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Sports Minister Expresses Surprise at Dipa Karmakar's RetirementSports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed his surprise at Dipa Karmakar's decision to retire from gymnastics. In a letter to the trailblazing Indian gymnast, Mandaviya conveyed his respect for her decision while acknowledging her remarkable journey in the sport.Karmakar, 31, announced her retirement on Monday after a career that saw her become the first Indian woman gymnast to represent the country at the Olympics. She finished fourth in the 2016 Rio Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal by 0.15 points.Mandaviya praised Karmakar's achievements, including her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri honor. He highlighted her inspirational journey, which began at the age of six and saw her overcome numerous challenges."Your journey in gymnastics has been inspirational. You have scaled the highs in the sport and made the country proud despite facing so many difficulties," Mandaviya wrote.The minister also acknowledged Karmakar's pioneering role in Indian gymnastics. "You added a new chapter in Indian gymnastics by participating in the Olympics, which was not only the outcome of our hard work but it is a great matter of pride for the entire country," he said.Mandaviya expressed his belief that Karmakar's achievements have inspired countless young girls in India. "Your achievements have not only inspired those who love sports but especially our daughters, who have got the strength to fulfill their dreams," he said.The minister concluded by expressing his hope that Karmakar would continue to share her knowledge and experience with young athletes in the future.

Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin, who captured hearts at the Paris Olympics 2024 with her heartwarming medal-biting moment, has returned home to a new viral sensation. The 18-year-old silver medalist in the balance beam event has been spotted helping her parents serve food at their local restaurant in Hengyang, Hunan province.Zhou's Olympic journey began at the tender age of three when she discovered her passion for gymnastics. Specializing in the balance beam, she quickly rose through the ranks, winning an individual gold in the Chinese Championships in 2020. Her senior-level achievements include gold medals at the National Games of China and the World Championships.At the Paris Olympics, Zhou made history by qualifying ahead of legendary gymnast Simone Biles in the balance beam event. She went on to secure a silver medal with a total score of 14.100, just behind Italy's Alice D'Amato. Zhou's performance was particularly impressive as she outscored Biles, who finished outside the podium in fifth place.Zhou's Olympic moment of fame came after the medal ceremony when she was captured on camera trying to bite her silver medal, mimicking the actions of the Italian gymnasts who had done so before her. The wholesome moment went viral on social media, endearing Zhou to fans worldwide.Now, back home in Hengyang, Zhou has traded her Olympic uniform for an apron, helping her parents run their restaurant. In a heartwarming gesture, she has been serving food to customers in her Olympic uniform, promoting the family business and inspiring her community.Zhou's story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to achieve Olympic success. It also highlights the importance of family and community support in the lives of athletes. As she continues her gymnastics career, Zhou Yaqin remains an inspiration to young athletes and a symbol of the Olympic spirit.

Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu extended heartfelt sympathy to Jordan Chiles as she received her Olympic bronze medal for the floor exercise on Friday. The medal ceremony in Bucharest, Romania, followed a controversial ruling that stripped Chiles of the medal she had initially been awarded.Bărbosu acknowledged the emotional turmoil faced by Chiles and her Romanian teammate Sabrina Voinea, emphasizing that none of the athletes had acted improperly during the competition. "I can't help but think about Sabrina and Jordan right now," Bărbosu said. "It's a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions. I hope everyone understands that we have not done anything wrong at the Olympics."The medal reallocation stemmed from a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that an inquiry to increase Chiles' score, which had initially secured her the bronze, was submitted too late and should not have been accepted. Consequently, Chiles' score was lowered, dropping her to fifth place and elevating Bărbosu to third. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the reallocation, leading to the ceremony where Bărbosu received the bronze medal.Chiles had initially received the bronze after her coach, Cecile Landi, successfully challenged her original score during the floor exercise final in Paris. The challenge slightly increased Chiles' difficulty score, placing her ahead of the Romanian gymnasts. However, the Romanian Olympic Committee contested the challenge, and the CAS upheld their appeal.Following the reversal, Chiles expressed her disappointment on social media, describing the decision as unjust and highlighting the emotional toll it had taken on her. "I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey," Chiles said. "To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful."Bărbosu's gesture of empathy underscores the spirit of sportsmanship and the importance of recognizing the challenges faced by all athletes. The medal reallocation highlights the complexities of judging in gymnastics and the need for clear and consistent guidelines.

