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The Indian hockey team's recent Olympic success has dispelled the notion that they concede late goals, according to legendary hockey player Zafar Iqbal. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side has emerged as a formidable force in all aspects of the game, he believes.Iqbal, a gold medalist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and captain of the 1982 Asian Games silver-winning Indian team, is optimistic about the sport's resurgence in India following the bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris."The general impression before was that India is a team that concedes goals late in games, but that has changed now," Iqbal said. "We are one of the best teams in the world in all aspects."Iqbal recalls the immense popularity of hockey in his era, with events like the Nehru Gold Cup and Asian Games drawing large crowds. He hopes that the recent Olympic success will reignite the passion for the sport in the country.The upcoming India vs. Germany matches at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on October 23 and 24 have generated excitement among hockey enthusiasts. Iqbal believes that Germany is a tough opponent, but he is confident that the Indians will be motivated to perform well."The facilities are top-notch, and I am sure the game will be filled with riveting action," he added. "I would like to take this opportunity to invite hockey fans to turn up in numbers to support our team."Another hockey legend, Harbinder Singh, is equally upbeat about the return of big matches to the national capital. He recalls playing for the national team at Shivaji Stadium in 1972, where the stadium was packed to capacity."I believe a lot of fans will turn up to cheer for India and Germany as well," said Singh, a gold winner at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and bronze medalist at the 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Games. "They will be witnessing a high-level international match after a decade after all."With the matches against Olympic silver winners Germany, international hockey is returning to New Delhi after a decade. The last time India played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was during the Hockey World League Final Men's Round 4 in January 2014.Last year, Chennai hosted the Men's Asian Champions Trophy, while Ranchi organized the Women's Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier. In November 2024, Rajgir, a city in Bihar, will host the Women's Asian Champions Trophy.India's Olympic hockey medals are a testament to the country's rich history in the sport. The team clinched its first-ever Olympic gold medal in 1928, paving the way for many more triumphs in subsequent Olympics. Dhyan Chand emerged as the star with 15 goals.Singh believes that high-profile matches should be hosted at various venues across the country, giving people from all regions a chance to witness the team live in action and grow the following for the sport.

Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra revealed that he competed in the Diamond League Final despite sustaining a hand injury during training. The injury, a fractured fourth metacarpal in his left hand, was sustained on Monday, just days before the competition.Despite the setback, Chopra was determined to participate in the event, which was the final competition of the season. He explained that he wanted to end his season on the track, even if he couldn't meet his own expectations.Chopra's performance in Brussels was impressive, considering his injury. He threw 87.86m, finishing just one centimeter behind the winner, Anderson Peters of Grenada. It was the second consecutive year that Chopra finished as runner-up in the Diamond League Final.Reflecting on his season, Chopra acknowledged the challenges he faced, including the groin injury that has affected him all season. He expressed his determination to return fully fit and ready to go in 2025.Chopra's season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After winning a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, he added a silver medal to his tally at the Paris Olympics. However, he has also faced setbacks, including injuries and the inability to reach the elusive 90m mark.Despite the challenges, Chopra remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the 2024 season has made him a better athlete and person. He thanked his supporters for their encouragement and expressed his excitement for the 2025 season.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting star, etched her name into Olympic folklore by becoming the first Indian markswoman to secure a podium finish in the 10m air pistol event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her historic bronze medal was followed by a second bronze in the mixed team event, making her India's first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics since independence.Bhaker's success was not without its challenges. After a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, she drew inspiration from the Bhagwat Gita, particularly the famous quote, "You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work." This mantra fueled her determination to overcome adversity and achieve her Olympic dream.Beyond her shooting prowess, Bhaker is known for her strong support system. She credits her coach and fellow athletes for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections for an athlete's well-being. Her role model, badminton superstar PV Sindhu, has been a constant source of inspiration, with Bhaker even creating fake profiles to defend Sindhu on social media.Bhaker's double bronze feat has brought her a wave of new opportunities and responsibilities. She has become a national icon, carrying the Indian flag during the closing ceremony of the Paris Games. Her success has also inspired others, reminding them of the power of determination and resilience.In a recent interview, Bhaker shared her daily routine, which includes yoga, shooting practice, physical fitness, and time for relaxation. She also spoke about her memorable interaction with Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin throw champion, who shared his insights on the pressures of competition and the importance of mental strength.Bhaker's journey is a testament to the transformative power of sport. Her achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. As she prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Bhaker remains determined to continue her legacy of excellence and inspire future generations.

