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American gymnastics legend Simone Biles has once again etched her name in the annals of Olympic history, reclaiming the all-around title at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Friday. The 27-year-old, who previously won gold in the same event at the Rio Olympics in 2016, became the first woman to regain the Olympic all-around title.Biles' triumph was a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After withdrawing from most of her events in Tokyo three years ago due to a debilitating condition known as the "twisties," she returned to the Olympic stage with a renewed sense of purpose.Her performance in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. She opened with an electrifying floor routine to Taylor Swift's hit song "Ready for It?," captivating the crowd at the Bercy Arena. Her flawless execution and gravity-defying moves earned her a standing ovation.Biles' dominance continued throughout the competition. She displayed her exceptional skills on the vault, uneven bars, and balance beam, consistently scoring high marks. Her compatriot, Sunisa Lee, who won the title in Tokyo after Biles' withdrawal, could only claim a bronze medal this time around. Brazil's Rebeca Andrade took home the silver.This victory marks Biles' second gold medal of the Paris Games and her sixth Olympic gold overall. She has already led the United States to women's team gold this week, solidifying her status as the most decorated athlete in her sport.Biles' success is not only a testament to her athletic prowess but also to her mental fortitude. She has openly discussed her struggles with mental health and has become an advocate for athletes' well-being."Three years ago, I never thought I'd step on a gymnastics court again," Biles said after her victory. "But I worked hard, mentally and physically, even saw my therapist this morning, just making sure I'm mentally well."Biles' triumph is an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. It demonstrates that even after setbacks and challenges, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has sparked controversy by allowing Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Chinese Taipei's Lin Yu-ting to compete in the Paris Olympics despite their disqualification from last year's World Championships due to unspecified gender tests.The decision has raised concerns about fairness and the integrity of the competition. Khelif's opponent, Italy's Angela Carini, forfeited her bout after two hard punches, claiming she feared her nose was broken.The IOC defended its decision, stating that the athletes' gender and age are based on their passports and that they comply with the eligibility regulations set by the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit (PBU). The IOC also criticized the IBA's sudden and arbitrary disqualification of the boxers.IBA, however, maintains that its decision was based on a separate and recognized test that indicated the athletes had competitive advantages over other female competitors. The test results remain confidential.The IOC emphasized that eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition and that any rule changes must follow appropriate processes and be based on scientific evidence. The IOC also expressed concern about the abuse the athletes are receiving.Khelif is set to face Hungary's Luca Anna Hamori in the 66kg quarter-finals on Saturday, while Yu-ting will meet Uzbekistan's Sitora Turdibekova in the Round of 16 on Friday.

Indian shooter Arjun Babuta has expressed disappointment over the lack of support he has received from the Punjab government despite his remarkable achievements in the sport. Babuta, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in the men's 10m Air Rifle event at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, has been vocal about his expectations for job security and recognition from the state government.In an interview with ANI, Babuta revealed that he has not received any benefits from the Punjab government despite his success. He recalled a promise made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and then Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in 2022 to offer him a government job. However, Babuta said he has yet to receive a concrete response to his request."I have written a letter in this regard, but in reply, I was told to wait. It is very disappointing and I hope they will look into it as job security is very important. I hope they will acknowledge my efforts. I should be given a certain rank according to my achievements in sports," Babuta said.Babuta also criticized the Punjab government for its alleged neglect of sports in the state. He pointed out that while Chief Ministers of other states welcomed and celebrated shooters from their respective states who participated in the Olympics, the Punjab government failed to do so."Governments are changing, but the demand remains the same. The hope is slowly fading away. The Chief Ministers of different states cheered and met the shooters from their respective states who participated in the Olympics. But nothing was done by the Punjab CM and state Sports Minister for the shooters from the state. They didn't even welcome us at the airport," Babuta added.Babuta's comments highlight the challenges faced by athletes in India, particularly those from smaller states. Despite their achievements on the international stage, many athletes struggle to receive adequate support and recognition from their state governments.Despite the setbacks, Babuta remains determined to continue his shooting career. He has set his sights on the LA 28 Olympics and the Shooting World Cup. With his talent and dedication, Babuta has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.

