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Arshad Nadeem's historic Olympic triumph has etched Pakistan's name in the annals of sporting glory. The 27-year-old javelin thrower shattered the Games record with a monstrous 92.97m throw, securing Pakistan's first individual Olympic gold medal and the country's first gold since 1984.Nadeem's journey to the podium was not without its challenges. Just minutes before his record-breaking performance, he felt a sharp pain. However, his coach and doctor instilled confidence in him, urging him to unleash his inner "lion."Despite the injury, Nadeem's determination was unwavering. His second throw soared through the air, eclipsing the previous Olympic record by a significant margin. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Nadeem realized he had secured gold.Nadeem's triumph is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his team. He had sustained the injury during training in Lahore, but kept it a secret to avoid any distractions."I felt some pain after my first throw," Nadeem revealed. "But the doctor and coach told me, 'You are a lion.' Their words gave me the strength to push through."Nadeem's victory has sparked jubilation across Pakistan. He has been hailed as a national hero and received a state banquet at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad.Nadeem's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Pakistan and around the world. His story demonstrates that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.

Gurjant Singh, the unsung hero behind Harmanpreet Singh's Olympic scoring prowess, played a pivotal role in India's bronze medal triumph in Paris. As a forward, Gurjant's primary responsibility was to create scoring opportunities for his team, which he did with aplomb.Despite being a regular member of the Indian hockey squad, Gurjant's journey has been marked by injuries. In 2019, he underwent surgery for a nose injury, followed by another surgery for a groin injury and sports hernia in 2020. These setbacks kept him out of action for extended periods.Upon his return from the Tokyo Olympics, where he won a bronze medal, Gurjant faced another setback in the form of a hip injury. However, he has been injury-free since March 2022, which has allowed him to regain his form and earn the trust of chief coach Craig Fulton.Under Fulton, Gurjant's role has evolved. While he was primarily a forward in Tokyo, he now plays both as a midfielder and a striker. This versatility has proven invaluable, especially when injuries have forced players to switch positions.In the Paris Olympics, Gurjant's ability to play multiple positions was crucial. When defender Amit Rohidas was suspended for the semi-final against Germany, Gurjant seamlessly filled in as a midfielder. This allowed India to maintain their tactical balance and ultimately secure a place in the bronze medal match.Gurjant's contributions to the Indian hockey team cannot be overstated. His ability to create scoring opportunities, his versatility, and his resilience in the face of injuries have made him an indispensable member of the squad. As India looks to build on its recent success, Gurjant Singh will undoubtedly play a key role in their future endeavors.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delivered its final verdict on Vinesh Phogat's weight case, dismissing her petition. Phogat had filed the petition after being disqualified from the women's freestyle 50kg event at the Paris Olympics 2024 for exceeding the prescribed weight limit by 100 grams. The disqualification resulted in her being stripped of the silver medal she was assured of.Phogat's petition to CAS sought to overturn her disqualification and request a joint silver medal. However, the court has upheld the decision of the International Wrestling Federation (UWW), which disqualified her for failing to meet the weight criteria.The verdict has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some have expressed disappointment over the decision, while others have shown support for Phogat. The wrestler's supporters have highlighted her dedication and hard work in preparing for the Olympics, including limiting her food and water intake, running and jogging for hours, and even cutting her hair and shortening her clothes to meet the weight requirements.Vinesh Phogat is a renowned Indian wrestler with a strong wrestling heritage. She is a three-time Olympian and has won two World Championships bronze medals, one Asian Games gold medal, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals. Phogat's disqualification has raised questions about the fairness of the weight criteria in wrestling and the challenges faced by female athletes in meeting these standards.The CAS decision has also brought attention to the issue of gender bias in sports. Phogat's disqualification has been compared to similar incidents involving male wrestlers who have been allowed to compete despite exceeding the weight limit. This has led to accusations of double standards and a lack of equal treatment for female athletes.The verdict is a setback for Phogat's Olympic aspirations, but it is also an opportunity for the wrestling community to reflect on the weight criteria and the challenges faced by female athletes. It remains to be seen whether the decision will lead to changes in the sport or if it will continue to be a source of controversy.