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, is fighting for her life in a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe burns in a horrific incident of gender-based violence. According to police reports, her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly doused her with petrol and set her ablaze on Sunday afternoon.The incident occurred at Cheptegei's home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, while she and her children were attending church. Marangach reportedly snuck into the house and carried out the attack. Neighbors rushed to the scene and rescued the couple, who were then taken to Kitale County Referral Hospital with multiple burns.Cheptegei's condition is critical, with facial burns and bandages. She has been transferred to the intensive care unit at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Marangach also sustained injuries in the incident.The police report indicates that Cheptegei and Marangach were a couple with a history of domestic disputes. Local media reports suggest that Cheptegei had purchased land and built a house in Trans-Nzoia, near the Ugandan border.Cheptegei, a long-distance runner, represented Uganda in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th. The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed its shock and sadness over the incident, stating that Cheptegei had suffered severe injuries.The assault on Cheptegei highlights the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in Kenya. A report by the Kenyan Bureau of National Statistics found that 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Married women are particularly vulnerable, with 41% reporting incidents compared to 20% of unmarried women.This incident follows the tragic deaths of other Kenyan athletes in recent years. In 2021, record-breaking runner Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten. Her estranged husband is currently on trial for her murder. In 2020, Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua was found dead in Iten.The attack on Cheptegei has sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence and protect women from harm.

Boxing's Olympic future remains uncertain after the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) voted against joining the rival World Boxing (WB) association. The vote, held via secret ballot, saw 21 countries opt to continue with the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA), while 14 favored joining WB.The IOC has repeatedly threatened to exclude boxing from the 2028 Olympics if national federations continue to align with the IBA, which has been suspended due to governance and financial concerns. WB, a breakaway body, aims to gain IOC recognition and has 42 members, while the IBA has over 100 affiliated units.The ASBC's decision leaves the Olympic future of boxing hanging in the balance. However, Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh remains optimistic that WB will reach the 50-member mark required for provisional IOC recognition by year-end."India is taking all possible steps to ensure that boxing remains a part of the Olympic movement," Singh said. "It is clear that the IOC will not accept IBA as the international parent body for boxing."Despite the ASBC's vote, Singh believes that 14 Asian countries that voted in favor of joining WB will soon submit their applications. IBA, meanwhile, has criticized WB, claiming it lacks the resources and expertise to organize major events and support its members."World Boxing has no finances, expertise, and support to organize any proper major events, no means to support their members, and no intention to develop boxing," IBA said in a statement.IBA also urged national federations to reconsider leaving, warning that it could lead to a dead end. However, WB welcomed the support from the Asian body, stating that it reflects the IBA's hard work in boxing development worldwide.

