Others

Indian Athletes Face Disappointment on Day 12 of Paris Olympics 2024Day 12 of the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 brought mixed fortunes for Indian athletes, with weightlifter Mirabai Chanu narrowly missing out on a bronze medal and wrestler Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the gold medal match.WeightliftingMirabai Chanu, India's weightlifting star, had a disappointing outing in the women's 49kg category. She lifted 88kg in snatch, putting her in contention for a medal. However, she could only manage 111kg in clean and jerk, resulting in a total lift of 199kg. This placed her fourth overall, just short of a historic second Olympic medal.WrestlingVinesh Phogat's Olympic journey came to an abrupt end when she was disqualified from the women's 50kg gold medal match for failing to make weight. She was reportedly found to be 100gm overweight on the morning of the bout. Phogat, who had been a medal contender, expressed her disappointment on social media, announcing her retirement from wrestling.Table TennisIndia's women's table tennis team, consisting of Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Ghosh, suffered a 1-3 defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals. The team had a strong start, winning the first game, but Germany fought back to claim the next three games and advance to the semi-finals.AthleticsIn athletics, Avinash Sable finished 11th in the men's 3000m steeplechase final with a time of 8:14:18s. Jyothi Yarraji placed seventh in the women's 100m hurdles heats. Other Indian athletes, including Sarvesh Kushare, Suraj Panwar, Priyanka Goswami, and Annu Rani, failed to qualify for their respective finals.

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the Paris Games, placing fourth in the 49kg division on Wednesday. Despite battling persistent fitness issues, Chanu showcased her resilience and determination throughout the competition.Chanu's journey to Paris was marked by a series of setbacks, including a hip tendonitis injury sustained at the Asian Games. To address recurring muscle imbalances, she sought the expertise of strength and conditioning expert Dr. Aaron Horschig in St. Louis, USA.In the 12-woman contest, Chanu faced formidable competition from lifters with entry weights of 200kg or more. Her total lift of 199kg proved insufficient to secure a medal.Chanu opened with a successful 85kg snatch, equaling her personal best in her third attempt. However, she failed to lift 88kg in her second attempt. In the clean and jerk, Chanu initially listed 107kg but increased it to 111kg after witnessing Cambei's effortless 106kg lift.Despite a strong first attempt, Chanu missed her second throw. She returned for a 111kg lift, which she successfully executed. However, her total lift of 199kg placed her third at that stage, behind Cambei and Zhihui.Chanu and Khambao both attempted 113kg, with the Thai's clean lift propelling her to second place. The Romanian Cambei lifted 112kg to extend her lead, forcing Chanu to attempt 114kg.Chanu's first throw was successful, but she was unable to complete the lift, ending her competition with a total of 199kg.Despite the disappointment of missing out on a medal, Chanu's performance in Paris demonstrated her unwavering spirit and the progress she has made in overcoming her fitness challenges.

Mirabai Chanu, India's weightlifting sensation, is poised to make her mark at the Paris Olympics. Despite a challenging journey marred by injuries and setbacks, Chanu remains determined to secure a medal on the grandest stage.Her unwavering faith and spiritual practices have been a constant source of strength for Chanu. Every Tuesday, she performs an elaborate puja, seeking divine guidance and energy. This ritual has become an integral part of her preparation, instilling a sense of belief and tranquility.As she enters the competition zone, Chanu transforms into a focused and determined athlete. Visualizing herself standing on the podium, she blocks out all distractions and pain. Her goal is clear: to make amends for her missed Asian Games medal and prove her resilience against a world-class field.Chanu's entry weight of 200kgs places her among the top contenders, alongside lifters from the United States, Thailand, Romania, and China. However, the absence of North Korea's Ri Song Gum, the Asian Games champion and world record holder, has opened up the competition.Despite lifting over 200kgs only once since Tokyo, Chanu remains confident in her abilities. Her recent return to competitive action at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, where she lifted 184kgs, has provided her with valuable experience.China's Hou Zhihui, the defending champion, is the runaway favorite. Her consistent 200kg lifts and impressive performances at major events make her a formidable opponent. The battle for the second spot will be intense, with Romania's Valentina Cambei, USA's Jourdan Delacruz, and Thailand's Surodchana Khambao all capable of challenging Chanu.Chanu's coach, Vijay Sharma, is optimistic about her chances. He believes that her mental strength and determination will carry her through the competition. "We don't expect an easy contest, but we have done the best we could," Sharma said. "Mira is in great mental space and will do her best."As Chanu approaches her 30th birthday, a medal in Paris would be the perfect gift to herself and a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication.

