Others

The inaugural Olympic marathon race walk mixed relay witnessed a thrilling victory for Spain's Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez, who claimed the gold medal. The event marked the debut of the mixed relay at the Paris Olympics 2024, replacing the 50 km race walk. Ecuador and Australia secured the silver and bronze medals, respectively.However, the race was marred by allegations of rule violations, with viewers claiming that some athletes lifted their feet off the ground during the walk. "Not convinced these competitors in the walk race aren't cheating. Looks very much to me like they're jogging," commented user Wullie M. Sports journalist Rob Williams expressed his frustration, stating, "Nothing infuriates me more than race walk cheaters."According to the race walking rules, one foot of the athlete must remain in contact with the ground at all times, visible to the human eye. Additionally, the knee of the advanced leg must not bend, and the leg must straighten as the body passes over it. Race walkers are closely monitored and can be penalized for bending their knees during the race.India's hopes for a strong performance in the event were dashed when their team, consisting of Suraj Panwar and Priyanka Goswami, failed to finish the final. The team received multiple warnings during the race, ultimately leading to their disqualification. This setback marked a disappointment for the Indian athletics contingent, which had high expectations for the event.

Indian men's hockey team made history at the Tokyo Olympics by defeating Australia 3-2 in a thrilling Group B encounter on August 2, marking their first Olympic victory over the Aussies in 52 years.The match began with India dominating the proceedings, with Abhishek scoring a brilliant field goal in the first quarter. Captain Harmanpreet Singh followed suit with a penalty corner conversion, giving India a commanding 2-0 lead.Australia's Thomas Craig narrowed the margin with a beautiful goal, but Harmanpreet restored India's two-goal advantage in the 32nd minute, scoring his sixth goal of the Olympics.In the 55th minute, Australia's Govers scored through a penalty stroke, bringing the score to 3-2. The Aussies pressed hard for an equalizer, but goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh stood tall, making several crucial saves to preserve India's lead.India's victory was a testament to their determination and resilience. They played with passion and skill, overcoming a strong Australian team. The win not only ended a long drought but also boosted India's hopes of a medal at the Tokyo Games.

Australia's swimming dominance stems from a meticulously designed talent pipeline that identifies and nurtures young swimmers from a young age. With a population of just 27 million, Australia faces stiff competition from swimming powerhouses like the United States and China. To overcome this challenge, the country has implemented a comprehensive system that ensures a steady flow of world-class swimmers.The Australian swimming structure revolves around eight high-performance centers, known as performance hubs, located across different states. These hubs collaborate with swimming clubs and state talent leagues to identify promising young swimmers. National youth technical leads work closely with coaches at these clubs to monitor and develop young talent.At around age 13-14 for girls and 14-15 for boys, swimmers are invited to participate in national event camps. These camps focus on stroke-specific development and provide young swimmers with access to expert coaching and training facilities. The goal is to identify and nurture swimmers with exceptional talent and competitive intelligence.The Australian system also emphasizes multi-sport development, recognizing that early specialization can hinder long-term success. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in other sports to develop their overall athleticism and competitive spirit.As swimmers progress through the system, they are supported by a network of highly skilled coaches. Australia boasts some of the world's best coaches, who work collaboratively with the national team to ensure that swimmers receive the highest level of training and support.The success of Australia's swimming pipeline was evident at the Tokyo Olympics, where the country won nine gold medals, finishing second only to the United States. At the Paris Olympics, Australia has already matched the United States with two gold medals.The Australian swimming structure is a testament to the country's commitment to excellence in the sport. By investing in talent identification, stroke-specific development, and a collaborative coaching network, Australia has created a system that consistently produces world-class swimmers.

India's hockey team faced a rude awakening in their recent five-Test series against Australia, losing 5-0 in Perth. The defeat exposed glaring weaknesses in the team, particularly in their inability to score field goals and their poor defensive work.Vice-captain Hardik Singh acknowledged the wake-up call, stating that the team had been under the illusion that they were performing well. He emphasized the need for constant alertness and proactivity in international hockey.The series against Australia, a team with a rich Olympic history, was crucial for India as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. However, instead of building on their strengths, the Kookaburras exploited India's weaknesses.India's forwards struggled to score field goals, managing only two in five matches. Hardik pointed out that the forwards need to work harder and be more aggressive in the opposition's 'D'.Defensively, India's man-to-man work was inadequate, and they failed to capitalize on counterattacks. The team's lack of consistency, due to constant chopping and changing, also contributed to their downfall.Despite the setback, Hardik expressed confidence that the team will not be affected mentally. He highlighted the importance of a positive mindset and the support of mental health expert Paddy Upton.India will face Australia again in their last group match at Paris, which could determine their qualification for the knockouts. Hardik emphasized the need for tactical improvement and a unified mindset to overcome the challenge.The team is currently in Antwerp, preparing for their remaining Pro League matches against Belgium, Argentina, Great Britain, and Germany. They are focused on getting back to winning ways and addressing their weaknesses before the Olympics.

