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The Indian men's hockey team has arrived in Paris, France, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The team's arrival marks the beginning of India's Olympic dreams and the men's hockey team's quest for its first gold medal since 1980.The Indian team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, has been training hard for the Olympics and is determined to make a strong showing in Paris. The team has a rich Olympic history, having won 12 Olympic medals, including 8 golds, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals.India will begin its Olympic campaign on July 27 when it takes on New Zealand in its first pool B match. The team will then face Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia in the group stage. A top-four finish will ensure that India advances to the knockout stages.The Indian team is confident of its chances of winning a medal in Paris. The team has a good mix of experience and youth, and it is led by a strong captain in Harmanpreet Singh. The team is also well-coached by Graham Reid, who has a proven track record of success.The Indian men's hockey team is one of the most successful teams in the world. The team has won the World Cup three times and the Champions Trophy eight times. The team is also the reigning Asian Games champion.The Indian team is hoping to add to its medal tally in Paris. The team is determined to win its first gold medal since 1980 and to make the country proud.

Deepika Kumari, India's ace archer, is embarking on her fourth Olympic journey, balancing the demands of motherhood and her unwavering pursuit of an elusive Olympic medal. After giving birth to her daughter Vedika in December 2022, Deepika faced immense physical challenges, including muscle stiffness and the inability to lift her 19-kg bow.Undeterred, she embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation program, gradually regaining her strength and agility. With the support of her husband and fellow archer Atanu Das, Deepika returned to competition, dominating the National Games and earning a spot under the guidance of legendary Korean coach Kim Hyung-Tak.Despite her impressive feats, Deepika remains focused on the present, treating the Olympics as any other competition. She acknowledges the pressure surrounding the event in India but emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear mind.In Paris, Deepika will face a formidable challenge in 21-year-old South Korean Lim Si-hyeon, who has defeated her twice this year. However, Deepika remains unfazed, confident in her preparation and the support of her team.Paris holds special memories for Deepika, where she won a hattrick of gold medals in the 2021 World Cup. However, she is determined to approach the Olympics with a fresh perspective, focusing on securing a favorable draw in the qualification round.In the mixed team event, Deepika is likely to partner with Dhiraj Bommadevara, who has been in exceptional form, winning 10 international medals in the past year. Their combination could prove to be India's best chance for a medal in the recurve mixed team event.Deepika's journey to Paris has been marked by resilience and determination. She has overcome physical challenges, embraced motherhood, and remained focused on her Olympic dream. As she prepares to step onto the world's biggest sporting stage, Deepika carries the hopes of a nation and the unwavering support of her family.

Paris Olympics Operations Resume After Global IT OutageThe Paris 2024 Organizing Committee has announced that its operations have resumed normal functioning following a global IT outage that temporarily affected some of its computer servers.The outage, which occurred earlier on Friday, caused disruptions to the committee's accreditation centers. However, the Uniform and Accreditation Centre in Paris has now reopened and extended its operating hours to accommodate the backlog."All of Paris 2024's operations are now running normally, following this morning's global IT issue, which had temporarily affected a limited number of our own IT services," the committee said in a statement.The outage was part of a broader global IT issue that affected multiple organizations worldwide. The cause of the outage is still under investigation.Despite the disruption, the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee remains confident in its ability to deliver a successful Olympic Games in 2024."We are working closely with our partners to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to mitigate any potential impact on our operations," the committee said.The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Games are expected to attract over 10,000 athletes from around the world.

