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Sanjay, a formidable defender and drag-flicker from Dabra village near Hisar, Haryana, is set to make his debut at the Olympics in Paris. Emerging as one of the most promising players in Indian hockey, Sanjay's journey from a small village to the grand stage of the Olympics is a testament to his hard work and dedication.Sanjay first caught the nation's attention during the 2021 Junior Hockey World Cup, where he emerged as the highest scorer for India with eight goals, including two hat-tricks. His outstanding performance not only made him the third-highest scorer in the tournament but also showcased his potential as a future star in Indian hockey.Sanjay made his senior team debut in June 2022 and quickly made an impact by helping India win the inaugural FIH Hockey5s. His contributions to the team have been significant, and his skills as a drag-flicker have been instrumental in securing crucial victories.He has also participated in major tournaments such as the 19th Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China and the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, where the team clinched Gold medals. His performance in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 earned India a 4th position, and he secured a silver medal in the 3rd Youth Olympic Games 2018.In recognition of his talents, Sanjay was awarded the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men) Under-21 in 2021.Now Sanjay's complete focus is on the Paris Olympics and he aims to take it one game at a time and not get ahead of himself. "I will focus on the Olympics by taking it one game at a time and giving my 100 percent in each match. My goal is to stay fully present and committed, ensuring that I contribute to my team's success with every opportunity on the field. This is the moment I have worked so hard for, and I intend to make the most of it," he stated.Further revealing his ultimate dream as a player, Sanjay said, "Ever since I picked up a hockey stick, I have dreamed of winning Gold medals at the Olympics and the World Cup. Representing my country on these prestigious platforms and bringing home the Gold has always been my ultimate goal. I am deeply committed to making my nation proud through my dedication and hard work on the field."India will commence their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign on July 27, when they take on New Zealand in their first pool B match at 2100hrs IST.

Former Indian hockey captain and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has expressed high expectations for the team's performance at the upcoming Paris Olympics. He believes that if star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh is in top form, India has a strong chance of improving upon their bronze medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics.Tirkey praised the team's young players and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, but emphasized the crucial role of drag-flickers in determining the team's success. "If our drag-flickers are on song, nothing can stop us," he said.The Indian team will be supported by renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who played a key role in India's 2011 Cricket World Cup victory. Tirkey highlighted the importance of mental strength in a high-pressure event like the Olympics."Conceding goals in the last minute has troubled us in the past, but we've improved in this area," he said. "Mental training is crucial, and I'm confident that our support staff will help the team perform at their best in Paris."Tirkey also stressed the need for a solid defense, particularly in defending short corners. He praised Amit Rohidas's performance in this area at the Tokyo Olympics.With experienced head coach Craig Fulton at the helm, Tirkey believes India has the potential to challenge for a medal of a different color in Paris. "The team has gained a lot of confidence under his coaching," he said. "Every player knows that we can change the color of the medal this time."India faces a tough challenge in their pool, which includes top teams like Australia, Belgium, and Argentina. However, Tirkey is confident that the team can overcome these obstacles. "We have to do our duties in our specific roles on that given day," he said. "The team must be fit, and we are one of the fittest teams."India will begin its campaign on July 27 against New Zealand, followed by matches against Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia.

Indian Contingent Arrives at Paris Olympics VillageA total of 49 Indian athletes have arrived at the Games Village in Paris, marking the beginning of India's participation in the upcoming Olympics. The contingent includes the entire archery, table tennis, and hockey teams.The table tennis team, consisting of eight members, and the 19-member Indian men's hockey team have already reached the French capital. Additionally, 10 out of the 21 qualified shooters have arrived in Chateauroux. The archery team, comprising six members, along with two tennis players, a shuttler, a rower, and two swimmers, have also made their way to Paris.India will be represented by a total of 117 athletes at the Paris Olympics, including 70 men and 47 women. They will compete in 69 events across 95 medal categories. The contingent will also include a 140-strong support staff, bringing the total number of members to 257.This year's contingent is larger than the 119-member team that represented India at the Tokyo Olympics. In Tokyo, India achieved its best-ever performance, winning seven medals, including the historic gold medal in javelin throw by Neeraj Chopra. Chopra will be returning to Paris to defend his title.The Indian contingent is expected to continue its strong performance in Paris, with medal hopes in archery, shooting, wrestling, and badminton. The Olympics will commence on July 26th, and the Indian athletes are determined to make their mark on the global stage.

