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The Women's Indian Open 2024, scheduled for October 24-27 at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, promises an exciting showdown between the world's top female golfers and a formidable Indian contingent.Leading the charge is Chiara Tamburlini, the current Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit leader. The Swiss golfer has made a remarkable impact in her rookie year, claiming two victories and guiding her team to victory at the Aramco Team Series Shenzhen.Tamburlini will face stiff competition from a field that includes nine players who finished in the Top 10 of the 2023 edition. Among them are former champions Christine Wolf (2019), Camille Chevalier (2017), and Caroline Hedwall (2011).The international field will also feature Trichat Cheenglab of Thailand, the 2023 LET Order of Merit winner, and Lee Anne Pace of South Africa, the 2010 LET top spot holder.India's hopes will rest on Diksha Dagar, who secured third place last year, and Gaurika Bishnoi, who finished eighth. Amateur Avani Prashanth, who tied for fifth place in 2023, will make her professional debut at the event.Other notable players in the field include Alice Hewson (VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open winner), Amy Taylor (Ladies Italian Open victor), Perrine Delacour (Dormy Open Helsingborg champion), Manon De Roey (Investec SA Women's Open champion), and Shannon Tan (Magical Kenya Ladies Open champion).Caroline Hedwall, a seven-time LET winner, is one of the most prominent returnees. The Swedish golfer won the event in her rookie year in 2011 and has since finished runner-up three times.The Women's Indian Open, established in 2007, has become a prestigious event on the LET calendar. The 2024 edition promises to be another thrilling chapter in the tournament's history, with a strong field and a passionate Indian crowd cheering on their homegrown stars.

The Asian Tour is poised to make a grand return to India in 2025, bringing one of its prestigious International Series (IS) events to the country. This exciting development was hinted at during the International Series England at Foxhills Golf Club, where Asian Tour officials expressed their enthusiasm for a return to the Indian market.Rahul Singh, Head of International Series, confirmed that advanced talks are underway with a golf course and a sponsor. He emphasized that the Tour is committed to bringing an IS tournament to India next year, but stressed the importance of securing all necessary contracts before making an official announcement.India remains a crucial market for the Asian Tour, with a significant number of Indian professionals holding Tour memberships. However, the formation of an association between the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the DP World Tour has reduced the number of Asian Tour events in India.Despite these challenges, the Asian Tour is determined to return to India in a sustainable and commercially viable manner. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner of the Asian Tour, stated that the Tour is not interested in funding tournaments on its own. Instead, it seeks partnerships with local sponsors and venues to ensure the long-term success of IS events in India.The proposed LIV Golf schedule for 2025 will also play a role in the Asian Tour's plans. The Tour has strategically scheduled IS events close to LIV tournaments and in nearby countries to attract top players from the Saudi Arabia-backed league.Singh acknowledged the importance of LIV Golf to the Asian Tour's strategy. He emphasized that the partnership provides playing opportunities for LIV members and contributes to the growth of the IS.The remaining six IS events will form an exciting conclusion to the Asian Tour season, culminating in the $5 million PIF Saudi International. This tournament will crown both the International Series Ranking winner and the Asian Tour Order of Merit champion.

Aditi Ashok's Olympic journey in Paris ended with a respectable tied-29th finish, a far cry from her impressive fourth-place performance in Tokyo three years ago. However, the 26-year-old Indian golfer showcased her resilience on the final day, firing seven birdies to card a 4-under 68 at the challenging Le Golf National course.Despite her strong finish, Aditi's overall score of 2-over 290 fell short of the 15-under she achieved in Tokyo. Her compatriot, Diksha Dagar, also struggled, finishing with a total of 13-over 301 after a disappointing 78 in the final round.New Zealand's Lydia Ko emerged as the undisputed champion, claiming the gold medal with a steady performance under pressure. Ko, who has an impressive 20 LPGA wins to her name, produced a 71 in the final round to finish two shots ahead of Germany's Esther Henseleit and three shots ahead of China's Xiyu Lin, who won the silver and bronze medals, respectively.Ko's victory marked a historic milestone, making her the first golfer in the modern era to win three Olympic medals. The gold also secured her entry into the LPGA's prestigious Hall of Fame.Reflecting on her performance, Aditi acknowledged that her final day was her best, with both her approach shots and putting working effectively. She attributed her seven birdies to these factors and the improved weather conditions.Despite her overall disappointment, Aditi expressed optimism about her future Olympic prospects. She aims to return in 2028 for the Los Angeles Games and challenge for a medal.

