Young Faces Shine in Paris, but India's Medal Tally Remains Stagnant

Young Faces Shine in Paris, but India’s Medal Tally Remains Stagnant

India’s Olympic medal tally at the 2024 Paris Games is expected to remain at seven, similar to the 2021 Tokyo Games. This is despite the contributions of young athletes like Aman Sehrawat (wrestling), Manu Bhaker (shooting), and Nishant Dev (boxing).

Wrestling, a major medal contributor for India, continued its streak of securing at least one medal at every Games since 2008. Sehrawat, a debutant, won bronze, while Reetika Hooda showed promise in her first multi-sport event. However, established wrestlers like Antim Panghal and Anshu Malik underperformed.

Boxing, on the other hand, faced challenges due to off-field distractions and a lack of bench strength. The squad, including Tokyo medalist Lovlina Borgohain and world champion Nikhat Zareen, failed to deliver. Experts suggest a reset button and a focus on grooming young talent.

Shooting, which had a disappointing performance in Rio and Tokyo, made a significant comeback with three bronze medals. Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale contributed to the tally. However, the medals being bronze indicate room for improvement, especially considering the dominance of nations like China and Korea.

The performance of these young athletes in wrestling, shooting, and boxing reflects India’s need to address issues in preparation, planning, and talent development. The next Olympic cycle should focus on correcting these areas to enhance India’s medal prospects at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Irish Olympian Mark English Finishes Sixth in 800m, Sparks Meme Fest Over Surname

Irish Olympian Mark English Finishes Sixth in 800m, Sparks Meme Fest Over Surname

Irish Olympian Mark English, despite a valiant effort in the Men’s 800m, finished sixth in the race. While his performance was met with praise on social media, his surname, “English,” sparked a humorous meme fest.

English, a native of Letterkenny, Donegal, is Ireland’s leading 800m runner with nine national titles to his name. His athletic journey began with soccer and Gaelic football before transitioning to competitive running.

In the 2024 Paris Olympics, English made a strong move with 200m remaining but was unable to maintain his pace. Despite missing out on a medal, his performance was widely lauded.

However, his surname became a source of amusement online. “Ireland or England at the 2024 Paris Olympics?” one user quipped, sharing a picture of English. Another added, “English but Irish.”

The irony of English’s name and nationality sparked a flurry of memes. “In the ironic lane is the Irish runner, Mark English,” one user commented. Another explained, “So this Mark, is he English? No, actually, he’s Irish. But his name is Mark English! True, but he hails from Ireland. So, is English his first language? No, he speaks Irish as his mother tongue.”

The 2024 Paris Olympics, which began on July 26 and will conclude on August 11, has witnessed both controversy and memorable moments. The opening ceremony tableau drew criticism for its alleged insensitivity towards Christianity, while athletes falling ill after swimming in the River Seine raised concerns about water quality.

Despite these setbacks, the event has also showcased remarkable achievements, such as the effortless style of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec and the heartwarming marriage proposal made by Chinese badminton player Zheng Si Wei to his mixed doubles partner Huang Ya Qiong after winning gold.

India's Paris Olympics 2024: Golf and Wrestling Action on Day 15

India’s Paris Olympics 2024: Golf and Wrestling Action on Day 15

India’s Paris Olympics 2024: Day 15 to Witness Golf and Wrestling Action

As India’s Paris Olympics 2024 nears its conclusion, Day 15 promises excitement in golf and wrestling.

Golf:

Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will compete in the final round of the women’s individual stroke play. After a promising start, they slipped to 40th and 42nd positions, respectively, on the penultimate round. They will aim for a strong finish to improve their standings.

Wrestling:

Reetika will represent India in the women’s freestyle 76kg Round of 16. If she emerges victorious, she will advance to the quarter-finals and semi-finals, which will take place later in the day.

India’s Performance on Day 14:

Day 14 witnessed a historic achievement for India as Aman Sehrawat clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling category. He became the first Indian wrestler to win a medal at Paris 2024 and the youngest Indian to do so at the Olympics.

India’s medal tally now stands at six, with Manu Bhaker contributing two bronze medals in shooting, Swapnil Kusale adding another in shooting, Neeraj Chopra securing a silver in javelin throw, and the men’s hockey team earning a bronze.

Schedule for India on Paris Olympics 2024 Day 15:

Golf:

* 12:30 PM IST – Women’s individual stroke play (Round 4) – Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar

Wrestling:

* 3:00 PM IST – Women’s freestyle 76kg Round of 16 – Reetika
* 4:20 PM IST – Women’s freestyle 76kg quarter finals (if qualified) – Reetika
* 10:25 PM IST – Women’s freestyle 76kg semifinal (if qualified) – Reetika

Indian Expats in Paris Embrace the Olympic Spirit through Badminton

Indian Expats in Paris Embrace the Olympic Spirit through Badminton

Tanmay Garg and Shantanu Barve, two 23-year-old Indian expats living in Paris, found themselves immersed in the excitement of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite their contrasting interests in sports, they shared a common desire to witness the spectacle firsthand.

