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The Indian Sports Honours (ISH) is set to return for its fifth edition, recognizing the exceptional achievements of Indian athletes from October 2023 to September 2024. Conceptualized by Cornerstone Sport, the ISH celebrates excellence across a wide range of sports, including Olympic and Paralympic sports, the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, Cricket, Squash, and Chess.The selection process for the ISH is rigorous and transparent, with nominations being shortlisted for ten prestigious Jury Honours and four Popular Choice Honours. The Jury Honours include categories such as Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, and Team of the Year, while the Popular Choice Honours allow fans to vote for their favorite athletes through online polls on Twitter.The esteemed jury for the ISH features a distinguished panel of sports icons, led by Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic medalist and a member of the IOC. Other jury members include legendary athlete P.T. Usha, former World Number One shooter Anjali Bhagwat, and Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney+ Star.In addition to the established categories, the ISH will also present a Lifetime Achievement Honour and a new Grassroots Initiative of the Year Honour. The Grassroots Initiative of the Year Honour aims to recognize organizations and individuals making significant contributions to the development of sports at the grassroots level.Bunty Sajdeh, CEO of Cornerstone Sport, expressed his excitement about the upcoming ISH: "We're thrilled to return with the fifth edition of Indian Sports Honours. This platform allows us to celebrate India's finest sporting talent and share their journeys with a larger audience. Their journeys, combined with the support from fans, inspires us to make the event bigger and better every year."The Indian Sports Honours is a prestigious event that brings together India's sports community and entertainment icons to celebrate the nation's athletes. It is a powerful convergence of sportsmanship and entertainment that shines a spotlight on the dedication, talent, and spirit of Indian athletes.

Indian Athletes Receive Portable ACs to Combat Paris HeatIndian athletes competing at the Paris Olympic Games have been provided with 40 portable air conditioners by the country's sports ministry to alleviate the discomfort caused by soaring temperatures and inadequate cooling in their rooms at the Olympic Village.The decision to provide the ACs was made after discussions with the Indian Olympic Association and the French Embassy in India. The ministry recognized the challenges faced by athletes due to the extreme heat and humidity in Paris, which have been exacerbated by the organizers' decision to minimize air conditioning to reduce the event's carbon footprint.Temperatures in Paris and Chateauroux, the two main Olympic venues, have reached uncomfortable levels, with reports indicating that they have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius on some days. During the men's 50m rifle 3-positions event, all eight finalists, including India's bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale, were visibly sweating profusely at the Chateauroux shooting range.Prior to the Games, several contingents expressed concerns about the weather conditions in Paris, prompting the USA contingent to bring their own portable air conditioners. Other countries have reportedly followed suit, and India has now joined the bandwagon.The portable ACs provided by the Indian sports ministry are plug-and-play units that have been distributed to athletes in their rooms at the Olympic Village. The ministry expects that the ACs will provide a more comfortable living environment and facilitate better rest, which is crucial for optimal performance.The decision to provide the ACs was made on Friday, and the cost is being borne by the ministry. The move has been welcomed by athletes, who have expressed their gratitude for the support and the improved living conditions.

