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Olympian Anjum Moudgil and Paris Olympic Games quota winner Swapnil Kusale emerged victorious in the women's and men's 50m rifle 3-positions events, respectively, at the ongoing Olympic Selection Trials (OST) in Bhopal on Thursday.In the men's 50m rifle 3P final, Kusale, who had finished second in the qualification round with a score of 587, shot 463.7 to secure the gold medal. Akhil Sheoran claimed the silver with 461.6, while local lad Aishwary Tomar took the bronze with 451.9.In the women's 3P final, Moudgil shot 463.9 to clinch the gold medal, leaving India No. 1 Sift Kaur Samra in second place with 462.0. Ashi Chouksey finished third with 447.3 points.The OST also witnessed the qualification rounds for other events. In women's 10m air pistol OST T3 qualification, Olympian Manu Bhaker topped the standings with a score of 577, followed by Palak (576), Esha Singh (576), Surbhi Rao (574), and Rhythm Sangwan (573).In men's 10m air pistol OST T3 qualification, Arjun Singh Cheema finished first with 583 points, ahead of Ravinder Singh (581), Sarabjot Singh (581), Naveen (579), and Varun Tomar (577).In women's 10m air rifle OST T3 qualification, Elavenil Valarivan emerged as the top qualifier with 634.4 points, followed by Tilottama Sen (632.4), Ramita (630.8), Nancy (629.4), and Mehuli Ghosh (628.4).In men's 10m air rifle OST T3 qualification, Arjun Babuta finished first with 632.2 points, ahead of Rudrankksh Patil (632.0), Sandeep Singh (631.6), Divyansh Singh Panwar (631.4), and Sri Karthik Sabari Raj (630.5).The Olympic Selection Trials will continue with further events in the coming days, with the top performers aiming to secure their places in the Indian shooting contingent for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Olympian Manu Bhaker and Paris quota winner Vijayveer Sidhu emerged victorious in the fourth and final Olympic Selection Trial (OST) for 25m pistol events in Bhopal on Tuesday.Manu, under the guidance of legendary pistol shooter Jaspal Rana, showcased her dominance by equaling the world record with a score of 42 in the women's 25m Pistol OST T4 final. Vijayveer, on the other hand, secured a score of 34 in the decider of the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol OST T4 to claim victory.Manu's consistent performance throughout the trials was evident as she won two and finished second in the other two. She was the only shooter among the selected five to maintain a score above 580 in the qualification round. Abhidnya Patil (35) and Simranpreet Kaur Brar (30) secured the second and third podium positions, respectively.In the men's rapid fire event, Vijayveer took an early lead and maintained it until the final series to register his first outright victory in the trials. Anish Bhanwala (30) and Adarsh Singh (25) finished second and third, respectively. Anish, however, emerged as the most successful shooter in the event, having won two trials and finished second in the other two.The qualification rounds for the men's and women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions event will take place on Wednesday, with local hopes Aishwary Tomar and Ashi Chouksey set to participate.

Nikhat Zareen, India's two-time world champion boxer, is preparing for her long-awaited Olympic debut in Paris with a unique approach. As the Games draw near, she has adopted an "energy-saving mode" to ensure a calm and focused mindset.Zareen, a medal favorite in the 50kg category, believes that activities like social media detox, solitude, and indulging in sweets on cheat days are essential for her mental well-being. She has also found solace in binge-watching Netflix's "Heeramandi.""The feeling of being an Olympian hasn't sunk in yet," Zareen said. "But as days pass, the nervousness increases. I train my brain to focus on a good performance."The 27-year-old from Hyderabad has a remarkable track record, including a junior world championship and consecutive senior world titles in 2022 and 2023. Her undefeated 2022 season has fueled her hopes for a similar peak in Paris.Zareen acknowledges the pressure that comes with competition. "Every competition brings nervousness," she said. "You have expectations from yourself and others. I cope with it by working hard, staying focused, and having a calm mind."Her energy-saving mode includes limiting social interactions, indulging in her sweet tooth, and engaging in activities that bring her joy. "I listen to music, watch movies, and do grocery shopping," she said. "It helps me stay calm."Zareen's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumph and disappointment. She narrowly missed out on qualifying for Tokyo 2020, but her determination remained unwavering. "The setback made me resolute," she said. "Qualifying for Paris was a dream come true."While training is crucial, Zareen emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in boxing. "It's a lonely sport," she said. "You have to fight your battles alone in the ring."She finds solace in the fact that women's boxing is now gaining recognition and financial rewards. "Mary Kom's Olympic medal in 2012 inspired me," she said. "The rewards for international performances are motivating people to succeed."Despite the uncertainty surrounding boxing's Olympic status, Zareen remains hopeful. "I believe boxing will stay in the Olympics," she said. "I'm confident that IOC and IBA will find a solution."