US Gymnast Jordan Chiles Loses Bronze Medal in Floor Exercise After CAS RulingUS gymnast Jordan Chiles has been stripped of her bronze medal in the women's floor exercise at the Paris Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the judging panel improperly granted an inquiry that moved her up from fifth place.The decision, announced on Saturday, awarded the bronze medal to 18-year-old Romanian Ana Barbosu. Chiles, who had initially finished fifth, was upgraded to third place after the inquiry, but CAS ruled that the appeal was submitted past the one-minute deadline and should not have been granted.Chiles expressed her devastation on Instagram, posting four broken hearts and announcing her withdrawal from social media for her mental health. Her teammate, Simone Biles, offered support, saying, "Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!"The Romanian Gymnastics Federation and gymnasts Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea had filed appeals, arguing that Chiles's inquiry was untimely. CAS agreed, reinstating Chiles's original score of 13.666, which placed her fifth.Barbosu, who had initially thought she had won bronze with a score of 13.700, was left in tears after the ruling. She expressed disbelief and joy at being awarded the medal, Romania's only in the gymnastics competition.Scoring inquiries are common in gymnastics, but the CAS ruling highlights the importance of adhering to the rules and deadlines. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called the situation a "scandalous situation" and announced his boycott of the Olympic closing ceremony.USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee expressed their disappointment with the ruling, stating that the inquiry was filed in good faith and in accordance with FIG rules. They condemned the online attacks against Chiles and reaffirmed their support for her.The drama unfolded in the final event of gymnastics competition at Bercy Arena on Monday. The CAS ruling has left Chiles without a medal in the floor exercise, while Barbosu has been awarded the bronze.

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, concluded her remarkable Paris Olympics campaign with a silver medal in the floor exercise on Monday. Despite a fall on the balance beam, Biles showcased her resilience and determination, finishing behind Brazilian Rebeca Andrade.Biles entered the final day of competition with the potential to break the record for most gold medals won by a woman in a single Olympics. She had already led the United States to team gold, regained her all-around crown, and soared to vault gold. However, she faced setbacks on Monday.On the balance beam, Biles suffered a major hiccup, falling off the apparatus. It was her first significant error of the Games, three years after the "twisties" forced her to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics. Biles finished fifth in the beam final, with Italy's Alice D'Amato claiming gold.Despite the disappointment on the beam, Biles rebounded with a breathtaking floor routine. However, two out-of-bounds errors proved costly, preventing her from reaching the top of the podium. Andrade secured gold with 14.166 points, while Biles earned 14.133 for silver.Biles expressed pride in her performance, acknowledging that she had accomplished more than she could have ever imagined. With a total of 11 Olympic and world medals, including 30 golds, she remains one of the most decorated gymnasts in history."I've accomplished way more than my wildest dreams not just at this Olympics but in the sport," Biles said. "So I can't be mad at my performances."Biles's legacy extends beyond her medal count. She has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has inspired countless young athletes. Her return to the Olympics after the challenges she faced in Tokyo is a testament to her perseverance and resilience.In other apparatus finals, Japan's Shinnosuke Oka won his third gold medal of the Games, adding the horizontal bar title to his team and all-around victories. China's Zou Jingyuan retained his parallel bars title, while Ukraine's Illia Kovtun took silver and Oka earned bronze.

The 2024 Paris Olympics witnessed an unprecedented setback for the United States in women's gymnastics, as neither Simone Biles nor Suni Lee managed to secure a podium finish on the balance beam. This marked the first time since the 2000 Sydney Olympics that the US failed to medal in the event.Biles, a three-time Olympian, had hoped to redeem herself on the beam after winning bronze in both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. However, she suffered a major setback when she fell during her acrobatic series, ending her streak of consecutive Olympic medals in the event.Lee, who had won bronze on the uneven bars earlier in the competition, also faced disappointment on the beam. She stumbled and fell during a flip, landing awkwardly and eventually falling off the beam. Despite completing her routine, she was visibly upset with her performance.Italy's Alice D'Amato emerged as the surprise gold medalist with a score of 14.366, marking her country's first beam gold and her first individual Olympic medal. China's Yaqin Zhou earned silver, while Italy's Manila Esposito took bronze.D'Amato's clean routine stood out among the finalists, four of whom, including Biles and Lee, fell during their performances. Lee expressed her disappointment but remained optimistic, stating, "I just need to go and do the work and put all the effort in and maybe one day you'll have it."The absence of Biles and Lee on the balance beam podium was a significant upset, highlighting the challenges and pressure faced by elite athletes at the highest level of competition. Despite their setbacks, both athletes demonstrated resilience and determination, vowing to return stronger in future competitions.

