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Manu Bhaker's Olympic Triumph and KBC AppearanceIndian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker has added another feather to her cap by appearing on the popular television show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). The Olympian, who recently returned from the Paris Olympics 2024 with two bronze medals, shared her experiences and insights on the show.During her conversation with host Amitabh Bachchan, Bhaker shed light on the intricate techniques involved in shooting at the highest level. She explained that shooters take extended pauses between shots to control their breathing and heart rate. This allows them to maintain composure and focus amidst the intense pressure of competition.Bhaker emphasized the importance of a strong foundation in shooting, which involves not only physical skills but also mental and emotional preparation. She revealed that she relies heavily on yoga, Surya Namaskar, and meditation to calm her nerves and improve her concentration."Controlling anxiousness or nervousness takes time and practice," Bhaker said. "To maintain focus, I rely heavily on yoga, Surya Namaskar, and meditation. I follow this routine with strict discipline."She also shared a specific breathing technique that she uses to regulate her heart rate. "I use a breathing technique with a 4:8 ratio: inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for eight seconds," Bhaker explained. "Mastering this through practice helps normalize my heart rate."Bhaker's appearance on KBC has garnered widespread attention and appreciation. It has not only highlighted her achievements but also provided a glimpse into the challenges and techniques involved in the sport of shooting.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her appeal against her disqualification from the 50kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics 2024. In a detailed 24-page verdict, CAS described the United World Wrestling's (UWW) rules for punishing athletes who fail the second-day weigh-in as "draconian" but ultimately upheld the decision to disqualify Phogat.Phogat had cleared the weigh-in process on the first day of her event but was found 100gm overweight on the second day, the day of her gold medal bout. As per UWW rules, wrestlers must clear the weigh-in on both days of the competition. While the UWW allows a 2kg weight tolerance in many international competitions, there is no such buffer at the Olympics.In her appeal, Phogat argued that she should be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semifinals but was promoted to the summit clash following her disqualification. However, CAS dismissed her appeal, stating that it was Phogat's responsibility to ensure she was under the permissible limit during both days of the competition.CAS acknowledged that the consequences of failing the second weigh-in were severe, but it emphasized that Phogat had voluntarily entered the 50kg weight category and was aware of the weight requirements. The court also noted that Phogat had previously competed under the UWW rules and had not raised any concerns about the weight requirements.Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics was a major disappointment for India, as she had become the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for an Olympic final. Her stunning victory over legendary Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki had raised hopes of a medal, but her disqualification shattered those dreams.Despite the CAS ruling, Phogat has received a hero's welcome upon her return to India. Her performance at the Olympics has inspired many young wrestlers and demonstrated her resilience and determination.

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling star, has received an outpouring of love and support since her return from the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite the heartbreak of being disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling final, Vinesh's resilience and determination have inspired the nation.Upon her arrival at the New Delhi airport on Saturday, Vinesh was greeted by a throng of supporters. Her journey to her family's village, Babali, was a testament to the immense admiration she holds in her community. Thousands lined the streets, cheering and showering her with affection.On Monday, Vinesh celebrated Raksha Bandhan with her brother. A heartwarming video emerged on social media, showing Vinesh holding a bundle of Rs 500 notes. "I am almost 30 years old. Last year he gave me Rs 500. After that this (points to a bundle of currency note). He has earned this much money only in his whole life (jokingly), which he has given to me," Vinesh said, eliciting laughter from her brother.Vinesh's journey from Delhi to Balali was a testament to her popularity. She was felicitated by supporters and 'khap' panchayats in several villages, extending her 135km-long journey to nearly 13 hours.Despite the disappointment of her disqualification, Vinesh has remained steadfast in her resolve to fight for justice. Her appeal against the disqualification was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but she has vowed to continue her battle against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)."Our fight has not ended and it will continue," Vinesh declared. "We have been fighting a battle for one year. It will continue and by God's grace, the truth will prevail."Vinesh's unwavering spirit has resonated with the nation. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. Her legacy as a two-time CWG gold medallist, Asian Games champion, and eight-time Asian Championships medallist will continue to inspire generations to come.

Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics 2024 50kg wrestling final due to being overweight has sparked controversy, with blame being directed towards her support staff. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh questioned the presence of Vinesh's personal coach and support staff in Paris, suggesting they were not fulfilling their responsibilities.However, Vinesh has defended her support staff, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. In a statement, she thanked her coach Woller Akos, physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil, and others for their contributions to her journey.Vinesh praised Akos for his exceptional coaching skills, calmness, and ability to handle any situation. She credited him with guiding her through difficult times and instilling confidence in her. Despite his humility, Vinesh emphasized Akos's significant role in her success.She also expressed appreciation for Patil's dedication and care. Vinesh highlighted Patil's unwavering support throughout her training and rehabilitation, describing her as a physiotherapist who truly understood the challenges of wrestling.Vinesh's statement comes amidst criticism of her support staff for failing to manage her weight. However, she has chosen to focus on their positive contributions and the sacrifices they have made for her.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have witnessed several unfortunate incidents that have marred the performances of international athletes. Here are some notable examples:Jordan Chiles:Jordan Chiles' Olympic dream took a devastating turn when her bronze medal in the women's floor exercise was revoked due to a timing technicality. After an initial appeal, her score was revised, but the Romanian Gymnastics Federation challenged the timing of the appeal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled against Chiles, stripping her of the medal. Despite new evidence, CAS upheld its decision, leaving Chiles' medal status uncertain.Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce:Jamaica's three-time Olympic gold medalist, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, suffered a setback when she withdrew from the women's 100-meter semifinals due to an injury sustained during warmups. The injury prevented her from competing, leaving Jamaica without one of its top sprinters.Noah Lyles:Noah Lyles' Olympic aspirations were hindered by a positive COVID-19 test just two days before the men's 200-meter final. Despite medical clearance, his performance was visibly affected by the illness. He finished third, well below his personal best and hopes of breaking Usain Bolt's world record.Carolina Marin:Carolina Marin's comeback hopes were shattered when she collapsed on the court during her semifinal match against He Bingjiao. After a long recovery from a knee injury, Marin was on track for victory but suffered a devastating knee injury that forced her to withdraw from the match.Simone Biles and Suni Lee:Simone Biles and Suni Lee faced challenges in the balance beam final, resulting in neither gymnast earning a podium spot. Biles lost her balance and stepped off the beam, while Lee fell after a wobble. This marked the first time since 2000 that an American gymnast did not reach the podium in this event.These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of sports and the challenges athletes face in pursuing their Olympic dreams. Despite the setbacks, these athletes have shown resilience and determination, inspiring others with their unwavering spirit.

India's hockey team, buoyed by their resilient performance against Great Britain in the quarterfinals, will face a formidable challenge in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics against reigning world champions Germany. The Indians, who won bronze in Tokyo, are aiming to better their medal color and make history by securing a silver or gold.India's quarterfinal victory was a testament to their tenacity and determination. Despite playing with 10 men for nearly 40 minutes after Amit Rohidas' red card, the Harmanpreet Singh-led side held Britain to a 1-1 draw in regulation time and emerged victorious in the shootout. Veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, playing his last international tournament, was instrumental in the win, making several crucial saves, including two in the shootout.Rohidas' suspension for the semifinal is a setback for India, as he is a key defender and penalty corner specialist. However, the team is confident in their ability to overcome this challenge. "We are focused on the task at hand," said Harmanpreet, who has been India's leading scorer at the Games with seven goals. "Every player stepped up and even until the last minute, we were fighting back."Germany, ranked fourth in the world, is a familiar opponent for India in high-stakes tournaments. The two teams met in the bronze medal match in Tokyo, where India emerged victorious. In the days leading up to the Paris Games, India played Germany in practice matches and won five out of six contests.The other semifinal will feature Netherlands and Spain. India will be hoping to repeat their success against Germany and secure a place in the final. A semifinal win would guarantee India a silver medal, which they last won in the 1960 Rome edition.