How Indian Athletes Cope with Pre-Competition Pressure at Paris OlympicsAs the Indian contingent prepares to kick off their campaign at the Paris Olympics, athletes are employing various strategies to manage the immense pressure and external distractions that come with competing on the world's biggest sporting stage.Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, emphasizes the importance of accepting the pressure rather than fighting it. "The best way to deal with the pressure is to stop fighting it. Just accept it and you'll be fine," he advises.Manu Bhaker, who experienced a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Games, has adopted a more relaxed approach this time around. "I am more relaxed. I am not telling myself, 'do this, do that,'" she says. She finds solace in playing the violin, journaling, and reading.Rhythm Sangwan, another pistol shooter, uses music to create her own zone. "It helps me find my zone. I might even curate a playlist for Paris," she says.Boxer Nikhat Zareen has chosen to disconnect from social media and focus solely on her training. "It's better to avoid distractions. I have cut down on my public appearances and I will soon disappear from social media too. Paris is my sole focus," she says.Rafael Nadal's pre-match cold shower ritual is a testament to the power of habits in helping athletes stay focused. "It helps me enter a new space in which I feel my power and resilience grow," he writes in his autobiography.Staying in the moment is crucial for athletes to shut out the noise. "Embrace the moment rather than succumb to it because a night before the final, all the talk about confidence and technique goes out of the window," says Bindra.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, believes in staying away from the distractions of home. "Over-reliance on a particular routine can be counterproductive because you won't find that curated atmosphere all the time," says his physiotherapist, Ishaan Marwaha.PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, found peace and quiet in Saarbrucken in the lead-up to the Olympics. "I can focus better," she says.Ultimately, each athlete has their own unique way of coping with the pressure of the Olympics. But one thing is clear: the ability to find their zone and shut out the noise will be essential for success in Paris.

India's Olympic contingent for the Paris Games is their second-largest ever, with 117 athletes representing the nation across 16 disciplines. This includes 29 athletes in athletics and 21 in shooting, the largest contingents in those sports for India at the Olympics.Among the 117 athletes, 72 are making their Olympic debut, while veterans like Sharath Kamal (table tennis), Rohan Bopanna (tennis), PV Sindhu (badminton), and Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting) will be competing in their third or more Olympics.India's medal hopes rest on the shoulders of several athletes, including Neeraj Chopra (javelin), Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (men's doubles badminton), PV Sindhu (women's singles badminton), the Indian women's archery team, the Indian men's archery team, the Indian men's hockey team, Sift Kaur Samra (shooting), Manu Bhaker (shooting), Nikhat Zareen (boxing), and Antim Panghal (wrestling).India has won 35 Olympic medals in total, with 12 coming from team sports and 134 athletes winning individual or team medals. Only three Indians have won multiple Olympic medals: Norman Pritchard, Sushil Kumar, and PV Sindhu.The Paris Olympics will be a crucial test for India's athletes, who will be aiming to surpass their best-ever medal haul of seven from the Tokyo Games. With a strong contingent and high expectations, India will be hoping to make history in Paris.

The Indian contingent is gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with 117 athletes set to represent the nation. This marks a slight decrease from the 124 athletes who competed in Tokyo in 2021. India will be vying for a total of 95 medals across 69 events.A significant 61% of the Indian athletes will be making their Olympic debut in Paris, with 72 individuals experiencing the Games for the first time. The contingent's oldest member is tennis legend Rohan Bopanna, who will be making his third Olympic appearance at the age of 44.Athletics remains the largest contributor to the Indian contingent, with 29 athletes set to compete. Shooting has also made a strong showing, with India's shooters securing quotas in every category for the first time. This has resulted in a record 21 shooters representing the country.India will be competing in 16 sports disciplines, with 8 of them having produced medals for the nation in the past. Five returning medallists will be looking to add to their tally in Paris: Neeraj Chopra (javelin), PV Sindhu (badminton), Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting), Lovlina Borgohain (boxing), and the Indian men's hockey team.Parul Chaudhary and Manu Bhaker are the only two athletes who will be competing in multiple individual events. Chaudhary will participate in the women's 5000m run and 3000m steeplechase, while Bhaker will compete in the women's 10m air pistol and 25m pistol.PV Sindhu stands out as the only Indian athlete to have won multiple individual Olympic medals. She is now aiming to become the first Indian to win individual medals at three consecutive Olympics. Aman Shehrawat is the sole Indian male wrestler who will be competing in Paris.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended its support to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in its bid to ensure a successful Indian contingent at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced a financial contribution of INR 8.5 crores to the IOA for the campaign.Shah expressed his pride in supporting India's athletes and wished them the best in their endeavors. "We are providing INR 8.5 Crores to the IOA for the campaign. To our entire contingent, we wish you the very best. Make India proud! Jai Hind!" he tweeted.The BCCI's financial support is a significant boost to the IOA's preparations for the Olympics. The funds will be utilized to cover various expenses related to the training, travel, and accommodation of Indian athletes.The IOA has expressed its gratitude to the BCCI for its generous contribution. IOA President PT Usha thanked Shah and the BCCI for their support, stating that it will go a long way in ensuring a successful campaign for India at the Olympics.The 2024 Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024. India is expected to send a strong contingent of athletes across various sports, including athletics, badminton, boxing, hockey, shooting, and wrestling.The BCCI's support to the IOA is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of sports in India. It also reflects the BCCI's commitment to promoting and supporting Indian athletes at the highest level of competition.

