Neeraj Chopra Admits Pressure in Paris Paralympics Javelin Final

Neeraj Chopra Admits Pressure in Paris Paralympics Javelin Final

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has opened up about the intense pressure he faced during the javelin throw final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite his best efforts, Chopra was unable to secure his second consecutive Olympic gold medal, as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem claimed the top spot with a record-breaking throw.

Nadeem’s astonishing 92.97m effort in his second attempt set an insurmountable target for the rest of the field, including Chopra. The Indian athlete, who seemed visibly under pressure, managed only one legitimate throw – the silver-winning 89.45m in the second round.

In a recent interview, Chopra admitted that Nadeem’s giant throw had a significant impact on his mindset. “The first throw has a huge impact on an athlete’s mentality. My first throw was good, but I fouled it. I was having some issues with the new track and tried to adjust to avoid another foul, but I failed. The competition was tough,” Chopra said.

“After that, Nadeem had a great throw, and my second throw was also good. But then, as we often say, it’s important to balance passion with composure. That day, I think I lost my composure. I was too emotional and angry, and I wanted to do better. But somewhere along the way, I lost sight of the technical aspects,” he added.

While Chopra was unable to defend his Olympic gold in Paris, he became the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win two successive Olympic medals. He had previously won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Nadeem’s record-breaking throw of 92.97m set a new benchmark in the sport of javelin throw. Chopra, who has consistently been one of the top performers in the world, will undoubtedly be determined to regain his Olympic title at the next Games.

Nitesh Kumar Wins Gold in Para Badminton at Paris Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar Wins Gold in Para Badminton at Paris Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar’s life took an unexpected turn after a train accident in 2009 resulted in the amputation of his left leg. Despite his passion for football, destiny had other plans for him. However, the resilient Haryana boy refused to give up on his dreams and found his calling in para sport.

As an engineer by profession, Nitesh discovered his love for badminton while studying at IIT Mandi. Despite wearing a prosthetic leg, he often competed against able-bodied players from his college. His dedication and love for the game led him to win a bronze medal at the Para Nationals in 2016.

Nitesh’s impressive deceptive skills and unwavering determination soon made him a force to be reckoned with at the national level. At the 2020 Para National Championships, he stunned Tokyo Paralympic medallists Pramod Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar. Bhagat, who had claimed a historic gold medal in Tokyo, was serving an 18-month suspension for an anti-doping violation.

Nitesh ensured that India defended its gold medal from Tokyo. In a thrilling final against England’s Daniel Bethell, Nitesh clinched the victory 21-14, 18-21, 23-21, converting a second match point after saving one in between.

“I had goosebumps when the national anthem was being played and the Indian flag was going up. It was an amazing feeling, hard to describe,” said the 29-year-old Nitesh.

Suhas Yathiraj, 41, won silver in the men’s singles SL4 class, losing to France’s defending champion Lucas Mazur. For Yathiraj, an IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, it was a significant achievement to win his second Paralympics medal, having lost to Mazur in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics final as well.

India’s success in para badminton continued in the SU5 category (standing/upper limb impairment). Thulasimathi Murugesan took silver after losing to China’s defending champion Yang Qiuxia in the final. Second seed Manisha Ramadass took bronze, beating Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren in the playoff.

Thulasi, 22, from Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, trains at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad. Despite her congenital deformity and severe injuries from an accident, she has won three medals in the Asian Para Games, including gold in singles, and silver at the world championships this year.

Para Swimmer Niranjan Mukundan's Paralympic Dream Derailed by Injury

Para Swimmer Niranjan Mukundan’s Paralympic Dream Derailed by Injury

Niranjan Mukundan, India’s first para swimmer to achieve 100 international medals, had his sights set on the 2024 Paris Paralympics. However, a foot ulcer during the qualification process forced him to return home for rehabilitation.

Born with Spina Bifida, Mukundan underwent 19 surgeries and missed school for months. At age seven, he began swimming as physical therapy, and his talent quickly emerged. By 18, he won his first international medal and became a Junior World Champion two years later.

