Indian Race Walkers Disappoint at Tokyo Olympics

Indian Race Walkers Disappoint at Tokyo Olympics

India’s race walkers endured a disappointing outing at the Tokyo Olympics, with Vikash Singh and Paramjeet Singh finishing well down the field in the men’s 20km event. Vikash Singh crossed the line in 30th place with a time of 1 hour 22 minutes and 36 seconds, while Paramjeet Singh finished 37th in 1:23:48.

The race was won by Ecuador’s Brian Daniel Pintado in 1:18:55, with Brazil’s Caio Bonfim and reigning world champion Alvaro Martin of Spain taking the silver and bronze medals respectively. Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Massimo Stano of Italy finished fourth.

The Indian contingent’s performance was particularly disappointing given that national record-holder Akshdeep Singh was forced to withdraw after the 6km mark. Singh had been expected to challenge for a top-10 finish, but his withdrawal left India with only two representatives in the race.

The best performance by an Indian in the Olympics in the 20km race walk remains KT Irfan’s 10th-place finish in the 2012 London Games, where he clocked a time of 1:20:21.

Later in the day, Priyanka Goswami will compete in the women’s 20km race walk event, where she will be hoping to improve on India’s disappointing performance in the men’s event.

Lovlina Borgohain Begins Commonwealth Games Campaign with Dominant Victory

Lovlina Borgohain Begins Commonwealth Games Campaign with Dominant Victory

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain has commenced her quest for a second consecutive Games medal with a confident victory in her opening bout at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Indian boxer outpunched Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad 5-0 in the 75kg category, moving one step closer to adding to her Tokyo bronze, which she claimed in the 69kg category.

Borgohain’s path to the podium is not without challenges. She will face top-seeded Chinese boxer Li Qian in the quarterfinals on August 4. A victory in this bout would guarantee her at least a bronze medal.

In her opening bout, Borgohain displayed composure and precision, keeping her distance and landing clean blows on counter-attack. Despite Hofstad’s attempts to engage in a slugfest, Borgohain maintained her composure and avoided falling into her opponent’s trap.

Borgohain’s performance is a testament to her resilience and ability to overcome adversity. In Tokyo, she defeated world champion Chen Nien-Chin in the quarterfinals to secure her bronze medal.

Her opponent in the quarterfinals, Li Qian, is a formidable opponent. She won a silver medal in the 75kg category at the Tokyo Games and a bronze in the 2016 Rio Games. She also claimed a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The Indian boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games has been mixed so far. Three of the six boxers in contention have already been eliminated, including former Asian Games champion Amit Panghal (51kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), and Jaismine Lamboria (57kg).

Apart from Borgohain, the Indian boxing contingent still in contention includes world champion Nikhat Zareen (women’s 50kg) and Nishant Dev (men’s 71kg).

Casper Ruud's Olympic Fashion Statement: From Red to Blue

Casper Ruud’s Olympic Fashion Statement: From Red to Blue

Casper Ruud, the world’s sixth-ranked tennis player, made a fashion statement at the Tokyo Olympics by donning a blue-themed ensemble for his second-round match against Andrea Vavassori. The Norwegian’s attire was a stark contrast to the red Yonex shirt he wore in his Olympic debut, which drew criticism for its lack of blue.

Ruud expressed his disappointment with the initial kit, saying, “I would have liked to see a little more blue in it myself.” However, he emphasized that he had no control over the design and simply wore what was provided.

The red shirt also raised eyebrows among fellow Yonex athletes, including Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland, who joked about the “Scandinavian wins” and the “outfit.” Holger Rune of Denmark, who missed the Olympics due to injury, also commented on the trend, saying, “People might think I play anyway 🇩🇰😂.”

In his second match, Ruud showcased a more patriotic look with a blue-heavy outfit. He overcame a slow start to defeat Vavassori in three sets, setting up a third-round clash with Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.

Ruud’s Olympic journey has been marked by both fashion and athleticism. His blue-themed ensemble has become a talking point, while his performances on the court have kept Norway’s hopes alive in the men’s singles competition.

India's Men's Archery Team Crashes Out of Tokyo Olympics in Quarter-finals

India’s Men’s Archery Team Crashes Out of Tokyo Olympics in Quarter-finals

India’s archery campaign at the Tokyo Olympics came to an end on Monday as the men’s team of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Pravin Jadhav, and Tarundeep Rai lost their quarter-final to Turkey. The Indian trio, ranked second in the world, were unable to match the performance of their Turkish counterparts, going down 2-6 on points.

The match started poorly for India, with Bommadevara scoring a disappointing 7 in the first set. Turkey took advantage of India’s shaky start, taking the first set 57-53. India’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in the second set, as they were outscored 55-52.

The third set saw India finally find their rhythm, taking the set 55-54. However, Turkey regained control in the fourth set, closing out the match with a 58-54 victory.

The loss marked the end of India’s archery campaign at the Tokyo Olympics. The women’s team had also crashed out in the quarter-finals, losing to South Korea.

India’s failure to progress past the quarter-finals stage at the Olympics archery continues. The team has now failed to reach the semi-finals in four consecutive Olympic Games.

Nadal's Olympic Hopes in Doubt as He Battles Injury

Nadal’s Olympic Hopes in Doubt as He Battles Injury

Rafael Nadal’s Olympic hopes hang in the balance as he battles a thigh injury. The 38-year-old Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slams, is still scheduled to face Marton Fucsovics on Sunday, but he admitted that he is unsure if he will be able to play.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, I don’t know if I am going to play tomorrow or not,” Nadal said. “I will talk to my people and make the smartest decision that I can to have the best chance of bringing a medal home.”

Nadal’s injury is a major blow to his hopes of winning a singles gold medal in Tokyo. He is a two-time Olympic medalist, having won gold in singles in 2008 and doubles in 2016.

If Nadal is unable to play, it would be a major disappointment for fans who were hoping to see him face Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Djokovic, the world number one, is also a two-time Olympic medalist, having won bronze in singles in 2008 and 2012.

Djokovic is the favorite to win the gold medal in Tokyo, but he will face a tough challenge from Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev.

In other news from the Olympics, Iga Swiatek, the world number one, advanced to the second round of the women’s singles tournament with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Irina-Camelia Begu. Swiatek is the favorite to win the gold medal in Tokyo, but she will face a tough challenge from Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty, and Aryna Sabalenka.

Indian Table Tennis Stars Set for Tokyo Olympics Challenge

Indian Table Tennis Stars Set for Tokyo Olympics Challenge

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, will face Anna Hursey of Great Britain in the women’s singles opening round at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal, a six-time Olympian, will take on Deni Kozul of Slovenia in the men’s singles.

Manika, seeded 18th, made history at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the round of 32 in singles. She recently achieved a career-best world ranking of No. 24.

In other opening round matches, Harmeet Desai will face Abo Yaman of Jordan in men’s singles, while Sreeja Akula, seeded 16th, will play Christina Kallberg of Sweden.

Sharath Kamal, 41, is leading a six-member Indian contingent, making his fifth Olympic appearance. Manika will participate in her third consecutive Games.

Gnanasekaran Sathiyan, a member of India’s gold medal-winning men’s teams at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, has been selected as a reserve player.

In the women’s team event, 11th-seeded India will face fourth-seeded Romania in their opening match. The team includes Manika, Sreeja, and Archana Kamath.

The Indian men’s team, comprising Sharath Kamal, Manav Thakkar, and Harmeet, will face a tough challenge against top-ranked China in their opening round.

The Paris Games will mark the first time that India will compete in the team event at the Olympics. The men’s and women’s team events in table tennis were introduced at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Neeraj Chopra's Unbreakable Bond with Coach Klaus Bartonietz

Neeraj Chopra’s Unbreakable Bond with Coach Klaus Bartonietz

Neeraj Chopra’s journey to Olympic gold was not without its challenges. After a disappointing experience with his previous coach, Uwe Hohn, Neeraj sought the guidance of German biomechanics expert Klaus Bartonietz. Despite their age difference, the two formed a strong bond based on mutual respect and a shared passion for javelin throwing.

Klaus’s approach to coaching is characterized by a focus on simplicity and innovation. He believes in empowering Neeraj to make decisions about his training, while providing expert guidance and support. This collaborative approach has allowed Neeraj to develop his own unique style and reach the pinnacle of his sport.

Beyond their professional relationship, Klaus and Neeraj share a deep friendship. They engage in playful banter, exchange cultural insights, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. This camaraderie has created a positive and supportive environment that has contributed to Neeraj’s success.

Neeraj’s training regimen is meticulously planned with input from Klaus and his physiotherapist, Ishaan Marwaha. They carefully consider objectives, logistics, and competition schedules to ensure optimal preparation. Neeraj’s dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to experiment and push his limits.

While training is a serious endeavor, the trio also finds time for fun and relaxation. Neeraj’s love for Punjabi music often leads to impromptu dance sessions, and he has even taught Klaus a few Hindi words. Their off days are spent recovering, planning, and occasionally indulging in movie nights.

As Neeraj prepares for the Paris Olympics, he and his team are focused on maintaining their winning formula. They believe in Neeraj’s ability to perform under pressure and are confident that he can achieve another podium finish. Their bond, built on trust, respect, and a shared love for the sport, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his continued success.

Indian Archers Aim to Shed Olympic 'Bhaar' in Tokyo

Indian Archers Aim to Shed Olympic ‘Bhaar’ in Tokyo

Indian Archers Aim to Shed the Weight of History at Tokyo Olympics

As the Indian archery team prepares for the Tokyo Olympics, they are determined to break free from the “bhaar” (weight) that has burdened them in past Games.

Coach Purnima Mahato acknowledges the challenges faced by the squad, including the absence of Korean chief coach Baek Woong Ki and psychologist Gayatri Madkekar. However, she remains optimistic, stating that the team has been working on improving their processes rather than focusing solely on medals.

Tarundeep Rai, a four-time Olympian, believes that the team has matured and is better equipped to handle the pressure of the Games. He emphasizes the importance of qualifying with a good ranking in the ranking rounds, which will determine their seeding in the team and individual events.

The men’s team, ranked world No. 2, is aiming for a top-four finish in the ranking rounds to secure a direct spot in the quarter-finals. The trio of Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Pravin Jadhav has shown consistent results in recent competitions, including a gold medal at the Shanghai World Cup.

The women’s team, led by experienced Deepika Kumari, has more subdued expectations. Coach Mahato prefers a quieter approach, allowing the archers to focus on their performances without the added pressure of medal expectations.

Rai acknowledges the team’s past struggles at the Olympics, but believes that they have learned from their mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the present and not getting caught up in the weight of expectations.

The team has been training in France for the past fortnight, acclimating to the conditions at the Esplanade des Invalides, where the archery competition will be held. They have had two practice sessions in the main competition arena, which differs slightly in design and wind resistance from the adjacent training venue.

The addition of Dhiraj to the men’s team has added solidity, and his growth and consistency have contributed to the team’s success. Rai believes that the team’s recent medals have boosted their self-belief and sent a message to other teams that India is a contender.

However, he cautions against carrying the weight of expectations into the competition. The team’s focus remains on delivering their best performances and not getting bogged down by the pressure of medals.

Neeraj Chopra Confident of Strong Return to Outdoor Competition

Neeraj Chopra Confident of Strong Return to Outdoor Competition

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, is gearing up for his return to outdoor competition in 2024. The 26-year-old is currently training in Turkey and is confident of being in top form for the upcoming season.

Chopra’s preparation for the Tokyo Olympics was hampered by injuries, but he has since bounced back strongly. He won a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships and set a new personal best of 89.94 meters at the Stockholm Diamond League meet.

“I want to be in the best possible shape before Paris,” Chopra said. “My training sessions have gone off really well so far. I always lay stress on fitness along with strength and technique.”

Chopra is not setting any specific targets for the upcoming season, but he is confident of continuing his good form.

“I have won medals in two World Championships, threw my personal best, won a dream Diamond League title, and even defended my gold at the Asian Games,” he said. “All in all, I have been in great space and want to carry forward that momentum from May onwards.”

Chopra is aware of the increasing competition in javelin throw, but he is not fazed by it.

“What matters to me is staying 100 percent fit, being consistent during the season, and delivering on the day that matters,” he said. “I think there are mistakes to fix and looking at the increasing competition all around, one has to keep improving.”

Chopra is a role model for young athletes in India and is an inspiration to many. He is a true champion and a credit to his country.

B Sai Praneeth Announces Retirement from International Badminton

B Sai Praneeth Announces Retirement from International Badminton

B Sai Praneeth, the former world number 10 and bronze medalist at the 2019 World Championships, has announced his retirement from international badminton. The 31-year-old from Hyderabad has been battling nagging injuries since the Tokyo Olympics and has decided to hang up his boots.

Praneeth’s career spanned over two decades, during which he achieved some notable milestones. He won the Singapore Open Super Series in 2017 and became the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semifinals of the World Championships in 2019. He also represented India at the Tokyo Olympics but failed to make a mark, losing all his matches in the group stage.

Despite the setbacks, Praneeth remained a respected figure in the badminton world. He was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to produce stunning upsets. He defeated some of the top players in the world, including Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei, and Viktor Axelsen.

Praneeth’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian badminton. He was one of the most successful male shuttlers in the country and his achievements inspired a generation of young players. He will be remembered as a true champion and a role model for aspiring badminton players.

In his retirement announcement, Praneeth expressed his gratitude to his family, coaches, and the Badminton Association of India for their support throughout his career. He also thanked his fans for their unwavering belief in him.

Praneeth is now set to embark on a new chapter in his life. He will be joining the Triangle Badminton Academy in the USA as a head coach next month. He is excited about this new challenge and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with young players.

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