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Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Sumit Antil, India's javelin thrower, has set his sights on improving his world record and defending his title in the Men's F64 category at the Paris Paralympics Games in 2024. Antil, along with Bhagyashree Jadhav (shot put, F34 category), will be the Indian flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics Games, which will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024.Antil, who lost one of his limbs in a road accident in 2015, has been on a remarkable journey since then. He set a world record thrice in the Tokyo Paralympics and won the gold medal with the best throw of 68.55 meters. He bettered it with a new world record throw of 70.83 meters at the 2023 Para World Championships and further improved it at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games (2023) to win the gold with an effort of 73.29 meters."My long-term goal is to achieve a distance of 80 meters, but in the Paris Paralympics, I will try to win the gold medal with an effort of 75 meters," the 26-year-old told PTI-Bhasha in an exclusive interview.Antil has been working hard on increasing his strength without changing his technique. He believes that his throws during practice have been quite consistent and that he can improve upon his previous record.When asked about the pressure of being defending champion and being the Indian flag bearer, Antil said, "There is no pressure right now, but things will be known after reaching Paris. Once you reach the Games village or at the competition venue, things become a little different. I will try to do my best without taking pressure.""I want to enjoy this moment. For the first time, such a large and strong contingent from India is going to the Paralympics, and I feel proud to be the flag bearer," he added.The Indian contingent comprises 84 athletes across 12 disciplines for the Paralympics. Antil, who is a Padma Shri awardee, said, "Being a flag bearer in an event like Paralympics is a different kind of emotion. This is the first time I will be a part of the opening ceremony of the Paralympics."After the Tokyo Paralympics, Antil focused more on practicing instead of participating in different competitions. He said, "I have participated in very limited competitions. I have spent more time in practice. Competitions keep going on, but my aim is to get a medal for India in the Paralympics, and my entire focus has been on this for the last three years."Antil prefers to practice in India rather than abroad. He said, "I went to Finland in 2018, but I did not feel much improvement there. I practice at SAI (Sports Authority of India) Sonipat center, which is equipped with a track for Javelin throw and world-class facilities."Antil is also a part of the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) since 2019 and is getting all kinds of help from it. "I have been a part of the TOPS scheme since 2019, and since that time, I have been getting prosthetic legs from abroad. Along with my prosthetics, TOPS provides everything I need for my game," he concluded.

Indian Sports: Post-Tokyo Blues Linger as Paris 2024 LoomsThe Indian sporting landscape has been grappling with a sense of disappointment following the Tokyo Olympics. The nation's medal count, which had witnessed a surge in recent years, has plateaued, leaving many questioning the progress made.At the 2020 Tokyo Games, India secured seven medals, including one gold, two silvers, and four bronzes. While this represented a significant improvement over previous Olympic performances, it fell short of the expectations raised by the country's recent sporting successes.The lack of a significant medal haul in Paris 2024 has raised concerns about the state of Indian sports. Critics argue that the post-Tokyo lull is a sign of complacency and a lack of investment in grassroots development.One area of particular concern is the absence of a clear medal contender in the upcoming Olympics. While India has traditionally excelled in shooting, wrestling, and badminton, there are no obvious favorites in these disciplines for Paris 2024.The Indian government has acknowledged the need to address these challenges. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced plans to increase funding for sports infrastructure and training programs. However, experts believe that more needs to be done to create a sustainable sporting ecosystem.The lack of a robust grassroots system has been identified as a major impediment to India's sporting progress. Many talented athletes from rural areas lack access to proper coaching and facilities, limiting their potential.Furthermore, the focus on a few select sports has led to the neglect of other disciplines. India has a rich sporting heritage in traditional games such as kabaddi and kho-kho, but these sports have received little attention from the government and sports federations.As Paris 2024 approaches, Indian sports administrators face a daunting task. They must address the systemic issues that have hindered the country's sporting progress and create a comprehensive plan to ensure future success.

