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In the heart of Paris, amidst the bustling streets and iconic landmarks, India House has emerged as a vibrant hub for Indian sports enthusiasts during the 2024 Paris Olympics. On a rainy Saturday afternoon, Shivam Sharma, an engineering graduate from New Delhi, eagerly joined the queue outside India House, his excitement palpable.Sharma, a management student at HEC Paris Business School, has been captivated by the Olympic spirit since his arrival in Paris two years ago. "The chatter about the Olympics has been building up constantly," he says. "Now that the Games are here, I wanted to experience this grand event firsthand."Despite the relentless rain and the long commute to the venue, Sharma's enthusiasm remained undeterred. He had purchased his €5 tickets online and was eager to witness the inauguration featuring renowned singer Shaan. India House, he had discovered through social media, promised an immersive experience with Indian food, a cricket net, and the potential to interact with Indian Olympic athletes."I don't even care if they have won a medal or not," Sharma clarifies. "If I get to interact with any athlete from the Indian Olympic contingent, you will find me at India House."Sharma's passion for sports extends beyond cricket, the beloved pastime of India. He is equally excited about the prospect of witnessing other Olympic disciplines, such as badminton, tennis, and football. "The Olympics is a celebration of human potential and athleticism," he says. "I want to soak in the atmosphere and cheer for all the athletes, regardless of their nationality."As the rain subsided and the inauguration ceremony commenced, Sharma found himself immersed in the vibrant energy of India House. The aroma of traditional Indian cuisine filled the air, while the sound of music and laughter echoed through the halls. Sharma eagerly made his way to the cricket net, where he engaged in a friendly game with fellow Indian expats.Throughout the evening, Sharma reveled in the camaraderie and shared experiences with other Indian sports enthusiasts. He marveled at the performances of Indian athletes on the Olympic stage and felt a surge of pride in his country's representation.As the night drew to a close, Sharma left India House with a heart filled with memories and a renewed appreciation for the Olympic spirit. The experience had not only satisfied his sporting passion but had also strengthened his connection to his Indian heritage in a foreign land.

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra's remarkable journey at the Paris Olympics ended in the women's singles pre-quarterfinals on Wednesday, as she succumbed to a 1-4 defeat against higher-ranked Japanese Miu Hirano.Batra, who had scripted history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the round of 16 at the Olympics, faced a formidable opponent in Hirano. Despite a valiant effort, Batra's uncharacteristic errors proved costly, resulting in a 6-11 9-11 11-9 14-12 8-11 6-11 loss in a match that lasted 47 minutes.The 29-year-old Batra had entered the match with high hopes, having previously defeated France's world number 18 Prithika Pavade 4-0 in the round of 16. However, Hirano's superior experience and skill proved too much for Batra, who suffered her fifth consecutive loss to the Japanese player.Earlier in the day, Batra's compatriot Sreeja Akula had advanced to the quarterfinals of the women's singles competition, providing a glimmer of hope for India in table tennis. Batra, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, had previously reached the round of 32 at the Tokyo Games three years ago.Despite the disappointing result, Batra's performance at the Paris Olympics has been a testament to her determination and resilience. She has once again showcased her exceptional talent and has inspired countless young Indians to pursue their dreams in table tennis.

