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Achanta Sharath Kamal, India's flag-bearer for the Paris Olympics, has had an illustrious career spanning five Olympic appearances. From sharing a meal with tennis legend Roger Federer to taking a set off Chinese table tennis icon Ma Long, Sharath has created countless memories on the Olympic stage.Sharath's Olympic journey began in Athens in 2004, where he met double trap shooting silver medalist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore before the final. In Beijing in 2008, despite suffering a knee injury, Sharath fought valiantly to reach the second round, defeating Spain's Alfredo Carneros and pushing Austrian friend Chen Weixing to five sets.London 2012 marked a turning point for Sharath, as he helped the Indian men's team qualify for the Olympics for the first time. In Rio 2016, he faced Ma Long, the eventual gold medalist, and managed to win a set, a testament to his resilience and determination.Tokyo 2020, postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, presented unique challenges for Sharath. Despite limited training resources in India, he persevered and made a significant impact, winning a set against Ma Long once again.Sharath's Olympic experiences have not been limited to table tennis. In Athens, he witnessed the "mamba mentality" of basketball legend Kobe Bryant during the opening ceremony. In Beijing, he observed the camaraderie among international athletes, including Federer and Andy Roddick.As he prepares for his potential final Olympic appearance in Paris, Sharath believes that the team qualification could be a catalyst for the growth of table tennis in India. His unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport continue to inspire young athletes and fans alike.

Amit Panghal, the 28-year-old Indian boxer, has undergone a remarkable transformation since the Tokyo Olympics. After a brief setback, he has regained his spot on the national team and is determined to fulfill his grandfather's dream of winning an Olympic medal.Panghal's grandfather, Captain Jagram Panghal, was an undefeated wrestler in his village. His image is now tattooed on Panghal's shoulder blade, serving as a constant source of inspiration. "It ensures he is always around me. I draw a lot of peace and confidence from it," Panghal says.Despite being the world No. 1, Panghal suffered a disappointing exit in the opening bout of the Tokyo Olympics. However, his resilience has propelled him to a second chance at Olympic glory.Panghal's resurgence began with a victory at the Strandja Memorial in February. He then topped the evaluation criteria at the national camp, earning his return to the team.To prepare for Paris, Panghal underwent a month-long training stint at the high-altitude center in Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh. This has significantly improved his endurance and stamina."My endurance has improved a lot. Initially, I would lose steam after a bit of brisk walking at this altitude, but now I feel fresh throughout the bout," Panghal says.Panghal has also worked on his starting problems, which cost him in Tokyo. He now plans to adopt a more proactive approach from the opening round."The solution is to go on early attacks and land a few punches to impress the judges. I have changed my reactive strategy and have decided to be proactive," he says.Panghal identifies Cuban Alejandro Carlo and Uzbekistan's Hasanboy Dusmatov as his main threats in Paris. However, he remains confident in his ability to counter taller opponents with his pacy in-out style."It's the style that has worked best for me. I feel the endurance work will enable me to pull this off against the best," he says.

Olympic medalist Vijay Kumar believes that both personal and national coaches play crucial roles in an athlete's development. He emphasizes that personal coaches deserve recognition for their contributions in nurturing athletes to the elite level.Kumar cites the examples of Manu Bhaker and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, who have opted for personal coaches in preparation for the Paris Olympics. He argues that this trend is not detrimental and that personal coaches should receive due credit.According to Kumar, national coaches provide the final polish and guidance, helping athletes improve their scores and manage pressure in international competitions. However, he stresses that personal coaches lay the foundation and bring athletes to the point where they can benefit from national coaching.Kumar believes that the shooting federation should appoint coaches with proven international experience and success. These coaches can impart valuable knowledge and techniques to their wards, enabling them to handle challenging situations and perform at their best.He also criticizes the Indian shooting team's preparations for Paris, suggesting that a clear roadmap should have been established six months prior to the event. Kumar emphasizes the importance of timely trials, foreign exposure, and specialized training in the lead-up to major competitions.While acknowledging the growing trend of fitness and mental trainers, Kumar expresses some skepticism about their necessity. He believes that a strong upbringing and competitive environment can provide athletes with the necessary mental fortitude.Kumar highlights the importance of being surrounded by talented athletes, as it fosters inspiration and motivation. He credits his growth as a shooter to the presence of exceptional marksmen at the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow.

