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India's Chirag Chikkara has etched his name in wrestling history by becoming only the third Indian to claim the Under-23 World Championship title. The 21-year-old triumphed in the men's freestyle 57kg category, defeating Abdymalik Karachov of Kyrgyzstan in a thrilling 4-3 victory.Chikkara's triumph marks a significant milestone for Indian wrestling, as he joins Paris Olympics bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat and Reetika Hooda as the only Indians to have won gold at the U23 Championships. Sehrawat achieved the feat in the same category in 2022, while Hooda became the first Indian woman to win gold in 2021.Chikkara's path to the final was marked by a series of dominant performances. He defeated Gaukoto Ozawa, Iunus Iavbatirov, and Allan Oralbek with ease, showcasing his technical prowess and determination.India's medal haul in the men's freestyle category was further bolstered by two bronze medals from Vicky and Sujeet Kalkal. Vicky secured bronze in the 97kg event, while Kalkal bounced back from an early deficit to win bronze in the 70kg category.The Indian women's wrestling team also made their mark, claiming one silver and three bronze medals. Anjli won silver in the 59kg category, while Neha Sharma, Shiksha, and Monika each secured bronze in their respective weight classes.Vishvajit More added to India's medal tally with a bronze in the men's 55kg Greco-Roman category, bringing India's total medal count to nine. This impressive performance placed India fourth in the team standings, behind Iran, Japan, and Azerbaijan.Chikkara's victory and India's overall success at the U23 World Championships is a testament to the growing strength of Indian wrestling. The young wrestlers have demonstrated their talent and potential, and they are poised to make a significant impact on the international stage in the years to come.

India's dominance at the ongoing ISSF Junior World Championship continued as the trio of Mukesh Nelavalli, Raajwardan Patil, and Harsimar Singh Rattha clinched the gold medal in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol team competition. This triumph marked India's 11th gold medal at the championship, further solidifying their position at the top of the medal tally.Mukesh Nelavalli, who had already secured an individual gold in the 25m pistol event, added another gold to his tally with this team victory. India's medal count now stands at 16, including one silver and four bronze medals. China trails in second place with three gold and one silver medal.In the individual finals, both Mukesh and Raajwardan advanced to the next round. However, Raajwardan finished fourth with 17 hits in the first six series, while Mukesh exited earlier, finishing fifth with 10 hits out of 25 targets.In the junior men's 50m rifle prone event, Parikshit Singh Brar emerged as the top Indian finisher, scoring 623.0 over 60 shots. Shivendra Bahadur Singh placed 14th with 618.4, while Vedant Nitin Waghmare came in 24th with a score of 613.2.India's impressive performance at the ISSF Junior World Championship is a testament to the country's growing strength in shooting sports. The young shooters have showcased their talent and determination, bringing glory to India on the international stage.

India's shooting contingent continued their golden run at the ISSF Junior World Championship in Lima, Peru, adding five more gold medals to their tally on day four. Divanshi and Mukesh Nelavalli emerged as the stars of the day, claiming two gold medals each.Divanshi Nelavalli showcased her exceptional precision in the women's 25m pistol event, edging out Italian Cristina Magnani by a narrow margin of two points. She also teamed up with Tejaswini and Vibhuti Bhatia to secure gold in the junior women's 25m pistol team competition.Mukesh Nelavalli, who had already won gold in the mixed team event, added two more to his collection. He triumphed in the junior men's 25m pistol individual event, followed by compatriot Suraj Sharma who clinched silver. Nelavalli also played a crucial role in India's victory in the junior men's 25m pistol team event, alongside Sharma and Pradhyumn Singh.India's dominance extended to the rifle events as well. The trio of Shourya Saini, Vedant Nitin Waghmare, and Parikshit Singh Brar shattered the junior world record in the elimination round of the junior men's 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) team competition. They went on to claim gold, with Norway and Sweden finishing second and third respectively.With these impressive performances, India's overall medal count at the championship rose to 14, including 10 gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. The United States and Italy trailed behind with 10 and 8 gold medals respectively.

