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P.R. Sreejesh: From Legendary Goalkeeper to Inspiring Junior CoachRetired Indian hockey legend P.R. Sreejesh has embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career as the head coach of the national junior men's team. In a heartfelt letter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Sreejesh's contributions to Indian hockey and expressed confidence in his ability to make a significant impact in his new role.Sreejesh, known as "The Wall" for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, bid farewell to his 15-year international career after India's bronze-winning campaign at the Paris Olympics. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in India's remarkable achievements, including two Asian Games gold medals and two Champions Trophy silver medals.Following his retirement, Hockey India appointed Sreejesh as the head coach of the junior men's team. In his new role, he aims to nurture the next generation of hockey stars and make India a "powerhouse in hockey."Prime Minister Modi, in his letter dated August 16, acknowledged Sreejesh's monumental contributions to Indian hockey. He recalled the goalkeeper's heroics in the triumphant Asian Games campaign in 2014, as well as his instrumental role in India's quarterfinal finish in the Rio Olympics and the bronze wins in Tokyo and Paris."I am sure your work in the new role will be as impactful and inspirational," Modi wrote. "As you call it a day on your playing career, I wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation for your monumental contributions to Indian hockey."Sreejesh expressed his gratitude for Modi's support. "Hockey is my life and I'll continue to serve the game and work towards making India a power in hockey," he said. "Thank You PM Sir for your faith in me."Modi also praised Sreejesh's humility and grace, both on and off the field. "Various awards, national and international medals that came your way reflect the heights you have achieved. But what has always stood out about you, Sreejesh, is your humility and grace, both on and off the field," he wrote."I am confident that your passion, dedication and commitment will help nurture the next generation of world-beaters," Modi added. "I want to thank you for your tireless dedication, your remarkable career and for being a source of immense pride for India."Sreejesh's appointment as junior coach marks a new era for Indian hockey. His experience, leadership, and unwavering passion will undoubtedly inspire the young players and guide them towards future success.

The 44th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly, a pivotal event in the Asian sporting calendar, will convene at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on September 8, 2023. This momentous occasion will witness the official appointment of Randhir Singh as the first Indian President of the OCA.Randhir Singh, a renowned former Indian shooter, was unanimously elected to this prestigious position earlier this year. The 77-year-old sports legend hails from Patiala, Punjab, and comes from a family steeped in sporting excellence. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, represented India in Test cricket and served as an IOC member. His father, Bhalindra Singh, was also an IOC member and a first-class cricketer.Randhir Singh's illustrious sporting career includes participation in four Asian Games editions from 1978 to 1994. He clinched an individual gold medal in trap shooting in 1978, an individual bronze medal in 1982, and a team silver medal in 1986. He also competed at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.In recognition of his sporting achievements, Randhir Singh was bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1979 and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award. His transition into sports administration began during his playing days when he was appointed as the Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in 1987, a position he held until 2012.Randhir Singh's administrative acumen extended to his role as a member of the governing board of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) from 1987 to 2010. He also served as the Vice-Chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.His international sports administration career took off in 1991 when he was appointed as the Secretary General of the OCA, a position he held until 2015. He subsequently became the Life Vice President until 2021, after which he was appointed as the Acting President.Randhir Singh's global sports influence is evident in his membership of the ANOC Executive Council since 2002. He served as the IOC representative on the WADA Board from 2003 to 2005 and became a member of WADA's Finance and Administration Committee in 2005. He also chaired the 2019 Asian Games Asian Games Coordination Committee.His IOC membership spanned from 2001 to 2014, after which he continued as an honorary member. During his tenure, he served on various IOC commissions, including Olympic Games Study, Sport for All, Women and Sport, International Olympic Truce Foundation, and Coordination for the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games Singapore.In recognition of his invaluable contributions to sports, Randhir Singh has received numerous accolades, including the OCA Award of Merit in 2005, the Merit Award from ANOC in 2006, the Olympic Order, Silver in 2014, and an Honorary Doctorate in Literature in Sports Science from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Government of India.

Randhir Singh, a seasoned sports administrator and former international shooter, is poised to become the first Indian president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The 77-year-old Singh, who has served as the acting chief of the continental sports body since 2021, emerged as the sole candidate for the top post in the upcoming September 8 elections.Singh's nomination was unanimously approved by the OCA Election Committee, chaired by Justice Rohinton Nariman, after reviewing the eligibility requirements and nominations submitted by member National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Singh was nominated by the Indian NOC and supported by 27 other OCA member NOCs.Singh's appointment as acting OCA chief came after Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stepped aside as president following a Geneva Court ruling that found him guilty in a forgery case. Singh had previously served as OCA Secretary General from 1991 to 2015 under Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.During his tenure as acting OCA chief, Singh oversaw the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games from 2022 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games were eventually held successfully, showcasing Singh's leadership qualities.Born in Patiala, Punjab, Singh is the son of Bhalindra Singh, a long-time IOC member and IOA president. He is also the grandson of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Singh's shooting career saw him win multiple national titles and become the first Indian shooter to win an Asian Games gold medal in 1978. He competed in five Olympic Games from 1968 to 1984 and won medals in four Asian Games.Singh's administrative experience includes serving as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012 and as vice chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. He was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014 and has been an honorary member since 2014.Singh's election as OCA president would mark a significant milestone for Indian sports and further strengthen the country's position in the global sporting arena.