Botswana erupted in jubilation as Letsile Tebogo returned home with the nation's first Olympic gold medal, a historic achievement that has ignited pride and inspiration across the southern African country.Upon the Olympic team's arrival at Gaborone's small airport, a sea of supporters, including families with children, elderly citizens, and enthusiastic youth, waved Botswana's vibrant national flag. The impromptu half-day holiday declared by President Mokgweetsi Masisi allowed hundreds to gather and witness the triumphant return.As the athletes disembarked, Masisi danced on the tarmac, an aide holding an umbrella to shield him from the sun. Outside, traditional dancers adorned in animal skins and beads performed a vibrant welcoming ceremony."Tebogo has made history not only for Botswana but for Africa," Masisi proclaimed to a crowd of over 20,000 that filled the city's national stadium.Tebogo, 21, became the first African to win the men's 200m, setting an African record time of 19.46sec in Paris on August 8. He surged past Americans Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles, securing gold and boosting Botswana's Olympic medal tally to four, including a silver in the men's 4x400m relay."I implore you to shower him and other participants with any kind of gifts that you may have," Masisi urged the crowd.The sports minister announced that Tebogo would receive two houses from the government, while the other relay team members would each receive one."This is a happy moment," Tebogo expressed to the stadium. "I would like to thank the nation for rallying behind me. I went through a lot," he said, referring to the loss of his mother in May.After crossing the 200m finish line in Paris, Tebogo held up his running shoes, which bore the birthdate of his mother, his inspiration.Masisi had previously granted the nation of 2.3 million people a half-day off to celebrate on August 9.Tebogo is only the second African athlete to win an Olympic medal in the men's 200m, following Namibian Frankie Fredericks' silver in Atlanta in 1996. Botswana's first Olympic medal came in 2012 when Nijel Amos took silver in the 800m, and its men's 4x400m relay team won bronze in Tokyo in 2021.Botswana's success in Paris contributed to Africa's impressive medal haul of 39, surpassing the 37 medals won at the Tokyo Games. Kenya led the continent with 11 medals in the French capital.Half of the finalists in the men's 200m where Tebogo triumphed were African athletes, showcasing the continent's growing prowess in shorter events beyond its dominance in longer distances.

Paris Olympic double medalist Manu Bhaker is considering skipping the upcoming World Cup in New Delhi in October due to a planned three-month break from shooting. The 22-year-old made history in Paris, becoming the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals in shooting. She earned bronze in both the women's 10m air pistol and the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh.Bhaker's coach, Jaspal Rana, confirmed her decision to take a break. "I am not sure whether she will be at the Shooting World Cup in October because she is taking a three-month break. It's a normal break, she has been training for a long time," Rana told PTI Videos.The Shooting World Cup is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from October 13 to 18. Rana, who played a crucial role in Bhaker's Olympic success, said they will focus on peaking at the 2026 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games after her break.Bhaker's decision to take a break highlights the importance of rest and recovery for athletes. Despite her recent success, she recognizes the need to recharge and prepare for future challenges. The three-month break will allow her to physically and mentally reset, ensuring she returns to competition stronger and more motivated.The Indian shooting contingent has performed exceptionally well in recent international events, including the Paris Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Bhaker's decision to take a break is a testament to the team's commitment to long-term success and their understanding of the importance of athlete well-being.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan, once confined to hockey, has found a new battleground in javelin throw. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India's Neeraj Chopra emerged victorious, while Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem missed out on a medal. However, in Paris 2024, the tables turned.Nadeem shattered the Olympic record to claim gold, while Chopra, despite an impressive throw of 89.45m, could only manage silver. To surpass Nadeem's throw, Chopra would have needed to break his own personal best and cross the 90m mark, a feat he has yet to achieve.Despite the disappointment, Chopra's performance was lauded by Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. Bindra acknowledged the immense pressure on Chopra, who was expected to deliver gold. "He performed admirably," Bindra said. "A lot of expectations were on him. It's not easy to be in that spot, but he delivered."Bindra also highlighted the challenges of performing at the Olympics. "The Olympics is a very, very hard platform to perform at," he said. "There's external expectations, and you also have internal expectations, that just doesn't allow you to let go."Athletes need a certain level of freedom to perform at their best, but that is often difficult to achieve at the Olympics. "Performance sometimes is almost artistic in nature," Bindra explained. "That's where you almost have to allow it to happen. And the ability to let go is very difficult."Despite the challenges, Chopra's silver medal is a testament to his talent and determination. He has proven himself to be a formidable competitor, and the rivalry with Nadeem is sure to continue in the years to come.

