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The Paris Olympics 2024 is drawing to a close, with the closing ceremony set to take place at the iconic Stade de France in the early hours of August 12. This grand event will mark the culmination of the Games, celebrating the achievements of athletes and the success of the host city.The closing ceremony will be a traditional affair, attended by an estimated 80,000 spectators. It will feature a spectacular display of music, dance, and cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of France. The ceremony will also include the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic flame, symbolizing the end of the Games.For India, the closing ceremony will be a moment of pride as our flag bearers, PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker, lead the Parade of Nations. Sreejesh, the veteran hockey goalkeeper, expressed his delight at being chosen as the flag-bearer, saying, "It is the cherry on the cake. I am going out with a medal, and now I have been chosen to be the flag-bearer. One cannot demand anything more than this."The closing ceremony will also witness the transfer of the Olympic flag to the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee, marking the transition to the next host city.

India's Olympic medal tally at the 2024 Paris Games is expected to remain at seven, similar to the 2021 Tokyo Games. This is despite the contributions of young athletes like Aman Sehrawat (wrestling), Manu Bhaker (shooting), and Nishant Dev (boxing).Wrestling, a major medal contributor for India, continued its streak of securing at least one medal at every Games since 2008. Sehrawat, a debutant, won bronze, while Reetika Hooda showed promise in her first multi-sport event. However, established wrestlers like Antim Panghal and Anshu Malik underperformed.Boxing, on the other hand, faced challenges due to off-field distractions and a lack of bench strength. The squad, including Tokyo medalist Lovlina Borgohain and world champion Nikhat Zareen, failed to deliver. Experts suggest a reset button and a focus on grooming young talent.Shooting, which had a disappointing performance in Rio and Tokyo, made a significant comeback with three bronze medals. Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale contributed to the tally. However, the medals being bronze indicate room for improvement, especially considering the dominance of nations like China and Korea.The performance of these young athletes in wrestling, shooting, and boxing reflects India's need to address issues in preparation, planning, and talent development. The next Olympic cycle should focus on correcting these areas to enhance India's medal prospects at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker made a triumphant return to India on Wednesday, greeted by a jubilant crowd of supporters and family members at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Bhaker's historic feat of winning two medals at the Tokyo Olympics, a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol and another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, has etched her name in the annals of Indian sporting history.The Air India flight carrying Bhaker and her coach, Jaspal Rana, touched down at around 9:20am, an hour behind schedule. Despite the early morning drizzle, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport hours before her arrival, eager to witness the return of their Olympic hero.As Bhaker emerged from the airport exit, she was greeted with a thunderous applause, bouquets, garlands, and the rhythmic beats of dhol. Flower petals were showered upon her and Rana as they made their way through the crowd, which was managed by a significant police presence.Among those present to welcome Bhaker were her parents, Ram Kishan and Sumedha, as well as sports enthusiasts and officials from her home states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Rana's father, Narayan Singh Rana, a former Uttarakhand Sports Minister, expressed his pride in his son and Bhaker's achievements."It is a matter of pride for us that a daughter of India is coming back after creating history by winning two medals in an Olympics. It has never happened before. She is only 22 years old," said Rana.Bhaker's historic feat has drawn comparisons to British-Indian athlete Norman Pritchard, who won two silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles at the 1900 Olympics. However, Bhaker's achievement is particularly significant as it came in the post-Independence era.Before leaving for India, Bhaker had expressed her anticipation for a grand welcome, and she was not disappointed. The crowd celebrated her feat with song and dance, holding banners with photos of Bhaker and Rana.Bhaker is scheduled to meet with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the afternoon. She will then return to Paris on Saturday to participate in the closing ceremony of the Olympics, where she will be one of India's flag-bearers.

India's shooting contingent has made history at the Paris Olympics, ending a two-decade medal drought with three bronze medals. The performance marks a significant turnaround for the sport in the country, which had failed to win any medals at the previous two Olympics.The team's success can be attributed to a comprehensive overhaul of its preparation strategy after the Tokyo Olympics. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) implemented a system that prioritized athlete-centric training, coach-driven guidance, and administrative support.Sports science, mental training, strength and conditioning, and nutrition were meticulously incorporated into the program. Beijing Olympics champion Abhinav Bindra was brought in as a mentor to provide motivation and guidance.The introduction of Olympic selection trials and the removal of bonus points ensured a level playing field for all athletes. This resulted in a highly competitive team that included some of the world's top shooters.At the Olympics, India's shooters displayed remarkable consistency, with multiple athletes qualifying for finals. Manu Bhaker emerged as a star, winning two bronze medals in the air pistol individual and mixed events. Swapnil Kusale also secured a bronze in the 50m rifle three positions.The team's success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired a new generation of shooters. The NRAI's focus on personal coaches and a positive team environment has fostered a culture of excellence that is likely to drive the growth of the sport in the years to come.