Indian Athletes' Heartbreaking Fourth-Place Finishes at the OlympicsThe Olympic Games, a pinnacle of athletic achievement, have witnessed countless triumphs and heartbreaks. For Indian athletes, the agony of finishing just outside the medal positions has been a recurring theme. Here's a comprehensive list of Indian athletes who came tantalizingly close to the podium but ultimately fell short:Dinkarrav Shinde (Antwerp 1920): Wrestler Dinkarrav Shinde could have become India's first Olympic medalist, but he suffered a heartbreaking loss in the men's featherweight bronze playoff.Keshav Mangave (Helsinki 1952): India's first individual Olympic medalist, KD Jadhav, was joined by wrestler Keshav Mangave, who narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the featherweight category.Indian Football Team (Melbourne 1956): After defeating hosts Australia in the semi-finals, the Indian football team lost to Yugoslavia and Bulgaria in the third-place match.Milkha Singh (Rome 1960): Perhaps the most famous fourth-place finish in Indian sports, Milkha Singh missed the bronze medal in the men's 400m by a mere 0.13 seconds, setting a National Record that stood for 44 years.Sudesh Kumar & Prem Nath (Munich 1972): India could have won three medals in hockey instead of one bronze, but wrestlers Sudesh Kumar and Prem Nath finished fourth in their respective freestyle categories.PT Usha (Los Angeles 1984): India's second major athletics heartbreak after Milkha Singh, PT Usha missed the bronze medal in the women's 400m hurdles by one hundredth of a second.Rajinder Singh (Los Angeles 1984): Another missed medal in Los Angeles, wrestler Rajinder Singh lost the bronze medal playoff in the men's freestyle 74kg category.Leander Paes/Mahesh Bhupathi (Athens 2004): After winning a men's singles bronze in Atlanta 1996, Leander Paes could have become India's first individual double Olympic medalist, but he and Bhupathi lost a close third-place contest in men's doubles tennis.Kunjarani Devi (Athens 2004): Weightlifter Kunjarani Devi finished fourth in the women's 48kg category, but she needed to lift an additional 10kg to reach the podium.Joydeep Karmakar (London 2012): With two shooting medals already won, Joydeep Karmakar was on the verge of another in the men's 50m rifle prone final, but he ultimately finished fourth.Abhinav Bindra (Rio de Janeiro 2016): Having won the men's 10m air rifle gold eight years earlier, Bindra finished fourth in the same category in Rio 2016.Sania Mirza/Rohan Bopanna (Rio de Janeiro 2016): Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna were favorites for a mixed doubles tennis medal, but they lost in the third-place match.Dipa Karmakar (Rio de Janeiro 2016): In a remarkable feat, Dipa Karmakar finished fourth in the women's vault final, becoming the first Indian gymnast to reach an Olympic final.Aditi Ashok (Tokyo 2021): Golfer Aditi Ashok surprised audiences by finishing the first three rounds in second position, but she dropped to fourth on the final day, missing the medal by just a stroke.Indian Hockey Team (Tokyo 2021): The Indian women's hockey team stunned Australia in the quarter-finals but lost a close semi-final against Argentina and the bronze playoff against Great Britain.Arjun Babuta (Paris 2024): Arjun Babuta was in contention for a medal in the men's 10m air rifle final, but a couple of poor shots saw him drop to fourth place at the last minute.These fourth-place finishes serve as a testament to the talent and determination of Indian athletes. While they may not have reached the podium, their performances have inspired countless others and left an indelible mark on Indian sports history.

Indian table tennis star Harmeet Desai made a triumphant debut at the Paris Olympics, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Jordan's Zaid Abo Yaman in the men's singles preliminary round. The 31-year-old from Surat showcased his exceptional skills and experience, dominating the match from start to finish.Desai, ranked 103rd in the world, faced little resistance from his opponent, who is ranked 538th. The Indian paddler quickly established his rhythm, winning the first game 11-7. He maintained his momentum in the subsequent games, taking them 11-9, 11-5, and 11-5. The match lasted a mere 30 minutes, highlighting Desai's superior technique and tactical prowess.Desai's victory marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Having competed in numerous international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games where he won team gold medals in 2018 and 2022, the Olympics had remained an elusive dream. His determination and hard work have finally paid off, as he now stands among the elite table tennis players on the world's grandest sporting stage.In preparation for the Olympics, Desai participated in three preparatory tournaments and underwent rigorous personal training in Germany. His dedication and commitment to the sport are evident in his performance at Paris. He is one of two Indian men's singles players competing in the Olympics, alongside veteran Sharath Kamal.Desai's victory has ignited hope and excitement among Indian table tennis enthusiasts. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with perseverance and unwavering belief, anything is possible. As the competition progresses, Desai will undoubtedly face tougher challenges, but his impressive start has set the tone for a memorable Olympic journey.

Abhinav Bindra, the legendary Indian shooter who etched his name in Olympic history as the first Indian to win an individual gold medal, has been bestowed with the prestigious Olympic Order. This accolade, the highest honor bestowed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recognizes Bindra's exceptional contributions to the Olympic movement.Bindra, a member of the IOC Athletes Commission, is the first Indian to receive this coveted award. The decision to confer the Olympic Order on Bindra was made at the IOC Executive Board meeting in Paris on Saturday. The announcement was met with widespread acclaim from prominent figures in the sports world.In a letter dated July 20, 2024, IOC President Thomas Bach informed Bindra of the honor, stating, "It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the IOC Executive Board has today decided to award you with the Olympic Order for your outstanding services to the Olympic November."The award ceremony will take place during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on August 10. Bach expressed his sincere congratulations to Bindra, saying, "May I take this opportunity to address you my most sincere congratulations on this award. Looking forward to seeing you in Paris."Among those who extended their congratulations to Bindra was Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Dr. Mandaviya hailed Bindra's achievement, saying, "Congratulations to @Abhinav_Bindra on being awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement! His achievement fills us with pride and is truly well-deserved. His name alone has inspired generations of shooters and Olympians."The official handle of IPL side Lucknow Super Giants also celebrated Bindra's honor, posting a photo of him winning India's maiden individual gold medal in men's 10m air rifle in Beijing 2008, accompanied by the caption, "History-maker, once again, Congratulations Abhinav Bindra."Bindra's Olympic Order award is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Olympic movement and his exceptional achievements as an athlete. His legacy as a pioneer in Indian sports continues to inspire generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

