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Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the former champion of the MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament, has secured its place in the semifinals after a 3-1 victory over Odisha in a Pool-B contest. With this win, IOC has assured itself of a spot in the knock-out stage.IOC, studded with Olympians and Internationals, has played hard and ticked all the boxes in this year's tournament. The team has scripted its third successive win, leaving nothing to chance. Odisha, from Pool-B, is the other team that has made it to the last four.In Pool-A, Indian Army tamed Tamil Nadu 3-1 with a delectable mix of aggression and caution. However, the picture in Pool-A is still unclear as to who will reach the semifinals. Tamil Nadu, after its wonderful win over Maharashtra, flattered to deceive against a strong Army unit.Army was the better side throughout the match, be it in attack, defense, or midfield. Tamil Nadu will rue its chances in the fourth quarter. Trailing 1-3 in the fourth quarter, the host had four back-to-back penalty corners but wasted each one of them.

Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a Paralympics bronze medalist, has shared his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and achieving sporting success. In 2002, a landmine explosion during an anti-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir claimed his left leg below the knee, leaving him physically and emotionally scarred."I was mentally disturbed and in deep depression," Sema recalled. "I never thought I would be like this. I asked myself how I would walk because I don't have one leg."After his leg amputation, Sema faced immense challenges. The swelling and pain made it difficult to heal and walk properly. However, a visit to Pune's artificial limb center changed his life. The Indian Army provided him with an artificial limb, giving him hope and motivation."I have not seen an artificial leg till then in my life," Sema said. "Indian Army provided me with an artificial limb with a lot of hope. Because of that I am being able to stand in front of you."Inspired by others at the center who faced even greater physical challenges, Sema began to walk again, slowly and with determination. "It was like how a new-born child was taught how to walk by holding him," he said.In 2016, Sema was encouraged to take up shot put by a senior army official. He quickly excelled in the sport, competing in the National Para Athletics Championships the same year. His rise in para-athletics has been nothing short of inspiring.At the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Sema secured a bronze medal in the men's F57 category final with a career-best throw of 14.65 meters. He became the first Paralympics medalist from northeast India and the first Indian to win a medal in shot put at the Paralympics.Sema's journey is a testament to his resilience, determination, and the support he received from the Indian Army. He has not only overcome adversity but has also become a role model for others who face physical challenges.

Lieutenant Colonel Kabilan Sai Ashok, a 42-year-old Indian Army officer, has made history by becoming the youngest Indian referee at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Ashok's journey to this prestigious role is a testament to his unwavering commitment, exceptional skills, and the transformative power of the Indian Army.Ashok's military career began as a soldier, but his determination and talent propelled him to the officer rank. He served with distinction in the elite 9 Para (Special Forces) unit, where he participated in numerous counterterror missions in Jammu and Kashmir. His involvement in the 2016 surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir further solidified his reputation as a combat-hardened warrior.In a remarkable transition, Ashok left the Special Forces to join the Army's Physical Training Corps (APTC). His passion for boxing, honed during his time as an under-19 national champion, led him to become a highly respected referee and judge. Ashok's expertise earned him the distinction of being the only Indian referee to be fast-tracked from 2-star to the highest 3-star status in International Boxing Association (IBA) competitions.Ashok's selection as a referee for the Paris Olympics is a testament to his exceptional abilities and the Indian Army's commitment to excellence. He is one of the few Indians to have served as referees in Olympic history, and his appointment is a source of pride for the nation.Beyond his Olympic role, Ashok holds the presidency of the boxing committee of the International Military Sports Council. He also serves as a boxing administrator at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, where he mentors aspiring Olympians.Ashok's uniform proudly displays the para wings and the Balidan (sacrifice) badge, symbols of his service in the Special Forces and his unwavering dedication to his country. His journey from combat-hardened soldier to Olympic referee is an inspiration to all who aspire to achieve greatness through perseverance and passion.

Sandeep Singh's journey to the cusp of Olympic glory is a testament to his unwavering determination and natural talent. Hailing from a humble background in Punjab, Sandeep's childhood was marked by financial struggles and hard labor. However, his dream of an army career kept him motivated.Fate intervened when Sandeep first held an INSAS rifle at the Indian army's training ground in Fatehgarh. His exceptional marksmanship, producing a 2mm grouping at 300 meters, astounded instructors who recognized his innate ability. Thus began his career as a sports shooter.Despite a stop-start career, Sandeep's recent triumph at the Olympic Selection Trials (OST) has brought him within reach of his Olympic dream. His stunning scores in the 10m air rifle event propelled him to the top of the standings, edging out Olympic quota winners Arjun Babuta and Rudrankksh Patil.Sandeep's success has sparked controversy among his fellow shooters, who argue that his relative inexperience at the international level should disqualify him from Olympic selection. However, Sandeep remains confident in his abilities, citing his maturity and experience in pressure situations.His time spent guarding India's borders at the inhospitable Siachen Glacier has instilled in him a resilience that translates to his shooting performance. The challenges of breathing at high altitudes and the absence of enemy action forced him to focus on his inner strength.Despite a doping suspension and dismissal from the Army Marksmanship Unit, Sandeep's determination remained unwavering. With the support of his Commanding Officer, he resumed training and honed his skills. His consistent scores and match simulations in the lead-up to the OSTs paid off handsomely.Sandeep's Olympic aspirations extend beyond personal glory. He hopes to bring honor to his country and provide a better life for his family. His father, a laborer, has endured years of hardship, and Sandeep is eager to give him a comfortable retirement.