Pratyasa Ray Wins Prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for Swimming Excellence

Pratyasa Ray Wins Prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for Swimming Excellence

Pratyasa Ray, a rising star in Indian swimming, has been selected for the prestigious Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024. The award recognizes her exceptional performance at the Khelo India University Games in Guwahati earlier this year, where she secured an impressive haul of six medals, including four gold, one silver, and one bronze.

The Ekalabya Puraskar committee, comprising jury members from various sectors, unanimously selected Ray for the award at a meeting in Bhubaneswar. She will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh, an increase from the previous Rs 5 lakh, along with a citation at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

Ray’s selection is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. She has consistently performed at a high level, representing Odisha and India in various national and international competitions. Her achievements have not only brought glory to her state but have also inspired aspiring swimmers across the country.

In addition to Ray, sprinter Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram and badminton player Tanvi Patri will also be felicitated for their remarkable performances in various international and national-level events. Each of the citation winners will receive a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, up from Rs 1 lakh, along with citations at the award ceremony.

The Ekalabya Puraskar was instituted by the charitable body IMPaCT in 1993 and is managed by IMFA, the leading ferro alloys producer in the country. It is now considered the most prestigious sports award in Odisha. The award is given every year to young sportspersons of Odisha in recognition of their outstanding performance in the preceding two years.

Announcing the names of the award winners, Baijayant Panda, chairperson of the Ekalabya Puraskar Committee and Trustee of IMPaCT, said, “The award was instituted to encourage young sportspersons of the state to perform at the national and international arenas.”

The Ekalabya Puraskar has played a significant role in promoting sports in Odisha and has helped to identify and nurture young talent. The award winners have gone on to represent India at the highest level and have brought laurels to the country.

Leon Marchand: Olympic Hero and Reluctant Celebrity

Leon Marchand: Olympic Hero and Reluctant Celebrity

French swimming sensation Leon Marchand has become a national icon after his record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics. His unprecedented feat of winning all four of his individual races has catapulted him to stardom, but it has also brought unexpected challenges.

Marchand’s newfound fame has forced him to adjust his lifestyle. “I’m going to lose a little freedom and spontaneity because I can’t go out to restaurants like I used to anymore,” he said. “I need to organize myself a little more. I can’t do my shopping alone. I wear a cap and glasses. I try to hide a little.”

Despite the occasional inconvenience, Marchand is grateful for the recognition he has received. “When people do stop me in the street, it’s to say ‘thank you’. That’s kind and I take it to my heart,” he said.

Marchand’s success has also had a positive impact on France as a whole. “France has changed and I hope it will last,” he said. “Sport is something quite special. It conveys an emotion that you can’t have anywhere else and the French realized this. We must continue to celebrate athletes, try to put more resources into infrastructure, more sport in schools.”

Marchand’s Olympic triumph has not only transformed his own life but has also inspired a wave of optimism in his country. His story is a testament to the power of sport to unite and uplift a nation.

British Indian Schoolgirl Conquers English Channel for Charity

British Indian Schoolgirl Conquers English Channel for Charity

Prisha Tapre, a 16-year-old British Indian schoolgirl, has etched her name in history as one of the youngest swimmers to conquer the treacherous English Channel. Driven by a desire to combat childhood hunger, she embarked on a four-year training journey that culminated in an 11-hour and 48-minute swim from Dover, England, to Cap Gris Nez, France.

Tapre’s motivation stemmed from a family discussion about the English Channel’s notorious reputation. Despite her young age, she was determined to take on the challenge. With unwavering support from her family and coach, she dedicated herself to rigorous training sessions.

The swim itself was a grueling test of endurance and mental fortitude. Tapre faced choppy waters and jellyfish stings, but she remained focused on her goal. “I just kept thinking, four years you’ve dedicated to this one day of your life. It can’t be that bad,” she said.

Tapre’s determination was fueled by her desire to support Akshaya Patra UK, a charity that provides hot meals to children in need in both England and India. “I wanted a charity that I could relate to,” she explained. “My heart goes out to all those kids who live in poverty, both in England and India, where there’s no promise of a meal at the end of the day.”