Adriana Ruano Oliva's historic triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has etched her name into the annals of Guatemalan sports history. Her gold medal in the women's trap final marks the nation's first-ever Olympic gold and its second medal overall, following Jean Pierre Brol Cardenas's bronze in the men's trap event.Oliva's victory is particularly significant as she became the first Guatemalan woman to medal at the Olympics. Her score of 45 set a new Olympic record, and she stood on the podium amidst a sea of jubilant Guatemalan fans. Italy's Silvana Maria Stanco claimed the silver with a score of 40, while Penny Smith of Australia took the bronze.Oliva's journey to gold is a testament to her resilience and determination. Initially aspiring to be an Olympic gymnast, her career was cut short by a severe spinal injury in 2011. Following her doctor's advice, she took up shooting to remain in sports without aggravating her injury.In 2016, Oliva considered volunteering at the Rio Olympics. Inspired by watching her teammates compete, she decided to pursue shooting as a competitive sport. Her hard work and dedication paid off, culminating in her historic gold medal in Paris.Oliva's victory has not only brought glory to Guatemala but has also inspired a generation of sportspeople in the country. Her story of overcoming personal challenges and achieving her dreams serves as a beacon of hope and determination for all aspiring athletes.

The controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has taken a new turn with the emergence of a childhood picture that appears to confirm her female identity. Khelif, who won her first Olympic boxing bout on Thursday, has faced scrutiny over her gender, with the International Boxing Association (IBA) expressing concerns about her eligibility.According to multiple reports, Khelif was born a female and has always identified as one. The childhood picture, which has been widely shared on social media, shows her as a young girl. Khelif has participated in boxing in women's categories since she was a child, winning a silver medal at the 2022 IBA World Championship.However, last year at the women's world boxing championship in India, Khelif was banned due to apparent excessive testosterone levels. This decision was met with controversy, as Khelif had previously been cleared to compete in women's events.The IBA has condemned the IOC's decision to permit Khelif to participate in the Olympics, arguing that it is an "inconsistent application of eligibility criteria." The IBA maintains that based on previous evaluations, Khelif has "competitive advantages over other female competitors."Social media has been divided over the controversy, with many users expressing support for Khelif after her childhood picture surfaced. Critics have questioned the need for Khelif to provide proof of her childhood being spent as a girl and a woman.Khelif's case has highlighted the complex issue of transgender athletes in sports. The IBA's eligibility criteria, which prohibit athletes with XY chromosomes from competing in the women's category, have been criticized by some as discriminatory.The controversy is likely to continue as Khelif progresses through the Olympic tournament. Her next bout is scheduled for Saturday, and a victory would further fuel the debate over her eligibility.

India's historic Olympic archery journey came to a heart-wrenching end as Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara narrowly missed out on a bronze medal, losing 2-6 to the USA's Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison.The Indian duo made history by becoming the first archers to reach an Olympic medal match, but their dream of a podium finish was shattered in the bronze medal contest. The first set was a close affair, with the USA pair edging out India 38-37. Ankita's 7-pointer at the start of the set proved costly for India.The pressure mounted in the second set, and Ankita's first arrow was a low 7. Despite Casey's 8-pointer, Brady's double 10 gave the USA a commanding 4-0 lead. India fought back in the third set, with Dhiraj's 10, 9, and 9, 10 combination. Casey's weak link for the USA, shooting 7 and 8 in this set.However, in the decider, Ankita faltered again with a double 8. Dhiraj's 9 and 10 were not enough as Brady and Casey shot 10, 9, and 9, 9 to win the fourth set 37-35 and secure the bronze medal.Earlier in the day, Ankita and Dhiraj had made history by reaching the semi-finals, where they faced the two-time Olympic finalists from Korea. The Indian pair started strongly, taking the first set 36-38, but the Koreans fought back to win the second set 38-35.In the quarterfinal, India defeated Spain 38-37 38-38 36-37 37-36. Ankita and Dhiraj took the first set 38-37, but Spain tied the scores in the second set 38-all. India's 3-1 advantage was neutralized in the third set, but they held their nerves in the fourth set to win 37-36 and secure a semifinal spot.The Indian recurve mixed team had also performed admirably, rallying past Indonesia to enter the quarterfinals. Dhiraj and Ankita consistently shot 9s and 10s, with Ankita shooting 10s in her last three attempts to take the pair into the last eight stage.

