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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.

Aman Sehrawat's journey to Olympic glory is a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. Hailing from humble beginnings, the 21-year-old wrestler overcame adversity to become India's youngest Olympic medalist.Growing up in a financially challenged household, Aman's parents passed away when he was young. His uncle took him and his sister under his care, but life remained difficult. Undeterred, Aman found solace in wrestling at the Chhatrasal Stadium.His rise to prominence was meteoric. Within two years, he became the country's first U23 world champion and secured an Olympic berth by defeating his idol, Ravi Dahiya. However, as the Paris Games approached, nerves crept in.On the day of his competition, Aman faced immense pressure. He knew the eyes of his nation were upon him. But he drew strength from his past struggles and focused on the task at hand.In his first bout, he comfortably defeated Vladimir Egorovy. However, his next opponent was the formidable Zelimkhan Abakarov, who had beaten him at the world championships. Determined to prove himself, Aman devised a strategy to keep the bout close.His plan worked. He upset Abakarov 12-0, setting up a semi-final clash with Japan's Rei Higuchi. Despite a strong start, Aman lost focus and was defeated.Undeterred, he shed 3.5kg overnight to make weight for the bronze medal bout. With a clear mind, he approached the match as just another competition. He dominated Puerto Rico's Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 to secure a podium finish.Upon his return to India, Aman was greeted as a hero. His village, academy, and fans celebrated his achievement. He realized the true magnitude of his accomplishment and the joy it brought to his community.Aman's success is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized through hard work and perseverance. His journey inspires countless young athletes to strive for greatness and to never give up on their aspirations.

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two individual medals in a single edition of the Olympics. At the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Bhaker showcased her exceptional talent and determination, securing a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.Bhaker's remarkable achievement has been met with widespread acclaim and recognition. Upon her return to India, she was felicitated at a ceremony where she was seen grooving to the popular song "Kala Chashma" with school children, a video of which has gone viral on social media.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with the Indian contingent that returned from Paris with six medals, including Bhaker's historic haul. Bhaker proudly displayed the pistol that brought her two bronze medals to the Prime Minister, who expressed his admiration for her accomplishments.The Indian men's hockey team, which won its second consecutive bronze at the Paris Games, also presented the Prime Minister with a stick signed by all the players. The team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, posed with the Prime Minister, their bronze medals gleaming around their necks.Prime Minister Modi praised the efforts of the Indian contingent, stating that every player who participated in the Paris Olympics is a champion. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting sports and ensuring the development of top-quality sporting infrastructure in India.Bhaker's historic achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Her success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams in sports.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. After becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, her dreams were shattered when she was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight on the morning of the gold medal bout. Despite her disappointment, Vinesh has received an outpouring of support and adulation upon her return to India.However, her husband, Somvir Rathee, has raised concerns about false claims of cash prizes being made by certain organizations. In a social media post, Rathee clarified that Vinesh has not received any money from these entities. He urged well-wishers to refrain from spreading false news, as it harms both Vinesh and social values.Despite the setback, Vinesh was greeted with a grand welcome at the IGI airport in Delhi. Hundreds of supporters gathered to show their solidarity, including fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik. Vinesh expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, "I thank the entire country for support."Vinesh's caravan then proceeded to her native village in Haryana, where she was met with more well-wishers. Congress leader Deepender Hooda presented her with a mace, a symbol of victory, which brought tears to her eyes.Vinesh's disqualification has sparked discussions about the strict weight regulations in wrestling. Some experts have argued that the 100-gram margin is too narrow and can lead to unfair disqualifications. Others have emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and maintaining a healthy weight.Despite the controversy, Vinesh remains a role model for aspiring wrestlers and a source of inspiration for all Indians. Her resilience and determination have earned her the respect and admiration of the nation.