Vivianne Robinson, a dedicated Olympics enthusiast from Venice Beach, Florida, is making her sixth Olympic appearance in Paris 2024. Her passion for the Games has led her to travel to various venues, collect commemorative pins, and become a sought-after fan for photographs.In Rio 2016, Robinson's presence was ubiquitous, with fans eager to capture a moment with her. She had planned to attend the Tokyo Olympics but was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, she has returned to Paris with a wardrobe tailored specifically for the occasion, including a white outfit adorned with the Paris 2024 mascot and a matching hat.Despite the dispersed venues in Paris, Robinson's enthusiasm remains undiminished. She has become a favorite of news crews, with her interviews trending on social media. Her unwavering support for the Games has led her to spend over $10,000, maxing out her credit cards and working multiple jobs to fund her trip."This Olympics is the most I have spent on any Olympics," Robinson said. "I have bought tickets to 38 events... but I am having a good time watching the games. I was determined to see the Olympics in Paris."Robinson's passion for the Olympics extends beyond the spectacle of the Games. She carries her collection of pins from previous Olympics, symbolizing her unity with the Olympic spirit. In Paris, she has embraced the role of a super fan, cheering on athletes and immersing herself in the atmosphere of the city she loves.

India has announced its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8. This marks a significant increase from the 54 athletes sent to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, including 14 women. Notably, India will participate in three new sports at Paris 2024: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo, bringing the total number of sports to 12.Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya will represent India in para-cycling, while Kapil Parmar and Kokila will compete in blind judo. Anita and K. Narayana will participate in para-rowing.India's most successful Paralympic Games was Tokyo 2020, where the country won 19 medals, including five gold, eight silver, and six bronze. Avani Lekhara, who won gold in the women's R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, will return to compete in Paris 2024. Sumit Antil, the gold medalist in men's F64 javelin throw, will also participate.Table tennis player Bhavina Patel, who won India's first Paralympics medal in the sport, will compete in the women's singles and doubles events. Harvinder Singh, the first Indian to win an archery medal at the Paralympics, will appear in individual and mixed team recurve events.

Indian Paralympic Contingent Receives Grand Send-Off for Paris GamesThe Indian Paralympic contingent, comprising 84 athletes across 12 disciplines, was accorded a grand send-off ceremony on Friday ahead of the Paris Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) hosted the event to honor the team's dedication and perseverance.Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded the athletes' resilience and determination, stating, "Our para athletes have a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles and turn challenges into opportunities. They have shown remarkable determination and perseverance in their preparation for the Paris Paralympics 2024."Mandaviya emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the athletes, saying, "Many athletes have benefited from the Khelo India initiative, and a significant number from there will be going to the Paris Paralympics. The government is committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to excel at the highest level."PCI president Devendra Jhajharia expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform well in Paris, saying, "We are immensely proud of our athletes who have trained with unwavering dedication and passion. As they prepare to represent India on the world's biggest stage in Paris, they embody the spirit of resilience and determination that defines our nation."A special anthem, "Macha Dhoom," composed by renowned music directors Vivek - Abhishek, was launched during the event. Additionally, a commemorative book titled "Breaking the Barriers," authored by Abhishek Dubey and Mahavir Rawat, was unveiled to celebrate the achievements and aspirations of the Indian Paralympic team.The Indian contingent will be competing in archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo at the Paris Paralympics. The team hopes to build on its success at the Tokyo Paralympics, where India won 19 medals.

Indian Paralympians Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav to Bear the Flag at Paris ParalympicsTokyo Paralympics gold medalist Sumit Antil and Asian Para Games silver medalist Bhagyashree Jadhav have been chosen as the Indian flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics. The announcement was made by Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) chief Devendra Jhajharia."Antil and Bhagyashree have been consistent performers over the years. They will be Indian flag-bearers at the Paris Paralympics' athletes march past," Jhajharia stated.Sumit Antil, a javelin thrower from Haryana, made history at the Tokyo Paralympics by winning the gold medal in the F64 category with a world record throw of 68.55 meters. He continued his winning streak by securing a gold medal at the World Para Championships and breaking his own record at the Asian Para Games with an impressive throw of 73.29 meters.Bhagyashree Jadhav, a shotputter competing in the F34 category, earned a silver medal at the Asian Para Games. She has also achieved success at the FAZZA World Cup.The Indian contingent for the Paris Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, comprises 84 athletes representing 12 disciplines. India's performance at the Tokyo Paralympics was remarkable, with the team bringing home 19 medals.Antil and Jadhav's selection as flag-bearers is a testament to their exceptional achievements and dedication to their sport. Their presence at the head of the Indian contingent will undoubtedly inspire and motivate their fellow athletes.

