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Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in athletics, is poised to make history at the Paris Olympics. After the disappointment of Vinesh Phogat's disqualification, Chopra will take the field on Thursday, August 11, aiming to become the first Indian athlete to win multiple individual gold medals at the Games.Chopra's qualifying throw of 89.34m, the second-best of his career, has set him up for a strong performance in the final. Despite a nagging adductor niggle, Chopra displayed his characteristic nonchalance, walking off the field after his single throw.The competition will be fierce, with two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and reigning Commonwealth Games champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan among the contenders. However, Chopra's season-leading mark and his ability to perform under pressure make him a formidable opponent.Chopra has carefully managed his events this season, competing in only three competitions. He has also tweaked his training regimen to enhance his power, working with strength and conditioning expert Spencer Mackay to improve his snatches and clean and jerks.The final will be contested under cooler, windier evening conditions, which Chopra acknowledges will present a different challenge. However, he remains confident in his ability to adapt and deliver a strong performance.If Chopra succeeds in defending his Olympic title, he will join an elite group of javelin throwers who have won back-to-back gold medals. He will also become only the fourth Indian to win multiple medals at the Games.Despite the pressure and expectations, Chopra remains focused on his goal. His unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a strong contender for gold in Paris.

Indian quarter-miler Kiran Pahal's Olympic journey came to an end on Tuesday as she finished sixth in heat 1 of the women's 400m repechage round at the Paris 2024 Olympics, failing to secure a place in the semi-finals.Pahal clocked 52.59s in the repechage round, a time slower than her 52.51s finish in the first round. The 24-year-old's hopes of advancing were dashed as only the top athletes in each heat, along with the two best in repechage overall, progressed to the next stage.The Paris 2024 Olympics introduced a repechage round for all individual track events from 200m to 1500m (including hurdles). This new format, covering six different distances in both men's and women's races, consists of four rounds instead of the usual three.In the repechage format, athletes who fail to qualify by placing in round one heats are given a second chance to reach the semi-finals by competing in repechage heats. This system replaces the previous one, where athletes advanced based on fastest times, known as 'lucky losers,' in addition to the top placings in the heats.Pahal had punched her ticket to Paris in the women's 400m during the Inter-State Athletics in June. She clocked a blistering 50.92 seconds, surpassing the Paris Olympic Games qualification time of 50.95.Pahal's performance has made her the second-fastest Indian female 400m runner of all time, behind Hima Das, who holds the national record of 50.79 seconds set in 2018.Pahal's qualification for the Olympics marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics, as she is the first Indian female quarter-miler to qualify for the Games after an eight-year gap since Nirmal Sheoran (Haryana) qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Neeraj Chopra, the trailblazing Indian javelin thrower, is poised to make history once again as he sets his sights on a second Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. His remarkable consistency will be put to the test after a season marred by a nagging adductor injury.Chopra's Olympic journey begins on Tuesday with the qualification round, where he is expected to secure a spot in the finals on August 8. A podium finish would make him only the fifth man in Olympic history to defend his javelin title and the first Indian to win two gold medals in an individual event at the Games.Eric Lemming (Sweden), Jonni Myyra (Finland), Jan Zelezny (Czech Republic), and Andreas Thorkildsen (Norway) are the only athletes to have successfully defended their Olympic javelin gold medals. Chopra, who idolizes Zelezny, will be eager to join this elite group.Despite competing in just three events this year, the 26-year-old world champion is back in top form. After finishing second in the Doha Diamond League with a season-best throw of 88.36m, Chopra withdrew from the Ostrava Golden Spike as a precautionary measure due to an adductor issue.He made a strong comeback by winning gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland with a throw of 85.97m. Chopra later opted out of the Paris Diamond League, emphasizing that it was not part of his competition schedule.His coach has dismissed concerns about Chopra's fitness, stating that his adductor is now fully recovered and that he has been training at high intensity. Chopra's consistency is evident in his record of sending his spear below 85m only twice in 15 competitions since his Tokyo Olympics triumph.Chopra's main rivals include Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic), Germany's Julian Weber, and former world champion Anderson Peters. Kishore Jena is the other Indian competing in the men's javelin, but he has struggled to cross the 80m mark since qualifying for the Olympics with an 87.54m throw at the Asian Games last year.Chopra's performance is expected to boost the morale of the Indian athletics contingent, which has yet to make a significant impact at the Tokyo Games.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in athletics, has a dedicated supporter who has embarked on an extraordinary journey to witness his triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024. Fayis Asraf Ali, a cyclist from Kerala, has pedaled over 22,000 kilometers across 30 countries in the past two years to reach Paris for the Summer Games.Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, will lead a 29-member Indian athletics contingent at the Paris Games. The contingent will compete in 16 medal events, with the track and field events taking place at the iconic Stade de France.Chopra's journey to Paris has been marked by consistent success. After his historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, he won the Diamond League title in 2022 and the Asian Games gold medal in 2023. He arrives in Paris as the reigning world champion in javelin throw.Joining Chopra in the men's javelin competition will be Kishore Jena, who won silver at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. Other notable members of the Indian athletics contingent include Muhammed Anas, who will make his third Olympic appearance, and steeplechaser Parul Chaudhary, who will make her Olympic debut.The Indian athletics squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics includes:Men:* Avinash Sable (3000m steeplechase)* Neeraj Chopra (javelin throw)* Kishore Jena (javelin throw)* Tajinderpal Singh Toor (shot put)* Praveen Chithravel (triple jump)* Abdulla Aboobacker (triple jump)* Sarvesh Kushare (high jump)* Akshdeep Singh (20km race walk)* Vikash Singh (20km race walk)* Paramjeet Singh Bisht (20km race walk)* Muhammed Anas (4x400m relay)* Muhammed Ajmal (4x400m relay)* Amoj Jacob (4x400m relay)* Santhosh Kumar Tamilarasan (4x400m relay)* Rajesh Ramesh (4x400m relay)* Mijo Chacko Kurian (4x400m relay)* Suraj Panwar (race walk mixed marathon)* Jeswin Aldrin (long jump)Women:* Kiran Pahal (400m)* Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase and 5,000m)* Jyothi Yarraji (100m hurdles)* Annu Rani (javelin throw)* Jyothika Sri Dandi (4x400m relay)* Subha Venkatesan (4x400m relay)* Vithya Ramraj (4x400m relay)* MR Poovamma (4x400m relay)* Prachi (4x400m relay)* Priyanka Goswami (20km race walk and race walk mixed marathon)* Ankita Dhyani (5000m)

