Others

India's Olympic contingent has taken a significant step forward by appointing its first-ever chief medical officer, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala. This move reflects the IOA's commitment to enhancing medical support for its athletes.Dr. Pardiwala, a renowned sports medicine expert, has played a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation of top athletes like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bhumrah, Neeraj Chopra, and PV Sindhu. His expertise extends to injury management, sports nutrition, mental conditioning, and sleep optimization.The medical team's primary focus is injury management. Athletes often sustain injuries during high-intensity competitions, and the team ensures prompt assessment and treatment to minimize impact on performance. They also provide holistic care, addressing athletes' nutritional needs, mental well-being, and recovery.To facilitate this, Team India has established a dedicated recovery room within the Olympic Village, equipped with ice baths, sleep pods, cryotherapy, and other recovery equipment. Sports massage therapists are also available for both male and female athletes.Despite the high demand for medical services, the team has maintained a smooth operation. This is attributed to the collaboration between the IOA's 13-member team and 15 additional physios and strength and conditioning coaches who work with individual athletes and teams.Dr. Pardiwala emphasizes the importance of trust and familiarity within the sports medicine community. He notes that the team's long-standing relationships with athletes and other experts facilitate effective coordination and support.

Team GB Raises Concerns Over Inadequate Food at Paris Olympics VillageDespite the promise of Michelin-starred chefs contributing to the Olympic Village's culinary offerings, Team GB's chief executive, Andy Anson, has expressed dissatisfaction with the food provided. Athletes have complained of insufficient portions and a lack of high-protein options."There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates," Anson told The Times newspaper. He also raised concerns about the quality of the food, citing instances of raw meat being served. "They have got to improve it over the next couple of days dramatically," he emphasized.To address the issue, Team GB has decided to fly in a chef to prepare meals at their performance lodge in the Clichy district of Paris. "Our athletes have decided they would rather go and eat in our performance lodge in Clichy, so we are having to get another chef to come over as the demand is far exceeding what we thought it would be," Anson explained.The Athletes Village restaurant, which can seat 3,300 people, prepares approximately 40,000 meals daily. A spokesperson for the organizers acknowledged the concerns and stated that they are working to "increase supplies."Anson emphasized the importance of providing athletes with adequate nutrition to optimize their performance. "We are trying to make sure our athletes have an advantage by having more food. It is the biggest issue at the moment," he said.The food situation at the Paris Olympics Village has become a significant concern for Team GB, highlighting the challenges of catering to the dietary needs of thousands of athletes from around the world.

Craig Fulton's defensive strategy will face its ultimate test as India embarks on their Olympic campaign in Paris. The world No.7 team aims to secure consecutive Olympic medals for the first time in over half a century.To achieve this, India must overcome formidable opponents such as the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, and Germany. Former India forward SV Sunil emphasizes the importance of a strong defense, stating that "if we keep our defense strong, then we can finish on the podium."India's recent performances in the Pro League and their tour of Australia have highlighted the need for defensive improvement. They conceded 21 goals in eight Pro League games and were whitewashed 5-0 by Australia.Former India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne stresses the significance of converting limited opportunities, saying, "You will not get many and if you need too many chances to score you will not win these matches."India will face New Zealand in their opening match on July 27th. A strong start is crucial, as a win can set the tone for the tournament. Harmanpreet Singh, India's captain, acknowledges New Zealand's strength and emphasizes the need to maintain momentum throughout the game.India's Olympic campaign will be a test of their defensive capabilities and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. If they can execute Fulton's strategy effectively, they have the potential to challenge for a medal in Paris.

India's Olympic Odyssey Begins: Day 1 Schedule UnveiledThe stage is set for the Paris Olympics 2024, and India's athletes are poised to make their mark from the very first day. On July 26, a host of Indian stars will take to the field, court, and range, eager to showcase their skills and bring glory to their nation.Badminton: Shetty and Rankireddy Lead the ChargeIndia's badminton contingent will be spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. The pair will face Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar of France in their men's doubles group match, aiming to secure a top spot in their group.Shooting: Eyes on the TargetIndia's shooters will also be in action on Day 1. Sandeep Singh and Elavenil Valarivan, along with Arjun Babuta and Ramita Jindal, will compete in the 10m air rifle mixed team qualification. They will need to finish in the top four to advance to the gold medal match.Hockey: Men in Blue Face New ZealandThe Indian men's hockey team will kick off their Olympic campaign against New Zealand in a Pool B match. The team will be looking to start their tournament with a strong performance and set the tone for the rest of their matches.Boxing: Preeti Pawar's Olympic DebutPreeti Pawar will make her Olympic debut in the women's 54kg boxing category. She will face Thi Kim anh Vo of Vietnam in the opening round, with a victory securing her a spot in the Round of 16.Rowing: Panwar Balraj Takes to the WaterPanwar Balraj will represent India in the men's single sculls rowing event. He will be aiming to qualify for the main draw of the competition and make a strong impression on the Olympic stage.Table Tennis: Harmeet Desai's Preliminary ChallengeHarmeet Desai will face Zaid Abo Yaman of Jordan in the men's singles preliminary round of table tennis. A victory will earn him a place in the main draw of the Round of 64.Tennis: Bopanna and Balaji Aim for Round of 16Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will team up in the men's doubles first round match of tennis. They will face Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Fabien Reboul of France, with a win securing their place in the Round of 16.

