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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.

The future of boxing at the Olympics hangs in the balance after a damaging gender controversy overshadowed the sport's inclusion at the Paris Games.Boxing has been a staple of the modern Olympics since its debut in 1904, with legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, and Lennox Lewis all starting their careers at the Games. However, its presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is now uncertain.The controversy erupted when the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting from its world championships last year, claiming genetic testing showed they were "men." The IOC cleared them to compete in Paris, expressing doubts about the IBA's testing and motivations.Khelif won gold in Paris, declaring, "I am a woman like any other." Taiwanese officials have threatened legal action against the IBA. Lin also won gold in her weight category.The IBA's actions have drawn widespread criticism, with veteran British boxing journalist Steve Bunce calling it "an absolute disaster." Former British boxer Spencer Oliver agrees, saying, "It's just a mess because boxing comes into the spotlight again, but for the wrong reason."At the heart of boxing's problems is a dispute between the IOC and the IBA. The IOC stepped in to run boxing at the Tokyo and Paris Games, effectively freezing the IBA out of the Olympic movement. IOC president Thomas Bach has warned that boxing's national federations need to find a new international partner for the IOC to consider its inclusion in 2028.The IBA's main contribution in Paris was a chaotic press conference that failed to clarify its reasons for disqualifying Khelif and Lin. IBA president Umar Kremlev, a Kremlin-linked oligarch, has been accused of misogyny and corruption.Those within the sport fear that excluding boxing from the Olympics would have multiple repercussions. Ireland's Kellie Harrington, who retained her title in Paris, worries that countries will pull funding for their boxing programs without the Olympics as a goal.British boxing officials have highlighted the importance of the Olympics as a springboard for professional success, with former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua being a prime example.Despite the governance issues, many believe that boxing's absence from the Olympics would be a significant loss. "I think the Olympics without boxing would be a shame. It would be very, very sad," said Oliver. "I'm hoping that they can sort out all the politics that go on behind the scenes, and boxing continues. I'm sure it will do."

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem etched his name in Olympic history by claiming the gold medal in the men's javelin throw at the Paris Games. His record-breaking throw of 92.97m not only secured the top spot on the podium but also shattered the previous Olympic record held by Andreas Thorkildsen.Nadeem's triumph was a testament to his unwavering determination and the support of his coach, Salman Fayyaz Butt. Despite facing financial constraints in his early days, Nadeem's talent and dedication propelled him to the pinnacle of his sport.The Pakistani athlete's journey to Olympic glory was not without its challenges. As a young athlete, he struggled to secure funding for his training and equipment. However, his unwavering spirit and the support of his family and community kept him going.Nadeem's father, a retired construction worker, expressed immense pride in his son's achievement. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and the value of hard work.Nadeem's success has not only brought glory to Pakistan but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country. His story serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

Amit Rohidas, India's defensive mainstay, endured sleepless nights after his red card in the hockey quarterfinal against Great Britain led to a one-match suspension for the semifinal. However, he expressed gratitude to his teammates for their unwavering support during this challenging time.Despite the setback, the Indian men's hockey team secured a record-extending successive bronze medal, their 13th Olympic hockey medal. Rohidas' red card in the 17th minute of the quarterfinals, which was upgraded to a red card after a video referral, resulted in his suspension for the semifinal against Germany.Reflecting on the incident, Rohidas emphasized that it was unintentional and that the referee's decision is part of the game. Despite being down to 10 men, goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh put up a heroic performance, taking the match to a shootout where he made the difference with his saves.Rohidas expressed pride in the team's ability to overcome the numerical disadvantage and defeat their opponents in the shootout. He highlighted the team's resilience and determination, noting that they had set records by beating Australia after 52 years and winning with 10 players.While acknowledging that a gold or silver medal would have been ideal, Rohidas emphasized that the team is grateful for the bronze medal. He believes that destiny plays a role and that the team is fortunate to return home with a medal.The Indian team's journey began with a rusty win over New Zealand in a tough pool A. They grew stronger with each match, culminating in a 3-2 victory over Australia in their concluding league match. The bronze medal match against Spain marked a fitting farewell for veteran goalkeeper Sreejesh, who played his last international match.Rohidas spoke about the collective leadership within the team, emphasizing that there is no single leader and that everyone contributes to the leadership role. He also highlighted the team's challenging three-day boot camp in Switzerland led by adventurer Mike Horn, which tested their physical and mental limits.