Indian weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu has etched his name in the history books by securing a remarkable gold medal in both the junior and senior categories of the men's 81kg event at the Commonwealth Championships in Suva, Fiji. The 19-year-old prodigy showcased an exceptional performance, lifting a total of 326kg (147kg snatch + 179kg clean and jerk).Babu's triumph was not just limited to the gold medal; he also set a new Commonwealth record in the clean and jerk for the 81kg junior category. Additionally, he shattered the junior national records in snatch, clean and jerk, and total weight sections.Compatriot Sairaj Pardeshi also made his mark by claiming the youth gold in the same category while finishing second in the junior section behind Babu. In the men's 89kg event, Lalruatfela secured the silver medal with a best effort of 301kg (135kg snatch + 166kg clean and jerk). Hrudananda Das, lifting 299kg (129kg snatch + 170kg clean and jerk), clinched the silver medal in the youth category and the bronze in the junior section.Babu's remarkable achievement is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination. He has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired aspiring weightlifters across the nation. His performance serves as a reminder that with perseverance and belief, anything is possible.

Paralympian Navdeep Singh's triumph at the 2024 Paralympic Games has not only brought glory to India but also showcased his multifaceted personality. After securing the gold medal in the men's javelin F41 final, Singh's aggressive celebration became an instant viral sensation.Beyond his athletic prowess, Singh's fun-loving side emerged during an interview on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast. When asked about his favorite Bollywood movie, Singh surprisingly chose the horror-comedy "Stree 2." His preference for actress Tamannaah Bhatia over Shraddha Kapoor elicited laughter from the hosts.Singh's versatility extended to mimicry, but he respectfully declined a request to imitate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I can't. I respect him a lot. He is the pride of our country, so it won't be right to mimic him," he stated.Singh's encounter with PM Modi was equally memorable. Modi teased him about his wild celebration, prompting Singh to explain his determination to fulfill his promise of victory. He also requested Modi's autograph on his left arm, his throwing arm, which Modi graciously granted.Singh's journey to Paralympic glory has been marked by both determination and a sense of humor. His success has not only inspired countless individuals but also highlighted the importance of embracing one's unique qualities.

Paralympian Navdeep Singh's emotional outburst at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris has sparked a discussion about the pressures and challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. Singh, who ultimately secured the gold medal in the men's javelin F41 final, was captured on camera displaying raw frustration and using strong language after a throw that initially secured him a silver medal.The incident occurred after Sadegh Beit Sayah of Iran was disqualified for displaying a controversial flag during the competition. Singh's silver medal was subsequently upgraded to gold, giving India its seventh gold medal at the Paris Para Games.In an interview with IANS, Singh admitted to being carried away by the aggression of the moment. "We have put in lots of hard work in our preparation, so it all happens," he said. "I have practiced for five years in Delhi, so it's in the air and water of Delhi that these things happen."Singh's frustration stemmed from the fact that he had gone beyond the 42-meter mark in training but had not expected to throw as far as he did in the final. "I was fully prepared before the final," he said. "Coach was happy with my throw, so I was also happy. I didn't expect the distance which I threw in the final, but it all went good."Despite the emotional outburst, Singh expressed gratitude for the support he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We met out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he wished us luck and told that Paralympians are nation's pride," he said.Singh's victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of athletes with disabilities. It also highlights the importance of providing support and understanding to these athletes as they navigate the challenges of competition and the pressures of representing their country.