Indian men's hockey team made history at the Tokyo Olympics by defeating Australia 3-2 in a thrilling Group B encounter on August 2, marking their first Olympic victory over the Aussies in 52 years.The match began with India dominating the proceedings, with Abhishek scoring a brilliant field goal in the first quarter. Captain Harmanpreet Singh followed suit with a penalty corner conversion, giving India a commanding 2-0 lead.Australia's Thomas Craig narrowed the margin with a beautiful goal, but Harmanpreet restored India's two-goal advantage in the 32nd minute, scoring his sixth goal of the Olympics.In the 55th minute, Australia's Govers scored through a penalty stroke, bringing the score to 3-2. The Aussies pressed hard for an equalizer, but goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh stood tall, making several crucial saves to preserve India's lead.India's victory was a testament to their determination and resilience. They played with passion and skill, overcoming a strong Australian team. The win not only ended a long drought but also boosted India's hopes of a medal at the Tokyo Games.

Indian pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick of Olympic medals, delivered a stellar performance in the 25m sports pistol event at the ongoing Chateauroux Shooting World Cup on Friday. The 22-year-old sharpshooter, who has already secured two bronze medals in the 10m women's air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events, showcased her exceptional skills to finish second in qualification and book a place in the final.Bhaker's impressive display began in the 'precision' round, where she shot an impressive 294. Her accuracy and precision were even more evident in the rapid round, where she fired a remarkable 296, bringing her aggregate score to 590. This placed her just two points behind leader Veronika Major of Hungary, who shot an aggregate of 592 (294 and 298) to equal the Olympic record.Bhaker's performance is a testament to her unwavering determination and the hard work she has put in to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. She has consistently performed at the highest level, winning multiple medals at international competitions. Her ability to maintain her focus and execute under pressure is a key factor in her success.India has made a strong start to the Chateauroux Shooting World Cup, winning all three medals so far in shooting. Bhaker's two bronze medals and Swapnil Kusale's bronze in the 50m rifle three-positions event have given the Indian contingent a solid foundation.Bhaker's performance in the 25m sports pistol event has raised expectations for her in the upcoming Olympic Games. She is one of India's brightest medal prospects in shooting and will be aiming to add to her already impressive collection of medals.

Swapnil Kusale's journey to Olympic glory began in the humble village of Kambalwadi, Kolhapur. Inspired by Abhinav Bindra's Olympic triumph, he enrolled in the Krida Prabodhini sports program, where he honed his shooting skills.His friendship with Akshay Ashtraputre, a fellow shooter, provided unwavering support. Together, they shared the Olympic dream, symbolized by the golden rings they wore during selection trials.Kusale's talent was evident from an early age. He excelled in the 50m three positions event, requiring precision shooting from kneeling, prone, and standing positions. His coach, Deepali Deshpande, recalls his dedication and love for the sport.In 2014, Kusale became Asian junior champion, marking his arrival on the international stage. He competed against seasoned shooters like Gagan Narang and Chain Singh at the Senior National Championships in 2015.Despite missing out on a berth at the Tokyo Olympics, Kusale remained determined. He joined the Railways and continued his rigorous training regimen. His focus on the standing position, where he had faced setbacks in previous competitions, paid off.With the support of sports psychologist Vaibhav Agashe, Kusale strengthened his mental conditioning. He overcame the tense moments in the final, securing a bronze medal with a crucial 10.5 in his 41st shot.Kambalwadi erupted in celebration as Kusale's triumph brought pride to his village. His mother, Anita Kusale, attributed his success to his unwavering determination and years of hard work.