Sakshi Malik, one of India's most celebrated women wrestlers, is set to release her highly anticipated memoir, "Witness," in October. Co-authored by Jonathan Selvaraj and published by Juggernaut Books, the book promises an "honest account" of Malik's life, both on and off the mat.From her humble beginnings in Rohtak to her historic bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Malik's memoir chronicles her journey with raw honesty. She delves into the challenges she faced as a woman wrestler in India, including body image issues, financial struggles, and the complexities of dating.Malik also sheds light on the inner workings of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), revealing the recent public battle that played out on the streets of New Delhi. Her insights into the world of women's wrestling in India are both fascinating and eye-opening."It's a really honest account of my life - the highs, lows, and everything in between," Malik says of her literary venture. "I gave this book my all and I hope readers like it."Chiki Sarkar, publisher of Juggernaut Books, describes "Witness" as "one of the great memoirs of our time." She adds, "Sakshi has written a no-holds barred book that not only talks about her struggles with the WFI but also brings vividly alive her childhood, the world of wrestling, and what it takes to be an Olympic medalist."Malik's memoir is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of sports, women's empowerment, and the human journey.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Sanjay Singh, has expressed optimism about India's potential to win multiple medals in women's wrestling at the 2028 Olympic Games. However, he emphasized the need for certain institutions to cease interfering in the federation's operations.Despite the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) lifting its suspension of WFI in February, the Indian Sports Ministry continues to keep the federation suspended. The suspension was imposed in December 2022 following the announcement of U-15 and U-20 Nationals hours after the election of Sanjay Singh as President.Singh believes that if WFI is allowed to function independently, India can achieve significant success in women's wrestling. He pointed to the recent triumph of India's U17 women's team at the World Championships, where five wrestlers emerged as world champions.Singh also urged Vinesh Phogat to reconsider her retirement decision. Phogat announced her retirement after failing to medal at the Paris Olympics due to a weight disqualification. Singh believes that Phogat's experience and inspiration would be invaluable to the next generation of wrestlers.Reflecting on the wrestlers' movement in 2023, Singh acknowledged that it has taught WFI a valuable lesson. He believes that the movement, which was sparked by allegations of sexual harassment against the then WFI president, was politically motivated and hindered India's Olympic performance.Singh emphasized the importance of separating wrestling from politics and announced plans to establish a wrestling academy in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He is optimistic that the academy will foster the development of young wrestlers and contribute to India's future success in the sport.

Sarabjot Singh, the Indian shooter who made history with Manu Bhaker by winning India's first-ever Olympic medal in a mixed shooting event, has revealed the challenges and inspirations behind their success.Despite limited training time together, Bhaker and Sarabjot managed to secure a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team shooting event at the Paris Games. Sarabjot attributed their success to their unwavering determination and brief but focused training sessions."Our training schedules were different, but we made the most of the 30-minute mixed session," said Sarabjot. "We kept our conversations brief, focusing on giving our best and having some friendly banter."Sarabjot also shared his admiration for Turkish shooting icon Yusuf Dikec, who has been his inspiration since 2011. "I've been watching his videos for years," said Sarabjot. "His perfection is unmatched. If I could, I'd ask him what his secret is."To overcome setbacks in his journey, Sarabjot turned to meditation and a yogic technique called Trataka. "I would stare at a candle flame for three minutes, then visualize it for two minutes," he explained. "It helped me improve my focus and visualization, which is crucial in shooting."Sarabjot's pistol, engraved with "SSINGH30," holds special significance. "I got it engraved after achieving my personal best at the 2022 Asian Games," he said. "The date, September 30, marked a significant milestone in my career."Looking ahead, Sarabjot has set his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Games. "I want to change the color of my medal," he said, referring to his bronze. "I'm determined to bring home a gold."

Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat, who made history by becoming the youngest-ever individual Olympic medallist from India at the recently-concluded Paris Olympic Games, fulfilled a dream by meeting Dilip Joshi, the lead actor from the popular comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasmah.Sehrawat, who won a bronze medal in the men's 57kg freestyle wrestling category, had expressed his admiration for the show after his victory. Just days after the conclusion of the Games, he had the opportunity to meet 'Jethalal' (Dilip Joshi) in person. To the delight of fans on social media, Joshi presented Sehrawat with traditional Gujarati snacks, jalebi and fafda."When I am not wrestling, I love to watch 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah'," Sehrawat had said after winning the bronze medal in Paris.Sehrawat's journey to the podium was not without its challenges. He defeated Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz 13-5 in the bronze medal match after losing against Japanese top-seed Rei Higuchi 0-10 in the semifinal. Despite the setback, Sehrawat remained determined to make history."I would like to thank all the citizens of the country for their support at the Paris Olympics," Sehrawat said. "However, I was not able to bring a gold medal to the country, but my next target is the Los Angeles Olympics. I will give my 100 percent to change the color of the medal. Next time, I will definitely bring back a gold medal."Sehrawat's bronze medal is the eighth Olympic medal for India in wrestling, extending its bid as the second most successful sport for the country in the Olympics behind hockey. His performance has inspired a new generation of wrestlers and has brought pride to the nation.