Veteran goalkeeper and former India hockey captain P R Sreejesh has announced that the Paris Olympics will be his final international outing. The 36-year-old, a veteran of 328 International caps, three Olympic Games, and multiple Commonwealth Games and World Cups, will be playing in his fourth Olympic Games. The latest edition of the showpiece begins on July 26."As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope," Sreejesh said in a Hockey India press release."This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me," he added."My teammates have stood beside me through the tough and the ardent times. We all want to give our absolute best here in Paris and certainly, the desire is to change the color of our medal."Having made his debut at the 2010 World Cup, Sreejesh has been a part of various memorable wins for India, including gold in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta-Palembang. He was also there in the joint-winning team of the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018, besides the 2019 FIH Men's Series Finals champion side in Bhubaneswar.Sreejesh's announcement comes as no surprise, as he has been contemplating retirement for some time now. He had earlier hinted that he might hang up his boots after the Tokyo Olympics, but decided to continue for one more year to help India qualify for the Paris Games.With Sreejesh's retirement, India will lose one of its most experienced and decorated players. He has been a key member of the Indian team for over a decade and has played a pivotal role in India's recent successes.Sreejesh's legacy will be defined by his exceptional goalkeeping skills, his leadership qualities, and his dedication to the sport. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has been instrumental in India's rise to the top of the international hockey rankings.

India's Olympic aspirations soar as they set their sights on surpassing their record medal haul at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The nation's athletes will strive to build upon their impressive performance in Tokyo, where they secured seven medals, including a historic gold in javelin throw by Neeraj Chopra.Chopra remains India's brightest medal prospect, having consistently showcased his dominance in the sport. His exceptional throws have propelled him to the forefront of global javelin competition, making him a strong contender for another podium finish in Paris.Badminton, another area of strength for India, may witness a shift in focus towards the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The duo's recent world No. 1 ranking and current third-place standing bode well for their chances of making a significant impact in Paris.The Indian men's hockey team faces a formidable challenge in Pool B, which includes hockey powerhouses like Australia, Belgium, and Argentina. Despite their bronze medal triumph in Tokyo, the team's recent form has raised concerns. They will need to rediscover their winning ways to navigate the highly competitive group.Shooting, a discipline where India has traditionally excelled, will rely heavily on female shooters Sift Kaur Samra and Manu Bhaker. The duo's exceptional skills and experience will be crucial in India's quest for a medal in this event.An unexpected surprise may emerge in equestrian, where India will field a representative for the first time. Anush Agarwalla, a rising star in dressage, has demonstrated his potential with bronze and gold medals at the 2022 Asian Games. His performance in Paris could potentially add another dimension to India's medal hopes.

Sukhjeet Singh's journey to the Olympic stage has been a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. Six years ago, a debilitating back injury left his right leg temporarily paralyzed, threatening to extinguish his hockey dreams. However, with the unwavering support of his family, especially his father, Sukhjeet refused to succumb to despair.Through grueling rehabilitation and sheer willpower, Sukhjeet regained his mobility and returned to the hockey field with renewed vigor. His talent and dedication caught the attention of the Indian selectors, and in 2022, he made his debut for the national team.Despite being a newcomer to the senior squad, Sukhjeet has quickly established himself as a valuable asset. His speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a formidable force on the forward line. In the past two years, he has scored 20 goals in 70 matches for India, including three crucial goals at the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup.Sukhjeet's contributions have extended beyond the World Cup. He played a pivotal role in India's gold medal victories at the Asian Champions Trophy and the Hangzhou Asian Games last year. His recent performances in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where he netted five goals, further solidified his status as a rising star.As the Paris Olympics draw near, Sukhjeet is laser-focused on delivering his best performance. He is determined to repay the trust of his coach and teammates by contributing to the team's success. His journey from adversity to the Olympic stage is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and never give up on their aspirations.

