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Indian Cyclists Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya Finish Respectably at ParalympicsIndian cyclists Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya showcased their determination and resilience at the Paralympics in Paris on Wednesday, competing in their respective cycling events.Gaderiya, competing in the women's C1 individual time trial, faced a challenging 5.8km course. Despite finishing in 16th and last position, she displayed unwavering spirit, completing the race in 30 minutes and 0.16 seconds. Germany's Maike Hausberger emerged victorious, securing the gold medal with a time of 21:30.45. Britain's Frances Brown and Sweden's Anna Beck followed closely, claiming silver and bronze with times of 21:46.18 and 21:54.71, respectively.In the men's C2 time trial, Arshad Shaik also faced a demanding 5.8km course. Despite finishing 11th and last, he demonstrated his tenacity, crossing the finish line in 25:20.11. France's Alexandre Leaute dominated the event, winning the gold medal with an impressive time of 19:24.25. Belgium's Ewoud Vromant and Australia's Darren Hicks secured silver and bronze with times of 19:26.45 and 19:26.61, respectively.Athletes in the women's C1 and men's C2 classes typically have limb deficiencies, impaired muscle power or range of motion, or impairments affecting coordination. Jyoti Gaderiya's journey to the Paralympics has been marked by adversity. Following a bike accident in May 2016, she underwent a left leg amputation. Despite this setback, she has persevered, and the Paralympics marks her participation in four events.Arshad Shaik has also faced challenges, having suffered multiple injuries, including a left leg above-knee amputation, in a road accident in 2004 at the age of 11. His determination and resilience have propelled him to the Paralympics, where he continues to inspire others.

Shaik Arshad, a Paralympic cyclist, is on a mission to bring home a gold medal from the upcoming Paralympics in Paris. His journey to the top has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but his determination remains unwavering.Arshad's athletic career began with taekwondo, where he earned a green belt. However, his passion for sports extended beyond martial arts. He explored archery and wheelchair fencing, winning numerous medals at the state level. Despite his successes, he failed to make it to the national level, leaving him feeling disheartened.Undeterred, Arshad attended a camp in Bengaluru, where he was selected for cycling training. This marked the beginning of his journey in para-cycling. With the support of his coach, who recognized his potential, Arshad dedicated himself to the sport.In 2018, he received a silicone leg, which significantly improved his training. In 2019, he participated in a camp in Gujarat, where he scaled Mount Bhagirathi, demonstrating his endurance and commitment.Arshad's first international competition was in Tajikistan, where he narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth. However, he remained undeterred, with his coach's guidance continually pushing him forward. His dedication led him to undertake a monumental feat, cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, showcasing his endurance and commitment.With the Paralympics approaching, Arshad's focus is sharper than ever. "When I'm riding, my mind is completely on my training," he says. "I almost left this career once, but my coach brought me back on track. Now, there's nothing but the goal in my mind."Arshad's journey is not just about winning medals, it's about inspiring others and proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. As he sets his sights on Paris, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of a nation, and with every pedal stroke, he moves closer to turning those dreams into reality.

Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred is poised to make history on Tuesday as she aims for an Olympic sprint double in the 200m, following her triumph in the 100m. The tiny Caribbean island nation has never had an Olympic medalist before Alfred's groundbreaking victory.Alfred's quest for a double mirrors that of Jamaica's Elaine Thompson-Herah, who achieved the feat at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Alfred faces stiff competition from US sprinter Gabrielle Thomas, who boasts the world's fastest time this year.Meanwhile, the men's 1500m promises a thrilling showdown between Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Great Britain's Josh Kerr. Ingebrigtsen has been critical of Kerr's absence from certain events, while Kerr has vowed to prove his worth on the track.In boxing, Algeria's Imane Khelif is at the center of a gender controversy after being disqualified from last year's world championships. However, the IOC has cleared her to compete in Paris, where she is guaranteed at least a bronze medal.The women's football competition is heating up, with World Cup holders Spain and four-time gold medalists the United States on course for a potential final showdown. Spain faces Brazil in the semifinals, while the rejuvenated USA under new coach Emma Hayes takes on Germany.Track cycling powerhouse Great Britain has already secured gold in the women's team sprint and will seek to repeat their success in the men's event. China's divers are also aiming for a fifth gold in the women's 10m platform.In surfing, France's Kauli Vaast and the United States' Caroline Marks have already claimed gold medals in the men's and women's events, respectively. The USA now leads the overall medal table with 21 golds, ahead of China.