India's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, faced a disappointing 5-0 defeat against Australia in the fifth and final match of their bilateral test series at the Perth Hockey Stadium. Despite taking an early lead through their captain, India succumbed to a fifth consecutive loss, extending Australia's dominance over them.The Kookaburras, known for their aggressive style of play, imposed a high press on India, forcing them into errors and earning numerous penalty corners. Jeremy Hayward, Ky Willott, and Tim Brand scored for Australia, while Boby Singh Dhami netted India's only other goal.India's defense, which had been a concern throughout the series, struggled to contain Australia's relentless attacks. Former India skipper Viren Rasquinha pointed out that the team's deep defensive line allowed Australia to earn more penalty corners.Despite the disappointing result, India's goalkeepers, PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak, displayed impressive form, thwarting several Aussie attacks. Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh also delivered, scoring three goals in the series.However, India's strikers failed to exert sufficient pressure while in possession, allowing Australia to regain the ball and launch rapid counterattacks. The team's lack of experience and frequent changes in combination due to a large squad also contributed to the poor results.The 0-5 rout raises questions about India's mental resilience ahead of their crucial match against Australia at the Paris Olympics on August 2. However, former Belgium coach Shane McLeod believes that India can overcome this setback if they secure a victory over Australia at the Olympics.

The Indian men's hockey team displayed resilience in the fifth and final Test match against Australia in Perth, but ultimately fell short in a 2-3 defeat, resulting in a series whitewash.India started the match with determination, maintaining possession and earning penalty corners. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted one of these opportunities in the fourth minute, giving India an early lead. The visitors continued to press, but Australia equalized through Jeremy Hayward in the 20th minute.In the second half, India's Abhishek missed a golden chance to extend their lead, while Australia capitalized on counterattacks. Ky Willott and Tim Brand scored in quick succession, giving the hosts a 3-1 advantage.Undeterred, India fought back in the final quarter. Boby Singh Dhami scored his first international goal in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit to 3-2. However, despite their efforts, India could not find an equalizer, and Australia secured the victory.Despite the loss, India showed signs of improvement compared to the previous matches. They maintained possession better, created scoring opportunities, and defended with more determination. The team will look to build on these positives in future matches.

India's dismal performance in Australia continued as they suffered a 1-3 defeat in the fourth Test of the five-match men's hockey series. Despite an improved display, the Kookaburras proved too strong, securing their fourth consecutive victory.The match, delayed by lightning, saw all four goals scored from penalty corners. India took the lead through skipper Harmanpreet Singh in the 12th minute, but Jeremy Hayward's brace (19th, 47th) and Jack Welch's strike (54th) handed Australia another win.India had been decimated 1-5 in the opening Test and lost the second and third Tests 2-4 and 1-2 respectively. However, they showed signs of improvement in the fourth Test, matching Australia in the first quarter.Mandeep Singh had an early chance for India, but his shot was saved by the Australian goalkeeper. The Kookaburras responded with back-to-back penalty corners, but veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made twin saves to deny them.India used the midfield more effectively than in previous games, building attacks with fine ball transfer. They secured their first penalty corner in the 10th minute, but Jugraj Singh failed to convert.Australia earned their third and fourth penalty corners, but the Indians defended stoutly. India took the lead when Harmanpreet converted their second penalty corner with a low and hard flick.The Kookaburras responded quickly, with Hayward converting their fifth penalty corner. Rajkumar Pal's reverse hit hit the post for India, and Australia secured their sixth penalty corner, but reserve goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a brilliant save.The second half saw India secure another penalty corner, but Harmanpreet failed to breach the Australian defense. Australia earned back-to-back penalty corners in the final quarter, with Hayward converting the second.The hosts kept up the pressure, securing two more penalty corners but failing to utilize them. Welch scored Australia's third goal from another penalty corner six minutes later.India had chances in the form of three penalty corners in the last four minutes but wasted the opportunities. The final Test of the series will be played on Saturday.

The Indian men's hockey team faced a narrow 1-2 defeat against Australia in the third match of their five-match Test series in Perth. Despite a valiant effort, India's lone goal by Jugraj Singh (41') was overshadowed by Jeremy Hayward's brace (44', 49') for the hosts.India began the match with possession, while Australia opted for a counter-attacking strategy. Australia's approach paid off as they earned the first penalty corner, but Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's exceptional reflexes kept the score level. Australia continued to press, earning three consecutive penalty corners in the 10th minute, but Sreejesh's brilliance denied them again.India responded with swift passing and penetrations into the Australian defense, earning a penalty corner of their own. However, they failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The opening quarter ended with both teams unable to break the deadlock.Australia launched a relentless attack in the second quarter, but India's resilient defense and Sreejesh's performance thwarted their efforts. India intensified their offensive efforts, but neither team managed to score, leaving the score at 0-0 at halftime.Australia earned an initial penalty corner in the third quarter, but failed to convert. India seized the opportunity to break the stalemate when Jugraj Singh unleashed a potent shot from a penalty corner, giving India the lead. However, Australia responded quickly with a penalty stroke converted by Jeremy Hayward, restoring parity.Australia won back-to-back penalty corners early in the fourth quarter and this time they were finally able to convert one as Jeremy Hayward scored again through a powerful shot to put the hosts in lead. With the score in their favor, Australia put India under pressure, preventing them from finding the equalizer and winning the match 2-1.