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Mick Schumacher, the son of legendary Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, has opened up about the challenges and inspirations that have shaped his racing career. After his father's life-altering skiing accident in 2013, Mick had to navigate much of his professional journey independently.Growing up, Mick was heavily influenced by his father's competitive spirit and demanding guidance. Michael encouraged Mick to pursue his passion for racing, but also instilled in him the importance of commitment and precision. Mick recalls a karting race where he attempted a bold late brake to save time. Michael's response was not just praise, but a challenge to brake like that in every corner.However, everything changed in 2013 when Michael's accident occurred. Mick was just 14 at the time and was preparing to enter Formula classes. Without his father's guidance, Mick faced new challenges. "I started racing in the Formula classes the year after, and from that point onwards, I had to find my own feet," he said.Mick's talent and resilience eventually led him to Formula 1, where he joined the Haas team in 2021. Over two seasons, he gained invaluable experience but found himself navigating the tough realities of the sport alone. After his stint with Haas, he became a reserve driver for Mercedes, while simultaneously pursuing opportunities in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.Despite his drive and achievements, Mick's hopes of a 2024 return to F1 were recently dashed when Sauber, now owned by Audi, selected 18-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto over him. However, Mick remains determined to continue his racing career, drawing inspiration from his father's teachings and his own resilience.

Sports Minister Expresses Surprise at Dipa Karmakar's RetirementSports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed his surprise at Dipa Karmakar's decision to retire from gymnastics. In a letter to the trailblazing Indian gymnast, Mandaviya conveyed his respect for her decision while acknowledging her remarkable journey in the sport.Karmakar, 31, announced her retirement on Monday after a career that saw her become the first Indian woman gymnast to represent the country at the Olympics. She finished fourth in the 2016 Rio Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal by 0.15 points.Mandaviya praised Karmakar's achievements, including her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri honor. He highlighted her inspirational journey, which began at the age of six and saw her overcome numerous challenges."Your journey in gymnastics has been inspirational. You have scaled the highs in the sport and made the country proud despite facing so many difficulties," Mandaviya wrote.The minister also acknowledged Karmakar's pioneering role in Indian gymnastics. "You added a new chapter in Indian gymnastics by participating in the Olympics, which was not only the outcome of our hard work but it is a great matter of pride for the entire country," he said.Mandaviya expressed his belief that Karmakar's achievements have inspired countless young girls in India. "Your achievements have not only inspired those who love sports but especially our daughters, who have got the strength to fulfill their dreams," he said.The minister concluded by expressing his hope that Karmakar would continue to share her knowledge and experience with young athletes in the future.

Dipa Karmakar, India's Gymnastics Trailblazer, Retires After Illustrious CareerIndian gymnastics icon Dipa Karmakar, who captivated the nation with her historic Olympic performance, has announced her retirement from the sport. The 31-year-old, who became the first Indian female gymnast to compete at the Olympics, leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and achievement.Karmakar's journey to the pinnacle of gymnastics began at a young age. Her exceptional talent and unwavering determination propelled her to the international stage, where she made history at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the vault event, she executed the daring "Produnova" vault, a move that had only been successfully performed by a handful of gymnasts before.Despite a valiant effort, Karmakar narrowly missed out on a bronze medal by a mere 0.15 points. Her fourth-place finish was a testament to her skill and resilience, and it ignited a surge of pride and admiration across India.In a heartfelt statement, Karmakar expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout her career. "Gymnastics has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am grateful for every moment," she said. "This decision is not easy, but it feels like the right time."Karmakar's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian gymnastics. She has been a role model for countless young athletes, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and break barriers. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Navdeep Singh, India's Paralympic gold medalist in javelin throw, shared his inspiring journey at the NDTV Yuva Conclave. Having faced relentless taunts for his dwarfism, Navdeep's triumph at the Paris Paralympics 2024 is a testament to his unwavering spirit.During the final, Navdeep's 47.32-meter throw surprised even himself. "I didn't believe I would get that distance," he admitted. "My target was 45m."Navdeep's gold medal was India's seventh at the Paris Paralympics and 16th in its Paralympic history. But for the athlete, it held a profound significance.Growing up in Haryana's Panipat district, Navdeep endured cruel taunts of "Bauna" (dwarf). His height of four feet four inches made him an easy target for ridicule.Undeterred, Navdeep found solace in sports. He began practicing javelin throw at the age of 15 and quickly showed promise. His determination and hard work paid off when he won gold at the 2018 Asian Para Games.Navdeep's success is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiration for other specially-abled athletes. It demonstrates that with resilience and determination, anything is possible.India's record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympics, with 29 medals including 7 golds, is a testament to the growing strength of the country's para-sports program. Navdeep Singh's gold medal is a shining example of the indomitable spirit that drives these athletes to achieve greatness.