US Gymnast Jordan Chiles Loses Bronze Medal in Floor Exercise After CAS RulingUS gymnast Jordan Chiles has been stripped of her bronze medal in the women's floor exercise at the Paris Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the judging panel improperly granted an inquiry that moved her up from fifth place.The decision, announced on Saturday, awarded the bronze medal to 18-year-old Romanian Ana Barbosu. Chiles, who had initially finished fifth, was upgraded to third place after the inquiry, but CAS ruled that the appeal was submitted past the one-minute deadline and should not have been granted.Chiles expressed her devastation on Instagram, posting four broken hearts and announcing her withdrawal from social media for her mental health. Her teammate, Simone Biles, offered support, saying, "Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!"The Romanian Gymnastics Federation and gymnasts Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea had filed appeals, arguing that Chiles's inquiry was untimely. CAS agreed, reinstating Chiles's original score of 13.666, which placed her fifth.Barbosu, who had initially thought she had won bronze with a score of 13.700, was left in tears after the ruling. She expressed disbelief and joy at being awarded the medal, Romania's only in the gymnastics competition.Scoring inquiries are common in gymnastics, but the CAS ruling highlights the importance of adhering to the rules and deadlines. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called the situation a "scandalous situation" and announced his boycott of the Olympic closing ceremony.USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee expressed their disappointment with the ruling, stating that the inquiry was filed in good faith and in accordance with FIG rules. They condemned the online attacks against Chiles and reaffirmed their support for her.The drama unfolded in the final event of gymnastics competition at Bercy Arena on Monday. The CAS ruling has left Chiles without a medal in the floor exercise, while Barbosu has been awarded the bronze.

LeBron James's third Olympic gold medal holds a special significance for the NBA's all-time leading scorer. After a 12-year absence from the Games, James returned to lead Team USA to a 98-87 victory over France in the final on Saturday.James's performance was a testament to his enduring greatness. The 39-year-old contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, helping Team USA secure its fifth consecutive men's basketball gold medal."It's a big moment for USA basketball," James said. "I'm just living in the moment. I feel super humbled that I can still play this game at a high level, play with 11 other great players, and a great coaching staff, and go out and do it for our country."The victory marked the second consecutive Olympic final in which the US defeated France. James's return to the squad, along with the tournament debut of four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, proved to be a formidable combination."It was great. I think you wouldn't want it any other way to be able to face off against the host team. It was a great atmosphere," James said.James's Olympic journey has been a remarkable one. He won bronze as a teenager at Athens 2004 and was part of the "Redeem Team" that took gold in Beijing four years later. He appeared again at London 2012 but had not played at the Games since."It's the best one because it's the one that's right now," James said, hinting that this could be his final Olympics. "I can't see myself playing in LA (in 2028). Although I also didn't see myself playing in Paris. But four years from now, I can't see it."James's legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time is further cemented by his Olympic achievements. His third gold medal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his enduring love for the game.

Aman Sehrawat's bronze medal victory in the men's 57kg freestyle wrestling event at the Olympics has brought some respite to the Indian contingent amidst controversies. The 21-year-old U-23 world champion lived up to expectations, defeating Darian Toi Cruz of Puerto Rico 13-5 in the bronze play-off.Sehrawat's triumph ensures that India's streak of winning at least one wrestling medal at every Olympics since 2008 remains intact. Sushil Kumar (2008), Yogeshwar Dutt (2012), Sakshi Malik (2016), Ravi Dahiya, and Bajrang Punia (2021) have all contributed to this impressive run.Sehrawat's victory also marks India's sixth medal at the Tokyo Games, bringing the country closer to matching its tally of seven from the previous edition. However, the Indian wrestling contingent has been marred by controversies, including the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the gold-medal bout due to being overweight and the deportation of Antim Panghal for using her sister's accreditation card.Sehrawat's journey to the bronze medal was not without its challenges. He faced a tough test in the semifinals against Japan's Rei Higuchi, but he had earlier stormed into the last four without conceding a single point.The Indian wrestler's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Having lost his parents at a young age, Sehrawat found solace in the Chhatrasal stadium, where he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned coaches. The same stadium has produced four other Olympic medalists for India, including Sushil Kumar and Bajrang Punia.Sehrawat's victory is a source of inspiration for aspiring wrestlers in India. It demonstrates that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.