In an exclusive interview, Mukundan shared his journey and the setback that dashed his Paralympic hopes. He also discussed his partnership with Evocus, which has supported his hydration and recovery.

Mukundan’s swimming career began as a way to improve his physical abilities. However, he quickly discovered his passion for the sport and the sense of freedom it gave him. His parents have been his unwavering supporters, providing him with the resources and encouragement he needed to succeed.

Mukundan’s favorite disciplines include the 50m butterfly, 200m Individual Medley, and 400m Freestyle. He credits music and meditation for helping him manage pressure and stay calm during competitions.

Despite the injury setback, Mukundan remains optimistic. He is in the final phase of rehabilitation and plans to compete in the Para Nationals in October. He is also looking forward to competing in other events early next year.

Mukundan emphasizes the importance of hydration for athletes, especially swimmers. He credits Evocus Hydration I.V. for helping him maintain optimal hydration levels during training and recovery.

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

Indian Para Shuttler Nitesh Kumar Secures Maiden Paralympic Medal

Indian para shuttler Nitesh Kumar has secured a maiden medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the Paris Paralympics. The 29-year-old defeated Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara in straight games (21-16, 21-12) in the semifinals on Sunday.

Kumar, who overcame permanent leg damage from a 2009 accident, has been performing consistently and expressed his self-belief in reaching the finals. He said, “I have been performing consistently, so I had the self belief that I will make the finals and it feels amazing to actually do that because there is pressure and I had lost my mixed doubles but I didn’t let it affect me.”

In the summit clash, Kumar will face Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell, who defeated Thailand’s Bunsun Mongkhon in the other semifinal. Bethell, who was the runner-up to Pramod Bhagat in the Tokyo Games, is a formidable opponent, setting the stage for an electrifying final.

Kumar’s sports journey began with a passion for football in childhood. However, an accident in Visakhapatnam left him bedridden for months and resulted in permanent leg damage. Despite this, his interest in sports endured, particularly during his time at IIT-Mandi, where he developed a keen interest in badminton.

He kept honing his skills along with studies and made his debut at the Nationals in Faridabad, winning a bronze while representing Haryana. The following year, he clinched silver in singles and bronze in doubles at Bengaluru, establishing himself in para-badminton.

His domestic success peaked at the 2020 Nationals, where he defeated Pramod and Manoj Sarkar to win gold. Kumar’s win assured India’s third medal from para badminton after Manisha Ramadass confirmed a podium after setting up a women’s singles SU5 semifinals duel with compatriot Thulasimathi Murugesan.

India’s medal hopes were further bolstered by Nithya Sivan Sumathy, who advanced to the women’s singles SH6 semifinals with a 21-4, 21-7 victory over Poland’s Oliwia Szmigiel. On Saturday, Sukant Kadam earned the right to take on compatriot Suhas Yathiraj in SL4 semifinals to assure the country its first medal in badminton from this edition of the Games.

Nitesh Kumar Qualifies for Para Badminton Semifinals at Paris Paralympics

Nitesh Kumar Qualifies for Para Badminton Semifinals at Paris Paralympics

India’s Nitesh Kumar, a 29-year-old IIT Mandi graduate, has secured a spot in the semifinals of the men’s singles SL3 group A para badminton competition at the Paris Paralympics. Kumar, who suffered a permanent leg injury in an accident in 2009, displayed exceptional skill and determination in his second match, defeating China’s Yang Jianyuan in straight games (21-5, 21-11).

Kumar’s victory ensures him a top-two finish in the four-man group, with the top two players from each group advancing to the semifinals. He will face Thailand’s Bunsun Mongkhon in his final group match.

However, Manasi Joshi and Manoj Sarkar’s hopes of reaching the semifinals were dashed after they suffered their second consecutive defeats. Joshi, a 2019 World Champion, narrowly lost to Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna (21-10, 15-21, 21-23) in her second women’s singles SL3 Group A match. Sarkar, a Tokyo bronze medalist, also faced defeat, losing to Bunsun (19-21, 8-21) in his second Group A match.