The 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be a spectacle like no other, with the opening ceremony taking place on the Seine River for the first time in history. Over 200 delegations of athletes will embark on an armada of boats, traversing the city's iconic waterway.India will be represented in 16 sports disciplines in Paris, with the government investing heavily to enhance the medal tally. The sports ministry has allocated significant funds to support the nation's Olympic hopefuls:* Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw): The reigning Olympic champion has received ₹5.72 crores for training at SAI NSNIS in Patiala and Europe. He aims to defend his title in Paris.* Indian Men's Hockey Team: After ending India's 41-year medal drought with a bronze in Tokyo, the team has received ₹41.81 crores for training at SAI NCOE in Bengaluru.* Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (Badminton Men's Doubles): Training at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, the duo has received ₹5.62 crores and will be vying for gold.* PV Sindhu (Badminton): With a silver from Rio 2016 and bronze from Tokyo 2020, Sindhu has received ₹3.13 crores for training at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru. She will be aiming for gold in Paris.* Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting): Despite injuries, Chanu has received ₹2.74 crores for training at SAI NSNIS in Patiala. She will be hoping to improve upon her silver medal from Tokyo.* Manu Bhaker (Shooting): Bhaker will be looking to redeem herself after a disappointing Tokyo performance. She has received ₹1.68 crores for training at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.* Sift Kaur Samra (Shooting): After winning India's first-ever individual shooting Asiad gold in Hangzhou, Samra has received ₹1.63 crores for training. She will be aiming to replicate her success in Paris.* Rohan Bopanna (Tennis): The tennis legend has received ₹1.56 crores for training. At 44 years old, he will be making a comeback in Paris.* Manika Batra (Table Tennis): Batra has received ₹1.30 crores for training. She will be hoping to secure a medal or put up a strong performance in Paris.* Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borogohain (Boxing): Zareen has finally earned her Olympic debut, while Borogohain has an Olympic bronze to her name. They have received ₹91.71 lakhs and ₹81.76 lakhs respectively for training.* Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling): In her third Olympics, Phogat has received ₹70.45 lakhs for training.

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has urged Indian athletes participating in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics to perform fearlessly and expressed hope that the country will surpass its previous medal tally. India will be represented by a contingent of 117 athletes in Paris, aiming to improve upon the seven medals won in Tokyo.Dev, who is also the president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), advised the athletes to express themselves without hesitation. He believes that India has the potential to achieve a double-digit medal count. However, he declined to comment on Indian cricket and the newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir.Dev expressed his optimism for the growth of golf in India, recalling his own experience playing amateur events. He hopes that the sport will reach the same heights as cricket in the future. He emphasized the importance of sponsorship in promoting the game and predicted that golf could reach significant milestones within five years.The Trinity Golf Champions League (TGCL), which Dev is an ambassador for, is expanding to eight teams this year, including one from Sri Lanka. The league will be held in Bengaluru from September 2 to 7 and will feature a unique format similar to the Ryder Cup. Each team will comprise 20 players, including professionals, celebrities, and amateurs.The winning team will receive a prize of Rs 30 lakh, while the second and third-placed teams will receive Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively. Dev expressed his hope that the prize money for the TGCL winners will reach one million dollars within the next five years.

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.