Veteran goalkeeper and former India hockey captain P R Sreejesh has announced that the Paris Olympics will be his final international outing. The 36-year-old, a veteran of 328 International caps, three Olympic Games, and multiple Commonwealth Games and World Cups, will be playing in his fourth Olympic Games. The latest edition of the showpiece begins on July 26."As I prepare for my last dance in Paris, I look back with immense pride and forward with hope," Sreejesh said in a Hockey India press release."This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, fans, and Hockey India. Thank you for believing in me," he added."My teammates have stood beside me through the tough and the ardent times. We all want to give our absolute best here in Paris and certainly, the desire is to change the color of our medal."Having made his debut at the 2010 World Cup, Sreejesh has been a part of various memorable wins for India, including gold in the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta-Palembang. He was also there in the joint-winning team of the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018, besides the 2019 FIH Men's Series Finals champion side in Bhubaneswar.Sreejesh's announcement comes as no surprise, as he has been contemplating retirement for some time now. He had earlier hinted that he might hang up his boots after the Tokyo Olympics, but decided to continue for one more year to help India qualify for the Paris Games.With Sreejesh's retirement, India will lose one of its most experienced and decorated players. He has been a key member of the Indian team for over a decade and has played a pivotal role in India's recent successes.Sreejesh's legacy will be defined by his exceptional goalkeeping skills, his leadership qualities, and his dedication to the sport. He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has been instrumental in India's rise to the top of the international hockey rankings.

India's Olympic medal tally officially stands at 35, but the legitimacy of its first two medals, won by Norman Pritchard in 1900, remains shrouded in doubt.Pritchard, an athlete residing in Kolkata (then Calcutta), claimed silver medals in the 200m and 200m hurdles at the Paris Olympics. However, his dual representation of the London Athletic Club and the Bengal Presidency Athletic Club raised questions about his nationality.The official Olympic program listed Pritchard as representing "England" in the 100m and "British India" in the 100m hurdles. Historian Ian Buchanan suggested that Pritchard participated independently, while The New York Times referred to him as an "Englishman."After his Olympic success, Pritchard served as secretary of the Indian Football Association but later moved permanently to the United States. He pursued an acting career under the name "Norman Trevor."Despite the official recognition of Pritchard's medals as belonging to India, his origins and conflicting reports from the 1900 Olympics cast a shadow over their legitimacy. Some argue that Pritchard's medals should be attributed to England or to an independent entity, given his dual representation and the lack of a clear national affiliation.The mystery surrounding Pritchard's medals highlights the complexities of national identity and representation in the early days of the Olympic Games. It also raises questions about the criteria for determining which country an athlete represents, especially in cases of dual citizenship or multiple club affiliations.

The Indian men's hockey team has arrived in Paris, France, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The team's arrival marks the beginning of India's Olympic dreams and the men's hockey team's quest for its first gold medal since 1980.The Indian team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, has been training hard for the Olympics and is determined to make a strong showing in Paris. The team has a rich Olympic history, having won 12 Olympic medals, including 8 golds, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals.India will begin its Olympic campaign on July 27 when it takes on New Zealand in its first pool B match. The team will then face Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia in the group stage. A top-four finish will ensure that India advances to the knockout stages.The Indian team is confident of its chances of winning a medal in Paris. The team has a good mix of experience and youth, and it is led by a strong captain in Harmanpreet Singh. The team is also well-coached by Graham Reid, who has a proven track record of success.The Indian men's hockey team is one of the most successful teams in the world. The team has won the World Cup three times and the Champions Trophy eight times. The team is also the reigning Asian Games champion.The Indian team is hoping to add to its medal tally in Paris. The team is determined to win its first gold medal since 1980 and to make the country proud.