Esha Singh, a 19-year-old pistol shooter from Hyderabad, is on the cusp of making her Olympic debut at the upcoming Paris Games. While excitement fills her heart, she remains uncertain about the extent of her nerves.Her journey to the Olympics began with a remarkable performance at the 2018 National Championships, where she emerged as the senior champion at the tender age of 13. Since then, she has faced both highs and lows, but it is the highs that have presented the greatest challenges."After you win something major, it comes down to your prestige," Esha explains. "It's difficult to manage the baggage that comes with it."Despite these challenges, Esha has learned to embrace her failures and use them as opportunities for growth. She believes that her experiences at the 2023 Asian Games, where she won four medals, have given her a template for success at the Olympics."I surprised myself with that match," she says of her performance in the 25m pistol final at the Asian Games. "That final really proved to me that if I can perform here, anything else would be way easier."Esha's approach to training is based on the belief that shooting is a game of basics. She has been training for the Olympics for the past decade, focusing on consistency and maintaining a calm and composed demeanor."I'm more of a calm, composed person now," she says. "I'm learning to embrace my failures and understand why they ever happened."As she prepares for the biggest stage of her career, Esha is confident in her abilities and the lessons she has learned along the way. She is determined to replicate the mindset that led to her success at the Asian Games and to make the most of her Olympic experience.

Indian Olympic Association Pushes for Yoga Inclusion in Asian GamesThe Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has made a strong case for the inclusion of yoga in the Asian Games program. In a letter to Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Raja Randhir Singh, IOA President PT Usha highlighted the growing popularity of yoga worldwide and its significance for India as its spiritual home.Usha emphasized the overwhelming response to the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21, noting that people across nations have embraced yoga and experienced its benefits. She believes that India, as the birthplace of yoga, should lead the efforts to have it recognized as a sport in major international competitions."I am confident that as the spiritual home of yoga and as Vishwaguru, India can campaign for the inclusion of the sport in the Asian Games and eventually the Olympic Games as well," Usha stated.She pointed out that the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris will offer yoga sessions to visitors ahead of the Olympics next month, demonstrating the growing global interest in the practice. Usha also received encouragement from Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who sees the inclusion of yoga in the Asian Games as a stepping stone towards its recognition in the Olympics."He told me that he sees the inclusion in the Asian Games would be the first step in taking the sport to the Olympics. We need our indigenous sport to be on such platforms," Usha said.The IOA's push for yoga's inclusion in the Asian Games aligns with the government's efforts to promote yoga as a global wellness practice. The Ministry of Ayush has been actively promoting yoga through various initiatives, including the International Day of Yoga and the establishment of yoga centers worldwide.If yoga is included in the Asian Games, it would not only raise its profile but also provide a platform for Indian yogis to showcase their skills and compete against the best in Asia. It would also contribute to the growing recognition of yoga as a legitimate sport and its potential to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

India's medal count at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games is set to drop by one after boxer Parveen Hooda was suspended for 22 months for whereabouts failure. Hooda, who won a bronze medal in the women's 57kg weight class, has been stripped of her medal and her results from December 11, 2022, to May 17, 2024, have been disqualified.The suspension stems from Hooda's failure to file her whereabouts three times within a twelve-month period, a violation of the International Boxing Association's anti-doping rules. The International Testing Agency (ITA), which is responsible for results management, handed down the suspension earlier this month.The suspension is a major blow to Hooda, who had earned an Olympic quota for the 2024 Paris Games with her bronze medal performance at the Asian Games. The quota has now been surrendered, and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine Lamboria will fight for the 57kg quota in the final Olympic qualifier, starting in Bangkok on Friday.The suspension is also an embarrassment for Indian boxing, which has been plagued by a series of controversies in recent years. In 2021, the International Boxing Association (IBA) suspended the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) for alleged mismanagement and corruption. The suspension was lifted in September 2022, but the BFI remains under scrutiny.Despite the suspension, India's overall medal count at the 2023 Asian Games will remain at 106, which is good enough for fourth place in the overall medal rankings.