Jugraj Singh's remarkable journey from selling flags to becoming a hockey hero is a testament to his unwavering determination and the transformative power of sports. Born into a humble family in Punjab, Jugraj's childhood was marked by financial struggles. His father, a porter, worked tirelessly to support the family, while Jugraj supplemented their income by selling tricolour flags and water bottles at the Attari-Wagah border.Despite the challenges, Jugraj harbored a passion for hockey. His talent was spotted by coach Navjit Singh, who recognized his potential and began training him on the grass field at Government Senior Secondary School. Jugraj's exceptional physical strength, honed by years of lifting heavy loads, proved to be an asset on the field.With unwavering dedication, Jugraj balanced his hockey training with his part-time job. He would practice diligently in the morning and afternoon before heading out to sell flags to tourists. Despite the long hours, he remained committed to his dream of becoming a professional hockey player.In 2009, Jugraj's hard work paid off when he joined the Baba Uttam Singh National Hockey Academy in Khadoor Sahib. Over the next four years, he honed his skills and participated in the Nehru Cup competitions. His performances caught the attention of the Indian selectors, and in 2021, he made his debut for the senior Indian men's hockey team in the FIH Hockey Pro League.Jugraj's crowning moment came in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy final against China. With the match locked at 0-0 in the final minutes, Jugraj emerged as the unlikely hero. In the 51st minute, he found the back of the net, securing a record-extending fifth title for India.Jugraj's journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. It demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and the support of mentors, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. His story is a reminder that sports has the power to transform lives and create opportunities for those who dare to dream.

Indian para-athlete Ajeet Singh Yadav has etched his name in history by securing a silver medal in the javelin throw F46 final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. His remarkable achievement is a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.Yadav's journey to the podium has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. In 2017, a life-altering accident left him with a severe injury to his left arm. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Yadav found solace in javelin throw. With unwavering focus and dedication, he transformed his misfortune into a source of inspiration.Four years after the accident, Yadav made his Paralympic debut in Tokyo, finishing eighth. Undeterred, he continued to train relentlessly, overcoming an elbow injury to claim the Para World title in Paris and a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.In 2024, Yadav's hard work culminated in a bronze medal at the world championships. His momentum carried him to the Paris Paralympics, where he delivered a stunning performance to secure a silver medal. His fifth-round throw of 65.62m surpassed that of his compatriot and world record holder Sundar Singh Gurjar.Yadav's triumph is not only a personal victory but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for countless others who have faced challenges in their lives. His story serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