India's performance at the Paris Olympics, while marked by some notable achievements, also highlighted the need for a comprehensive system to foster sporting excellence. Despite Manu Bhaker's medals and Neeraj Chopra's silver, India's overall medal tally of six (including four bronze) fell short of expectations.The post-Games analysis has focused on the failure to win more medals, but it is crucial to examine the methods available in India to ensure sporting success. A clear pathway and system must be established to identify, nurture, and develop young athletes.Australia's national swimming squad provides a model for such a system. They establish relationships with clubs and states, identifying talent early and providing them with specialized training and support. They focus on stroke-specific development and seek athletes with a competitive mindset.India's lack of a comprehensive system was evident in the case of Vinesh Phogat, whose weight management issues marred her Olympic hopes. The absence of accountability and responsibility for such failures is a major concern.The boxing federation also faced challenges due to coaching issues, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in sports administration.While national camps and exposure trips are important, they are not sufficient. Athletes like Jeswin Aldrin and Shaili Singh have struggled despite their talent, indicating a lack of options for athletes to seek alternative coaching or training environments.The Indian men's hockey team's bronze medal demonstrated the importance of fitness, discipline, and teamwork. However, India needs to develop systems that consistently produce champions to make bidding for the 2036 Olympics meaningful.

Raj Kumar Pal's Olympic bronze medal has brought immense joy and recognition to his humble village of Karampur in Uttar Pradesh. The 26-year-old hockey player's journey to the podium has been marked by adversity, determination, and the unwavering support of his family and mentors.Growing up in a mud house, Raj Kumar's family faced financial hardship after his father's untimely demise. Hockey, which had been a passion for the three brothers, took a backseat as they struggled to make ends meet. However, Raj Kumar's talent and dedication caught the attention of Tej Bahadur Singh, owner of the Karampur hockey academy.Tej Bahadur provided financial support to the Pal family for two years, enabling Raj Kumar to pursue his hockey dreams. With the support of his brothers, who secured jobs in the Army and Railways, Raj Kumar was able to focus solely on his game.In 2012, Raj Kumar was selected for the Sports Authority of India's Regional Centre in Lucknow. His impressive performances in domestic tournaments caught the eye of former Hockey India high performance director David John, who selected him for the senior national development camp in 2017.Despite not making the Tokyo Olympics squad, Raj Kumar remained determined to improve his game. He identified his weaknesses and worked tirelessly to address them. His efforts paid off when he was selected for the Paris Olympics over more experienced seniors.In Paris, Raj Kumar played a crucial role in India's bronze medal victory. His attacking instincts, fitness, and stick work earned him a place in the starting lineup alongside Shamsher Singh and Gurjant Singh. He was particularly impressive in the quarter-final against Great Britain, scoring the winning goal in the shootout.Raj Kumar's Olympic medal is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the support of his family and mentors. It is a source of pride for his village and an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.

Tom Daley, the celebrated British diver and Olympic gold medalist, has announced his retirement from the sport following the Paris Games. The 30-year-old icon, who has graced the Olympic stage for over a decade, made the decision to step away after winning a silver medal in the men's synchronized 10m platform in France.Daley's illustrious career has been marked by five Olympic medals, including a gold in the same event at the Tokyo Games in 2021. His journey began at the tender age of 14 when he first competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Since then, he has consistently showcased his exceptional talent, earning a bronze medal in the 10m platform at the 2012 London Olympics and another bronze in the men's synchronized 10m platform at the 2016 Rio Games.After his triumph in Tokyo, Daley initially retired but later decided to return for a fifth Olympics in Paris to compete in front of his two children. The experience proved to be both nerve-wracking and emotional for the veteran diver."It feels very, very surreal," Daley said in an interview with British Vogue. "I felt so incredibly nervous going into this, knowing it was my last Olympics. There was a lot of pressure and expectations. I was eager for it to be done."However, the presence of his family and friends in the audience provided solace and motivation. "When I walked out and saw my husband (Lance) and kids (Robbie and Phoenix) and my friends and family in the audience, I was like, you know what? This is exactly why I did this," he said.Daley's retirement marks the end of an era in British diving. His exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and inspiring story have made him a role model for aspiring athletes and a beloved figure in the sporting world.