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Dipa Karmakar, the trailblazing Indian gymnast, has expressed concern over the lack of passion among the current generation of gymnasts. She believes that this deficiency is hindering their ability to excel on the global stage.Karmakar, who made history as the first Indian woman gymnast to compete at the Olympics and finished a remarkable fourth in the 2016 Rio Games, retired earlier this month. Her career was marked by her awe-inspiring performances of the highly-difficult Produnova vault."There was 'junoon' (passion) in Dipa, that is why. Same for Pranati," she said, referring to the scarcity of successful Indian women gymnasts. "I can't see this 'junoon' (passion) much in the current generation (of gymnasts). I feel they look for short term, instant success."Karmakar also highlighted the problems plaguing the national federation, which she believes have not helped the cause of Indian gymnastics. She cited the lack of clear selection criteria for the Asian Games as an example."There was a problem between the SAI and the federation. For example, the selection criteria for the last Asian Games (2023) were known only after the actual trials," she said.Despite the challenges, Karmakar remains committed to giving back to the sport. She plans to become a coach or support the next generation of gymnasts in their pursuit of dreams.Meanwhile, Indian men's doubles shuttler Chirag Shetty has set his sights on an Olympic medal in 2028. He and his partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy are currently recovering from injuries but plan to return to the international circuit soon."Medal in 2028 LA Olympics is the target," Shetty said. "We wanted to win a medal in the Paris Olympics but that was not to be. But never say never. We have won almost every medal except for an Olympics medal. We would also like to win gold in the World Championships."Shetty acknowledged the historic Thomas Cup title win, attributing it to the team's unwavering determination. "The difference was in the urge and jest to win the title," he said.

The Indian hockey team has been on a steady upward trajectory since their bronze medal triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Their impressive performance continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they reached the semi-finals before falling short. However, they bounced back in the bronze medal match, defeating Spain 2-1 to secure a podium finish.The team's success continued at the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy, where they emerged victorious after defeating China in the final. This victory further solidified their position as a rising force in international hockey.Hardik Singh, a key member of the Indian squad, recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality of the Olympic medal. "We were told the medal had iron from the Eiffel Tower, but I hope that's true," he said. "They had one job, which was to make a good quality medal, but that's not the case."Despite his disappointment with the medal, Singh remains proud of his achievement. "This is still my biggest achievement," he said. "I have a tattoo of the Olympic rings, but I've kept it incomplete. My wish is to complete it when I win the gold medal next time."Singh also shared an anecdote about an encounter with social media personality Dolly Chaiwala at an airport. "I saw it with my own eyes," he said. "People were getting themselves clicked with him and didn't recognize us. We started looking at each other, feeling awkward."This incident highlights the growing popularity of internet stars and the potential for them to overshadow athletes who have achieved significant accomplishments.As the Indian hockey team looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, they will be determined to continue their upward trajectory and challenge for the gold medal. With their current form and determination, they have the potential to make history and bring home the ultimate prize.

Neeraj Chopra, India's star javelin thrower and Olympic medalist, has attributed his consistent performance and success to a positive mindset and unwavering self-belief. Speaking at an event in Haryana, Chopra emphasized the importance of believing in one's abilities and maintaining a positive outlook."In our minds, we should believe that we can do it. We should be positive, and it will work out. So, before stepping onto the field, we should believe that we will do well," Chopra said.This positive mindset is a crucial component of Chopra's preparation and performance. He undergoes rigorous mental and physical training to maintain his consistency and surpass the 85-meter mark."You have to continue training. Sometimes, the body will not permit it, but I think the mind is the most powerful thing. I push myself and remind myself that I have to complete my training as planned," Chopra explained.Chopra's approach highlights the importance of mental strength and determination in achieving athletic excellence. His ability to push through physical limitations and maintain a positive mindset has been key to his consistent performance and remarkable achievements on the global stage.In the recent Diamond League final, Chopra narrowly missed out on another title by just 1 centimeter, finishing second with a best throw of 87.86 meters. Despite the close defeat, Chopra's performance showcased his unwavering determination and mental fortitude.Chopra's journey to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He has set national records and achieved podium finishes in major international competitions, including the Olympics and the Diamond League.Chopra's success is a testament to the power of positive thinking, hard work, and unwavering self-belief. He serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a role model for all who strive for greatness.