Randhir Singh, a seasoned sports administrator and former international shooter, is poised to become the first Indian president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The 77-year-old Singh, who has served as the acting chief of the continental sports body since 2021, emerged as the sole candidate for the top post in the upcoming September 8 elections.Singh's nomination was unanimously approved by the OCA Election Committee, chaired by Justice Rohinton Nariman, after reviewing the eligibility requirements and nominations submitted by member National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Singh was nominated by the Indian NOC and supported by 27 other OCA member NOCs.Singh's appointment as acting OCA chief came after Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stepped aside as president following a Geneva Court ruling that found him guilty in a forgery case. Singh had previously served as OCA Secretary General from 1991 to 2015 under Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.During his tenure as acting OCA chief, Singh oversaw the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games from 2022 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games were eventually held successfully, showcasing Singh's leadership qualities.Born in Patiala, Punjab, Singh is the son of Bhalindra Singh, a long-time IOC member and IOA president. He is also the grandson of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Singh's shooting career saw him win multiple national titles and become the first Indian shooter to win an Asian Games gold medal in 1978. He competed in five Olympic Games from 1968 to 1984 and won medals in four Asian Games.Singh's administrative experience includes serving as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012 and as vice chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. He was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014 and has been an honorary member since 2014.Singh's election as OCA president would mark a significant milestone for Indian sports and further strengthen the country's position in the global sporting arena.

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra, wiser after her maiden Olympics appearance in Tokyo, is determined to take a measured approach in the upcoming Paris Games. Focused on taking one match at a time, she believes a medal will not be her primary concern in the initial rounds.Batra, who played a pivotal role in the women's team qualifying for Paris, has learned valuable lessons from her Tokyo experience. "I've learned from my mistakes and my mindset has changed," she said. "I'm calmer and more confident now."Her training regimen has emphasized stamina and agility, with the ultimate goal of challenging for a medal. However, she emphasizes the importance of a gradual approach. "I'll go round by round and not think of a medal too early," she said. "I'll give my best for my country."Batra's success in the WTT Saudi Smash, where she defeated world-class opponents, has boosted her confidence. She credits the growth of women's table tennis in India to platforms like Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), which provide young players with invaluable exposure."UTT has helped us practice and play matches against foreign players," Batra said. "We get good match practice."India will compete in both individual and team events in Paris. After the Olympics, Batra and other top Indian paddlers will join international stars in the UTT 2024, scheduled for August 22 to September 7 in Chennai.

Nisha Dahiya's journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by resilience and determination. After a severe collarbone injury in 2022, she spent months in recovery, determined to qualify for the Games.Her unwavering spirit led her to the World Qualifiers in May, where she secured her spot in the 68kg category. This triumph came after a career plagued by injuries, a doping ban, and a mistaken identity that falsely announced her death.Nisha's Olympic dream began a decade ago, inspired by Sakshi Malik's Commonwealth Games medal. Despite setbacks, she persevered, winning bronze at the U-23 World Championships and silver at the Asian Championships.Injuries have been a constant challenge, but Nisha's unwavering belief in her abilities has kept her going. She credits her physio from Reliance Foundation for her recovery and her move to the Inspire Institute of Sports for her improved training.Under the guidance of Iranian coach Amir Tavakolian, Nisha has honed her defensive skills and mental strength. She recently trained in Hungary, sparring with world-class wrestlers to overcome her initial hesitation.Sakshi Malik remains a source of support, offering encouragement and advice. Nisha's determination and the support of her team have fueled her journey to the Paris Olympics, where she aims to make her mark on the world stage.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics marked a turning point for Indian sports, thanks to the remarkable achievement of Abhinav Bindra. Despite the absence of the men's hockey team for the first time since 1928 and the doping bans that decimated the weightlifting contingent, India found a beacon of hope in Bindra.Bindra's gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle was not a stroke of luck but the culmination of meticulous preparation. Having finished seventh at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Bindra spent years honing his skills in Germany under the guidance of renowned coaches. He underwent rigorous training, including commando exercises, to overcome his stage fright.During the qualification round, Bindra sailed through with a score of 596, while his compatriot Gagan Narang narrowly missed out. However, in the finals, Bindra faced a setback during sighting time when his gun sight malfunctioned. With quick thinking, he made adjustments and regained his composure.Throughout the finals, Bindra displayed unwavering calmness, consistently shooting 10s and above. Finland's Henri Häkkinen kept pace until the final shot, but his 9.7 score fell short of Bindra's near-perfect 10.8. The Indian finished with a total score of 700.5, securing the gold medal.Bindra's victory was a watershed moment for Indian sports. It shattered the perception that India could not compete at the highest level in shooting. His gold medal inspired a new generation of athletes, including javelin star Neeraj Chopra, who became India's first-ever gold medallist in athletics at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.