Neeraj Chopra, India's reigning Olympic javelin throw champion, has arrived at the Paris Olympic Games village, marking a significant milestone in his quest to defend his title. The 26-year-old took to social media to share his excitement, posting a photo of himself in the village with the caption, "Namaskar, Paris! Excited to finally reach the Olympic Games village."Chopra's arrival in Paris has been met with anticipation from both his fellow athletes and the Indian public. In Tokyo, he became the first track and field athlete to win an individual gold medal for India, etching his name in the annals of Indian sporting history. He is now poised to make another historic run at the podium in Paris.Upon his arrival, Chopra penned an inspiring message for the Indian athletes on the 'Wall of Positivity,' a designated space in the village where athletes can share words of encouragement and motivation. "This is the time for the performance," he wrote on a sticky note, pasted on the wall.Chopra's message reflects the determination and focus that has characterized his career. He has been training relentlessly for the Paris Games, honing his technique and pushing his limits. His arrival in the Olympic village marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.The Indian contingent is eagerly awaiting Chopra's performance in the Men's Group A Javelin Throw Qualification Round, scheduled for August 6 at Stade de France. The countrymen are hoping for another podium finish for the star athlete, who has become a symbol of Indian sporting excellence.Chopra's presence in Paris is not only a testament to his individual brilliance but also a reflection of the growing strength of Indian athletics. The country has produced a number of talented athletes in recent years, and Chopra's success has inspired a new generation of young athletes to pursue their dreams.As the Paris Games draw near, Chopra's arrival in the Olympic village has ignited a sense of excitement and anticipation among the Indian public. The nation will be watching with bated breath as he takes to the field, hoping to witness another historic moment in Indian sports.

