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Pin Trading: A Thrilling Tradition at the OlympicsThe Olympic Games are not just about athletic prowess and medal counts. Alongside the fierce competition, there's a vibrant and engaging tradition that has become an integral part of the event: pin trading.Pin trading dates back to the inaugural Olympics in Athens in 1896. Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, revived the practice, which initially involved participants wearing cardboard badges for identification. Over the years, pins have evolved into intricate, metallic collectibles, and pin trading has become a beloved tradition among athletes, fans, and collectors alike.At the 2024 Paris Olympics, pin trading is in full swing. The Park of Nations features The Olympic Collectors' House, a dedicated space where traders can gather and exchange their pins. American pin collector Ed Schneider, a veteran of 14 Olympics, explains that there are various types of pins available for trade, including National Olympic Committees (NOCs), media pins, host city pins, sponsor pins, athlete pins, and mascot pins.Pin trading is a serious business, with collectors often spending years amassing their collections. Nicholas Wolaver, another avid American collector, advises beginners to be patient, avoid interrupting trades in progress, and consider trading two pins for one to maintain their collection while acquiring new pins.One notable newcomer to the pin trading scene is Snoop Dogg. The iconic rapper has made his mark at the Paris Olympics by offering his sleek, silver card design to American tennis player Coco Gauff. This gesture symbolizes the growing popularity of pin trading and its appeal to celebrities and fans alike.Pin trading is more than just a hobby; it's a way for people from all over the world to connect, share their passion for the Olympics, and create lasting memories. It's a tradition that adds a unique and vibrant dimension to the Olympic experience.

Legendary Pakistani hockey player Hassan Sardar has expressed his belief that Team India has the potential to end their long wait for an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games 2024. India's impressive performance in the ongoing Summer Games, where they defeated Great Britain in a thrilling shootout to enter the semi-finals, has caught the attention of Sardar.India's last Olympic gold medal in hockey came at the 1980 Moscow Games, and they will be hoping to break their drought in Paris. Sardar, who played a key role in leading Pakistan to a gold medal at the 1984 LA Olympics, believes that the current Indian team has the talent and determination to achieve success."I always support India when Pakistan is not playing cricket or hockey," Sardar said. "It's a much better side and one of the best Indian teams I have seen. They have improved a lot and they are giving hard times to the Europeans. They (India) can win and they should win this Olympics."Sardar praised India's performance against Australia in the group stage, highlighting their mental strength and ability to adapt to different situations. He also shared some valuable advice for the Harmanpreet-led side ahead of their semi-final clash against Germany."When we won the Asian gold against India, we only focused on taking the lead and doubling it," Sardar said. "Both teams played well but we were lucky that we could score so many goals. Mental strength is the most important aspect in crucial matches. The Germans are a tough team."Sardar emphasized the importance of short passes, preventing counter-attacks, and scoring from penalty corners against Germany. He also advised the Indian team to stay calm and play as a unit, even when things are not going their way.India will be without key defender Amit Rohidas for the semi-final against Germany after his one-match suspension was upheld by the FIH. However, Sardar believes that the team has the depth and quality to overcome this setback.

India's wrestling contingent is poised to embark on their quest for Olympic glory at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. Six Indian wrestlers, including one male and five females, will represent the nation at the Champ de Mars Arena in the French capital.Aman Sehrawat, the 20-year-old Asian champion and Asian Games bronze medalist, will carry India's hopes in the men's freestyle 57kg category. Sehrawat, who replaced Ravi Kumar Dahiya in the category, is known for his ability to withstand pressure and keep opponents at bay.In the women's division, all eyes will be on two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who will compete in the 50kg category. Phogat, India's most accomplished female wrestler, has won two World Championships, three Commonwealth Games, and eight Asian Championships medals. However, she is yet to prove her worth on the Olympic stage, having suffered a freak injury in Rio 2016 and a crushing defeat in Tokyo 2020.Other Indian wrestlers to watch out for include Commonwealth Games silver medalist Anshu Malik (women's 57kg), U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women's 76kg), and Asian Championships silver medalist Nisha Dahiya (women's 68kg). All three will be making their Olympic debuts in Paris.India's wrestling schedule at the 2024 Paris Olympics is as follows:* August 5 (6:30 PM IST): Women's 68kg (Nisha Dahiya)* August 6 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 50kg (Vinesh Phogat)* August 7 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 53kg (Antim Panghal)* August 8 (3:00 PM IST): Men's freestyle 57kg (Aman Sehrawat), Women's 57kg (Anshu Malik)* August 10 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 76kg (Reetika Hooda)The Indian wrestlers will face stiff competition from the likes of the United States, Russia, Japan, and Iran. However, they will be determined to make their mark on the Olympic stage and bring glory to their nation.

Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion, has etched his name in the annals of Olympic history by claiming the coveted men's 100m gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. In a thrilling photo finish, Lyles emerged victorious by a mere five-thousandths of a second, becoming the fastest man on the planet.Lyles' triumph was the culmination of a remarkable journey that began with a sluggish start in the semi-finals. Despite being behind British sprinter Louie Hinchliffe, Lyles' determination and showmanship shone through. With his signature sunglasses, hat, and mask, he captivated the crowd and sent a clear message that he was a force to be reckoned with.In the final, Lyles faced a formidable challenge from Jamaica's Oblique Seville, who had given him a "death stare" in the semi-finals. However, Lyles remained unfazed and executed a flawless dip at the finish line, edging out Thompson by the narrowest of margins.Lyles' victory marked the closest-ever Olympic 100m final, with both him and Thompson clocking in at 9.79 seconds. The American's time of 9.784 seconds ultimately separated him from Thompson's 9.789 seconds. American Fred Kerley claimed the bronze medal in 9.81 seconds, while South Africa's Akani Simbini finished fourth.Lyles' triumph is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He now sets his sights on becoming the first sprinter since Usain Bolt to win both the 100m and 200m events at the Olympics. Bolt, the undisputed sprint king, holds the world records for both events and has won eight Olympic gold medals.Lyles' victory in Paris has reignited the debate about whether he can match Bolt's legendary status. While Bolt's 100m Olympic record of 9.63 seconds remains untouched, Lyles' potential to create his own legacy is undeniable. The Paris Games will undoubtedly provide another thrilling chapter in the rivalry between these two exceptional sprinters.

Deepika Kumari, India's star archer, has vowed to continue her pursuit of an elusive Olympic medal despite enduring a disappointing performance at the Paris Games. Having competed in four consecutive Olympics without reaching the podium, Kumari remains determined to break the jinx in Los Angeles in 2028.Kumari's Olympic struggles have been attributed to her inability to handle pressure situations. However, she is confident that she can overcome this mental hurdle and perform to her full potential. "I want to play more in the future and will continue my game," she said. "I really want to win an Olympic medal, and I won't quit until I achieve that."To improve her chances of success, Kumari plans to focus on three key areas: maintaining composure, improving her shooting form and concentration, and enjoying the game. She also acknowledges the need to develop her "quick shooting" skills, which proved to be a weakness in Paris.Despite her Olympic setbacks, Kumari has enjoyed a successful career, winning numerous World Cup medals. She made a remarkable comeback after giving birth to her daughter in 2022, winning an individual gold at the Shanghai World Cup in April.At the Paris Olympics, Kumari faced a challenging ranking round, qualifying as the 23rd seed. She struggled in the team event but showed resilience in the individual category, reaching the quarterfinals. However, she was defeated by Korean archer Nam Suhyeon in a closely contested match.Kumari believes that the absence of India's sports psychologist, Gayatri Vartak, did not significantly impact their performance. She emphasized that they stayed in touch with Vartak throughout the Games.With her sights set on LA 2028, Kumari is determined to make amends for her past Olympic disappointments. She is confident that she can develop the mental strength and technical skills necessary to achieve her dream of an Olympic medal.

Paris 2024 Triathlon Training Hampered by Seine PollutionOlympic organizers have been forced to cancel part of the triathlon training scheduled for Saturday due to concerns over water pollution in the River Seine. The decision was made after heavy rainfall over the past two nights, which has significantly increased the likelihood of the waterway being too polluted for swimming.The training session, which was set to include the mixed relay event, will now only feature the running and cycling components. The cancellation is a setback for athletes preparing for the 2024 Paris Games, where the triathlon will be held in the Seine.The Seine has been a major focus of environmental concerns in recent years, despite significant investments by French authorities to improve its water quality. However, heavy downpours continue to overwhelm the city's drainage system, leading to untreated sewage being released into the river.This issue has already impacted the Paris Games, with the men's triathlon being postponed for 24 hours on Tuesday due to pollution concerns. The event was eventually held on Wednesday after water quality was deemed acceptable.The weather during the Paris Games has been unpredictable, with extreme heat and heavy rainfall. The torrential rain during the opening ceremony caused significant disruptions and raised concerns about the impact on outdoor events.Organizers are closely monitoring the water quality in the Seine and will make further decisions on training and competition schedules as necessary. The health and safety of athletes remains the top priority, and they will not hesitate to cancel or postpone events if the water quality is deemed unsafe.