Mirabai Chanu, India's weightlifting icon, faces a daunting task as she aims to become the nation's first double Olympic medalist in the sport. However, her path to glory is fraught with challenges, including a lingering hip injury and a formidable field of competitors.Chanu's Olympic journey has been marred by injuries and workload management issues. Since her silver medal performance in Tokyo, she has endured a disappointing cycle, with her best effort being a 201kg lift at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.In her preferred 49kg weight category, Chanu faces an uphill battle for a podium finish. Reigning Olympic champion Hou Zhihui of China is the overwhelming favorite to retain her title. Other contenders include Jourdan Delacruz of the USA, Surodchana Khambao of Thailand, and Mihaela Cambei of Romania.Despite concerns about her fitness, Chanu and her coach, Vijay Sharma, insist that she has fully recovered from her hip injury. However, her recent performances have fallen short of her personal bests, raising doubts about her ability to surpass the 200kg mark.Chanu's main obstacle lies within herself. Her snatch performance has been inconsistent, and her clean and jerk has also been underwhelming. While she has shown resilience and determination in the past, she must overcome these technical hurdles to challenge for a medal.The 49kg event at the Paris Olympics promises to be a fiercely competitive contest. Chanu's entry weight of 200kg places her alongside Delacruz and Khambao, while Zhihui and Cambei have set higher entry weights.Despite the odds stacked against her, Chanu remains a formidable competitor. Her fighting spirit and unwavering determination could propel her to another historic performance. However, she must summon her best form and overcome her physical limitations to achieve her Olympic dream.

The 2024 Paris Olympics, set to commence on July 26th, will witness the participation of over 10,000 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees. India, aiming to surpass its record-breaking performance at Tokyo 2020, will field a contingent of 117 athletes, including medal favorites like Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, and Mirabai Chanu.India's Olympic journey begins on July 25th with archery ranking rounds. The opening ceremony will take place on July 26th, followed by the commencement of events in badminton, boxing, shooting, and table tennis on July 27th. The Indian men's hockey team will face New Zealand in their first pool game on the same day.The Paris Olympics will be held across 33 venues in Paris, France, and French territories. Sports 18 and the Viacom 18 network will telecast the events live on television, while JioCinema will provide free live streaming.India's medal hopes rest on the shoulders of its star athletes. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, will be aiming to defend his title. PV Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medalist in badminton, will be vying for a podium finish once again. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, India's top-ranked badminton doubles pair, will also be among the medal contenders. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a silver medal in Tokyo, will be looking to improve her performance in Paris.The Indian contingent also includes promising young athletes like shooter Manu Bhaker, wrestler Bajrang Punia, and boxer Nikhat Zareen. With a strong team and a supportive environment, India is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Mirabai Chanu, India's weightlifting sensation, credits her remarkable success to her unwavering bond with national coach Vijay Sharma. Their decade-long partnership has been a testament to the crucial role of athlete-coach dynamics in the demanding sport of weightlifting.Sharma, a former Railways clerk, initially faced skepticism when he took over the Indian team in 2012. However, his scientific approach and ability to connect with his athletes proved transformative. He meticulously plans competition strategies, carefully assessing opponents and adjusting Chanu's lifts accordingly.During competitions, Sharma's keen observation and non-verbal communication guide Chanu's every move. "We barely talk," says Chanu. "I look at him and I know what I need to do."Their relationship extends beyond the training hall. Sharma has been a constant support for Chanu, both professionally and personally. He has navigated her through injuries, provided emotional encouragement, and even acted as a bridge between her and her family during times of unrest in Manipur.Chanu's unwavering trust in Sharma has been instrumental in her success. Despite setbacks, including a disappointing performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she has always maintained her belief in her coach. "I could see his sacrifices and devotion," she says.Their greatest triumph came at the 2017 World Championships, where Chanu ended India's 22-year wait for the title. The Tokyo Olympics silver medal in 2021 was another crowning achievement, solidifying their partnership as one of the most successful in Indian sports history.As Chanu prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Sharma remains confident in her abilities. "We've fallen so many times that now there's no fear," he says. "If her body holds up, she might do something special."

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu is determined to surpass her previous achievements in the upcoming Paris Games. After recovering from a six-month injury layoff, Chanu is targeting a lift of over 90kg in snatch, aiming for a total lift of 200kg to secure a medal.Chanu's journey back to competition began with a 184kg lift at the Phuket World Cup in April. Despite her best efforts of 88kg in snatch and 119kg in clean and jerk, she recognizes the need to improve her performance.Under the guidance of her long-time coach Vijay Kumar Sharma, Chanu is gradually increasing her training intensity. She is currently lifting 80-85% of her maximum capacity, with a target of 90kg plus in snatch for Paris.The injury phase has been a valuable learning experience for Chanu. She emphasizes the importance of following coaches' instructions, adopting proper techniques, and prioritizing rest and exercise. She believes that understanding her body and staying motivated are crucial for overcoming injuries.Despite the pressure of expectations, Chanu remains confident in her abilities. She acknowledges the challenges ahead but is determined to give her best performance and win a medal for India.Chanu is currently training at NNIS, Patiala, and will depart for Paris on July 7 for a training stint. Her unwavering determination and focus on improvement make her a formidable contender for success in the upcoming Games.

Mirabai Chanu's return to competition after a six-month injury layoff has been met with cautious optimism. The 49kg lifter's 184kg lift at the Phuket World Cup has secured her a spot at the Paris Olympics, but the road to a medal is fraught with challenges.Chanu's performance in Phuket was encouraging, considering her recent injury. However, the competition in Paris will be fierce. The top three finishers in Phuket all lifted over 200kg, with North Korea's Ri Song Gum setting a new world record of 221kg.China's Hou Zhihui and Jiang Huihua, as well as Thailand's Surodchana Khambao and USA's Jourdan Delacruz, will be among Chanu's main rivals in Paris. These lifters are younger than Chanu and have been consistently lifting over 190kg.Chanu acknowledges the stiff competition but remains focused on her own performance. She has set a target of 205kg for Paris, which may not guarantee a medal but will keep her in contention.National coach Vijay Kumar Sharma is confident that Chanu will reach her peak in time for the Olympics. He believes that her strength-based workouts will help her regain her muscle strength and improve her technique.Despite the challenges, Chanu remains determined to make a mark in Paris. Her experience and resilience will be crucial in her quest for an Olympic medal.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved a series of proposals to support Indian athletes in their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.Weightlifting:Mirabai Chanu, India's silver medalist in weightlifting at the Tokyo Olympics, will train at La Ferte-Milon, Paris, ahead of the Games. The MOC has approved her proposal to travel to Paris nearly a month before her event to acclimatize to the weather and prepare for the competition. Her training camp expenses, including airfare, visa costs, accommodation, food, training costs, and medical insurance, will be covered under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding.Equestrian:Equestrian player Anush Agarwalla has received approval for his proposal to compete in eight competitions and purchase equipment for his horses. TOPS will cover his and his coach's accommodation costs, entry fees, horse feed costs, coach fees, and horse groom costs.Judo:Judoka Asmita Dey's proposal for financial assistance to participate in the Grand Prix, Austria, has been approved.Shooting:Shooter Arjun Singh Cheema's request for financial assistance towards participation in the ISAS Dortmund Competition has also been approved.Tennis:Newly inducted Indian tennis ace Sumit Nagal's request for financial assistance towards participation in two international competitions along with expenditure for his support staff has been approved. Their airfare, accommodation cost, coaching fees, and physio/fitness coach/mental trainer fees will be covered under TOPS funding.Other Approvals:Other proposals approved by the MOC include financial assistance towards hiring a video analyst for badminton players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, extension of the contract for weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga's physiotherapist, and financial assistance towards buying equipment for track athlete Amoj Jacob.