Others

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.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has announced that he will not seek a third term in office, ending his tenure in 2025. The 70-year-old German lawyer, who has led the IOC since 2013, made the announcement at a session of IOC members in Paris.Bach's decision comes despite requests from some members to extend his mandate. However, he emphasized that he believes it is in the best interests of the Olympic movement to have a new leader. "New times are calling for new leaders," he said.Bach's successor will be elected in 2025, and the race to replace him is expected to be competitive. Among the potential candidates is Zimbabwean former swimmer Kirsty Coventry, who is highly respected within the IOC.Bach's tenure as IOC President has been marked by both challenges and successes. He has overseen the implementation of several reforms, including the Agenda 2020 Olympic reforms, which aimed to make the Games more sustainable and accessible. He has also navigated the IOC through the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Despite these challenges, Bach has also faced criticism for his handling of certain issues, such as the Russian doping scandal and the IOC's decision to award the 2022 Winter Olympics to Beijing.Nevertheless, Bach's legacy as IOC President will likely be defined by his commitment to the Olympic ideals and his efforts to promote unity and cooperation within the global sports community.

The Olympic Games hold a special allure for athletes, even those who have achieved immense success in their respective sports. From the tears of joy shed by Scottie Scheffler and Novak Djokovic to the stirring comeback of the French football team, the Tokyo Olympics showcased the enduring power of the Games.For some, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of their careers. Badminton star Viktor Axelsen, a two-time defending champion, declared that the Olympics are the "grandest stage of them all." Similarly, for Noah Lyles, Neeraj Chopra, Simone Biles, and countless others, the Games provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their talents and compete against the world's best.However, for athletes in certain sports, the Olympics may not hold the same level of significance. Men's football, golf, tennis, and basketball players often earn substantial salaries at their clubs and may prioritize those commitments over the Olympics.Despite this, many top athletes in these sports have chosen to participate in the Olympics, recognizing the unique experience and honor it represents. For example, Sergio Camello celebrated Spain's football victory by taking off his shirt, while Fermin Lopez described the summer as "unbeatable."In golf, Scottie Scheffler's tears of joy after winning the gold medal demonstrated the emotional significance of the Olympics, despite his substantial earnings on the PGA Tour. Rory McIlroy, who has won millions of dollars in prize money, explained that the Olympics has the potential to rival the Ryder Cup as one of the most prestigious events in the sport.In tennis, Novak Djokovic's victory at Roland Garros was particularly meaningful as it marked his first Olympic gold medal and placed him among an elite group of players who have won all four Grand Slams and the Olympics. Carlos Alcaraz, despite his disappointment in losing the final, expressed the honor he felt in representing Spain.Basketball legend Steph Curry also showed his commitment to the Olympics, scoring 36 points in the semi-final against Serbia to keep the United States' hopes of a fifth consecutive gold medal alive.The Olympics provide a unique platform for athletes to represent their countries and compete for the ultimate prize. While some may prioritize financial rewards, for many, the Olympic rings hold an unparalleled allure, symbolizing the pursuit of excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship.

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç has become an internet sensation at the Paris 2024 Olympics for his unconventional shooting style. Dikeç, who won a silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, has competed in five consecutive Olympic Games, but it was his relaxed and casual demeanor that captured the world's attention.Dikeç's unique shooting style involves keeping one hand in his pocket and both eyes open while aiming. He attributes his success to his natural ability and lack of reliance on specialized equipment. "I'm a natural shooter," he told Turkish media.Following his viral moment, athletes across various sports began mimicking Dikeç's distinctive pose as a celebratory gesture. Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, and Jamaican discus thrower Rojé Stona all adopted the "Yusuf Dikeç pose" after their respective victories.The trend has extended beyond the Olympics, with footballers also joining in on the action. Fenerbahçe midfielder İrfan Can Kahveci, Nigerian attacker Cyriel Dessers, and Dutch winger Steven Berghuis have all celebrated goals by striking the iconic stance.Dikeç's approach to shooting is a departure from the norm. Shooters typically rely on specialized equipment, including precision glasses and ear protection. However, Dikeç competes with his usual glasses and earplugs, radiating a unique confidence.Now in his fifth Olympic appearance, Dikeç first competed in the 2008 Beijing Games. He holds a world record from the 2006 CISM Military World Championships and a bronze medal from the 2012 ISSF World Cup Final.Dikeç's unconventional style and infectious confidence have made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to athletes worldwide. His relaxed approach to shooting has challenged traditional norms and demonstrated that success can be achieved through natural ability and self-belief.