India's Olympic Journey: A History of Near MissesIndia's Olympic history is marked by a series of tantalizingly close finishes, where athletes have come within a hair's breadth of the podium but ultimately fallen short. These near misses have left an enduring legacy of both agony and inspiration.1956 Melbourne: FootballThe Indian football team made a remarkable run to the semifinals, defeating hosts Australia in the quarterfinals. However, they were unable to overcome Yugoslavia in the semifinals and lost the bronze medal match to Bulgaria.1960 Rome: AthleticsLegendary sprinter Milkha Singh narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the 400m final. He slowed down to glance at his competitors, costing him a mere 1/10th of a second. This heartbreaking loss haunted him for the rest of his life.1980 Moscow: Women's HockeyWith top hockey nations boycotting the Moscow Games, India's women's hockey team had a golden opportunity to medal. However, they narrowly missed out, losing their final match to the USSR and finishing fourth.1984 Los Angeles: AthleticsPT Usha, known as the "Payyoli Express," came within 1/100th of a second of winning a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles. This was the closest an Indian athlete had ever come to a medal in any competition.2004 Athens: TennisLeander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, India's celebrated doubles pair, missed out on a bronze medal after losing a marathon match to Croatia. They had also lost in the semifinals to Germany.2012 London: ShootingShooter Joydeep Karmakar finished just 1.9 points behind the bronze medal winner in the men's 50m rifle prone event.2016 Rio de Janeiro: GymnasticsDipa Karmakar became the first Indian woman gymnast to compete at the Games. She finished fourth in the women's vault event, missing the bronze medal by 0.150 points.2020 Tokyo: Women's HockeyThe Indian women's hockey team once again came close to a medal, but lost to Great Britain in the bronze medal match.2020 Tokyo: GolfAditi Ashok, ranked 200th in the world, came agonizingly close to a podium finish in golf. She ultimately finished fourth.These near misses have left a bittersweet legacy for Indian sports. They have shown the potential of Indian athletes to compete at the highest level, but they have also highlighted the challenges and heartbreak that can come with falling just short of the ultimate prize.

As the world eagerly anticipates the 2024 Paris Olympics, three legendary Indian hockey Olympians share their memories and insights.Vasudevan BaskaranBaskaran, the captain of India's historic gold medal-winning team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, recalls the thrill of meeting Muhammad Ali and Carl Lewis at the Olympic village. He emphasizes the importance of networking and the unique experience of the Olympics, where athletes from all sports come together. Baskaran is optimistic about India's chances in Paris, predicting a double-digit medal tally.Muneer SaitSait, the goalkeeper of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics bronze medal-winning team, expresses his disappointment at missing out on gold due to internal team conflicts. However, he takes pride in his bronze medal, which has become a cherished possession. Sait believes that the current hockey team has excellent fitness but laments the decline in the sport's popularity in India.Charles CorneliusCornelius, a goalkeeper who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, shares his unique experience of being the only South Indian in a team of Punjabis. He highlights the importance of a goalkeeper's role in stopping the ball and preventing it from becoming a pass to the opponent. Cornelius is hopeful for the current team but expresses concern about the lack of interest in outdoor sports among the younger generation.The Future of Indian HockeyThe Olympians agree that the current Indian hockey team has the potential to perform well in Paris. They attribute this to the team's improved fitness and the leadership of experienced players. However, they also acknowledge the need to address the decline in the sport's popularity and encourage more young people to take up hockey.

Cricket may reign supreme in India, but other sports are gaining traction. According to Ormax Media, football, Kabaddi, professional wrestling (WWE), and hockey follow cricket in popularity. However, only hockey is relevant to the upcoming Paris Olympics.Key Terms for the Paris Olympics:* Heats: Preliminary rounds in track, rowing, swimming, and canoeing, where athletes are grouped based on performance.* Dressage: Equestrian event where horse and rider perform predetermined movements within an arena, judged on fluidity and coordination.* Ippon: In judo, a decisive victory achieved by throwing an opponent on their back, pinning them for 20 seconds, or forcing a submission.* RSC: In boxing, when the referee stops a contest due to the losing boxer's inability to protect themselves.* Repechage: In wrestling, track, and rowing, a chance for athletes who lose to medalists to qualify for bronze.* PC (Penalty Corner): In hockey, a penalty awarded when a foul is committed within the penalty circle. The attacking team attempts to score by hitting the ball into the goal.Indian Athletes to Watch:* Anush Agarwalla: Competing in dressage, the only Indian equestrian at Paris 2024.* Tulika Maan: India's sole judo representative, aiming for an ippon victory.Understanding Repechage:Repechage offers a lifeline to athletes who lose to eventual medalists. In wrestling, for example, Sakshi Malik won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics after losing in the quarterfinals. She qualified for the repechage rounds and won two subsequent bouts to secure a medal.Penalty Corners in Hockey:Penalty corners are crucial in hockey, often determining the outcome of matches. India's captain, Harmanpreet Singh, is renowned for his dragflicks, which can be game-changers.