Sheetal Devi, India's armless archery prodigy, has captivated the world with her remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite not securing a medal in the individual event, her unwavering determination and exceptional accuracy have earned her widespread admiration.Sheetal's journey to the Paralympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born without arms, she defied all odds to pursue her passion for archery. Using her toes to draw the bow and release the arrow, she has honed her skills to an astonishing level.At the Paris Games, Sheetal faced formidable opponents in the compound women's open category. In the last-16, she narrowly missed out on a quarterfinal berth, losing to Tokyo silver medalist Mariana Zuniga of Chile by a single point (137-138). However, her performance throughout the tournament showcased her resilience and unwavering spirit.Sheetal's inspiring story has resonated with people across the globe. Her determination to overcome adversity and achieve her dreams has made her a role model for countless individuals. Business tycoon Anand Mahindra was among those who were deeply moved by her performance.After witnessing Sheetal's viral video where she effortlessly hit a bullseye, Mahindra expressed his admiration on social media. He pledged to fulfill a promise he had made to her, offering her any car from his range customized to suit her needs. Sheetal, who will turn 18 next year, has graciously accepted the offer.Mahindra's gesture is a testament to the impact Sheetal's story has had on the nation and beyond. Her indomitable spirit and unwavering pursuit of excellence have inspired countless individuals to believe in their own abilities and strive for greatness.Sheetal Devi's journey is a reminder that true success lies not only in medals but in the courage, determination, and resilience we display in the face of challenges. Her story continues to inspire and motivate, proving that anything is possible with unwavering belief and a never-say-die attitude.

Mona Agarwal, a mother of two, has overcome immense challenges to achieve her dream of winning a Paralympic medal. Despite being away from her children and facing financial difficulties, she persevered and clinched the bronze medal in women's 10m air rifle at the Tokyo Paralympics.Mona's journey to the Paralympics was filled with obstacles. She left home in 2010 to pursue a career in sports, but it wasn't until 2016 that she discovered the Paralympics. She experimented with various sports before settling on shooting, where she found her niche.The financial burden of training and competing was another hurdle Mona had to overcome. However, she remained determined and sought support from her family and friends. Their encouragement and belief in her abilities gave her the strength to push through the tough times.Mona's children were a constant source of motivation for her. Despite being away from them, she made regular video calls to stay connected. However, the children's innocent remarks about her forgetting her way home would often bring tears to her eyes."I used to cry every evening when I would speak with my kids," Mona said. "I then started calling them once a week."Mona's perseverance and resilience paid off when she secured a spot on the Indian Paralympic team. She entered the competition with the goal of winning a medal, and she delivered. Her bronze medal is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit."This is my first Paralympics, I just started shooting two-and-a-half years back and within this period I reached this platform and performed my best and achieved my (goal of winning a) medal," Mona said.Mona's victory is an inspiration to all who face adversity. It shows that with determination and support, anything is possible. Her story is a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter the obstacles that stand in our way.

Shaik Arshad, a Paralympic cyclist, is on a mission to bring home a gold medal from the upcoming Paralympics in Paris. His journey to the top has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but his determination remains unwavering.Arshad's athletic career began with taekwondo, where he earned a green belt. However, his passion for sports extended beyond martial arts. He explored archery and wheelchair fencing, winning numerous medals at the state level. Despite his successes, he failed to make it to the national level, leaving him feeling disheartened.Undeterred, Arshad attended a camp in Bengaluru, where he was selected for cycling training. This marked the beginning of his journey in para-cycling. With the support of his coach, who recognized his potential, Arshad dedicated himself to the sport.In 2018, he received a silicone leg, which significantly improved his training. In 2019, he participated in a camp in Gujarat, where he scaled Mount Bhagirathi, demonstrating his endurance and commitment.Arshad's first international competition was in Tajikistan, where he narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth. However, he remained undeterred, with his coach's guidance continually pushing him forward. His dedication led him to undertake a monumental feat, cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, showcasing his endurance and commitment.With the Paralympics approaching, Arshad's focus is sharper than ever. "When I'm riding, my mind is completely on my training," he says. "I almost left this career once, but my coach brought me back on track. Now, there's nothing but the goal in my mind."Arshad's journey is not just about winning medals, it's about inspiring others and proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. As he sets his sights on Paris, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of a nation, and with every pedal stroke, he moves closer to turning those dreams into reality.