Simone Biles, the legendary gymnast, is poised to add two more Olympic gold medals to her illustrious career at the Paris Games. After claiming her third gold in the vault, Biles is now targeting victories in the balance beam and floor exercises. Her remarkable achievements come after overcoming the mental health challenges that plagued her in Tokyo.Biles's dominance in gymnastics is undeniable. She has won seven Olympic golds, making her the most decorated American gymnast in history. Her resilience and determination have inspired countless athletes and fans worldwide.Another star to watch is Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vault king. Duplantis has set eight world records and is aiming for another in Paris. His dominance in the event has been unparalleled for the past five years.The Paris Games also feature Sifan Hassan, the Dutch runner who is chasing a golden treble in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon. Hassan is a formidable competitor and will face stiff competition from Kenya's Faith Kipyegon.Track cycling makes its debut at the National Velodrome, with the first gold medal up for grabs in the women's team sprint. Britain, a powerhouse in cycling, will be looking to continue its dominance despite the absence of retired stars Laura and Jason Kenny.The badminton competition concludes with the finals of the men's and women's singles. China's He Bingjiao will face South Korea's An Se-young for women's gold, while defending men's champion Viktor Alexsen of Denmark will take on Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn.In football, the semi-finals will see Morocco face Spain and France take on Egypt. The mixed relay in the triathlon will also take place, after pollution levels in the River Seine were deemed acceptable for the swimming leg.

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, soared to victory in the women's vault final at the Paris Games on Saturday, earning her seventh Olympic gold medal. The 27-year-old Biles, known for her gravity-defying skills, averaged 15.300 for her signature Yurchenko double pike and Cheng vaults, securing her second gold on the event since her triumph in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago.Biles' victory marks a historic milestone, making her only the second woman to win the vault twice, joining Vera Casalavska of Czechoslovakia as a two-time gold medalist on the apparatus. Casalavska achieved this feat in 1964 and 1968. With this latest triumph, Biles now boasts an impressive 10 Olympic medals, tying her for the third most by a female gymnast. Her medal count at major international competitions has also reached 40, the highest among all gymnasts.The crowd at the packed Bercy Arena erupted in thunderous applause as Biles was introduced. Clad in a sequined red leotard, she delivered a breathtaking performance that could potentially be her last vault competition. Her Yurchenko double pike was executed with precision, showcasing her explosive power and remarkable control. Despite a slight bounce upon landing, her score of 15.700 put her in a commanding position.Biles' second vault, the Cheng, was equally impressive. She nearly stuck the landing, earning a score of 14.900. This meant that the remaining competitors were effectively vying for second place. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, the vault champion in Tokyo, claimed the silver medal with an average score of 14.966. American Jade Carey, who had slipped during the vault final in Tokyo, secured the bronze with a score of 14.933.In the men's floor exercise finals, Carlos Yulo of the Philippines made history by winning his country's second Olympic gold medal. The 24-year-old Yulo edged out defending champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel, scoring 15.000 to Dolgopyat's 14.966. Jake Jarman of Britain took the bronze with a score of 14.933. Yulo's victory marks a significant achievement for the Philippines, joining weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz as the only two Olympic gold medalists from the nation.

American gymnastics legend Simone Biles has once again etched her name in the annals of Olympic history, reclaiming the all-around title at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Friday. The 27-year-old, who previously won gold in the same event at the Rio Olympics in 2016, became the first woman to regain the Olympic all-around title.Biles' triumph was a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After withdrawing from most of her events in Tokyo three years ago due to a debilitating condition known as the "twisties," she returned to the Olympic stage with a renewed sense of purpose.Her performance in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. She opened with an electrifying floor routine to Taylor Swift's hit song "Ready for It?," captivating the crowd at the Bercy Arena. Her flawless execution and gravity-defying moves earned her a standing ovation.Biles' dominance continued throughout the competition. She displayed her exceptional skills on the vault, uneven bars, and balance beam, consistently scoring high marks. Her compatriot, Sunisa Lee, who won the title in Tokyo after Biles' withdrawal, could only claim a bronze medal this time around. Brazil's Rebeca Andrade took home the silver.This victory marks Biles' second gold medal of the Paris Games and her sixth Olympic gold overall. She has already led the United States to women's team gold this week, solidifying her status as the most decorated athlete in her sport.Biles' success is not only a testament to her athletic prowess but also to her mental fortitude. She has openly discussed her struggles with mental health and has become an advocate for athletes' well-being."Three years ago, I never thought I'd step on a gymnastics court again," Biles said after her victory. "But I worked hard, mentally and physically, even saw my therapist this morning, just making sure I'm mentally well."Biles' triumph is an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. It demonstrates that even after setbacks and challenges, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.