The Olympic Games hold a special allure for athletes, even those who have achieved immense success in their respective sports. From the tears of joy shed by Scottie Scheffler and Novak Djokovic to the stirring comeback of the French football team, the Tokyo Olympics showcased the enduring power of the Games.For some, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of their careers. Badminton star Viktor Axelsen, a two-time defending champion, declared that the Olympics are the "grandest stage of them all." Similarly, for Noah Lyles, Neeraj Chopra, Simone Biles, and countless others, the Games provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their talents and compete against the world's best.However, for athletes in certain sports, the Olympics may not hold the same level of significance. Men's football, golf, tennis, and basketball players often earn substantial salaries at their clubs and may prioritize those commitments over the Olympics.Despite this, many top athletes in these sports have chosen to participate in the Olympics, recognizing the unique experience and honor it represents. For example, Sergio Camello celebrated Spain's football victory by taking off his shirt, while Fermin Lopez described the summer as "unbeatable."In golf, Scottie Scheffler's tears of joy after winning the gold medal demonstrated the emotional significance of the Olympics, despite his substantial earnings on the PGA Tour. Rory McIlroy, who has won millions of dollars in prize money, explained that the Olympics has the potential to rival the Ryder Cup as one of the most prestigious events in the sport.In tennis, Novak Djokovic's victory at Roland Garros was particularly meaningful as it marked his first Olympic gold medal and placed him among an elite group of players who have won all four Grand Slams and the Olympics. Carlos Alcaraz, despite his disappointment in losing the final, expressed the honor he felt in representing Spain.Basketball legend Steph Curry also showed his commitment to the Olympics, scoring 36 points in the semi-final against Serbia to keep the United States' hopes of a fifth consecutive gold medal alive.The Olympics provide a unique platform for athletes to represent their countries and compete for the ultimate prize. While some may prioritize financial rewards, for many, the Olympic rings hold an unparalleled allure, symbolizing the pursuit of excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship.

France, led by the towering Victor Wembanyama, are aiming to dethrone the mighty USA in the Olympic basketball final on Saturday as track and field wraps up in Paris. The women's golf tournament comes to a close, with two-time medallist Lydia Ko and Switzerland's Morgane Metraux in pole position, while the US take on Marta's Brazil in the women's football final.The star-studded US basketball team, led by LeBron James and Stephen Curry, were made to sweat by Serbia in Thursday's semi-final before an exhilarating fourth-quarter comeback, with Curry scoring 36 points. The four-time defending champions will be favourites to beat France in a repeat of the gold medal match at the Tokyo Games in 2021.But James, going for his third Olympic gold, knows it is unlikely to get any easier against the host nation, who can boast NBA Rookie of the Year Wembanyama. "Super competitive. Obviously, this is Wemby's (Wembanyama's) first Olympics, but that team has been playing together for quite a while," he said. "They've been feeding off the crowd, so we look forward to that match-up."Eight golds are on offer on the final night of track and field action at the Stade de France, while the men's marathon winds its way through the streets of Paris. Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi shared high jump gold in one of the most memorable moments of the Tokyo Games. But this time both come into the competition with questions over their fitness.Tamberi was pictured in hospital this week having cited a high temperature and kidney pain, while Barshim appeared to injure his left calf during qualifying. Reigning world champion Tamberi, who has jumped a highest of 2.37 metres in 2024, wants his rival alongside him. "I hope he will be fine by Saturday," said the Italian. "I need him on the field. I have to be fit myself but I want him to be there in the competition."The Stade de France will also witness the men's 800m and 5,000m finals and the women's 100m hurdles and 1,500m finals, with the 4x400m relays closing the show. Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge is aiming to become the first athlete to win three back-to-back Olympic marathon titles but faces stiff competition, including from compatriot Benson Kipruto and Uganda's world champion Victor Kiplangat.The US football team won four of the first five Olympic women's titles after the competition was introduced in 1996 but have not taken gold since the London 2012 Games. The team are resurgent under new coach Emma Hayes, the English coach who won a stack of medals during her time as Chelsea boss. They have been inspired on their way to the final by the exciting attacking trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman.The Brazilians will be attempting to make it third time lucky after losing to the same opponents in the Athens final in 2004 and in Beijing in 2008. Brazil great Marta, 38, appearing at her sixth and likely last Olympics, is hoping to sign off with gold to go with her two silver medals. "Marta has changed the game of soccer around the world," said US star Rodman of Marta, who has spent much of her club career in the United States. "She is such a talented soccer player but also a great human. I have always looked up to her. She has a legacy forever, but we want that gold."At Le Golf National, New Zealand's Ko is on nine under par with one round to go, level with 137th-ranked Metraux, who finished her round in dramatic fashion with an eagle at the 18th. China are chasing one more diving gold to complete a clean sweep of eight, with the men's 10m platform rounding off the competition.

India's Paris Olympics 2024: Day 15 to Witness Golf and Wrestling ActionAs India's Paris Olympics 2024 nears its conclusion, Day 15 promises excitement in golf and wrestling.Golf:Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will compete in the final round of the women's individual stroke play. After a promising start, they slipped to 40th and 42nd positions, respectively, on the penultimate round. They will aim for a strong finish to improve their standings.Wrestling:Reetika will represent India in the women's freestyle 76kg Round of 16. If she emerges victorious, she will advance to the quarter-finals and semi-finals, which will take place later in the day.India's Performance on Day 14:Day 14 witnessed a historic achievement for India as Aman Sehrawat clinched a bronze medal in the men's 57kg freestyle wrestling category. He became the first Indian wrestler to win a medal at Paris 2024 and the youngest Indian to do so at the Olympics.India's medal tally now stands at six, with Manu Bhaker contributing two bronze medals in shooting, Swapnil Kusale adding another in shooting, Neeraj Chopra securing a silver in javelin throw, and the men's hockey team earning a bronze.Schedule for India on Paris Olympics 2024 Day 15:Golf:* 12:30 PM IST - Women's individual stroke play (Round 4) - Aditi Ashok and Diksha DagarWrestling:* 3:00 PM IST - Women's freestyle 76kg Round of 16 - Reetika* 4:20 PM IST - Women's freestyle 76kg quarter finals (if qualified) - Reetika* 10:25 PM IST - Women's freestyle 76kg semifinal (if qualified) - Reetika