Garg, an investment banker from New Delhi, had little knowledge of badminton but was eager to experience the Olympic atmosphere. Barve, on the other hand, was a passionate badminton enthusiast from Pune, eager to witness the sport’s finest athletes in action.

Together, they secured tickets to watch India’s Lakshya Sen compete in the badminton semifinals. As they waited for Sen’s match, Barve patiently explained the intricacies of badminton to Garg, covering everything from scoring to court dimensions.

By the time Sen took to the court against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, Garg had transformed into a badminton expert. He eagerly shared his newfound knowledge with Barve, even interjecting with cricket analogies to illustrate the game’s dynamics.

Barve was thrilled to witness Sen’s remarkable performance, having purchased the tickets months in advance without knowing the lineup. He was equally impressed by Spain’s Carolina Marin, despite her unfortunate injury. Garg, too, was captivated by the intensity of the competition and the proximity of an Indian athlete to an Olympic medal.

Their Olympic experience extended beyond badminton. They marveled at the architectural grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of the Champs-Élysées, and sampled the delectable pastries at local patisseries.

As they bid farewell to the Olympics, Garg and Barve reflected on their unforgettable journey. They had not only witnessed sporting excellence but had also forged a deeper bond through their shared experience.

Odisha's Hockey Legacy: Nurturing Success at the Paris Olympics

Odisha’s Hockey Legacy: Nurturing Success at the Paris Olympics

The Indian men’s hockey team’s historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics has ignited a wave of pride across the nation, particularly in the state of Odisha, which has been instrumental in the sport’s resurgence.

Odisha’s association with Indian hockey began in 2018 when the state government, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, became the official sponsor of the men’s and women’s teams. This partnership came at a crucial time when the sport faced financial challenges following the withdrawal of Sahara as the primary sponsor.

Patnaik, a former hockey goalkeeper, has been a driving force behind the state’s commitment to the sport. Under his leadership, Odisha has invested heavily in hockey infrastructure, including the construction of the world’s largest hockey stadium in Rourkela. The state has also hosted several international tournaments, providing the Indian teams with invaluable experience and exposure.

The state’s support has extended beyond financial assistance. Odisha has become a hub for hockey development, with grassroots programs and academies nurturing young talent. The state’s commitment to the sport has earned it the reputation as the “hockey capital” of India.

Patnaik’s personal connection to hockey adds an emotional dimension to Odisha’s involvement. He has been a vocal supporter of the teams and has played a key role in promoting the sport at the national and international levels.

The Indian men’s hockey team’s success at the Paris Olympics is a testament to the transformative impact of Odisha’s support. The state’s long-term commitment to the sport has created a conducive environment for the teams to thrive and achieve their full potential.

As India celebrates this historic achievement, much of the credit goes to Odisha for its unwavering dedication to nurturing and promoting hockey. The state’s continued support is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of Indian hockey, ensuring its continued growth and success on the global stage.

India's Paris Olympics Journey: Triumphs, Disappointments, and Controversies

India’s Paris Olympics Journey: Triumphs, Disappointments, and Controversies

The Paris Olympics 2024 have been a rollercoaster of emotions for India, with both triumphs and disappointments. The Indian contingent has secured five medals so far, including four bronze and one silver. However, there have been some near misses and controversies that have left a bittersweet taste.

One of the most heartbreaking moments came in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final, where Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight. This shattered her hopes of a medal and left the Indian contingent in shock.

Another disappointment came in badminton, where India’s medal hopes were pinned on Lakshya Sen. However, he lost the bronze medal match, leaving India without a medal in the sport. This led to criticism from former badminton player Prakash Padukone, who called on the players to take responsibility for their losses.

However, this statement sparked a debate, with some players criticizing Padukone for blaming Lakshya. Olympics Expert Tejaswin Shankar argued that coaches should also take responsibility for their players’ performances.

Despite these setbacks, India has had some notable successes. Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw, becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in athletics since 1900. The Indian women’s hockey team also made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time.

The Paris Olympics 2024 have been a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian athletes. While there have been disappointments, there have also been moments of triumph. The Indian contingent will continue to strive for success in the remaining events, hoping to add to their medal tally and make the nation proud.

India Trails Pakistan in Olympic Medals Tally Despite Higher Medal Count

India Trails Pakistan in Olympic Medals Tally Despite Higher Medal Count

The Paris Olympic Games 2024 have concluded, with India securing a total of 5 medals: 4 bronze and 1 silver. Despite surpassing Pakistan in medal count, India finds itself ranked lower due to the International Olympic Committee’s ranking system, which prioritizes gold medals.

India’s medal hopes rested heavily on javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had emerged as a gold medal contender after wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. However, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem shattered those hopes, claiming the gold medal and setting a new Olympic record. This victory propelled Pakistan ahead of India in the overall medals tally.

As of Day 13, Pakistan stood at 53rd in the standings with a single gold medal, while India occupied 64th place with one silver and four bronze. The ranking discrepancy stems from the IOC’s system, which places greater value on gold medals. Silver and bronze medals are only considered in the event of a tie in gold medal count.

