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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.

The Paris 2024 Olympics witnessed a series of astonishing upsets, proving that even the most dominant athletes can be dethroned.Tennis:Zheng Qinwen of China stunned the tennis world by defeating Iga Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion, in the women's singles semifinals. Zheng's victory marked the first time an Asian player had won Olympic gold in singles tennis.Athletics:Noah Lyles, the favorite in the men's 200m, was upset by Botswana's Letsile Tebogo. Lyles, who had won the 100m gold earlier in the Games, finished with a bronze medal. In the men's 1500m, USA's Cole Hocker set a new Olympic record and claimed the gold medal, leaving world champion Josh Kerr and defending champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen behind.Wrestling:India's Vinesh Phogat defeated Japan's Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion in women's wrestling. However, Phogat's triumph was short-lived as she was disqualified for failing to make the weight cut for her final bout.Swimming:China ended the United States' 64-year unbeaten streak in the men's 4x100m relay swimming medley. The Chinese team delivered an incredible performance, with Pan Zhanle executing a remarkable comeback in the anchor leg.Table Tennis:Wang Chuqin of China, the world's top-ranked player, was upset by Swedish player Truls Moregard in the men's singles table tennis competition. Moregard fought back from a 2-0 deficit to win the match 4-2.Other Upsets:Jamaica failed to win a medal in the men's 100m, 200m, or 4x100m relay for the first time in decades. The U.S. women's water polo team, considered the most dominant in the world, was knocked out in the semifinals and failed to win a medal. The U.S. men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams also struggled, with the men's team failing to qualify for the Games and the women's team settling for bronze.These upsets serve as a reminder that even the most favored athletes can be defeated, and that the Olympic Games are a stage where anything is possible.

India's recent Olympic hockey success, with back-to-back bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris, has been a remarkable achievement. Midfielder Hardik Singh, a key player in both campaigns, reflects on the significance of these medals and the journey that led to them.Hardik acknowledges that the bronze in Paris carries a bittersweet tinge. While it is a testament to the team's hard work and resilience, it also serves as a reminder of their narrow miss in the semi-final against Germany. "We were just inches away from that," he says, referring to the 3-2 defeat.Despite the disappointment, Hardik emphasizes the value of the Olympic medal. "We had seen everyone in India go crazy after we won the medal in Tokyo," he says. "We knew the importance of an Olympic medal."The team's ability to bounce back from the semi-final loss and secure bronze against Spain is a testament to their mental fortitude. Hardik credits the guidance of coach Graham Reid, who instilled a defensive structure that allowed them to protect their lead.Hardik also acknowledges the contributions of previous generations of players who paved the way for their success. "The credit for these medals goes to all the players who were a part of the Indian team since 2008," he says. "They took the hard steps, not us."Hardik's family played a significant role in his journey. His parents were present at every match in Paris, providing emotional support. "My mother was crying all the time," he recalls. "When we were leading, she was worried that we might concede. When we were trailing, she was worried that we don't concede too many goals."Hardik's hockey heritage, with his father and uncles being former international players, has instilled in him a deep appreciation for the sport. He believes that the team's success is a collective effort, spanning generations of players.As India looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Hardik remains focused on the ultimate goal: an Olympic gold medal. "We want to win the gold there," he says. "That is the scar that will be there for a long time."