In the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 group stage, Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan lost to the Indonesian pair of Ramdani Hikmat and Oktila leani Ratri (15-21, 8-21). Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli also suffered a defeat to France’s Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel (15-21, 9-21) in their second group A mixed doubles match.

Indian Para Taekwondo Athlete Aruna Tanwar Suffers Heavy Defeat at Paris Paralympics

Indian Para Taekwondo Athlete Aruna Tanwar Suffers Heavy Defeat at Paris Paralympics

India’s Aruna Tanwar Suffers Heavy Defeat in Women’s K 44-47kg Para Taekwondo at Paris Paralympics

Indian para taekwondo athlete Aruna Tanwar faced a crushing 0-19 defeat against Nurcihan Ekinci of Turkey in the round of 16 contest in the women’s K 44-47kg category at the Paris Paralympics on Thursday.

Tanwar proved to be no match for her Turkish opponent, who dominated the five-minute round, scoring points at will. Ekinci relentlessly executed body kicks, earning two points each for a total of 18 points. Tanwar also conceded a penalty point (gam-jeom) during the contest.

The K44 category in para taekwondo is reserved for athletes with impairments in one arm above the elbow. Tanwar’s defeat marks a disappointing end to her Paralympic campaign.

Para taekwondo made its debut at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 and has quickly gained popularity. Athletes compete in five separate weight categories for each gender.

Unlike able-bodied taekwondo, para taekwondo matches consist of a single round lasting up to five minutes. Kicks to the head and punches are prohibited due to the varying abilities of athletes to block.

Athletes wear protective gear and “sensor socks” that detect points scored when hitting the opponent’s torso. Regular kicks earn two points, turning kicks three points, and spinning kicks four points.

Fouls such as head kicks, grabbing, pushing, kicks below the belt, or stepping out of bounds result in a gam-jeom, awarding a point to the opponent.

Paris Paralympics to Unfold on Historic Grounds

Paris Paralympics to Unfold on Historic Grounds

Paris Paralympics: A Grand Spectacle on Historic Grounds

Over a month after the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the city of lights will once again host a global sporting extravaganza with the commencement of the Paris Paralympics. Scheduled to begin on August 28th, the Paralympics will showcase the extraordinary abilities of over 4400 athletes from around the world.

Unlike the Olympics, which held its opening ceremony at the Stade de France, the Paralympic opening ceremony will take place at two iconic Parisian landmarks: the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde. These historic venues, renowned for their grandeur and beauty, will provide a fitting backdrop for the celebration of human resilience and athleticism.

The Place de la Concorde, which hosted skateboarding, breaking, and 3×3 basketball during the Olympics, will serve as the stage for the Paralympic opening ceremony. Over the course of 11 days, athletes will compete in 22 sports, vying for 549 medals.

India will be represented by a contingent of 179 members, including 84 athletes competing in 12 sports. Javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shot putter Bhagyashri Jadhav will have the honor of carrying the Indian flag at the opening ceremony. This is the largest contingent India has ever sent to the Paralympics, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to supporting para-athletes.

Paris 2024 organizers have reported that over two million tickets have been sold for the Paralympics, with 500,000 tickets still available. If all tickets are sold, Paris will come close to matching the record 2.7 million tickets sold for the London 2012 Games.

The Paralympic Games are not only a celebration of athletic achievement but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of human beings. The athletes who will compete in Paris have overcome immense challenges to reach the pinnacle of their sport. Their stories of perseverance and triumph will inspire millions around the world.

2024 Paralympic Games to Commence in Paris with Record Indian Contingent

2024 Paralympic Games to Commence in Paris with Record Indian Contingent

The 2024 Paralympic Games, a global sporting event for athletes with disabilities, is set to commence on August 28th in Paris, France. With approximately 4,400 athletes from around the world participating, the Games will feature 549 medal events across 22 sports over 11 days.

The opening ceremony will take place at the iconic Place de la Concorde, a historic public square that hosted several events during the 2024 Olympics. The Indian contingent, the largest ever sent to the Paralympics, will comprise 179 members, including 84 athletes competing in 12 sports.

