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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.

Wrestling has been a consistent medal-winning sport for India at the Olympics, with the nation securing at least one medal in every edition since 2008. In the past five Games, wrestling has yielded seven medals for India, including bronze for Sushil Kumar (2008), silver for Sushil Kumar (2012), bronze for Yogeshwar Dutt (2012), bronze for Sakshi Malik (2016), silver for Ravi Kumar Dahiya (2021), bronze for Bajrang Punia (2021), and bronze for Aman Sehrawat (2024).Notably, all the male wrestlers mentioned above, except Sakshi Malik, are products of the renowned Chhatrasal Akhada, a breeding ground for Indian wrestling talent. Established in 1988 by former Indian wrestler Satpal Singh and coaches Ramphal Mann and Pradeep Sharma, the akhada was founded with the aim of producing Olympic medalists.Satpal Singh, who had won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games but missed out on an Olympic podium in his two appearances, was driven by the desire to fill this void in his career. "There was a pain in my heart of not winning an Olympic medal," he said. "That's why I started the akhada at the Chhatrasal Stadium. I wanted to churn out Olympic medalists for the country."Initially, the akhada focused on traditional dirt floors, but over time, it has been equipped with modern facilities and equipment to meet the needs of aspiring wrestlers. In 2024, Aman Sehrawat continued Chhatrasal's legacy by securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.The success of Chhatrasal Akhada can be attributed to its rigorous training regimen, experienced coaches, and a supportive environment that fosters excellence. The akhada has produced not only Olympic medalists but also numerous national and international champions, making it a testament to the transformative power of sports in shaping the lives of young athletes.

Eiffel Tower Evacuated as Man Scales Landmark Ahead of Olympics Closing CeremonyParisian authorities swiftly evacuated the area surrounding the iconic Eiffel Tower on Sunday afternoon after a shirtless man was spotted scaling the 330-meter (1,083-foot) structure. The incident occurred just hours before the scheduled closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.The man's ascent was first noticed around 3 pm, with witnesses reporting seeing him above the Olympic rings adorning the second section of the tower. It remains unclear where he began his climb, but he was spotted just above the first viewing deck.Police immediately cordoned off the area and escorted visitors away from the tower. Some visitors who were briefly trapped on the second floor were allowed to exit approximately 30 minutes later.The Eiffel Tower served as a prominent backdrop during the opening ceremony of the Olympics, with renowned singer Celine Dion performing from one of its viewing areas. However, it was not expected to play a role in the closing ceremony, which was set to take place at the Stade de France in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis at 9 pm.The incident occurred as the Olympic competition drew to a close, and security services in Paris and beyond were shifting their focus to the closing ceremony. Over 30,000 police officers were deployed throughout Paris on Sunday, with approximately 3,000 officers mobilized around the Stade de France. An additional 20,000 police troops and security personnel were deployed in Paris and the Saint-Denis area to ensure safety on the final day of the Games.

Italy's women's volleyball team has etched its name in Olympic history by capturing the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, dethroning the defending champion United States in a resounding straight-sets victory (25-18, 25-20, 25-17).The triumph marks Italy's first-ever Olympic medal in volleyball and sends the Americans home with a disappointing silver after their historic gold in Tokyo. It's a monumental achievement for the Italians, who had previously only managed a fifth-place finish at the Olympics.The victory unfolded before a raucous crowd at South Paris Arena, where fans from both nations waved their flags and cheered enthusiastically. The Italians dominated the match from the outset, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and skill.When Italy secured the match point, the players erupted in jubilation, collapsing to the court and embracing in a celebratory scrum. Veteran Monica De Gennaro, a four-time Olympian, was hoisted into the air by her teammates.The US team, led by coach Karch Kiraly, had made a lineup change after a setback against China in the group stage, but it proved insufficient to overcome the formidable Italian squad.Italy's Paola Egonu was a standout performer, scoring 22 points and leading her team to a dominant victory. The Americans, despite a valiant effort, were unable to match the Italians' consistency and precision.The silver medal for the US marks their seventh Olympic medal in volleyball, making them the most successful nation in the sport. Italy's triumph over Turkey in the semifinals and the US's thrilling five-set victory over Brazil set the stage for the highly anticipated final.Italy's victory is a testament to their unwavering determination and the exceptional talent of their players. They have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in women's volleyball and have etched their names in the annals of Olympic history.