Nethra Kumanan, India's lone female sailor with an Olympic berth, candidly reflects on her disappointing Asian Games performance, where she narrowly missed a podium finish and an Olympic quota. "It was a huge slap in the face," she admits.Despite setbacks in several qualifying events, Nethra persevered and secured her Paris Games berth at the "last minute" of the Last Chance Regatta. Finishing among the top three sailors from the Emerging Nations Program (ENP) in the women's dinghy ILCA 6 in Hyeres, France, she earned her second Olympic appearance."It feels incredible," Nethra says. "It's mostly been a relief, because I've known I've been capable of this since last year."For the Tokyo Games, Nethra qualified as the best Asian in the continental qualifying event. However, for Paris, she faced a series of disappointments in four qualifying events. The closest she came was at the second Worlds this year, where she was "two points away from making it."The long road to qualification tested her patience and mental resolve. "It's been a lot of reflection, a lot of work," she says. "It's been hard dealing with it, but I'm happy I found a way."The fourth-place finish at the Asian Games was particularly disheartening. With the help of her psychologist, Nethra delved into introspection. "I've always had to work hard on how to deal with my mind and stress," she says. "But at some point, I had to accept that this is the hand I've been dealt, and I had to deal with it."Despite the setbacks, Nethra believes she is a more skilled and experienced sailor heading into Paris than she was in Tokyo, where she finished 35th. "I know I am capable of results in the top half at these Games," she says. "My level has certainly improved. I'm faster, a lot more experienced."World Sailing's ENP program has been instrumental in her qualification quest, providing financial support and coaching assistance. Nethra also credits her training base in Gran Canaria and her Hungarian coach, Tamas Eszes.With an additional French coach in Marseille, where the sailing events will be held at the Olympics, Nethra is confident in her preparation. "I feel like I will be better prepared for this Olympics than I was in Tokyo," she says. "I'll be training at the venue and have the inputs of a local coach."Nethra's focus is now on performance rather than simply participating in the Olympics. "The first one was an incredible experience, and that's what I took from it," she says. "Now I know more of what to expect in terms of pressure and grandeur. I'll be focussed more on performance in Paris rather than just being at the Olympics."

India's cycling aspirations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics rest heavily on the expertise of French coach Kevin Sireau and a promising group of young cyclists who have already made their mark on the Asian and world junior circuits.Sireau, a two-time Olympic medalist, joined the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) in January and has quickly recognized the potential of India's cycling ecosystem. Under his guidance, the Indian quartet of Esow Alben, L Ronaldo Singh, Y Rojit Singh, and Jemsh Singh, who won a historic gold medal at the 2019 World Junior Track Cycling Championship, are now aiming for the Olympic podium.Ronaldo also became the first Indian to win an individual silver medal in the men's sprint race at the 2022 Asian Track Cycling Championship. India's strong performance at the Asian meet, where they won nine gold medals, further boosted their confidence.Sireau believes that India has the talent to succeed at the highest level. "In a big country like India, I believe we have many future talents," he said. "These guys have just started by winning the junior worlds. Now they are in the senior category and if they have to finish on the Olympic podium, a very high level has to be achieved."The Indian team has shown signs of improvement under Sireau's guidance, clocking a personal best of 44.451 seconds in the Asian Track Cycling Championship sprint race. While they are still behind the Olympic record of 41.369 seconds, they are not far from Australia's fourth-best time of 44.013 seconds."This year our target is the world championships in October," said Sireau. "We are driving all energies in that direction. I have discussed the roadmap for LA 2028 with CFI and doing things step by step. In the next three-four years you will see a big difference, I promise."Asian Cycling Confederation secretary general Onkar Singh is confident in Sireau's abilities. "From 149th rank to Category 1 in juniors in four years' time, speaks for itself," he said. "We are lucky to have a person like Kevin."Cyclist Rojit, who is supported by the government's Target Olympic Podium Scheme, praised Sireau's impact. "There has been a lot of difference since Kevin sir joined the team," he said. "He has changed how we train, what we eat and how we plan recovery. He has brought a new discipline and I am very happy for being able to learn from him."With Sireau's guidance and the determination of its young cyclists, India's cycling program is poised for success in the years leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Defending an Olympic title is a daunting task, as Neeraj Chopra will discover when he steps onto the runway in Paris with the weight of expectations on his shoulders. The Indian javelin thrower, who won gold in Tokyo in 2021, will be aiming to become only the second man in history to successfully defend an Olympic javelin title.Michael Johnson, the legendary American sprinter who won four Olympic gold medals and eight world championships, knows what it takes to defend an Olympic title. He successfully defended his 400m title in Sydney in 2000, despite battling injuries in the lead-up to the Games."It is very difficult when you are the defending champion," Johnson said. "It comes with its own pressure. Sometimes when an athlete is not expected to win, it's easier to do than when they are expected to win."Chopra will be carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders in Paris. But Johnson believes that the Indian star has the mental strength to handle the pressure."He has the whole of India wanting him to win," Johnson said. "Not all athletes have done it. I was able to do it and it can be done. It comes with an advantage that you know that you can win. You have done it before. You also carry the champion's confidence."Chopra has been in impressive form since his Olympic triumph. He is the reigning world champion and has consistently medalled in major meets. Johnson believes that Chopra is capable of great things in Paris."He is flying high," Johnson said. "Going by his performances in the last two years, he has been spurred by his sensational Tokyo Olympics gold."Johnson also stressed the importance of managing expectations."Expectations will always weigh on you," he said. "It's just about how you manage it. You have your own expectations, fans have expectations, and the whole country has its expectations. Trying to pretend that it's not there and doesn't exist is a mistake. The key is to manage those expectations, especially in the moment when you are preparing to focus on only the things you can control."Johnson is looking forward to some good performances in the Paris Olympics, especially with the energy of the fans coming back after the Covid-restricted Tokyo Games."Lot of athletes told me that they missed the energy of the fans in the stadium," he said. "The thing about the Olympics is that all events are thrilling because the stakes are high. These are your best athletes at their best. They have all trained for this moment. Everybody wants to be the champion but only one will get the gold medal. So, there will be last minute drama. You are going to have athletes trying to show up in Paris not believing they can win gold and they can leave Paris with a gold medal. It's an amazing story when that happens."