Ace Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been bestowed the honor of being India's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. The 22-year-old markswoman etched her name in Indian sporting history by securing two bronze medals in Paris.Bhaker's remarkable journey began with a bronze in the individual 10m air pistol event, making her the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She broke India's 12-year medal drought in shooting, following Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang's podium finishes in London 2012.Not content with one medal, Bhaker teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to clinch another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This achievement made her the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games."Manu has been chosen to be the flag bearer. She has done exceptionally well and deserves the honor," an IOA official confirmed to PTI.Bhaker expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, "There are many in the contingent who are more deserving, but it will be a real honor if I am asked to."The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has yet to finalize the male flag bearer, with the decision expected in the coming days.Besides Bhaker's two medals, Swapnil Kushale added a third bronze for India in the men's 50m Rifle Three Positions. Ace shuttler Lakshya Sen will compete for bronze on Monday, while the Indian men's hockey team advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Great Britain on penalties.Reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will commence his javelin throw campaign on August 6.In the opening ceremony, star shuttler PV Sindhu and veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal led the Indian contingent as flag bearers in the Parade of Nations.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting sensation, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Olympics. Her bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 have opened India's medal count and brought immense pride to the nation.The 22-year-old from Haryana's Jhajjar district has been on a remarkable journey, dedicating eight and a half years to her sport. Her unwavering commitment and hard work have paid off, culminating in this historic achievement. Bhaker's success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the dedication and support of her team, including her coach, family, and countless others who have believed in her.Despite the sacrifices she has made, including being away from her family for extended periods, Bhaker remains grounded and grateful for the love and support she has received. Her social media following has skyrocketed to over 1 million on Instagram, and she has been lauded by legends like PV Sindhu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Bhaker's victory is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in oneself. She has faced challenges and setbacks along the way, but her determination has never wavered. Her success is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a source of pride for all Indians.As she sets her sights on the LA Olympics 2028, Bhaker remains focused on her goals. Her rigorous training routine and unwavering commitment will undoubtedly lead her to even greater heights. Her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes and the transformative power of sport.

Manu Bhaker's remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 has propelled her to stardom in India, making her the first Indian female shooter to secure an Olympic medal. Behind her success lies the invaluable guidance of Jaspal Rana, a legendary shooter himself.Rana's presence at the Paris Games, where Manu clinched two bronze medals, was a testament to his profound influence on her career. While Rana modestly downplays his role, he acknowledges the contributions of numerous individuals and organizations, including the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the government, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).Rana emphasizes that Manu's success stems not only from technical proficiency but also from her mental fortitude. He focuses on refining her technique, eliminating minor errors that can have significant consequences in high-stakes competitions.Beyond shooting techniques, Rana instills in Manu the principles of the Bhagavad Gita, which he believes have played a crucial role in her mental resilience. He compares her to Arjuna, the warrior in the epic, who faced challenges on the battlefield with unwavering determination.Rana recognizes the sacrifices that Manu has made to achieve her success, including the loss of personal freedom and the constant scrutiny of the public eye. He encourages her to maintain a social life and avoid burnout, understanding that a balanced approach is essential for sustained excellence.Rana's guidance has extended beyond the shooting range, as he has advised Manu on the importance of managing her emotions and dealing with the pressures of fame. He believes that her ability to compartmentalize her personal and professional lives has been instrumental in her success.As Manu Bhaker continues to inspire young shooters across India, Jaspal Rana's role as her mentor and guide remains a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on an athlete's career.

The Indian shooting contingent at the ongoing Paris Olympics has made history, surpassing expectations with an unprecedented three Bronze medals. This remarkable achievement marks the best-ever performance by Indian shooters at the Games.Manu Bhaker, the star of the contingent, secured a historic medal in the women's 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Olympics. She then teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to win another Bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed-team event, marking India's first-ever medal in team shooting.Swapnil Kusale's stunning bronze medal-winning performance in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event further added to India's medal tally. His victory was particularly emotional for former Indian shooter and Olympic medalist Gagan Narang, who recalled competing with Kusale in 2017."It is truly emotional to see him reaching this level and achieving his dream of winning an Olympic medal for India, and that too, on the same day when I had won mine in 2012 in London. It almost feels like destiny," said Narang.Arjun Babuta also narrowly missed out on a medal in the men's 10m air rifle event, finishing fourth. Narang expressed his pride in Babuta's performance, calling it "perhaps the greatest show by Indian shooters in the history of the Games."India's previous best performance in shooting came at the 2012 London Olympics, where Vijay Kumar won a silver in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol event and Narang won a bronze in the men's 10m air rifle event.The contingent's success in Paris is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the shooters and their coaches. It is also a source of pride for India, showcasing the country's growing prowess in the sport.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy, may not have returned from the Paris Olympics 2024 with a third medal, but she etched her name in history as India's first dual medal winner at a single edition of the Games.After securing two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and mixed team events, Bhaker was poised to complete a hat-trick in the women's 25m air pistol. However, she narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing fourth in the final.Despite the disappointment, Bhaker's performance was met with an outpouring of support from the Indian public. She had previously urged them not to be disheartened if she failed to win a third medal, and her wish was granted."I got really nervous in the last shot. I was trying to keep calm, but it was not enough. Fourth place is not a very good place," Bhaker said after the event.Despite the setback, Bhaker remained optimistic. "Already looking forward to the next one," she declared.During her time in Paris, Bhaker achieved several historic firsts for India. She opened the country's medal account with her bronze in the 10m air pistol, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting in 12 years.Her second bronze, in the mixed team event, further cemented her status as a rising star. In just 72 hours, Bhaker had become a national icon.With her exceptional talent and unwavering determination, Bhaker represents a bright future for Indian shooting. She expressed gratitude to all those who supported her journey, including the Ministry of Sports, SAI, Prime Minister Modi, her coach, and her family."I hope we come up with a better result next time," Bhaker said, reflecting on her experience in Paris.