India's contingent for the 2024 Paris Olympics boasts a diverse mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. With 117 athletes across 16 disciplines, India aims to make a significant impact on the global stage.Among the notable names are Rohan Bopanna (tennis), Sharath Kamal (table tennis), and PV Sindhu (badminton), all of whom have multiple Olympic appearances under their belt. Five of the seven medal winners from Tokyo 2020 are also part of the contingent.However, over half of the Indian athletes will be experiencing the Olympics for the first time. One such debutant is 14-year-old swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest Indian in the contingent. Desinghu, who was awarded the Universality quota, will compete in the women's 200m freestyle event alongside her idol, Katie Ledecky.Despite her young age, Desinghu has already made a mark in international competitions, participating in the 2022 Asian Games and the 2024 World Aquatics Championships.In boxing, Nikhat Zareen, the reigning world champion in the 50kg weight category, is poised to emerge from Mary Kom's shadow and become a potential face of Indian boxing.Wrestling also features promising young talents, including Antim Panghal and Reetika. Panghal, a two-time junior world champion, has already won a bronze medal at the senior World Wrestling Championships. Reetika, the first Indian woman to qualify in the women's 76kg weight class, is looking to emulate Sakshi Malik's medal-winning performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics.Seasoned stars like Kishore Kumar Jena (javelin throw), Jyothi Yarraji (hurdles), and Parul Chaudhary (steeplechase) are also making their Olympic debuts and have the potential to surprise.In badminton, Lakshya Sen, a former world championship bronze medalist, will be vying for a medal in men's singles alongside HS Prannoy.India's contingent is a testament to the country's growing sporting prowess and the dedication of its athletes. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, India is poised to make a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Indian para-athletes are setting their sights high for the upcoming Paris Paralympics, aiming to surpass their historic performance at the Tokyo Games and secure more than 25 medals. This ambitious goal was announced by Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia, who expressed confidence in the team's abilities.At the Tokyo Paralympics, India achieved its best-ever performance, winning 19 medals, including five golds. This remarkable achievement has fueled the team's determination to continue their success in Paris. Jhajharia, a three-time Paralympic medalist, emphasized the team's physical and mental readiness for the Games."Our slogan this time is 'Abki Baar 25 Paar'," said Jhajharia. "We have a target of winning more than 25 medals this time. The preparation is going well. I am in touch with the athletes."Jhajharia highlighted the support provided to the para-athletes through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which ensures they have access to world-class facilities and training. He also praised the team's performance in recent events, including the Para Asian Games and the World Championships, where India ranked fifth."The players are not only physically but also mentally fit," said Jhajharia. "They are getting all the facilities under the TOPS scheme. In the past 4 years, India has performed well in every event. In the world championships, we were at number 5. To be 5 in the world is a huge thing."The Paris Paralympics are scheduled to begin on August 28, and the Indian para-athletes are eager to showcase their skills and determination on the world stage. With their unwavering spirit and the support of the nation, they aim to create history once again and bring glory to India.

Anjum Moudgil, a seasoned rifle shooter, is preparing for the Paris Olympics with a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. Despite the Tokyo Games' shooting setbacks, she remains optimistic and eager to share her lessons with the younger generation of shooters.Moudgil, a 2018 World Championships silver medalist, acknowledges the valuable insights she gains from her younger counterparts, such as Asian Games gold medalist Sift Kaur Samra. She admires their confidence and determination, which inspire her to push her limits and improve daily.In contrast to the extended camps prior to Tokyo, Moudgil has opted for solo training for Paris, seeking guidance from coaches only when necessary. This approach allows her to focus on the finer details and avoid distractions.Moudgil's journey has not been without its challenges. After a successful 2022, where she won World Cup medals and became world No. 1 in women's 50m 3P, she experienced a dip in form. She struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning her abilities despite her achievements.Through mental training and self-reflection, Moudgil overcame her doubts. She realized the importance of self-belief and the need to persevere through setbacks. Her solo training in Budapest has further boosted her confidence, allowing her to explore new techniques and enjoy the city's ambiance.Moudgil's journey from Tokyo to Paris has been marked by setbacks, self-doubt, and resilience. She has emerged stronger from each experience, gaining invaluable lessons that she is eager to share with the next generation of shooters.

The 2024 Paris Olympics, set to commence on July 26, mark a significant milestone in the history of the Games. As the second city to host the Olympics thrice, Paris will showcase a grand spectacle that has evolved dramatically since its previous hosting in 1924.Schedule and Program:The 1924 Olympics spanned nearly three months, featuring 17 sports and 126 medal events. In contrast, the 2024 Games will condense the schedule into two weeks, offering a staggering 32 sports and 329 medal events. While many sports have endured the test of time, the 2024 program introduces new additions such as skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing.Women's Participation:A notable change since 1924 is the increased participation of women. In 1924, women were largely absent from the Games, with only 135 female athletes competing. The 2024 Olympics will feature a more equitable representation, with women expected to make up a significant portion of the 10,500 athletes.Olympic Village:The 1924 Games introduced the concept of an Olympic Village, providing a centralized accommodation for athletes. The 2024 Village, located near the Saint-Denis stadium, will accommodate over 10,000 competitors, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.Participation and Representation:The 1924 Olympics welcomed 3,089 athletes from 44 countries. The 2024 Games are expected to attract over 10,500 athletes representing more than 200 countries, reflecting the global reach and inclusivity of the modern Olympics.Legacy and Evolution:The 2024 Paris Olympics will not only celebrate the centenary of the 1924 Games but also showcase the remarkable evolution of the event. From the extended schedule and expanded program to the increased participation of women and the modern Olympic Village, the Games have adapted to the changing times while preserving their core values of sportsmanship, excellence, and global unity.