Sift Kaur Samra, India's rising star in 50m rifle 3 positions shooting, has secured her berth for the Paris Olympics after a remarkable performance at the Asian Games and World Cup. Her journey to the top has been marked by patience, resilience, and a carefree attitude.Last year, Samra made her mark at the Bhopal World Cup, winning her first senior individual medal. A year later, she emerged from the same venue as an Asian Games medalist, a world record holder, and an Olympic qualifier.Samra attributes her success to her improved patience. "I didn't have a lot of experience a year ago. My thinking was to just finish the matches. Now, I know how to handle aspects like wind and pressure," she said.Her patience was tested in the final qualification round of the Olympic trials. Despite not having a top finish to her name, Samra delivered her best round of 593, securing a top-two spot in the trials."I was a bit nervous at the start, but after the start, my confidence grew. My only thought was to correct the mistakes I had made in my previous matches and come back to the top," Samra said.Her breakthrough at the Asian Games, where she won individual gold and team silver, was followed by a silver at the Asian Championships. Her world record scores have shattered expectations."Why will I be surprised? I only started it. New generation, new techniques, new scores," Samra said when asked about her high scores.Her carefree attitude and ability to control pressure have been key factors in her success. "I do feel pressure, but controlling that pressure is what shooting is about," she said.Samra's patience has come with experience, not through traditional mental techniques. "I'm different from other people. I do nothing to help clear my mind — I watch movies, dance, talk to friends."With the pressure of Olympic qualification behind her, Samra is looking forward to shooting "for myself" at the Munich World Cup. She is confident in her ability to shoot well despite challenges like wind."When amid this strong breeze I could shoot 10s, it was a nice feeling. If I could manage such scores here, there (in Paris) it will be a bit easier," she said.Samra's journey to the Paris Olympics is a testament to her talent, patience, and unwavering determination. She is a rising star in Indian shooting, and her future holds endless possibilities.

Olympic-bound javelin thrower Kishore Jena has emerged as a rising star in Indian athletics, following his impressive performance at the 2023 Asian Games. Alongside Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, Jena has formed a formidable duo that is poised to make waves at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.Jena's journey to the top has been marked by his unwavering determination and the invaluable guidance of Neeraj Chopra. In a recent interview with NDTV, Jena expressed his admiration for Chopra's humility and mentorship. "He is such a senior athlete, but he always treats us with respect," Jena said. "He keeps on pushing me ahead during tournaments and never makes me feel like he is my competition."Jena's meteoric rise has been fueled by his relentless pursuit of improvement. Last year, he shattered his personal best by over 9 meters, propelling him into the elite ranks of javelin throwers. As he prepares for the Olympics, Jena is meticulously fine-tuning his technique and fitness through rigorous training and participation in prestigious events like the Diamond League.In the lead-up to the Paris Games, Jena spent 35 days training in Australia, where he honed his skills in an optimal environment. "The temperature was around 2-3 degrees Celsius in Patiala, so the Athletic Federation of India recommended us to go for training," Jena explained. "Our trip turned out to be a success as we had good practice sessions twice a day."Jena's unwavering focus and the unwavering support of his mentor, Neeraj Chopra, have positioned him as a legitimate contender for an Olympic medal. As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, Jena is determined to leave an indelible mark on the world stage and inspire a new generation of Indian athletes.

Nethra Kumanan, India's lone female sailor with an Olympic berth, candidly reflects on her disappointing Asian Games performance, where she narrowly missed a podium finish and an Olympic quota. "It was a huge slap in the face," she admits.Despite setbacks in several qualifying events, Nethra persevered and secured her Paris Games berth at the "last minute" of the Last Chance Regatta. Finishing among the top three sailors from the Emerging Nations Program (ENP) in the women's dinghy ILCA 6 in Hyeres, France, she earned her second Olympic appearance."It feels incredible," Nethra says. "It's mostly been a relief, because I've known I've been capable of this since last year."For the Tokyo Games, Nethra qualified as the best Asian in the continental qualifying event. However, for Paris, she faced a series of disappointments in four qualifying events. The closest she came was at the second Worlds this year, where she was "two points away from making it."The long road to qualification tested her patience and mental resolve. "It's been a lot of reflection, a lot of work," she says. "It's been hard dealing with it, but I'm happy I found a way."The fourth-place finish at the Asian Games was particularly disheartening. With the help of her psychologist, Nethra delved into introspection. "I've always had to work hard on how to deal with my mind and stress," she says. "But at some point, I had to accept that this is the hand I've been dealt, and I had to deal with it."Despite the setbacks, Nethra believes she is a more skilled and experienced sailor heading into Paris than she was in Tokyo, where she finished 35th. "I know I am capable of results in the top half at these Games," she says. "My level has certainly improved. I'm faster, a lot more experienced."World Sailing's ENP program has been instrumental in her qualification quest, providing financial support and coaching assistance. Nethra also credits her training base in Gran Canaria and her Hungarian coach, Tamas Eszes.With an additional French coach in Marseille, where the sailing events will be held at the Olympics, Nethra is confident in her preparation. "I feel like I will be better prepared for this Olympics than I was in Tokyo," she says. "I'll be training at the venue and have the inputs of a local coach."Nethra's focus is now on performance rather than simply participating in the Olympics. "The first one was an incredible experience, and that's what I took from it," she says. "Now I know more of what to expect in terms of pressure and grandeur. I'll be focussed more on performance in Paris rather than just being at the Olympics."