American gymnastics legend Simone Biles has once again etched her name in the annals of Olympic history, reclaiming the all-around title at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Friday. The 27-year-old, who previously won gold in the same event at the Rio Olympics in 2016, became the first woman to regain the Olympic all-around title.Biles' triumph was a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After withdrawing from most of her events in Tokyo three years ago due to a debilitating condition known as the "twisties," she returned to the Olympic stage with a renewed sense of purpose.Her performance in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. She opened with an electrifying floor routine to Taylor Swift's hit song "Ready for It?," captivating the crowd at the Bercy Arena. Her flawless execution and gravity-defying moves earned her a standing ovation.Biles' dominance continued throughout the competition. She displayed her exceptional skills on the vault, uneven bars, and balance beam, consistently scoring high marks. Her compatriot, Sunisa Lee, who won the title in Tokyo after Biles' withdrawal, could only claim a bronze medal this time around. Brazil's Rebeca Andrade took home the silver.This victory marks Biles' second gold medal of the Paris Games and her sixth Olympic gold overall. She has already led the United States to women's team gold this week, solidifying her status as the most decorated athlete in her sport.Biles' success is not only a testament to her athletic prowess but also to her mental fortitude. She has openly discussed her struggles with mental health and has become an advocate for athletes' well-being."Three years ago, I never thought I'd step on a gymnastics court again," Biles said after her victory. "But I worked hard, mentally and physically, even saw my therapist this morning, just making sure I'm mentally well."Biles' triumph is an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. It demonstrates that even after setbacks and challenges, it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Indian rower Balraj Panwar's Olympic debut came to an end with a fifth-place finish in the men's singles sculls final D at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Panwar clocked 7:02.37 to rank fifth in the classification event, finishing 23rd overall.Panwar's journey to the Olympics was marked by determination and perseverance. Despite taking up rowing only four years ago, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning a Paris 2024 quota by winning a bronze medal at the Asian and Oceanian Rowing Olympic Qualification Regatta in April 2023.At the Games, Panwar displayed his resilience and skill. He finished fourth in the first heat and second in the second repechage rounds, showcasing his ability to adapt and compete at the highest level. However, his medal hopes were dashed in the quarterfinals, where he finished fifth with a time of 7:05.10.Despite not reaching the podium, Panwar's performance is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He narrowly missed out on India's best finish in rowing at the Olympics, which currently belongs to the men's lightweight double sculls duo of Arjun Lal Jat and Arvind Singh, who finished 11th at Tokyo 2020.Panwar's journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes. His rapid rise in the sport demonstrates that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. As India continues to develop its rowing program, Panwar's performance serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of rowers.

India's dismal performance at the Sydney Olympics, with only a single medal, served as a catalyst for the Indian Army's establishment of Mission Olympics Win. This program, designed to nurture Olympic medalists, inadvertently led to Brigadier (Dr.) Bibhu Nayak's full-time involvement in sports.Dr. Nayak's passion for sports ignited while assisting athletes as part of an Army medical team. His subsequent training in Cuba and postings at the Army Sports Institute and Indian boxing team honed his expertise in sports science. In 2009, he joined the Indian hockey team, where he remained until 2014.Today, as the Director of the National Centre for Sports Sciences and Research at the Sports Authority of India, Dr. Nayak is part of the Indian Olympic Association's medical team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. As the former FIH chairman for health and safety, he oversees the recovery room established exclusively for Indian athletes within the Olympic Village.Dr. Nayak played a pivotal role in budgeting and acquiring recovery and rehab equipment for the recovery room, including ice baths, sleep pods, and Game Ready cryo-compression and contrast therapy units. The Indian embassy in Paris facilitated the procurement of equipment, with Air Commodore Prashant Arya, air attaché, coordinating with local vendors."After the Games, two sleep pods will be allocated to the SAI Bengaluru campus, and one to SAI Patiala," said Dr. Nayak, who is attending his fourth Olympics.Dr. Nayak's journey from Army doctor to sports scientist to Olympic medical team member exemplifies the transformative power of sports and the unwavering commitment of individuals like him to the pursuit of excellence.