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana, a formidable duo in Indian shooting, have forged an unbreakable bond that has propelled them to Olympic glory. Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooting prodigy, describes Rana as a father figure who provides unwavering support and protection.Rana, a strict disciplinarian, believes his role extends beyond coaching. He aims to shield Bhaker from external pressures and even from herself. "My work is to protect her," he explains. "Sometimes, it means pushing her limits and reminding her of her capabilities."Bhaker's journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. The Tokyo Olympics proved to be a disaster, with a malfunctioning weapon and disappointing performances. However, Rana's unwavering belief in her abilities helped her overcome the heartbreak."Tokyo taught me a lot," Bhaker reflects. "It made me realize the importance of preparation and mental health." Rana's guidance played a crucial role in her recovery, instilling in her a renewed determination to succeed.Despite her shooting prowess, Bhaker also values education. She scored exceptionally well in her 12th standard exams and pursued a degree at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi University. Rana strongly encourages his wards to prioritize education, believing it provides a safety net for their future.Bhaker's academic achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. She emphasizes the importance of balancing sports and education, as it fosters a well-rounded development.Rana's unwavering support extends beyond shooting. He has encouraged Bhaker to pursue a course at the prestigious Nalanda University, a testament to his belief in her intellectual capabilities.The bond between Bhaker and Rana is a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on an athlete's career. Together, they have overcome adversity and achieved Olympic success, setting an example for future generations of shooters.

Vivianne Robinson, a dedicated Olympics enthusiast from Venice Beach, Florida, is making her sixth Olympic appearance in Paris 2024. Her passion for the Games has led her to travel to various venues, collect commemorative pins, and become a sought-after fan for photographs.In Rio 2016, Robinson's presence was ubiquitous, with fans eager to capture a moment with her. She had planned to attend the Tokyo Olympics but was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, she has returned to Paris with a wardrobe tailored specifically for the occasion, including a white outfit adorned with the Paris 2024 mascot and a matching hat.Despite the dispersed venues in Paris, Robinson's enthusiasm remains undiminished. She has become a favorite of news crews, with her interviews trending on social media. Her unwavering support for the Games has led her to spend over $10,000, maxing out her credit cards and working multiple jobs to fund her trip."This Olympics is the most I have spent on any Olympics," Robinson said. "I have bought tickets to 38 events... but I am having a good time watching the games. I was determined to see the Olympics in Paris."Robinson's passion for the Olympics extends beyond the spectacle of the Games. She carries her collection of pins from previous Olympics, symbolizing her unity with the Olympic spirit. In Paris, she has embraced the role of a super fan, cheering on athletes and immersing herself in the atmosphere of the city she loves.

Celebrated Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat received a rousing welcome upon her return to India after her controversial disqualification at the Paris Olympics. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, expressing their solidarity with Phogat, who was disqualified for being overweight after reaching the 50kg final.The outpouring of support continued during a roadshow from Delhi to Phogat's native village of Balali. Along the 135km journey, she was felicitated by supporters and 'khap' panchayats in several villages, extending the trip to nearly 13 hours.In Balali, Phogat was greeted with a gold medal by community elders, a testament to the pride and admiration she has brought to her village. Despite the late hour, a massive crowd attended the felicitation ceremony.Overwhelmed by the reception, Phogat expressed her gratitude and her desire to train women wrestlers from Balali to achieve even greater success than herself. She emphasized the importance of support and encouragement for aspiring female wrestlers.Phogat's disqualification had sparked outrage in India and the wrestling world. Her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was rejected, but her determination and resilience have inspired many.Upon reaching her village, Phogat addressed the gathering, expressing her hope that someone from Balali would surpass her achievements. She urged the community to support women wrestlers and provide them with the necessary resources to excel.Phogat's journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. She is a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Asian Games champion, and has won eight Asian Championships medals. Her disqualification at the Olympics was a setback, but it has not diminished her spirit or her commitment to the sport.Phogat's return to India has been a celebration of her achievements and a reminder of the power of resilience and determination. Her story continues to inspire aspiring wrestlers and serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes.