Avinash Sable Finishes Ninth in Diamond League Steeplechase Final

Avinash Sable Finishes Ninth in Diamond League Steeplechase Final

National record holder Avinash Sable’s Diamond League debut ended with a ninth-place finish in the season-ending final on Friday. The 30-year-old steeplechaser clocked a below-par 8:17.09 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Sable, who celebrated his birthday on the day of the race, had qualified for the final after finishing 14th in the overall Diamond League standings. However, four athletes ranked higher than him withdrew, allowing him to sneak into the top 10 cut-off.

The Kenyan duo of Amos Serem and reigning Olympic and world champion Soufiane El Bakkali dominated the race, finishing first and second with times of 8:06.90 and 8:08.60, respectively. Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui of Tunisia took third place in 8:09.68.

Sable’s performance was a disappointment considering his recent form. He had set a national record of 8:09.91 in the Paris leg of the Diamond League in July. However, he struggled in the Silesia leg, finishing 14th with a time of 8:29.96.

Despite his ninth-place finish, Sable’s qualification for the Diamond League final is a testament to his progress in recent years. He finished 11th in the Paris Olympic Games last year and has consistently improved his personal best.

World champion and Paris Olympics silver medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will be in action in the Diamond League final on Saturday. Chopra is the reigning Diamond League champion and will be looking to defend his title.

Preethi Pal: India's Paralympic Trailblazer Conquers Adversity

Preethi Pal: India’s Paralympic Trailblazer Conquers Adversity

Preethi Pal, India’s trailblazing Paralympian, has etched her name in history as the first Indian athlete to win two track medals at the Olympics or Paralympics. Her remarkable journey from a village girl with deformed feet to a Paralympic medalist is a testament to her indomitable spirit and the transformative power of sports.

Born in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, Preethi faced adversity from birth. Her deformed feet drew scorn and mockery from her community. Despite the challenges, her parents refused to give up hope and sought every possible treatment. However, traditional remedies and primitive medical care proved futile.

As a child, Preethi’s athleticism became evident. Despite her physical limitations, she excelled in sports, competing with able-bodied children. Her unique ability to run on her toes, a weakness in everyday life, became her greatest asset in athletics.

A chance encounter with para discus thrower Fatima Khatoon opened Preethi’s eyes to the world of para sports. Inspired by the achievements of blade runners, she embarked on a rigorous training regimen under the guidance of coach Gajendra Singh.

Despite financial constraints and limited resources, Preethi’s determination never wavered. She juggled training with household chores and the care of her siblings. Her unwavering focus and the support of her coach and fellow athletes propelled her to success.

At the Para Asian Games in 2022, Preethi made her international debut, finishing just outside the medals. Undeterred, she continued to train relentlessly, honing her technique and improving her endurance.

Her breakthrough came at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, where she secured bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m events. This triumph boosted her confidence and set the stage for her historic performance at the Paris Paralympics.

In Paris, Preethi defied all odds, winning bronze medals in the T35 100m and 200m events. Her victory was a moment of immense pride for India and a testament to her unwavering spirit.

Preethi’s journey is an inspiration to countless individuals facing adversity. It demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and the support of others, anything is possible. Her story is a reminder that even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome through the transformative power of sports.

Pakistan Contingent Departs for SAAF Junior Athletics Championships in Chennai

Pakistan Contingent Departs for SAAF Junior Athletics Championships in Chennai

Pakistan Contingent Departs for South Asian Athletics Federation Junior Championships in Chennai

A 12-member Pakistani contingent has embarked on a journey to Chennai, India, to participate in the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Junior Championships. The contingent received visas from the Indian High Commission on Saturday, paving the way for their departure.

The contingent, comprising athletes and officials, crossed the Wagah border into India and proceeded to Amritsar. From there, they boarded a flight to Chennai, where the SAAF Junior Championships will be held from September 11 to 13.

The Pakistani contingent will compete in various track and field events, including sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws. They will face stiff competition from athletes from other South Asian countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

The SAAF Junior Championships serve as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and gain international experience. The event also provides an opportunity for athletes to qualify for regional and global competitions.

Pakistan has a strong tradition in athletics, having produced several world-class athletes over the years. The contingent will be hoping to continue this legacy by performing well in Chennai and bringing home medals.

India's Para-Athletes Smash Records with Historic Medal Haul at Paralympics

India’s Para-Athletes Smash Records with Historic Medal Haul at Paralympics

India’s para-athletes have etched their names in history with a record-breaking medal haul of 29 at the Paralympics. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the country’s Paralympic journey, surpassing the previous record of 19 medals in Tokyo.

The contingent of 84 athletes showcased exceptional determination and talent, with established stars delivering on expectations and new faces making their mark. Seven of the 29 medals were gold, a first for India, which has only recently emerged as a force in Paralympic sports.

Track and field events proved to be a major source of success, with 17 medals, including a bronze for sprinter Preethi Pal in the women’s 100m T35 class. Pal’s achievement is particularly inspiring, as she was born with weak legs that have progressively worsened.

Another first-ever medal came in judo, with Kapil Parmar securing a bronze in the men’s 60kg J1 class. Parmar’s story is one of resilience, having overcome a life-altering accident in his childhood.

Archery and club throw also contributed significantly to India’s medal tally. Harvinder Singh won gold in archery, while Dharambir and Pranav Soorma finished first and second in the club throw event.

Armless archer Sheetal Devi, who uses her legs to shoot, became a crowd favorite with her mixed team bronze. Her determination and spirit inspired millions, demonstrating that anything is possible with perseverance.

Defending champions Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara lived up to expectations, winning gold in javelin throw and air rifle shooting, respectively. Badminton player Kumar Nitesh also claimed gold, overcoming a train accident that resulted in the loss of his leg.

India’s success at the Paralympics is a testament to the government’s increased investment in training, recovery, and support staff. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme has played a crucial role in providing resources to para-athletes.

While India has made significant progress, there is still room for improvement. Creating a pool of para swimmers would enhance the country’s chances of finishing in the top 10 at future Paralympics.

India Concludes Paris Paralympics with Record-Breaking Medal Haul

India Concludes Paris Paralympics with Record-Breaking Medal Haul

The Paris Paralympic Games 2024 concluded with India achieving its most successful campaign ever, securing 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This remarkable performance placed India at the 18th position in the points table, surpassing several top nations.

India’s medal haul was led by track-and-field, which contributed 17 medals, including four golds. Navdeep Singh’s gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F41 classification was particularly noteworthy, as he originally finished with a silver but was upgraded to gold after the disqualification of Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah for displaying an objectionable flag. Simran also added a bronze in the women’s 200m (T12) event, setting a personal best time.

India’s success in Paris was a testament to the significant progress made in para-sports in the country. The team outperformed traditional Paralympic powerhouses such as Switzerland, Belgium, South Korea, Turkey, and Argentina, finishing among the top 20 nations in the world.

In comparison, Paralympic heavyweights China, Great Britain, USA, and Italy continued to dominate, finishing among the top 10 nations. India’s performance in Paris sets the stage for an even stronger showing at the 2028 LA Para Games.

Indian Sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Bronze in Paralympic 400m

Indian Sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Bronze in Paralympic 400m

Indian sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji added to India’s Paralympic medal tally with a bronze in the women’s 400m (T20) event. The 20-year-old clocked 55.82 seconds, finishing behind Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar and Turkey’s Aysel Onder. This brings India’s total medal count to 16, with track-and-field contributing six.

Jeevanji’s journey to the Paralympics has been marked by challenges. Diagnosed with intellectual impairment, she faced taunts from her village. However, her determination and support from her coach, Nagpuri Ramesh, and national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, helped her overcome these obstacles.

Meanwhile, ace shooter Avani Lekhara narrowly missed out on a second medal, finishing fifth in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition. The 22-year-old, who won gold in the 10m air rifle event, shot a total of 420.6 across the three stages. Germany’s Natascha Hiltrop won the gold with a total of 456.5.

In other events, Bhagyashri Jadhav finished fifth in the women’s shot put (F34), while archer Pooja Jatyan reached the quarterfinals of the recurve women’s open archery competition before losing to China’s Wu Chunyan.

India’s Paralympic campaign has been a mix of success and disappointment. While the country has secured 16 medals, including three golds, there have also been some near misses. However, the athletes’ determination and resilience have been inspiring, and they continue to strive for excellence on the world stage.

Preethi Pal Makes History with Two Paralympic Medals for India

Preethi Pal Makes History with Two Paralympic Medals for India

Indian track and field athlete Preethi Pal has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympics. On Sunday, she clinched the bronze medal in the 200m T35 category with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds.

This remarkable achievement marks India’s second para-athletics medal at the Paris Games. The T35 classification is reserved for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.

Preethi’s triumph follows her historic bronze medal in the women’s T35 100m competition on Friday, where she set a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. This was India’s first athletics medal in a Paralympics track event.

Prior to Preethi’s success, all of India’s Paralympic athletics medals had come from field events. Her achievements have not only broken new ground for Indian para-athletics but have also inspired countless individuals with disabilities.

Preethi’s journey to the Paralympics has been marked by determination and resilience. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, but her passion for sports never wavered. With the support of her family and coaches, she has overcome numerous challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport.

Her success at the Paralympics is a testament to her unwavering spirit and the transformative power of sports. Preethi’s medals are not only a source of pride for India but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for all those who dare to dream big.

Jonnie Peacock: From Near-Death to Paralympic Glory

Jonnie Peacock: From Near-Death to Paralympic Glory

Jonnie Peacock’s journey to Paralympic stardom is a testament to resilience and the unwavering support of his mother, Linda. Diagnosed with meningitis at age five, Peacock faced the possibility of losing his life. However, thanks to the quick thinking of his mother and the skill of surgeon Per Hall, he survived, albeit with the amputation of his lower right leg.

Initially, Peacock struggled to accept his new reality, blaming his mother for his amputation. But with time, their bond grew stronger, and Linda became an integral part of his recovery and athletic pursuits. She ferried him to countless events and training sessions, instilling in him the resilience that would fuel his Paralympic success.

Peacock’s Paralympic debut in London 2012 was a triumph, as he claimed the 100m title at just 19 years old. He repeated the feat in Rio four years later, but a bronze medal in Tokyo 2021 left him hungry for more.

Now, at 31, Peacock is determined to reclaim his 100m crown in Paris. He believes his experience and the pressure of competing in a packed stadium will give him an edge over his rivals.

Peacock’s success extends beyond the track. He is a role model for countless young people, promoting the Tackle Meningitis campaign and raising awareness about the devastating effects of the disease. He credits his mother for his positive outlook and the unwavering support that has shaped his life.

Indian Sprinter Preethi Pal Wins Historic Paralympic Track Medal

Indian Sprinter Preethi Pal Wins Historic Paralympic Track Medal

Preethi Pal Makes History: India’s First Paralympic Track Medal

Preethi Pal has etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first Indian to win a Paralympic medal in a track event. The 23-year-old sprinter clinched a bronze medal in the women’s T35 100m event at the Paris Paralympics, setting a personal best time of 14.21 seconds.

Preethi’s triumph marks a significant milestone for India, as it is the country’s first-ever track medal at the Paralympic Games. It is also India’s first medal from para-athletics at the Paris 2024 edition.

The T35 classification is reserved for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis, as well as cerebral palsy. Preethi’s victory is a testament to her unwavering determination and the exceptional abilities of para-athletes.

China’s Zhou Xia (13.58) and Guo Qianqian (13.74) claimed the gold and silver medals, respectively. Preethi’s bronze medal is a source of immense pride for India and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring para-athletes.

Preethi’s journey to the Paralympic podium has been marked by hard work, dedication, and unwavering support from her family and coaches. Her achievement is a testament to the growing recognition and support for para-sports in India.

As India continues to make strides in the Paralympic arena, Preethi Pal’s historic medal serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit and limitless potential of para-athletes. Her victory will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Indian para-athletes to strive for excellence and achieve their dreams.

Paris Olympics: Coe Praises 'Extraordinary' Athletes Filling Bolt's Void

Paris Olympics: Coe Praises ‘Extraordinary’ Athletes Filling Bolt’s Void

Track and field legend Sebastian Coe has hailed the emergence of an “extraordinary” group of athletes at the Paris Olympics, who have filled the void left by Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt.

Bolt, an eight-time Olympic and nine-time world gold medalist, was a transformative figure in athletics, dominating the sprints during his illustrious career. Since his retirement in 2017, there has been speculation about who would step into his shoes as the sport’s leading star.

However, Coe believes that the narrative has shifted away from relying on a single athlete to carry the sport. “We are no longer a sport about one person,” he said. “That one person was Herculean, that one person transformed the popularity of our sport for a very clear period of time, and he consistently did that.”

Coe compared Bolt’s legacy to that of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. “You don’t replace Muhammad Ali, you don’t replace Usain Bolt,” he said. “But I did say, ‘Mark my words, other athletes will come through.'”

The Paris Olympics showcased a remarkable depth of talent across various disciplines. Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, American 400m hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and the US mixed 4x400m relay team all set world records. There were also 13 new Olympic records established.

Coe highlighted the global reach of track and field, with athletes from 75 countries achieving top-eight finishes. He noted that 105 countries have now won Olympic medals in the sport’s history.

“Tell me any other sport on the opening day of a competition is celebrating a medal for Ecuador,” Coe said. “So that for me tells me the sport is moving in the right direction.”

Coe emphasized the importance of continuing to promote the sport and building on the momentum generated by the Paris Olympics. “We had our 105th country in the history of the Olympic Movement winning a medal in Paris and that has been sensational,” he said. “It is really important we do not take our foot off the accelerator.”

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