Through her swim, Tapre raised an impressive GBP 3,700 for Akshaya Patra UK. Her efforts have not only made a tangible difference in the lives of underprivileged children but have also inspired others to pursue their dreams.

Despite her remarkable achievement, Tapre remains humble and focused on her future. She plans to continue swimming and is considering a career in medicine, possibly related to sports. “I do need a lot more time to focus on my studies, but that will not stop me from continuing swimming because to me it is like free time,” she said.

Tapre’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world. Her story serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, reminding them that anything is possible with hard work and a belief in oneself.

American Sisters Cheer for Ledecky, Team USA at Paris Olympics

American Sisters Cheer for Ledecky, Team USA at Paris Olympics

American Sisters Cheer for Ledecky, Team USA at Paris Olympics

Eleven-year-old Sahana Bhattal and her nine-year-old sister Meher couldn’t contain their excitement at the La Défense Arena in Paris. The venue, once graced by pop star Taylor Swift, was now transformed into the swimming hub for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Dressed in Team USA shirts, the sisters, accompanied by their parents, Tej and Sumedha Bhattal, cheered enthusiastically for Katie Ledecky and other American swimmers. The family, originally from India but now residing in Chicago, had traveled to Paris to witness the spectacle firsthand.

“The girls swim competitively and were eager to experience this in person,” said Sumedha. “Sahana also plays volleyball, so we’re attending those games as well.”

Despite their daughters’ allegiance to Team USA, the Bhattal parents remained loyal to their Indian roots. They had supported Team India during their recent ICC T20 World Cup triumph. Tej, a former college athlete, was particularly excited to watch the athletics events, especially the javelin throw where Neeraj Chopra would defend his Olympic gold.

“We had planned to attend the Tokyo Olympics for my father’s 70th birthday, but COVID prevented that,” said Sumedha. “Now, we’re here in Paris celebrating his 75th, hopefully with another gold for Chopra.”

The Bhattal family had extended their trip with a five-day stopover in Norway, making it a memorable vacation. Their enthusiasm and passion for sports, both American and Indian, exemplified the spirit of the Olympic Games.

14-Year-Old Dhinidhi Desinghu Makes History as India's Youngest Olympic Swimmer

14-Year-Old Dhinidhi Desinghu Makes History as India’s Youngest Olympic Swimmer

At just 14 years of age, Dhinidhi Desinghu has become the youngest Indian swimmer to compete at the Olympics. Hailing from Bengaluru, she represented India in the 200m freestyle event at the Paris 2024 Summer Games.

Despite finishing 23rd out of 31 competitors with a time of 2:06.96, Desinghu’s Olympic debut was a memorable experience. “Just getting a chance to be here with all these amazing athletes is such an amazing opportunity,” she said. “I am just really happy I got a chance to be swimming at such an amazing venue at the Olympics.”

Desinghu’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by impressive achievements at the national level. She has also represented India at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and the World Aquatics Championships in Doha earlier this year.

Despite her young age, Desinghu has shown remarkable resilience and determination. She used to experience nervousness before competitions, but has overcome this challenge to become a formidable competitor.

After completing her events in Paris, Desinghu attended a meet and greet at India House, where she interacted with fans and shared her Olympic experience. Her shy demeanor and youthful enthusiasm made her a popular figure among the audience.

Desinghu’s Olympic debut is a testament to her talent and hard work. She is an inspiration to young athletes across India, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving dreams.

Leon Marchand Makes History with Four Golds in Paris

Leon Marchand Makes History with Four Golds in Paris

Leon Marchand’s “perfect week” culminated in a historic triumph at the Paris Olympics, as he became the first male swimmer since Michael Phelps in 2008 to win four individual gold medals at a single Games. The 22-year-old Frenchman capped off his remarkable performance with an emphatic victory in the 200m individual medley, setting an Olympic record of 1min 54.06sec.

Marchand’s dominance was evident throughout the race. After trailing China’s Wang Shun in the opening butterfly leg, he surged ahead during the backstroke and extended his lead with a powerful breaststroke 50. Despite a valiant effort from Britain’s Duncan Scott, Marchand held on to his advantage in the final freestyle leg, eliciting thunderous applause from the ecstatic home crowd.