Three years after India's historic Olympic performance in Tokyo, the nation's athletes are poised to embark on another Olympic journey in Paris. Among them, Neeraj Chopra, India's lone gold medalist in athletics, faces a unique challenge as the defending champion.Chopra's success in Tokyo has brought immense pressure, but he has embraced it as a necessary part of his journey. He has remained grounded and motivated, consistently delivering exceptional performances. His dominance in javelin throw over the past few years suggests he is a strong contender for a medal in Paris.However, Chopra recognizes that each competition is a new challenge. He has chosen to approach Paris as a fresh start, leaving behind the baggage of the past. By focusing on the present and embracing a growth mindset, he aims to replicate his success.Chopra's exceptional work ethic and adaptability set him apart. His decision to skip the Paris Diamond League to prioritize his body's well-being demonstrates his self-awareness and understanding of the demands of his sport. This quality is rare among Indian athletes and is crucial for sustained success.In addition to his physical abilities, Chopra's open-mindedness and willingness to innovate contribute to his world-class status. He is receptive to new training methods and techniques, recognizing that success requires constant improvement.Chopra's journey is a testament to the importance of self-belief and the pursuit of excellence. His ability to think independently and make decisions that align with his goals is a valuable lesson for all Indian athletes.

Paris Games-bound high jumper Sarvesh Kushare has received invaluable advice from Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra: "Just focus on training and don't get scared by the fame of the opponents." This guidance has boosted Kushare's confidence, especially after a period of uncertainty about his Olympic qualification.Kushare's journey to the Olympics has been remarkable. From practicing on a makeshift mat made of fodder to becoming the first Indian high jumper to qualify for the Games, he has overcome numerous challenges. His personal best of 2.27m and season's best of 2.25m make it realistic for him to reach the final round in Paris.Despite his relatively small stature, Kushare is determined to compete with the best. "It is only my height that is small, but I am also very strong from within," he said. "There is no fear of seeing my opponent's personality. It is important to be in top form at the right time and have faith in your preparation."Kushare's training regimen in Poland includes gym work, speed training, strength training, and recovery sessions. He also incorporates yoga and meditation into his routine for mental preparation. "I talk to a sports psychologist regularly for mental preparation," he said. "He tells me how to deal with pressure and how to keep myself mentally fresh."Kushare's Olympic debut will be a significant moment for Indian athletics. He hopes to make it to the finals and bring pride to his country. "We also want to be like him (Chopra) and bring pride to the country," he said.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin throw, is gearing up for the Paris Olympics 2024 with renewed determination. The Tokyo Olympics gold medalist has been working tirelessly to defend his title and bring home another Olympic gold for India.Chopra's journey to the top has been marked by consistent hard work and dedication. At the Tokyo Olympics, he defied expectations by topping the qualification round with a throw of 86.65m, ahead of seasoned contenders like Johannes Vetter and Jakub Vadlejch. In the final, he opened with a sensational throw of 87.03m, followed by an improved effort of 87.58m. These throws proved unmatchable, securing him the gold medal.However, Chopra's road to Paris has not been without challenges. This season, he has faced fitness issues, including an adductor niggle. However, his German coach has assured that Chopra is back on track and training at full intensity.Chopra's training regimen involves a combination of sprinting, jumping, throwing, and weightlifting. He emphasizes the importance of a fast runway and proper blocking technique for optimal performance.Despite his achievements, Chopra remains humble and hungry for improvement. He believes he has yet to reach his peak and is constantly striving to perfect his technique.As the Paris Olympics draw near, Chopra is confident and determined to make history once again. He is an inspiration to young athletes across India and a symbol of the country's growing prowess in track and field.

Jyothi Yarraji, India's first-ever Olympic 100m hurdler, is determined to overcome adversity and make her mark in Paris. Her journey has been marked by her mother's unwavering support and a positive mindset that has helped her navigate challenges.Yarraji's mother, Kumari, worked tirelessly as a domestic help and hospital cleaner to provide for her family. Despite their struggles, Kumari instilled in her daughter the importance of perseverance and positivity. "My mom always told me to just keep going forward because we can't stop the present, past, and the future," Yarraji said.Yarraji's positive mindset has been crucial in her athletic career. She has faced numerous injuries and setbacks, but she has always managed to bounce back stronger. "I got a lot of injuries, lots of hurdle hits, lots of falling down. I got minus but I try to turn it to plus," she said.Yarraji's coach, James Hillier, believes she is in the best shape of her life. "She is in the best shape I have ever seen, physically and mentally. She can run significantly faster than her best timing," Hillier said.Yarraji is aware of the pressure she will face at the Olympics, but she is determined to remain calm and focused. "I don't have experience of (competing in the) Olympics but I am confident that it will go well," she said. "I am now focusing more on recovery and meditation so that I remain calm and focused."Yarraji's journey is an inspiration to all who face adversity. Her determination, resilience, and positive mindset are a testament to the power of the human spirit.