The Paris 2024 Olympics, a spectacle of athleticism and sporting excellence, also witnessed a flurry of peculiar and amusing inquiries directed at the event's customer care service. While most queries were reasonable and straightforward, some stood out for their eccentricity and unexpected nature.One such inquiry came from a self-proclaimed composer who offered a "very popular and quality hymn" for the Olympics. Another request, more specific in its nature, asked if any Olympic volunteers could sing Chinese love songs or revolutionary tunes from the Cultural Revolution era.Among the more perplexing questions was a request for a boiled egg recipe, dubbed "Olympic eggs." A table tennis enthusiast also came forward with an idea for presenting a table tennis table, suggesting a potential contribution to the event's visual setup.In a bold musical request, someone expressed their desire to perform a duet with world-renowned singer Céline Dion at the Olympics' Opening Ceremony. Love was in the air for one spectator who attended a beach volleyball session, hoping to reconnect with a person they met but whose identity remained unknown.One of the funniest requests came from a fan enamored with the Olympic mascot Phryge and swimmer Léon Marchand. The fan expressed their admiration for Phryge and requested an autograph from Marchand, despite not having social media accounts.These bizarre queries, while not directly related to the sporting events, added a touch of humor and unexpectedness to the Paris 2024 Olympics. They showcased the diverse and sometimes quirky nature of human curiosity and the unique experiences that can arise during such grand sporting events.

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat's Olympic dream came crashing down in the women's freestyle 50kg category at the Paris 2024 Games due to a heartbreaking disqualification. Despite two stunning victories over wrestling giants Yui Susaki of Japan and Oksana Livach of Ukraine, Phogat's hopes were dashed when she was found to be 100 grams overweight at the weigh-in.Phogat's disqualification sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. The 29-year-old had resorted to extreme measures to make weight, including cutting her hair, going without food and water, and working out an entire night. Her plight evoked sympathy across the board, as she ultimately needed IV fluids due to extreme dehydration.Phogat's victories over Susaki and Livach were particularly impressive, given their formidable records. Susaki, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, had never lost an international wrestling match before her encounter with Phogat. Livach, a former World Championships bronze medalist, had also entered the quarter-final with great momentum.Phogat's triumph over Susaki was a testament to her determination and skill. She overcame the odds to defeat the overwhelming favorite in a tight 3-2 contest. Her victory over Livach further solidified her status as a world-class wrestler.In the semi-final, Phogat faced Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, the reigning 50kg gold medalist in the Pan American Games. Guzman ultimately won the silver medal after Phogat's disqualification.Phogat's disqualification has raised questions about the weight-cutting practices in wrestling. Many experts believe that the current system is dangerous and needs to be reformed. Phogat's experience highlights the need for a more humane and athlete-centric approach to weight management in the sport.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic medal hopes were dashed on Wednesday when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected her plea for a joint silver medal at the Paris 2024 Games. The decision concluded a tumultuous saga that began with Vinesh's remarkable performance on the first day of the women's 50kg wrestling competition.On August 6, Vinesh stunned the wrestling world by defeating reigning Olympic champion Yui Sasaki of Japan. She continued her impressive run by overcoming Ukrainian Oksana Livach and Cuban Yusneylis Guzman to reach the final. However, her dream of becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic wrestling medal above bronze was shattered the following day.Vinesh was disqualified from the gold medal match against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States after failing to meet the weight limit by 100 grams. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and India, with many expressing disbelief and outrage.Reports emerged of the extreme measures Vinesh and her coaching staff had taken to ensure she made weight, including drawing blood and cutting her hair. The Wrestling Federation of India filed an appeal with United World Wrestling, while Vinesh appealed to CAS, demanding a joint silver medal.On August 8, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling. The hearing into her appeal concluded on August 9, with CAS initially postponing the announcement of the verdict to August 13. However, the decision was further delayed to August 16.Finally, on August 14, CAS dismissed Vinesh's plea. The international tribunal stated that the full award with reasons would be notified to the parties and published on its website.Vinesh's disqualification and subsequent retirement have sparked a debate about the weight management practices in wrestling and the need for athlete welfare. The incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by female athletes in balancing their weight with their performance.