Indian rifle shooter Sift Kaur Samra is approaching her Olympic debut with a calm and collected mindset, treating it as just another international competition. Despite the magnitude of the event, Samra remains focused on her technique and the familiar routine she has developed in previous tournaments."It's the same; it's just a normal World Cup for us, and we always give our best in the World Cup," Samra told IANS. "This is another tournament where we will give our best. Yes, because it (Olympics) comes every four years, it is much bigger than the other World Cups. But I feel like it's the same people we had in the last World Cup, so it's going to be the same."Samra, who holds the Asian Games gold medal and a World Record of 469.6, emphasizes the importance of consistency and following the same principles that have brought her success in the past. "I just have to do the same things I did in my previous tournaments and training sessions. It's just the name that changes, not the people or the technique," she added.When asked about her preparation for the Paris Olympics, Samra highlighted the importance of following a structured training schedule. "It's the same it's like when we had a camp and the schedule given to us so we just followed that," she said.Samra is part of a 21-member Indian shooting team that will compete in the Paris Games. While only two rifle shooters on the team have prior Olympic experience, Samra has sought advice from veterans in other sports, including Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom, and Sania Mirza."One of them was reaching here is not an easy job but I have done that so 'you have to be confident you have to believe in yourself and you will be doing the best'. Another one is, 'you should have that fire to do your best and get something from Paris'," she said.In terms of her individual performance, Samra aims to improve upon her previous scores. "I just want that it should not be the same as in the last tournament which I have shot, it should be like one more. I will try to shoot one more point. If it was like 593 so then I will shoot 594 if it's my day. So, let's see, let's check out yeah but this one gonna be my target."

Simone Biles, the legendary gymnast, is set to make a triumphant return to the Olympic stage in Paris 2024. After withdrawing from several events in Tokyo due to twisties, a temporary loss of spatial awareness, Biles has proven her resilience and determination by securing her third consecutive Olympic appearance with an all-around win at the US trials.Biles' journey to greatness began at the tender age of six in Ohio. Her exceptional talent was evident from the start, and at just 16, she claimed two gold medals at the Antwerp Championship, including the coveted all-around title. She also unveiled her groundbreaking double layout with a half twist on the floor exercise, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.In 2014 and 2015, Biles dominated the World Championships, amassing four gold medals each year. Her Olympic debut in Rio 2016 was a resounding success, as she captured gold in the all-around, team, vault, and floor exercises, along with a bronze on the balance beam.Despite the challenges she faced in Tokyo, Biles has emerged stronger than ever. In 2023, she extended her tally of world and Olympic medals to an astonishing 37, including six world all-around titles. Her unwavering determination and mental fortitude have made her an inspiration to athletes and fans alike.Biles' coach, Cecile Landi, has witnessed her exceptional talent firsthand. "We always knew she could be better," Landi said. "She's the most talented athlete I've ever worked with. If she could master her mental game as well as her physical game, she would be close to unstoppable."Responding to critics who questioned her commitment after Tokyo, Biles displayed her characteristic resilience. "They'll still say, 'Oh my gosh, you're going to quit again?'" she said. "But I've already dealt with it for three years. They want to see us fail, but they'll miss us when we're gone."Biles' performance at the Olympic trials was a testament to her unwavering spirit. "Nobody's forcing me to do it," she said. "I choose to grind in the gym and perform for myself. Just to remind myself that I can still do it."As the oldest woman gymnast to represent the US since Marie Hoesly in 1952, Biles will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in Paris. Her return to the Olympic stage is a testament to her indomitable spirit and her unwavering pursuit of greatness.