, ticketing systems, or transportation infrastructure. Between July 26 and August 11, Anssi recorded 119 reports of low-impact “security events” and 22 incidents involving successful targeting of victims’ information systems by malicious actors.

The attacks primarily targeted government entities, as well as sports, transport, and telecoms infrastructure. According to Anssi, approximately one-third of the incidents involved downtime, with half of those being attributed to denial-of-service attacks aimed at overwhelming servers. Other cyber incidents included attempted or actual compromises, data disclosure, and other malicious activities.

“All the cyber events that occurred during this period were generally characterized by their low impact,” Anssi stated.

Despite the numerous cyberattacks, the Grand Palais, which hosted Olympic events in Paris, and around 40 other museums in France were victims of a ransomware attack in early August. However, this incident did not affect any of the information systems involved in the Games.

Ransomware attacks exploit security vulnerabilities to encrypt and block computer systems, demanding a ransom payment from users or organizations to unlock them. During the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics held in 2021, organizers reported a staggering 450 million such operations, double the number seen during the 2012 London Olympics.

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Marie-Rose Bruno, director of technology and information systems for the Paris Games, anticipated “eight to 10 times more” cyberattacks than those experienced in Tokyo.

Thierry Henry's Managerial Redemption: Guiding France U-21s to Olympic Silver

Thierry Henry’s Managerial Redemption: Guiding France U-21s to Olympic Silver

Thierry Henry, the legendary French striker, has finally tasted managerial success after guiding the French Under-21 team to a silver medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. This triumph marks a significant milestone in Henry’s career, which has been characterized by both extraordinary highs and lows.

As a player, Henry achieved unparalleled success, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and UEFA Champions League. His exceptional talent and prolific goalscoring ability earned him the admiration of fans and critics alike.

However, Henry’s transition to management proved to be a challenging one. After a brief stint with Arsenal’s youth squad, he joined the Belgian national team as an assistant manager under Roberto Martínez. Despite Belgium’s impressive third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, Henry’s role was short-lived.

His subsequent appointment as manager of AS Monaco ended in disappointment, as he failed to meet the club’s expectations. He then moved to Major League Soccer, where he coached Montreal Impact (now CF Montreal). However, travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to step down and return home.

Undeterred, Henry reunited with Martínez and the Belgian national team. He played a key role in the team’s performances at the 2020 Euros and the 2022 Qatar World Cup. However, Belgium’s inability to live up to its potential in both tournaments led to Martínez’s departure and the end of Henry’s Belgian journey.

With his managerial career at a crossroads, Henry accepted the challenge of leading the French Under-21 team. This decision proved to be a masterstroke, as he guided the young Les Bleus to a historic silver medal on home soil.

Despite the absence of senior players due to club commitments, Henry’s team displayed remarkable resilience and determination. They won all three group stage matches, edged out World Champion Argentina, and beat Egypt in extra time to reach the final.

In the final, France faced a formidable Spanish team that was enjoying a resurgence. Henry’s men fought valiantly, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to equalize in injury time. However, Spain’s class ultimately prevailed, as they netted two more goals in extra time to clinch the gold.

Nevertheless, Henry hailed his team’s performance as “magical.” He praised their unity, spirit, and unwavering belief. The silver medal represents a significant achievement for French football and a testament to Henry’s managerial abilities.

As Henry reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the challenges he has faced. However, he remains optimistic about the future. With his wealth of experience and unwavering passion for the game, he is confident that he can continue to make a positive impact on the world of football.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Journey: Triumphs and Heartbreak

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Journey: Triumphs and Heartbreak

Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a rollercoaster of emotions. Her disqualification from the women’s 50kg wrestling final was a crushing blow, but her earlier victories had ignited euphoria among Indian sports fans.

Phogat’s biggest upset came in the opening round, where she outwitted the seemingly invincible Yui Susaki of Japan. Susaki, a four-time World Champion and Tokyo Games gold medalist, had an unblemished record of 82 bouts. However, Phogat’s well-executed strategy and determination earned her a 2-3 victory.

In the semifinals, Phogat faced Ukraine’s Oksana Livach. Despite a tough battle, Phogat emerged victorious, securing her place in the final. However, her Olympic dream was cut short when she was disqualified for an illegal hold in the final against Susaki.

Susaki, who had been given a second chance through the repechage, went on to win the bronze medal. However, she expressed deep regret for not winning gold. “I committed a betrayal,” she wrote in a heartfelt note. “I wanted to win the gold medal for my family, teammates, and fans, but I couldn’t do it.”

Despite the disappointment, Susaki vowed to continue her journey towards becoming an Olympic champion. “As long as there are people who still support me and believe in me, I am strongly willing to keep going hard again,” she said.

Phogat’s disqualification was a setback, but her earlier victories showcased her resilience and determination. She remains a role model for aspiring wrestlers and a source of inspiration for Indian sports fans.

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