Deepika Kumari, India's ace archer, is embarking on her fourth Olympic journey, balancing the demands of motherhood and her unwavering pursuit of an elusive Olympic medal. After giving birth to her daughter Vedika in December 2022, Deepika faced immense physical challenges, including muscle stiffness and the inability to lift her 19-kg bow.Undeterred, she embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation program, gradually regaining her strength and agility. With the support of her husband and fellow archer Atanu Das, Deepika returned to competition, dominating the National Games and earning a spot under the guidance of legendary Korean coach Kim Hyung-Tak.Despite her impressive feats, Deepika remains focused on the present, treating the Olympics as any other competition. She acknowledges the pressure surrounding the event in India but emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear mind.In Paris, Deepika will face a formidable challenge in 21-year-old South Korean Lim Si-hyeon, who has defeated her twice this year. However, Deepika remains unfazed, confident in her preparation and the support of her team.Paris holds special memories for Deepika, where she won a hattrick of gold medals in the 2021 World Cup. However, she is determined to approach the Olympics with a fresh perspective, focusing on securing a favorable draw in the qualification round.In the mixed team event, Deepika is likely to partner with Dhiraj Bommadevara, who has been in exceptional form, winning 10 international medals in the past year. Their combination could prove to be India's best chance for a medal in the recurve mixed team event.Deepika's journey to Paris has been marked by resilience and determination. She has overcome physical challenges, embraced motherhood, and remained focused on her Olympic dream. As she prepares to step onto the world's biggest sporting stage, Deepika carries the hopes of a nation and the unwavering support of her family.

LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, is set to make his fourth Olympic appearance in Paris 2024. This will be his first Olympic appearance since 2012.Born in Akron, Ohio, James was a basketball prodigy from a young age. He led his high school team to multiple state championships and was named National Player of the Year in his sophomore year.After graduating high school, James was selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He quickly established himself as one of the league's top players, winning Rookie of the Year honors in his first full season.James played for the Cavaliers for seven seasons, earning numerous individual awards including an MVP award. However, he was unable to lead the team to an NBA championship.In 2010, James joined the Miami Heat as a free agent. He won two NBA championships and two more MVP awards during his four-year stint with the Heat. He also led the United States to gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.James returned to the Cavaliers in 2016 and led them to their first NBA championship in franchise history. He then signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and won another NBA championship in his third season with the team.In February 2023, James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer. He currently has over 38,000 career points.James is known for his exceptional athleticism, court vision, and leadership skills. He is considered one of the most complete players in NBA history.Speaking about his return to the Olympics, James said, "I think just timing. Timing's everything, and I think — you know, at this point in my career, I still, I have a lot to give, and Team USA has given a lot to me, so I feel like it's an opportunity for me to give back."James is also known for his philanthropic work and his commitment to giving back to his community. He has established the LeBron James Family Foundation, which supports various educational and youth development programs.

India's contingent for the 2024 Paris Olympics boasts a diverse mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. With 117 athletes across 16 disciplines, India aims to make a significant impact on the global stage.Among the notable names are Rohan Bopanna (tennis), Sharath Kamal (table tennis), and PV Sindhu (badminton), all of whom have multiple Olympic appearances under their belt. Five of the seven medal winners from Tokyo 2020 are also part of the contingent.However, over half of the Indian athletes will be experiencing the Olympics for the first time. One such debutant is 14-year-old swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest Indian in the contingent. Desinghu, who was awarded the Universality quota, will compete in the women's 200m freestyle event alongside her idol, Katie Ledecky.Despite her young age, Desinghu has already made a mark in international competitions, participating in the 2022 Asian Games and the 2024 World Aquatics Championships.In boxing, Nikhat Zareen, the reigning world champion in the 50kg weight category, is poised to emerge from Mary Kom's shadow and become a potential face of Indian boxing.Wrestling also features promising young talents, including Antim Panghal and Reetika. Panghal, a two-time junior world champion, has already won a bronze medal at the senior World Wrestling Championships. Reetika, the first Indian woman to qualify in the women's 76kg weight class, is looking to emulate Sakshi Malik's medal-winning performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics.Seasoned stars like Kishore Kumar Jena (javelin throw), Jyothi Yarraji (hurdles), and Parul Chaudhary (steeplechase) are also making their Olympic debuts and have the potential to surprise.In badminton, Lakshya Sen, a former world championship bronze medalist, will be vying for a medal in men's singles alongside HS Prannoy.India's contingent is a testament to the country's growing sporting prowess and the dedication of its athletes. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, India is poised to make a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.