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Vinesh Phogat's illustrious wrestling career came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end at the World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. The 29-year-old, who has been a dominant force in the sport for over a decade, was disqualified from the final due to being 100 grams overweight.Phogat had qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 in the 50kg weight category, having dropped down from her usual 53kg. She faced a daunting task in her opening bout against defending champion Yui Susaki, who had been unbeaten since 2010. However, Phogat pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory, leaving her in tears of joy.She continued her impressive run by defeating Ukraine's Oksana Livach in the quarter-final and Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman in the semi-final. But her hopes of a gold medal were dashed when she failed to make weight for the final.Phogat's disqualification sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. She immediately announced her retirement, citing the incident as the final straw in a series of setbacks. Last year, she had been involved in protests against the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh.Former Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra expressed his sympathy for Phogat, but emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules of the sport. "Sport is always governed by rules," he said. "If you don't govern sport by rules then there is no sport."The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was scheduled to give its verdict on Phogat's appeal for a joint silver medal on Saturday, but the decision has been postponed.Phogat's disqualification marks a sad end to a remarkable career. She has won two World Championship bronze medals, three Commonwealth Games gold medals, and multiple medals in Asian Games and Asian Championships. Her determination and fighting spirit have inspired countless young wrestlers in India.

Nikhat Zareen's Olympic dream was shattered in the pre-quarterfinals of the Paris Games, leaving her devastated and vowing to return with renewed determination. The Indian boxing star, who was a strong medal contender, suffered a unanimous decision loss to top seed and reigning Asian Games champion Wu Yu of China in the 50kg women's boxing competition."The Olympic dream I've cherished for so long didn't unfold as I had hoped," Zareen wrote in a heartfelt social media post. "After countless hours of training, sacrifices, and unwavering determination, this moment slipped through my fingers."Zareen's defeat was a crushing blow, as she had been the first of six Indian boxers to qualify for the Paris Olympics. She had fought through a year of injury, battled to reclaim her spot, and overcome countless obstacles to represent her country on the global stage."Winning an Olympic medal was my greatest dream, and I fought with everything I had to get here," Zareen said. "The Paris 2024 journey was filled with challenges, but I never gave up."Despite her disappointment, Zareen remains determined to achieve her Olympic dream. "This isn't the end," she vowed. "I'll return home to recover and clear my mind. This dream is still alive, and I will continue to chase it with renewed passion."Zareen's resilience and determination are a testament to her unwavering spirit. She has promised to come back stronger and make her country proud.

Jarmanpreet Singh, a defender from Jalandhar, was once hailed as a rising star in Indian hockey. However, a failed dope test in 2015 shattered his dreams, leading to a two-year ban. Despite the setback, Jarmanpreet remained determined to return to the sport.After serving his suspension, he returned to domestic hockey in 2017 and impressed selectors with his unwavering skills. In 2018, he made his India debut at the Champions Trophy, helping the team secure a silver medal.However, Jarmanpreet faced challenges under Australian coach Graham Reid, who preferred other defenders. The disappointment of missing out on the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was a major blow.With the appointment of Craig Fulton as coach, Jarmanpreet's fortunes changed. Fulton's "defend to win" philosophy emphasized the role of flank defenders in attack, giving Jarmanpreet a new lease of life.Through rigorous training and improved game analysis, Jarmanpreet has become one of India's most improved players. His ability to switch between defense and attack seamlessly has made him a valuable asset to the team.On June 26, Jarmanpreet's Olympic dream came true when he was named in India's squad for the Paris Games. The same day, his wife gave birth to their daughter, making it a double celebration for the defender.Jarmanpreet's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he never gave up on his dream of representing India at the Olympics. With his newfound confidence and the support of his coach, he is poised to make a significant contribution to India's medal hopes in Paris.

Achanta Sharath Kamal, India's flagbearer for the upcoming Paris Olympics, is brimming with confidence as he prepares for his fifth Olympic appearance. The 41-year-old table tennis legend believes he is reaching new heights with each passing year and is determined to make his best performance yet.Despite a disappointing outing at the Asian Games last year, Sharath played a pivotal role in securing India's historic Olympic quota via world rankings. He attributes his success to his unwavering dedication and the guidance of his Italian coach, Massimo Costantini."I'm happy to be scaling new heights with each passing year, both physically and mentally," Sharath said. "I hope the best is yet to come."Sharath's Olympic journey began in Athens 2004, where he was a 21-year-old newcomer. Now, with four Olympics under his belt, he dreams of a podium finish in Paris."Back then, I didn't know what getting into the Olympics was," he said. "But I have built up into the player I am right now, and hopefully, in my fifth Olympics, I have a chance to get that medal."Sharath acknowledges that a podium finish will be an "uphill task," but he remains optimistic. He has implemented systematic training methods and undergone extensive sports science testing to optimize his performance."It's going to be very tough, but we are optimistic as well because with the kind of form all of us have been playing," he said. "The girls are going to go a long way in the Olympics, same for the boys. We want to do it."Sharath's unwavering determination and belief in his team make him a true inspiration for Indian sports. As he prepares for his fifth Olympic appearance, he is poised to make history and leave an unforgettable mark on the world stage.

Rohit Yadav's Olympic Dream: A Race Against TimeLast July, Indian javelin thrower Rohit Yadav underwent elbow surgery, setting the clock ticking towards the 2024 Paris Olympics. With the countdown clock looming large at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), Yadav's social media post captured the urgency of his mission: "362 days, 7 hours, 12 minutes, 13 seconds."Yadav's journey to Paris has been marked by both triumph and adversity. In 2021, he shattered the national record with a throw of 85.47 meters, earning him a spot at the Tokyo Olympics. However, a nagging elbow injury hampered his performance, forcing him to undergo surgery.Undeterred, Yadav has embarked on an intensive rehabilitation program at IIS. Under the guidance of renowned physiotherapist Dr. Nikhil Latey, he is working tirelessly to regain full range of motion and strength in his elbow."The recovery process has been challenging, but I'm determined to get back to my best," said Yadav. "I'm grateful for the support of my team and the facilities at IIS, which have made this journey possible."Yadav's coach, Uwe Hohn, a former Olympic champion, believes in his athlete's potential. "Rohit has the talent and the determination to succeed," said Hohn. "He has overcome adversity before, and I'm confident he will do it again."As the clock continues to tick down, Yadav remains focused on his goal. He knows that the road to Paris will be arduous, but he is prepared to give it his all."I'm not just competing against other athletes," said Yadav. "I'm competing against time. I'm determined to make the most of every second and give myself the best chance of success in Paris."