As the world eagerly anticipates the commencement of the Olympic Games on Friday evening, the possibility of rain looms over the highly anticipated opening ceremony, threatening to dampen the spirits of spectators and participants alike. According to the French Met department, the risk of rain showers during the ceremony remains a concern due to disturbances approaching the Paris region.Despite the pleasant weather conditions currently prevailing, forecasts indicate a potential shift in the evening, coinciding with the spectacular opening ceremony. The traditional Parade of Nations, a highlight of the event, will take place along the picturesque river Seine, adding to the potential impact of any rainfall.Mateo-France, a weather forecasting service, predicts "light rain under a cloudy sky" in the morning, with an improvement in the afternoon as the rain subsides. However, the late afternoon and evening may bring showers to the Paris region, casting doubt on the weather conditions during the opening ceremony.Despite the uncertain weather forecast, Amelie Oudea-Castera, Minister of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, expressed optimism, stating on the RMC morning show, "The rain will not spoil the opening ceremony! It will not deteriorate the quality of the show."The opening ceremony, scheduled to commence at 11:00 PM IST, promises to be a captivating spectacle, featuring approximately 100 boats carrying an estimated 10,500 athletes sailing along the Seine during the parade of nations. Paris 2024 will mark a historic milestone as the first Olympic Summer Games to hold its opening ceremony outside a stadium.

Olympic Athletes to Reap Financial Rewards in Paris 2024The upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris mark a significant shift in the financial landscape for athletes. In a departure from tradition, various federations have announced substantial cash rewards for medalists, adding a new dimension to the pursuit of Olympic glory.Traditionally, the Olympic Games have been devoid of cash prizes, with athletes competing solely for the honor of representing their countries and the prestige of winning medals. However, this year, the trend is changing. World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, has pledged a generous $50,000 reward for every gold medalist in its events. The International Boxing Association has followed suit, offering a staggering $100,000 to gold medalists across all categories.This move has been met with mixed reactions. Some federations, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), remain opposed to the idea of cash rewards, arguing that it goes against the spirit of Olympism and creates an unfair advantage for athletes in certain sports. However, many sporting bodies believe that athletes deserve to be compensated for their hard work and dedication."While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games," said World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, "I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is."The financial incentives offered by federations are not limited to gold medalists. Silver and bronze medalists will also receive significant rewards, albeit smaller than the top prize. This move aims to recognize the achievements of all athletes who reach the podium, regardless of their medal color.In addition to the rewards announced by international federations, governments and national sporting federations have also traditionally offered cash prizes to their athletes for Olympic success. For example, the Indian government has reportedly offered 7.5 million rupees (about $90,000) to Olympic gold medalists, while the Indian Olympic Association has given athletes a separate reward of 10 million rupees (about $120,000).The introduction of cash rewards for Olympic athletes is a significant development that has the potential to reshape the financial landscape of the Games. While some may argue that it detracts from the purity of the Olympic spirit, others believe that it is a fair way to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication of athletes who represent their countries on the world's biggest sporting stage.