Among the Indian athletes to watch are reigning gold medalists Avani Lekhara (para-shooting), Sumit Antil (javelin throw), Manasi Joshi and Krishna Nagar (badminton), and Sheetal Devi (archery). India’s impressive performance at the Tokyo Paralympics, where they won 19 medals including five golds, has raised expectations for this year’s Games.

The Paris Paralympics will be broadcast live on television in India via the Sports 18 network. Live streaming will be available on the JioCinema app and website.

The Games will showcase the extraordinary abilities of athletes with disabilities, highlighting their resilience, determination, and sporting excellence. The event aims to promote inclusivity, break down barriers, and inspire people worldwide.

Para-Athletes Applaud Accessibility Enhancements for Paris Paralympics

Para-Athletes Applaud Accessibility Enhancements for Paris Paralympics

Para-Athletes Hail Accessibility Enhancements for Paris Paralympics

New Delhi: India’s para-athletes have expressed gratitude for the improved accessibility measures implemented to facilitate their transportation ahead of the Paris Paralympics. The Paralympics Committee of India (PCI) has partnered with Svayam, a leading accessibility organization, to ensure seamless transportation for the 84-member Indian contingent from their accommodations to the airport.

Svayam has conducted thorough accessibility audits of designated hotels and buildings where the para-athletes are residing. The organization has provided special vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs without requiring athletes to transfer, enhancing their mobility and comfort.

“With the support of organizations like SAI, TTFI, and OGQ, we’ve witnessed significant growth in our athletes,” said Bhavina Patel, a Tokyo Paralympics medalist and para-table tennis star. “Svayam’s role in providing accessible vehicles has been crucial, improving our overall experience and performance.”

Para-athlete Sakshi Kasana also commended Svayam’s efforts. “The special vehicles have made our journey much easier, allowing me to focus more on my training and preparation,” she said.

PCI President Devendra Jhajharia emphasized the importance of accessible transportation for athletes. “Athletes travel extensively for competitions, and providing them with ease of transportation boosts their mental strength and confidence,” he said.

Svayam’s collaboration with the PCI extends beyond the Paris Paralympics. The organization has previously assisted during the Tokyo Paralympics 2021 and the first Khelo India Para Games 2023.

“Svayam is committed to ensuring the dignity of para-players from across the country,” said Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam. “We aim to create an equitable environment where every player can focus on their performance without accessibility concerns.”

The enhanced accessibility measures have been met with enthusiasm by the para-athletes, who are now better equipped to compete at their peak in Paris.

Para Badminton Star Nithya Sre Sivan Aims for Paralympic Glory

Para Badminton Star Nithya Sre Sivan Aims for Paralympic Glory

Nithya Sre Sivan, a rising star in para badminton, is determined to make history at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Despite facing mockery for her short stature in her youth, she has overcome adversity to become a world-class athlete.

Sivan’s journey began in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, where she faced constant ridicule from classmates. However, her unwavering spirit and determination led her to pursue her passion for badminton. In 2016, inspired by the Rio Olympics, she discovered para-badminton and quickly rose through the ranks.

In 2023, Sivan achieved a major milestone by winning a silver and bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in Thailand. This triumph solidified her status as a medal contender at the Paris Paralympics. She will compete in both the SL6 singles and mixed doubles categories, aiming for a golden double.

Sivan’s success has not only brought her personal glory but has also inspired others. She has proven that physical limitations do not define one’s potential. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams.

Sivan’s chief coach, Gaurav Khanna, believes she has the potential to win a medal in Paris. He praises her ability to overcome challenges and her unwavering belief in her abilities. Khanna is confident that the Indian para-badminton team will return from Paris with at least 10 medals, surpassing their previous tally of four at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Sivan’s story is an inspiration to all who face adversity. It demonstrates that with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. As she prepares for the Paris Paralympics, Sivan carries the hopes of her nation and the admiration of those who have witnessed her remarkable journey.

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