The victory marked Marchand’s fourth gold medal of the Games, following his triumphs in the 200m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, and 400m individual medley. His success has been attributed to his meticulous training under Bob Bowman, Phelps’ former coach.

“It was just a complete success in terms of the way I see things,” Bowman said. “He’s just 100% successful. I’m so very proud of him. It takes a lot to be perfect.”

Marchand’s impact on the sport has been profound, according to Scott. “He’s becoming a sort of global superstar now and he kind of runs France now,” Scott said. “It’s amazing, and the kid, he’s loved it. You can see he’s doing it with a smile on his face and the crowd’s giving him so much energy, it’s been amazing to witness it.”

Despite his remarkable achievements, Marchand remains focused on the future. “It’s not over for me. It’s only the beginning,” he said. “I’m really excited…. my next goal is LA.”

Katie Ledecky Secures Second Olympic Gold in 1,500-Meter Freestyle, Ties Olympic Medal Record

Katie Ledecky Secures Second Olympic Gold in 1,500-Meter Freestyle, Ties Olympic Medal Record

Katie Ledecky, the swimming prodigy, has cemented her status as one of the greatest swimmers of all time by securing her second Olympic gold medal in the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. This latest triumph adds to her unmatched dominance in long-distance freestyle swimming and brings her total Olympic gold medal count to eight.

Ledecky’s victory in the 1,500-meter freestyle was a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional talent. She clocked in at 15:30.02, setting an Olympic record and leaving her rivals trailing in her wake. France’s Anastasiia Kirpichnikova finished over ten seconds behind, highlighting Ledecky’s unparalleled superiority in the event.

This win marks Ledecky’s fourth consecutive gold medal in the 1,500-meter freestyle at the Summer Games, following her triumphs in London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo. Her consistent dominance in this event is a testament to her unwavering focus and relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Of course, coming into tonight, I expected it of myself,” Ledecky told the Washington Post. “I know a lot of other people expected it of me. And that doesn’t make it easy. It’s not easy to always follow through and get the job done. There’s moments of doubt, hard days of training where you doubt yourself. You just have to push through and trust your training. Trust that everything will come together in the end. I’m glad that it did today.”

With this victory, Ledecky ties with American legends Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres for the most medals won by a female swimmer in Olympic history. She stands just one medal away from becoming the all-time individual women’s leader in swimming medals.

Ledecky’s achievements extend far beyond the Olympic Games. She has set 16 world records and holds 21 world championship titles. Her dominance in the 1,500-meter freestyle is unparalleled, as she has set the fastest 20 times recorded in the event.

Comparisons to Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, are inevitable. While Ledecky’s achievements are extraordinary, Phelps remains the gold standard with 23 Olympic golds. However, Ledecky’s early and sustained success has firmly established her as one of the sport’s legends.

Ledecky’s journey to greatness began at a young age when she won her first Olympic gold at 15. Since then, she has continued to amass medals, including 21 long-course FINA World Championship golds and eight Pan Pacific golds. Her career trajectory mirrors Phelps’ early dominance, and her continued success suggests that her legacy will only grow.

As Ledecky continues to compete, her achievements prove her brilliance and contribute to the rich history of swimming lore. She is a true icon of the sport, inspiring generations of swimmers to strive for greatness.

Olympic Records Fall as Athletes Showcase Extraordinary Talent

Olympic Records Fall as Athletes Showcase Extraordinary Talent

The 2024 Summer Paris Olympic Games have already witnessed a plethora of record-breaking performances, showcasing the extraordinary talent and athleticism of the world’s finest athletes. With just a few weeks remaining, the anticipation for more breathtaking feats is palpable.

In the pool, Australia’s Kaylee McKeown shattered her own Olympic record in the women’s 100m backstroke, clocking in at 57.33 seconds. Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen also made history, breaking the Olympic record in the men’s 800m freestyle with a time of 7:38.19.

Mollie O’Callaghan of Australia continued her impressive run, setting a new Olympic record in the women’s 200m freestyle with a time of 1:53.27. France’s Léon Marchand etched his name in the record books by breaking the Olympic record in the men’s 400m individual medley, finishing in 4:02.95.