India has set its sights on hosting the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Summer Olympics, according to Union Minister Anurag Thakur. Speaking at the NDTV Yuva Conclave, Thakur expressed confidence that India will improve its medal tally at the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024.Thakur's announcement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier statement at the IOC session in Mumbai last year, where he expressed India's desire to host the Olympics in 2036. The 2024 Olympics will be held in Paris, followed by Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.Meanwhile, veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal has been named India's flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kamal, who is a reigning Commonwealth Games champion, expressed his delight at the honor. "It is the biggest honor and fairytale stuff considering it is going to be my fifth and last Olympics," he said.Legendary boxer MC Mary Kom has been appointed as the chef de mission of India's contingent for the Paris Olympics. Kom and former hockey skipper Manpreet Singh were India's flag bearers at the 2020 Tokyo Games.India's Olympic aspirations have received a boost with the appointment of Kamal and Kom. Kamal's experience and leadership will be invaluable for the Indian team, while Kom's legendary status will inspire the athletes.The Indian contingent is expected to perform well at the Paris Olympics, with several athletes having already qualified for the Games. The country's medal hopes rest on the shoulders of athletes such as Kamal, Kom, wrestler Bajrang Punia, and shooter Manu Bhaker.India's bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Summer Olympics is a testament to the country's growing sporting prowess. If successful, India will become the first South Asian nation to host the Olympics.

Anush Agarwalla, a 25-year-old equestrian from Kolkata, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Indian to secure an Olympic berth in dressage for the country. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian equestrian sports and opens up new possibilities for the nation's participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics.Agarwalla's journey to the Olympics has been a testament to his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days as an eight-year-old enrolled at Kolkata's Tollygunge Club to his subsequent training in New Delhi and eventual move to Germany in 2017, Agarwalla has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the sport.Under the tutelage of 2004 Olympic champion Hubertus Schmidt, Agarwalla honed his skills and nurtured his Olympic dream. Despite facing doubts and challenges along the way, he persevered and remained steadfast in his pursuit of greatness.Agarwalla's qualification for the Olympics is a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. He earned the Olympic quota based on his impressive performances in four FEI events, showcasing his exceptional riding abilities and the remarkable bond he shares with his mount, Sir Caramello Old.The road to Paris is not without its challenges, and Agarwalla recognizes the importance of strategic planning and meticulous preparation. He has meticulously crafted a training schedule that includes prestigious CDI events in Germany, providing ample opportunities to refine his tactics and strategies.Agarwalla's achievement has not only brought immense pride to India but has also inspired a new generation of aspiring equestrians. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.