Yusuf Dikec, a Turkish shooter, has become an internet sensation after his unconventional shooting style at the 2024 Paris Olympics went viral. Dikec's effortless swag, including shooting with no headgear, both eyes open, and one hand in his pocket, has captivated audiences worldwide.Beyond his silver medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, Dikec's demeanor has sparked a conversation about the future of sports and technology. In a humorous tweet, Dikec posed a question to Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX: "Hi Elon, do you think future robots can win medals at the Olympics with their hands in their pockets?"Musk responded promptly, stating that robots would "hit the center of the bullseye every time." He also expressed his eagerness to visit Istanbul, the cultural capital that unites continents.Dikec's post has garnered over 5.2 million views, eliciting a range of reactions from social media users. Some questioned the feasibility of robots competing in the Olympics, while others speculated about the potential for robot-only competitions.Dikec's viral fame has also drawn attention to Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot project. This robot is designed to perform "unsafe, repetitive or boring tasks" and could potentially revolutionize various industries.The exchange between Dikec and Musk highlights the intersection of sports, technology, and the future of human-machine interaction. As robots become more advanced, it raises questions about their potential impact on competitive sports and the nature of human achievement.

As the Paris Olympics 2024 draws near, Team USA Gymnastics has found an unlikely source of support and comfort: Beacon, a 4-year-old golden retriever therapy dog. Beacon has become an integral part of the team's emotional support system, providing solace and boosting morale in ways no one expected.Beacon's journey with Team USA began in May 2023, when he and his handler, Tracey Callahan Molnar, joined the team at various competitions and training camps. Molnar, a Pasadena resident with 40 years of experience in USA Rhythmic Gymnastics, recognized the potential for pet therapy to benefit the athletes.Prior to joining Team USA, Beacon worked as a therapy dog at a hospital, where he helped reduce stress in outpatient rehab, the emergency department, and the pediatric department. His calming presence and soft fur have proven invaluable to the gymnasts, who often face intense pressure and emotional challenges.Beacon's most recent assignment was comforting athletes in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Trials. The night before the trials, two of the country's top prospects, Shilese Jones and Kayla DiCello, suffered injuries, leaving the team heartbroken. Beacon and Molnar spent 40 minutes comforting the gymnasts and coaches, providing much-needed solace and helping them cope with the challenging night."He will turn on a dime without seeing who it is. He picks up on the stress and will pull to that person immediately," Molnar told ESPN.Beacon's role extends beyond just comforting athletes. He has become a crucial part of Team USA's emotional support system, offering a sense of calm and stability in a high-pressure environment. His presence has helped the gymnasts manage stress, improve focus, and build resilience.Beacon's impact on Team USA is a testament to the power of pet therapy in sports. His calming presence and unconditional love have created a positive and supportive environment for the athletes, helping them navigate the challenges of elite competition and prepare for the biggest stage of all: the Olympic Games.

India's men's hockey team will face Ireland in their next Pool B match of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Tuesday, July 30. The match will be crucial for India's hopes of reaching the quarterfinals.India is coming off a 3-2 victory over New Zealand and a 1-1 draw against Argentina. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a last-minute penalty corner to salvage a draw against Argentina.Ireland, on the other hand, lost their opening match to Germany 3-2 but bounced back with a 4-2 win over Canada.India will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament and strengthen their position in the pool standings. A win against Ireland will put them in a strong position to qualify for the quarterfinals.The match will be played at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris and will start at 4:45 PM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sports 18 Network and live streamed on the JioCinema app.India's performance in the tournament so far has been encouraging. They have shown resilience and determination, especially in the match against Argentina. Harmanpreet Singh has been in excellent form, scoring crucial goals.Ireland will be a tough opponent, but India will be confident of victory. They have a strong team and are determined to make a mark in the Olympics.