The Indian athletics team, comprising 30 members, is gearing up for the upcoming Olympics with a rigorous training regimen at three international venues. The team will assemble in Paris on July 28, four days prior to the commencement of track and field events.Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, the star javelin thrower, is currently training in Antalya, Turkey. The team's chief coach, Radhakrishnan Nair, confirmed that Chopra will arrive in Paris on July 28.The Indian athletics contingent has expanded to 30 members with the inclusion of long jumper Jeswin Aldrin and 500m runner Ankita Dhyani, based on their rankings in the World Athletics Road to Paris system.Four race walkers (Akshdeep Singh, Paramjeet Singh Bisht, Vikash Singh, Suraj Panwar) and triple jumper Abdulla Aboobacker are currently training at the Sports Authority of India center in Bengaluru. Avinash Sable and Parul Chaudhary will train in St Moritz, Switzerland."Sable and Parul will join the group of athletes in Poland on July 24 and then proceed to Paris," Nair stated. "Ankita (5,000m) is currently based out of Bengaluru."The entire 4x400m relay team (men and women) will depart for Poland on Thursday. Four athletes (Kishore Kumar Jena, Jyothi Yarraji, Jeswin Aldrin, Praveen Chithravel) have already arrived in Poland."Annu Rani (javelin), Tajinderpal Singh Toor (shot put), and Abha Khatua (shot put) will also leave for Poland on Thursday," Nair added.The Indian athletics team is determined to make a mark at the Olympics, and their rigorous training regimen is a testament to their dedication and commitment.

The highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics are set to commence on July 26 and conclude on August 11, with 206 nations participating from across the globe. The event will feature 45 sports, including 41 mainstay Olympic disciplines and four new additions: breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing.India aims to surpass its tally of seven medals from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which included a gold, two silver, and four bronze. The country will send approximately 120 athletes to Paris, representing various sports.In archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, Pravin Jadhav, Bhajan Kaur, Deepika Kumari, and Ankita Bhakat have secured spots. Athletics will see Akshdeep Singh, Vikash Singh, Paramjeet Singh Bisht, Priyanka Goswami, Avinash Sable, Parul Chaudhary, Jyothi Yarraji, Kiran Pahal, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Abha Khatua, Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena, Annu Rani, Sarvesh Kushare, Praveen Chithravel, Abdulla Aboobacker, and the men's and women's 4x400m relay teams competing.Badminton will feature H.S Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, P.V Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Ashwini Ponappa, and Tanisha Crasto. Boxing will be represented by Nikhat Zareen, Amit Phangal, Nishant Dev, Preeti Pawar, Lovlina Borgohain, and Jaismine Lamboria.In equestrian, Anush Agarwalla will participate in dressage. Golf will see Subhankar Sharma, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Aditi Ashok, and Diksha Dagar. The men's hockey team will include P.R Sreejesh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rogidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, and Gurjant Singh.Judo will feature Tulika Mann, while rowing will have Balraj Panwar. Sailing will see Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan. Shooting will be represented by Prithviraj Tondaiman, Rajeshwari Kumari, Shreyasi Singh, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Raiza Dhillon, Maheshwari Chauhan, Sandeep Singh, Arjun Babuta, Elavenil Valarivan, Ramita Jindal, Swapnil Kusale, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Sift Kaur Samra, Anjum Moudgil, Arjun Cheema, Sarabjot Singh, Manu Bhaker, Rhythm Sangwam, Vijayveer Sidhu, Anish Bhanwala, and Esha Singh.Swimming will have Dhinidhi Desinghu and Srihari Nataraj. Table tennis will feature Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath. Tennis will see Sumit Nagal, Rohan Bopanna, and Sriram Balaji. Weightlifting will be represented by Mirabai Chanu. Wrestling will have Aman Sehrawat, Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, Nisha Dahiya, Reetika Hooda, and Antim Phangal.

Paris's iconic metro system, once a source of pride for the city, has become a daily source of frustration for commuters as the French capital prepares to host the 2024 Olympics. The system, which transports millions of people daily, has been plagued by delays, overcrowding, and understaffing since the COVID-19 pandemic.User satisfaction has plummeted since 2020, when the RATP, which operates the metro, cut services due to mass work-from-home policies. Many employees were furloughed and never returned, while the training of new staff slowed significantly. As a result, trains are often overcrowded and run late, with some lines experiencing delays of up to 15 minutes during peak hours.The situation is expected to worsen during the Olympics, when an estimated seven million visitors will descend upon Paris. The metro will be a crucial mode of transportation for both tourists and locals, putting immense strain on the already struggling system.In response to the growing pressure, the RATP has implemented a major staff recruitment drive and is racing to complete key line extensions ahead of the Games. However, despite these efforts, eight out of ten lines still fall short of the minimum performance standard of 90% punctuality.To mitigate the impact of the metro's shortcomings, the city is promoting alternative modes of transportation. Each Olympic venue will be accessible by bike, with hundreds of kilometers of new cycle lanes and thousands of parking spots being built. Additionally, there will be no parking provision for cars at sports venues, which is expected to lead to increased traffic congestion.Despite the challenges, organizers remain confident that the city's transportation system will be able to handle the influx of visitors. They are urging Parisians to embrace walking and cycling as alternative modes of transportation.