Gretchen Walsh from the United States made waves in the women’s 100m butterfly, breaking the Olympic record with a time of 55.37 seconds. China’s Pan Zhanle also set a new Olympic record in the men’s 100m freestyle, clocking in at 46.92 seconds.

The Australian women’s 4×100 freestyle relay team broke their own Olympic record, finishing in 3:28.92. In surfing, Brazil’s Gabriel Medina earned the highest-ever single wave score in Olympic history, scoring 9.90 in the fifth heat of the men’s surfing event.

Shooting also saw its share of record-breaking performances. Britain’s Nathan Hales set a new Olympic record in the men’s trap with a score of 48. China’s Sheng Lihao broke the Olympic record in the men’s 10-meter air rifle with a score of 252.

In archery, South Korea’s Lim Si-hyeon broke the world record in the women’s 72 arrows, 70-meter round with a score of 694. Her team also broke the Olympic record in the women’s 216 arrows, 70-meter round with a score of 2,046.

Rugby sevens witnessed some remarkable achievements as well. Maddison Levi of Australia broke the Olympic record for the number of tries at a single Olympic Game, scoring 11. The New Zealand rugby team also set a new Olympic record, scoring 55-5 against China.

As the 2024 Summer Paris Olympic Games draw to a close, the world eagerly awaits more thrilling performances and the possibility of even more records being shattered.

Ryan Murphy's Olympic Bronze Turns into a Gender Reveal Surprise

Ryan Murphy’s Olympic Bronze Turns into a Gender Reveal Surprise

American swimmer Ryan Murphy experienced an unforgettable moment at the Paris 2024 Olympics when his pregnant wife, Bridget Konttinen, surprised him with a gender reveal after he won bronze in the men’s 100m backstroke.

Murphy’s bronze medal marked his seventh Olympic medal overall, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated Olympic athletes of all time. He is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and the former world-record holder in the men’s 100-meter backstroke.

As Murphy stood on the podium, his wife, who was present in the stands, held up a handwritten sign that read, “Ryan it’s a girl!” The heartwarming moment was captured on camera and shared widely on social media.

Murphy’s bronze medal was a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. He is currently attempting a once-in-a-lifetime feat of becoming the first male swimmer to medal in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events in three consecutive Olympics.

The gender reveal was an unexpected and joyous addition to Murphy’s Olympic experience. It served as a reminder that even in the midst of intense competition, life’s most precious moments can bring immeasurable happiness.

Murphy’s victory and the subsequent gender reveal were met with widespread praise and congratulations from fellow athletes, fans, and the swimming community. The moment was hailed as a testament to the power of sports to create unforgettable memories and inspire others.

Team USA's Gold Medal Drought Continues on Day Three of Paris Olympics

Team USA’s Gold Medal Drought Continues on Day Three of Paris Olympics

Team USA’s Olympic medal count may be impressive, but the absence of gold medals on day three has raised concerns. Despite three golds on day two, the team dropped to sixth place in the medal tally after day three.

However, Team USA’s athletes showcased their talent with six bronze and two silver medals on day three. Swimming accounted for four medals, including a silver for Katie Grimes and bronzes for Emma Weyant, Luke Hobson, and Ryan Murphy.

Skateboarding also brought success, with Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston claiming silver and bronze respectively. Nick Itkin added a bronze in Fencing. Notably, the men’s gymnastics team secured a bronze medal, their first in 16 years.

Despite the lack of gold on day three, Team USA’s prospects remain bright with upcoming events in women’s gymnastics, basketball, and track and field.

The women’s basketball team, aiming for its eighth gold medal, boasts a star-studded roster including Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson, and Kelsey Plum. They defeated Japan on day two, led by Wilson and Breanna Stewart.

The men’s basketball team, featuring Stephen Curry and Lebron James, is also a medal contender. After a disappointing exit in the 2023 FIBA Championship, they defeated Serbia in their opening game, with Kevin Durant and James leading the scoring.

Both basketball teams are favorites for gold, and their performances will be crucial in determining Team USA’s overall medal count.

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