Others

Manu Bhaker, India's double Olympic medalist in shooting, is taking a well-deserved three-month break to recover from a bruised shooting hand. However, this break is not a vacation for the 22-year-old. She will continue her daily routines, including yoga and waking up at 6 am, and pursue her hobbies, such as horse riding, skating, Bharatnatyam, and violin practice.Bhaker's shooting hand has been injured for the past eight months due to repeated pistol recoils during training. The break is necessary for her hand to heal fully. Despite the injury, Bhaker remains optimistic and plans to make the most of her time off."Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again," said Bhaker, who was a karate kid in her teens before switching to shooting. "I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that (martial arts). Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies."Bhaker's hobbies include horse riding, skating, fitness, Bharatnatyam, and violin. She is particularly excited about horse riding, which she has been learning for some time. However, her coach, Jaspal Rana, has expressed disapproval of this hobby, citing safety concerns."Skating and horse riding are something she should not be doing and she'll be responsible for whatever happens," said Rana. "Who rides a horse thinking that they will fall?"Bhaker is determined to pursue her hobbies responsibly and has assured Rana that she will be careful. She is also looking forward to skydiving and scuba diving, which she has been waiting to do for a long time.Rana emphasized that the break is essential for Bhaker's recovery. "This (pointing to her injured hand) is the reason we are making her rest for three months. Because this (injury) has been for the last eight months and it has not healed till now," said Rana.Bhaker will not compete in the ISSF World Cup Final in October or the national championships and camps that will follow. She will focus on her recovery and return to shooting in three months.

Joévin Burnel, a lifelong Parisian, has witnessed the Eiffel Tower countless times. Yet, the iconic structure continues to captivate him, especially during the Olympic Games. As a spectator experience volunteer at the Stade de Tour Eiffel, Burnel has spent countless hours at the venue, marveling at the beach volleyball matches and the breathtaking sunsets."It's magical," Burnel enthuses. "This is the best sports venue in the world, and it's right in my city." Despite not playing beach volleyball himself, Burnel is captivated by its fast-paced action and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the temporary stadium.Burnel's Olympic experience has been enriched by the success of French swimmer Leon Marchand. However, he expresses a tinge of regret at not having collected any Olympic pins. "Everyone in the media tribune has so many pins," he says, pointing to his empty lanyard.Despite the long hours and physical demands of his volunteer role, Burnel remains enthusiastic. "I'm tired, but I'm happy," he says. "This has been an incredible experience."Burnel's passion for the Olympics and his love for Paris are evident in his dedication to providing a memorable experience for spectators. He believes that the Stade de Tour Eiffel is a testament to the city's ability to host world-class sporting events.As the Olympic Games draw to a close, Burnel reflects on the unforgettable moments he has shared at the Eiffel Tower. The magic of the structure, the excitement of the beach volleyball matches, and the camaraderie among volunteers have created memories that will last a lifetime.

Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as B-girl Raygun, has faced intense backlash following her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite her participation in the debut of breakdancing at the Games, Gunn failed to win any matches, leading to a wave of criticism and negative attention online.In an Instagram video, Gunn expressed her surprise and disappointment at the hate she received, stating that it has been emotionally devastating. Despite her best efforts in preparing for the competition, Gunn was criticized for her performance, which some viewers found lacking."I really appreciate the positivity, and I'm glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives. That's what I hoped. I didn’t realize that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has, frankly, been pretty devastating," Gunn said. "But I went out there, and I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave my all, truly."Gunn also addressed the widespread allegations and misinformation circulating online, including claims that she and her husband manipulated the selection process to secure her spot on the Australian Olympic team. These accusations have fueled public outrage, leading to a petition on Change.org demanding an apology from Gunn and other officials.The petition garnered over 54,000 signatures before being removed for spreading misinformation. In response, Gunn urged people to refer to the official statements from the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and other relevant bodies, which confirmed that her selection was conducted transparently and fairly.Gunn requested privacy for herself, her family, and the broader Australian breakdancing community, as the controversy deeply affected them. Despite the adverse reactions, Gunn said she is proud of participating in the Olympics and the opportunity to represent Australia in the sport's inaugural event."I'd really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community, and the broader street dance community. Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this. So I ask you to please respect their privacy," she said.AOC chief executive Matt Carroll also condemned the false allegations against Gunn, calling the petition misleading and defamatory."It is disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way," Carroll said in a statement. "It amounts to bullying and harassment and is defamatory. We are demanding that it be removed from the site immediately. No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way."Gunn said she plans to take some time off to recover from the emotional toll of the ordeal and hopes that the media will respect her privacy during this period.

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.