Navdeep Singh's triumph in the men's javelin throw F41 final at the Paris Paralympic Games marked a historic moment for India, securing the nation's 29th and final medal of the campaign. The gold medal victory also marked India's seventh gold medal in the prestigious event.Navdeep's journey to the podium was not without its challenges. Initially awarded a silver medal, his status was upgraded to gold following the disqualification of Iranian athlete Mahdi Olad for displaying a flag during the competition. Despite the controversy, Navdeep's elation was evident as he celebrated his victory, putting the disappointment of the Tokyo Paralympics behind him.Comparisons were drawn between Navdeep and India's Olympic star Neeraj Chopra, who had previously won a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics and a silver medal in the Paris Olympics. Navdeep's coach, Naval Singh, went so far as to claim that his ward's technique surpassed that of Chopra."Navdeep's technique is even better than Neeraj Chopra's," Singh told Times of India. "If he were in able-bodied athletics, he would have done wonders. But we are all proud of Navdeep. This is just the start for him—he is going to break several records."Navdeep himself acknowledged the role of his coach in his success, crediting Singh for his unwavering support and guidance over the years. "My coach, Naval Singh, has worked a lot with me," Navdeep said. "He has trained me for almost seven years. He has played a big role in my career. Whatever I am today, it's because of him."Reflecting on his winning throw of 47.32 meters in the final, Navdeep revealed a unique strategy: "Falling is my last resort. When I fall, that throw goes well."Navdeep's victory serves as an inspiration to athletes with disabilities, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. His achievement is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human body and the power of sports to transcend boundaries.

Arshad Nadeem's historic Olympic triumph has etched Pakistan's name in the annals of sporting glory. The 27-year-old javelin thrower shattered the Games record with a monstrous 92.97m throw, securing Pakistan's first individual Olympic gold medal and the country's first gold since 1984.Nadeem's journey to the podium was not without its challenges. Just minutes before his record-breaking performance, he felt a sharp pain. However, his coach and doctor instilled confidence in him, urging him to unleash his inner "lion."Despite the injury, Nadeem's determination was unwavering. His second throw soared through the air, eclipsing the previous Olympic record by a significant margin. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Nadeem realized he had secured gold.Nadeem's triumph is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his team. He had sustained the injury during training in Lahore, but kept it a secret to avoid any distractions."I felt some pain after my first throw," Nadeem revealed. "But the doctor and coach told me, 'You are a lion.' Their words gave me the strength to push through."Nadeem's victory has sparked jubilation across Pakistan. He has been hailed as a national hero and received a state banquet at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad.Nadeem's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Pakistan and around the world. His story demonstrates that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.

Botswana erupted in jubilation as Letsile Tebogo returned home with the nation's first Olympic gold medal, a historic achievement that has ignited pride and inspiration across the southern African country.Upon the Olympic team's arrival at Gaborone's small airport, a sea of supporters, including families with children, elderly citizens, and enthusiastic youth, waved Botswana's vibrant national flag. The impromptu half-day holiday declared by President Mokgweetsi Masisi allowed hundreds to gather and witness the triumphant return.As the athletes disembarked, Masisi danced on the tarmac, an aide holding an umbrella to shield him from the sun. Outside, traditional dancers adorned in animal skins and beads performed a vibrant welcoming ceremony."Tebogo has made history not only for Botswana but for Africa," Masisi proclaimed to a crowd of over 20,000 that filled the city's national stadium.Tebogo, 21, became the first African to win the men's 200m, setting an African record time of 19.46sec in Paris on August 8. He surged past Americans Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles, securing gold and boosting Botswana's Olympic medal tally to four, including a silver in the men's 4x400m relay."I implore you to shower him and other participants with any kind of gifts that you may have," Masisi urged the crowd.The sports minister announced that Tebogo would receive two houses from the government, while the other relay team members would each receive one."This is a happy moment," Tebogo expressed to the stadium. "I would like to thank the nation for rallying behind me. I went through a lot," he said, referring to the loss of his mother in May.After crossing the 200m finish line in Paris, Tebogo held up his running shoes, which bore the birthdate of his mother, his inspiration.Masisi had previously granted the nation of 2.3 million people a half-day off to celebrate on August 9.Tebogo is only the second African athlete to win an Olympic medal in the men's 200m, following Namibian Frankie Fredericks' silver in Atlanta in 1996. Botswana's first Olympic medal came in 2012 when Nijel Amos took silver in the 800m, and its men's 4x400m relay team won bronze in Tokyo in 2021.Botswana's success in Paris contributed to Africa's impressive medal haul of 39, surpassing the 37 medals won at the Tokyo Games. Kenya led the continent with 11 medals in the French capital.Half of the finalists in the men's 200m where Tebogo triumphed were African athletes, showcasing the continent's growing prowess in shorter events beyond its dominance in longer distances.