India's cycling aspirations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics rest heavily on the expertise of French coach Kevin Sireau and a promising group of young cyclists who have already made their mark on the Asian and world junior circuits.Sireau, a two-time Olympic medalist, joined the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) in January and has quickly recognized the potential of India's cycling ecosystem. Under his guidance, the Indian quartet of Esow Alben, L Ronaldo Singh, Y Rojit Singh, and Jemsh Singh, who won a historic gold medal at the 2019 World Junior Track Cycling Championship, are now aiming for the Olympic podium.Ronaldo also became the first Indian to win an individual silver medal in the men's sprint race at the 2022 Asian Track Cycling Championship. India's strong performance at the Asian meet, where they won nine gold medals, further boosted their confidence.Sireau believes that India has the talent to succeed at the highest level. "In a big country like India, I believe we have many future talents," he said. "These guys have just started by winning the junior worlds. Now they are in the senior category and if they have to finish on the Olympic podium, a very high level has to be achieved."The Indian team has shown signs of improvement under Sireau's guidance, clocking a personal best of 44.451 seconds in the Asian Track Cycling Championship sprint race. While they are still behind the Olympic record of 41.369 seconds, they are not far from Australia's fourth-best time of 44.013 seconds."This year our target is the world championships in October," said Sireau. "We are driving all energies in that direction. I have discussed the roadmap for LA 2028 with CFI and doing things step by step. In the next three-four years you will see a big difference, I promise."Asian Cycling Confederation secretary general Onkar Singh is confident in Sireau's abilities. "From 149th rank to Category 1 in juniors in four years' time, speaks for itself," he said. "We are lucky to have a person like Kevin."Cyclist Rojit, who is supported by the government's Target Olympic Podium Scheme, praised Sireau's impact. "There has been a lot of difference since Kevin sir joined the team," he said. "He has changed how we train, what we eat and how we plan recovery. He has brought a new discipline and I am very happy for being able to learn from him."With Sireau's guidance and the determination of its young cyclists, India's cycling program is poised for success in the years leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Kevin Sireau, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, has embarked on a new journey as India's first foreign cycling coach. Despite initially pursuing football and judo, Sireau's passion for cycling ignited when he discovered track cycling at the age of 12.In his maiden assignment with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Sireau guided India to six medals at the Asian Track Cycling Championships. He attributes his success to the robust cycling infrastructure in France, where talent identification and competition begin at an early age.Sireau believes that India has immense cycling potential and is working to overhaul the training system. He plans to decentralize training centers and identify each rider's core discipline. This approach aims to create a smaller, elite group of cyclists who can focus on specific events.Sireau emphasizes the importance of mentality in cycling. He looks for riders who exhibit confidence and determination on the track. He believes that a strong build is beneficial but that a fearless mindset is crucial for success.The CFI is taking cues from the French model and is planning to implement a similar systemic approach. They aim to identify and nurture young talent, providing them with the necessary support and training to excel at the international level.Sireau's expertise and experience will be invaluable in shaping India's cycling future. His focus on talent identification, performance-oriented training, and mental toughness will help India produce world-class cyclists.

India's women's junior cycling team made a remarkable start at the Asian Track Cycling Championships, securing a gold medal in the sprint event on the opening day. The team, comprising Sarita Kumari, Niya Sebastian, Zaina Mohammed Ali Pirkhan, and Sabina Kumari, showcased exceptional teamwork and determination to outpace South Korea, the reigning Asian champions, with an impressive timing of 53.383 seconds. This historic victory marks a significant achievement for Indian cycling and sets the tone for a promising performance throughout the championships.The men's junior team, consisting of Narayan Mahto, Syed Khalid Baghi, and Mayanglambam Wattaba Meitei, also displayed their prowess on the track, securing a silver medal in the team sprint event. Despite facing stiff competition from the Korean team, the Indian cyclists demonstrated resilience and determination, finishing with a time of 47.936 seconds. Their performance highlights the growing talent and potential of India's young cyclists.Adding to India's medal tally, the women's junior team of Harshita Jakhar, Suhani Kumari, Dhanyadha JP, and Bhumika clinched a bronze medal in the team pursuit event. In a closely contested race, the Indian cyclists edged out their Chinese Taipei counterparts, showcasing their endurance and tactical skills. This achievement further underscores the depth and strength of India's cycling contingent.The para-cycling team also contributed to India's medal haul, securing a silver medal in the para team sprint event. Arshad Shaikh, Jalaluddin Ansari, and Basavaraj Horaddi displayed remarkable determination and skill, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of para-athletes. Their performance serves as an inspiration to aspiring cyclists with disabilities.The Indian senior team, featuring experienced cyclists such as Esow Alben, Rojit Singh, and Ronaldo Singh, will be expected to continue the nation's success in the senior category. With nearly 500 riders from 18 countries participating in the tournament, including Olympic and world championships medallists, the competition is expected to be fierce. India's strong contingent of 42 cyclists will aim to rise to the challenge and bring home more medals.The Asian Track Cycling Championships serve as an Olympic qualification event, adding to the significance of the competition. The Indian cyclists will be determined to make the most of this opportunity and secure their spots at the upcoming Olympic Games. Their performances in the tournament will be closely watched by cycling enthusiasts across the country, who will be cheering them on to achieve even greater success.