The United States men's basketball team extended their Olympic dominance on Saturday, securing their fifth consecutive gold medal with a 98-87 victory over France. This triumph marked the 17th Olympic gold for the United States in basketball.However, the team's post-victory celebration on social media sparked controversy. The official USA Basketball Twitter account posted, "Are we the World Champs now?" This message was perceived as a response to sprinter Noah Lyles, who had previously questioned the use of the "world champion" title by NBA winners.Lyles, who earned the title of "fastest man on the planet" at the Paris Olympics by winning the 100m gold medal, believes that NBA champions should not refer to themselves as "world champions." After the USA basketball team's Olympic victory, they shared a post that seemed to address Lyles' comments.The post drew criticism on social media, with many users pointing out that the FIBA World Cup, not the Olympics, determines the true world champions in basketball. Germany currently holds the FIBA World Cup title.Lyles had previously expressed his frustration with the NBA's use of the "world champion" label. "You know the thing that hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals and they have 'world champion' on their head," he said. "World champion of what? The United States? Don't get me wrong, I love the U.S. at times, but that ain't the world...We are the world."Despite the controversy, the USA basketball team's victory in Paris was a testament to their continued dominance in the sport. Led by NBA stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the team overcame a strong challenge from France, who were led by NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.Curry played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring 24 points and hitting eight three-pointers, including a remarkable shot over Wembanyama. The United States' relentless effort and superior talent ultimately proved too much for France, securing their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the men's javelin final witnessed a historic moment as Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem claimed gold with a record-breaking throw of 92.97m, while India's Neeraj Chopra secured silver with 89.45m. This 1-2 finish marked a rare triumph for both nations in athletics at the Olympics.World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who witnessed the event, acknowledged the significance of this achievement. "There was some bragging rights," he said, referring to the friendly rivalry between India and Pakistan. "It's absolutely fantastic, also because it was a sumptuous competition."Coe noted that Nadeem's victory shattered the Olympic record and surpassed the gold-winning mark in Tokyo. He also recalled a conversation with Chopra, who had expressed confidence in his ability to win in Paris. However, Nadeem's exceptional performance proved to be a formidable challenge.Chopra, despite his silver medal, expressed joy for Nadeem's historic achievement. Both athletes have played a pivotal role in elevating the profile of athletics in their respective countries.Coe emphasized the global reach of athletics, stating that the sport is becoming increasingly popular in both track and field events. He highlighted the importance of India as a market and talent hub for World Athletics."India is an important market for us," Coe said. "It's great to know that young people are talking about athletics now as well. And recognising that cricket is not the only game in town."The historic 1-2 finish by India and Pakistan in the men's javelin final at the Paris Olympics serves as a testament to the growing global presence of athletics and the potential for the sport to inspire and unite nations.

Arshad Nadeem, a Pakistani athlete, has etched his name in history by becoming the first individual from his country to win an Olympic gold medal. At the Paris Olympics 2024, Nadeem triumphed in the men's javelin throw event, shattering the Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97 meters.Nadeem's victory was a stunning upset, as he surpassed the reigning Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra of India. Chopra, who had a season-best throw of 89.45 meters, settled for the silver medal.Nadeem's journey to Olympic glory was not without its challenges. Growing up in a family of nine, with a construction worker father as the sole breadwinner, cricket was an unattainable dream for the young athlete."Cricket is an expensive sport, and we couldn't afford it," explained Nadeem's brother, Shahid. "He used to play in school, and that's what drew him to the sport."Initially, Nadeem dabbled in various track and field events, including the 200m, 400m, long jump, and javelin. However, a school teacher advised him to focus on a single discipline, and Nadeem chose javelin.Nadeem's Olympic triumph has been met with immense pride and celebration in Pakistan. The government has announced that he will be honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest award in the country. A commemorative stamp titled "Azm-e-Istehkam" (Commitment to Stability) will also be issued in his honor.Nadeem's victory is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. It is a historic moment for Pakistan and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world.

The United States women's basketball team extended their unprecedented dominance at the Olympics, capturing their eighth consecutive gold medal with a thrilling 67-66 victory over France in the final of the Paris Games. This triumph marked their 10th overall Olympic title, solidifying their status as the undisputed queens of the sport.A'ja Wilson led the American charge with a game-high 21 points, while Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart also made significant contributions. France, buoyed by their home crowd, put up a valiant fight, with Gabby Williams scoring 18 points and Marine Fauthoux adding 15.The first quarter was a low-scoring affair, with France struggling to find their rhythm and the US holding a slim 15-9 lead. However, France rallied in the second period, tying the game at 20-20 and even taking a brief lead. The teams went into halftime deadlocked at 25-25.France continued to impress in the third quarter, opening with a 10-point run to take a 35-25 advantage. The US responded with a surge of their own, led by Wilson and Plum, and regained the lead heading into the final period.The fourth quarter was a tense battle, with both teams trading baskets. France came within one point of tying the game with just seconds remaining, but Williams' potential game-tying three-pointer was ruled to have been released from behind the three-point line, resulting in a two-point shot.Wilson and Plum sealed the victory for the US with free throws, giving them a 67-66 lead. Williams' last-gasp three-pointer fell short, and the Americans erupted in celebration.The US women's basketball team's victory was a testament to their unwavering determination and exceptional talent. They faced a tough challenge from France, but their experience and resilience proved too much to overcome. This gold medal further cements their legacy as one of the greatest teams in Olympic history.