India's Olympic javelin star Neeraj Chopra has set his sights on a podium finish at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, aiming to add to his impressive medal collection. After a successful season that saw him secure a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and a second-place finish at the Diamond League finale in Brussels, Chopra is determined to continue his winning streak.Despite battling an adductor muscle niggle throughout the year, Chopra remains optimistic about his fitness. He plans to consult with doctors to determine the best course of action for his injury, but assures that he will be fully fit for the upcoming season.Chopra's focus is not only on his physical health but also on refining his technique. He acknowledges the need for improvement and will work closely with his renowned German biomechanics expert, Klaus Bartonietz, to enhance his performance.Reflecting on India's Olympic performance, Chopra expressed satisfaction with the overall medal count but noted the potential for further improvement. He highlighted the numerous fourth-place finishes and believes that with continued effort, India can achieve even greater success in future Olympic Games.Chopra's ultimate goal is to break the 90m mark, a feat he has come close to achieving in the past. He remains determined to surpass his personal best and establish himself as one of the world's top javelin throwers.

Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin, who captured hearts at the Paris Olympics 2024 with her heartwarming medal-biting moment, has returned home to a new viral sensation. The 18-year-old silver medalist in the balance beam event has been spotted helping her parents serve food at their local restaurant in Hengyang, Hunan province.Zhou's Olympic journey began at the tender age of three when she discovered her passion for gymnastics. Specializing in the balance beam, she quickly rose through the ranks, winning an individual gold in the Chinese Championships in 2020. Her senior-level achievements include gold medals at the National Games of China and the World Championships.At the Paris Olympics, Zhou made history by qualifying ahead of legendary gymnast Simone Biles in the balance beam event. She went on to secure a silver medal with a total score of 14.100, just behind Italy's Alice D'Amato. Zhou's performance was particularly impressive as she outscored Biles, who finished outside the podium in fifth place.Zhou's Olympic moment of fame came after the medal ceremony when she was captured on camera trying to bite her silver medal, mimicking the actions of the Italian gymnasts who had done so before her. The wholesome moment went viral on social media, endearing Zhou to fans worldwide.Now, back home in Hengyang, Zhou has traded her Olympic uniform for an apron, helping her parents run their restaurant. In a heartwarming gesture, she has been serving food to customers in her Olympic uniform, promoting the family business and inspiring her community.Zhou's story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to achieve Olympic success. It also highlights the importance of family and community support in the lives of athletes. As she continues her gymnastics career, Zhou Yaqin remains an inspiration to young athletes and a symbol of the Olympic spirit.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic dream was shattered by a mere 100 grams. The Indian wrestler, who had made history by reaching the final of the 50kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024, was declared overweight the next morning.Phogat had weighed in under the weight limit of 50kg before the start of her matches. However, by the end of the first day of competition, she had gained 2.7kg, weighing in at 52.7kg.This weight gain was not due to any miscalculation or negligence on Phogat's part. Rather, it was the result of a Herculean effort to make weight.Phogat had participated in 53kg events as recently as the 2022 World Championships. Her normal weight is reported to be near 57kg. Therefore, going down to 50kg was a significant challenge.To make weight, Phogat underwent drastic measures. She limited her water intake, avoided food, and trained rigorously. After her weigh-in on the first morning, she consumed a glass of juice and several liters of fluid to stay hydrated for her bouts.Phogat also took light snacks throughout the day to replenish her energy. This added up to an estimated 2.7kg of weight gain.After weighing in at 52.7kg after her semi-final, Phogat underwent a grueling night. She trained on the treadmill for six hours and was in the sauna for another three, all without food or water. Her coaches also trimmed the elastic at the bottom of her costume and cut off some of her hair to reduce weight.Despite these efforts, Phogat was still 100 grams overweight the next morning. This denied her the opportunity to compete for an Olympic medal.Phogat's story is a testament to the sacrifices that athletes make to compete at the highest level. It is also a reminder that even the smallest of margins can make a big difference in the outcome of a competition.

Aditi Ashok's Olympic journey in Paris ended with a respectable tied-29th finish, a far cry from her impressive fourth-place performance in Tokyo three years ago. However, the 26-year-old Indian golfer showcased her resilience on the final day, firing seven birdies to card a 4-under 68 at the challenging Le Golf National course.Despite her strong finish, Aditi's overall score of 2-over 290 fell short of the 15-under she achieved in Tokyo. Her compatriot, Diksha Dagar, also struggled, finishing with a total of 13-over 301 after a disappointing 78 in the final round.New Zealand's Lydia Ko emerged as the undisputed champion, claiming the gold medal with a steady performance under pressure. Ko, who has an impressive 20 LPGA wins to her name, produced a 71 in the final round to finish two shots ahead of Germany's Esther Henseleit and three shots ahead of China's Xiyu Lin, who won the silver and bronze medals, respectively.Ko's victory marked a historic milestone, making her the first golfer in the modern era to win three Olympic medals. The gold also secured her entry into the LPGA's prestigious Hall of Fame.Reflecting on her performance, Aditi acknowledged that her final day was her best, with both her approach shots and putting working effectively. She attributed her seven birdies to these factors and the improved weather conditions.Despite her overall disappointment, Aditi expressed optimism about her future Olympic prospects. She aims to return in 2028 for the Los Angeles Games and challenge for a medal.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic dream was not just about personal glory; it was a battle for a greater cause. The wrestler spent the past year leading protests against alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the former President of the Wrestlers' Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Her historic qualification for the Olympic finals is a testament to her resilience and determination.Phogat's victory over reigning Olympic and world champion, two-time European Games medallist, and Pan-American Games champion is a remarkable achievement. It guarantees her at least a silver medal in the Paris Olympics. This triumph is particularly sweet for the 29-year-old from Haryana, who had vowed to win a medal and show it to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.In November 2023, Phogat declared, "I will fight. I will look him in the eye and bring back a medal. I have a reason to fight. If I train well, I can win a medal. No one can stop me."Fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia revealed Phogat's motivation: "She said, 'I am fighting for the future generation of wrestlers. Not for myself, my career is done and this is my last Olympics. I want to fight for the young women wrestlers who will come and fight for them so that they can wrestle safely.'"Phogat's historic semi-final win follows a long sit-in protest in Delhi last year, where she and other athletes accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Despite facing vilification and police detention, Phogat remained steadfast in her fight.Her victory is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right. Phogat's journey from protestor to Olympic medalist is an inspiring story of redemption and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be achieved.

In the heart of Paris, the Lebrun brothers, Felix and Alexis, are making history in French table tennis. Their journey began at a tender age, with Felix's unwavering desire to join his father in the sport.Growing up in a family of paddlers, the brothers were exposed to the game from an early age. Their father, Stephane, and uncle, Christophe Legout, were both accomplished table tennis players. While they dabbled in other sports, ping pong remained their true calling.Felix, the younger brother, quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the world No.5 and the only non-Chinese player in the top five. Alexis, ranked 16th, has also made his mark, notably defeating the then world No.1 Fan Zhendong last year.Together, they led the French team to silver at the World Team Championships in Busan, losing only to China. Their rise to global stardom is attributed to their intense training with each other during the Covid pandemic and the guidance of their first coach, Nathanael Molin.Felix has captured the 2023 European Games gold and several WTT Contender titles, while Alexis has won three consecutive national titles. Their success has made them future challengers to the Chinese dominance in the sport.Despite their sibling rivalry, the Lebruns share a close bond. Alexis is proud of his brother's achievements, while Felix acknowledges his brother's superiority in official matches.Off the court, they spend time together traveling, playing games, and discussing table tennis. Their mother, Dominique, is overjoyed by their success and the strong bond they share.The Lebrun brothers are determined to continue their ascent in the rankings, win major tournaments, and break new ground in world table tennis. Their journey is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of their family.