India's Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar have made a promising start in the women's individual stroke play golf event at the Paris Olympics. Aditi finished tied for 13th spot with a par score of 72, while Diksha was tied seventh with a score of one-under-par 71.Aditi, who finished fourth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, began strongly with a birdie on the third hole. However, she dropped a shot on the eighth hole before recovering with another birdie on the ninth. A birdie on the 13th hole gave her a chance to finish in the top 10, but a double bogey on the final hole dropped her back to par.Diksha, a two-time Deaflympics gold medalist, had a more consistent round. She birdied the seventh, 11th, and 14th holes, but bogeyed the 17th and 18th holes to finish tied for seventh.French golfer Celine Boutier leads the pack after Round 1 with a seven-under-par score of 65.Both Aditi and Diksha have all to play for in the next three rounds. With their experience and determination, they will be hoping to challenge for a medal in Paris.

Indian golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar are set to embark on their Olympic journeys in Paris, carrying the hopes of their nation. Aditi, a two-time Olympian, narrowly missed out on a medal in Tokyo, finishing fourth. Determined to make amends, she will be eager to secure a podium finish this time.Diksha, on the other hand, has overcome a traumatic car accident that left her mother hospitalized. Despite the setback, the 23-year-old has remained resilient and is focused on achieving Olympic success.The women's golf competition in Paris will feature a quarter of the field who have competed in all three Games since the sport's return in 2016. Aditi and Diksha are among the experienced players, with Aditi making her third appearance and Diksha her second.Aditi will tee off alongside Gaby Lopez (Mexico) and Esther Henseleit (Germany), while Diksha will play with Wei-Ling Hsu (Chinese Taipei) and Emma Spitz (Austria). The competition runs from Wednesday to Saturday.Aditi has enjoyed success on the Ladies European Tour, winning five times, but is yet to claim a victory on the LPGA. Her breakthrough moment came in 2021 when she came within a whisker of an Olympic medal. Despite missing out, she received widespread recognition and appreciation.Diksha is a unique athlete who has competed in both the Deaflympics and the Olympics. A double medallist in the Deaflympics, she qualified for Tokyo at the last minute. This time, her consistent performances earned her a place months in advance.In Paris, Diksha faced an unexpected scare when the car she was traveling in with her family was involved in an accident. While she and her father were uninjured, her brother sustained minor injuries and her mother suffered a back injury. However, her mother is now recovering.Aditi is coming off a tie for 22nd at the LPGA Tour's Portland Classic. She has played four weeks in a row and is looking to maintain her momentum in Paris.The women's golf field in Paris is highly competitive, with 12 of the top 15 players participating. Six players who have reached World No. 1 are among the contenders, including Jin Young Ko, Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, Atthaya Thitikul, Lilia Vu, and Ruoning Yin.Minjee Lee of Australia will be making her third Olympic appearance, following her brother Min Woo's debut in the men's competition. The Lees are the only brother-sister combination in the Olympic golf fields.Celine Boutier is one of two French players competing in the women's golf competition, along with Perrine Delacour. Boutier had a stellar season in 2023, winning four times, including the Amundi Evian Championship in her home country.

India's Medal Hopes Soar at Paris Olympics 2024India's contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024 is poised to make history, with a packed schedule of events and medal prospects. The nation's hopes rest on the shoulders of its athletes, who will compete in archery, boxing, golf, sailing, and shooting.ArcheryDeepika Kumari and Bhajan Kaur will carry India's archery aspirations in the women's individual event. They will face stiff competition in the Round of 16, but their recent form suggests they have the potential to reach the medal rounds.BoxingNishant Dev will be India's lone representative in boxing, competing in the men's 71kg quarterfinal. A victory would secure him a place in the semifinals and put him within striking distance of a medal.GolfShubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar will represent India in the men's individual strokeplay event. They will be aiming to make the cut and challenge for a podium finish.SailingVishnu Sarvanan and Nethra Kumanan will compete in the men's and women's Dinghy events, respectively. They will be hoping to qualify for the medal races and secure a place on the podium.ShootingManu Bhaker, India's two-time medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, will be the star attraction in the women's 25m pistol final. She will be aiming to become the first Indian athlete to win three medals in a single edition of the Olympics. Anantjeet Singh Naruka will also compete in the skeet men's qualification, while Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon will participate in the skeet women's qualification.