Arshad’s triumph marked Pakistan’s first individual Olympic gold medal in four decades. Prior to this, the nation had only won gold medals in field hockey, with three victories in 1960, 1968, and 1984. Pakistan’s Olympic medal history also includes two individual bronze medals in wrestling (1960) and boxing (1988). The country’s last Olympic medal was a bronze in field hockey at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

India’s medal haul in Paris included a silver in weightlifting by Mirabai Chanu and bronze medals in wrestling (Bajrang Punia), boxing (Lovlina Borgohain), badminton (PV Sindhu), and hockey (men’s team). While these medals represent a commendable achievement, India’s lower ranking highlights the importance of gold medals in the Olympic ranking system.

Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver in Javelin at Paris Olympics 2024

Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver in Javelin at Paris Olympics 2024

Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in javelin, made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win back-to-back medals at the Games. However, the night belonged to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who shattered the Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m.

Chopra, who was aiming for a second consecutive gold, was hampered by a groin injury that limited him to just one legitimate throw. Despite his best efforts, he could not breach the 90m mark for the first time in his career and had to settle for silver.

The frustration was evident on Chopra’s face as he repeatedly crossed the throwing arc, resulting in five of his six attempts being declared fouls. During his penultimate throw, he lost his cool and screamed in anger after his leg crossed the line.

Speaking to the media after the competition, Chopra admitted that he felt he could have thrown over 90m, but his injury prevented him from doing so. “It was because of an injury (groin strain). I wanted to express myself and throw. It was not happening. It was the Olympic stage. But, the throw was still good. I managed only one legal throw. All others were foul. When Arshad threw 92.97m, I believed in my mind that I would be able to do it (90m) today. It didn’t happen today. Let’s see when it will happen. But the competition was very intense and exciting. Winning a medal for my country makes me happy,” he said.

Despite the disappointment of not winning gold, Chopra’s silver medal is a testament to his resilience and determination. He has become India’s third track-and-field athlete to win an Olympic medal, after Norman Pritchard and Sushil Kumar, and the fifth Indian to have two medals at the Games.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Blames WFI

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Blames WFI

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Kripa Shankar Blames WFI

Former Indian wrestler Kripa Shankar has expressed his disappointment over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to being overweight. Vinesh, who was set to compete in the gold medal match on Wednesday, was disqualified for being a few grams overweight on the morning of her 50kg bout.

Shankar, a former Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, believes that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is to blame for not implementing the practice of taking weights twice during national events. He claims that Vinesh did not have any prior experience of giving her weight twice during an event.

“I don’t think Vinesh ever had the experience of going for weigh-ins twice. Even in the national tournaments, there is no such criteria of taking the weights of the wrestlers twice,” Shankar told NDTV. “I had once asked the Indian wrestling body not to implement half-finished rules, but they suspended me for six years.”

Shankar also criticized the WFI for prioritizing cost-cutting over providing wrestlers with the necessary ecosystem to succeed. “I feel that the wrestling body wants to avoid extra expenditure by organizing a one-day tournament. By doing so, you are not giving the wrestlers the right ecosystem to wrestle,” he said.

According to the new rules, wrestlers must meet the weight limit on both days of competition. Vinesh was eligible to compete on Day 1 after she made the weight. However, she was found to be a kilogram overweight on Tuesday night and managed to reduce 900 grams overnight. Despite not sleeping or eating, she was unable to shed the remaining 100 grams of extra weight.

If a wrestler is found overweight, they have 25 minutes to reduce it through methods such as cycling, running, or sauna. Shankar believes that reducing weight overnight is not an easy task.

“Giving weight is such an important practice in wrestling. This might be a small thing for many, but this has cost us big time (with Vinesh’s disqualification),” Shankar said.

Vinesh’s disqualification has sparked outrage among Indian wrestling fans and raised questions about the WFI’s handling of the situation. Shankar’s comments have added fuel to the fire, highlighting the need for better support and infrastructure for Indian wrestlers.

Indian Wrestler Aman Sehrawat Eyes Bronze at Paris Olympics 2024

Indian Wrestler Aman Sehrawat Eyes Bronze at Paris Olympics 2024

India’s Olympic journey continues at the Paris Games 2024, with grappler Aman Sehrawat vying for a bronze medal in the men’s 57kg wrestling event. Sehrawat’s hopes of a gold medal were dashed in the semifinals by Japanese top-seed Rei Higuchi, who dominated the bout with a 10-0 victory.

Undeterred, Sehrawat will now face Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz in the bronze medal match on Friday. The 21-year-old Indian had impressed in the earlier rounds, securing victories against formidable opponents. However, Higuchi’s superior technique and experience proved too much for Sehrawat in the semifinals.

In other events, the Indian women’s 4x400m relay team will compete in Round 1 at 2:10pm, while the men’s 4x400m relay team will take to the track at 2:35pm. In golf, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will represent India in the women’s individual event, starting at 12:30pm.

India’s medal hopes remain alive, with Sehrawat’s bronze medal match being a crucial opportunity to add to the country’s tally. The young wrestler will be determined to make the most of this chance and secure a podium finish for India.

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