Others

Swapnil Kusale, a 28-year-old Indian shooter, has qualified for the final of the 50m rifle three positions event at the Paris Olympics. This is his second major final after the 2022 World Championships, where he finished fourth.Kusale's qualification score of 590 included 38 hits to the inner ring, demonstrating his accuracy and consistency. He will be hoping to break the jinx of finishing fourth in major competitions and secure a medal for India.The rifle three positions event tests the endurance and technique of shooters, requiring them to shoot from kneeling, prone, and standing positions. Kusale has worked on his game since his disappointing performance at the World Championships and Asian Games, focusing on developing a strong mind and maintaining confidence.His coach, Deepali Deshpande, praised Kusale's accuracy and patience during the qualification round. She believes that his maturity and ability to handle pressure will serve him well in the final.Kusale's qualification for the final is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has come a long way since winning his first senior national title in 2015 and has consistently performed at the international level.

Ace Indian archer Deepika Kumari has advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the women's individual event at the Olympic Games in Paris. Her impressive performance on Wednesday saw her emerge victorious in two consecutive matches.In her first match, Deepika faced a tough challenge from Reena Parnat of Estonia. The match went down to a shoot-off, where Deepika's nerves held strong as she secured a 9-8 victory.The second match against Quinty Roeffen of the Netherlands proved to be less challenging for Deepika. She dominated the match, winning 6-2. Deepika's consistent shooting and her opponent's occasional errors contributed to her success.Deepika's next hurdle will be Michelle Kroppen of Germany in the pre-quarterfinals on Saturday. The German archer is a formidable opponent, but Deepika's recent form suggests that she is well-prepared for the challenge.Deepika's journey to the pre-quarterfinals has been a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite a disappointing performance in the team event, she has bounced back with two impressive victories. Her ability to perform under pressure and her unwavering focus have been key to her success.As Deepika continues her quest for an Olympic medal, she will be hoping to maintain her momentum and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Her performance in the pre-quarterfinals will be crucial in determining her chances of reaching the podium.

China's table tennis world number one Wang Chuqin suffered a shocking defeat in the men's Olympic singles on Wednesday, a day after having his bat broken. The incident occurred after Wang won mixed doubles gold on Tuesday in Paris, but his elation quickly turned to anger when a photographer accidentally snapped his bat while jostling to take a picture.Less than 24 hours later, Wang went out in the round of 32 of the singles after a 4-2 defeat to Truls Moregard of Sweden. The 26th-ranked Moregard sank to the floor in disbelief and put his hands on his head, before doing a tour of the crowd, who rose in appreciation after roaring on the underdog throughout.It capped a mixed couple of days for Wang, 24. With his playing partner Sun Yingsha, they beat North Korea in the mixed doubles final, but Wang admitted he "lost control of my emotions a little" after his bat was broken. A familiar bat and its grip can be of vital importance to table tennis players.Wang, however, refused to blame his replacement bat for his stunning defeat to the unheralded Moregard, 22. "It didn't really have an influence on the match," he told AFP. "It was just that my opponent played really, really well."Wang will next compete in the men's team event. The triumphant Moregard said he "had a feeling I could beat him today", having never done so before in eight previous attempts. "I've almost never taken a set against Wang so it's crazy to win here at the Olympics," the Swede, into the last 16 for the first time, told AFP.Moregard, who is coached by his older brother Malte, said Wang was not at his best -- but said it had nothing to do with the Chinese player's bat. "I think you have 10 rackets at least and 500 rubbers here, so it doesn't matter if you lose your bat. I mean, I don't know which one is my first or third, so it doesn't matter," he said.Wang may have lost, but China remains the undoubted superpower of table tennis, having won 32 of the 37 available golds since it became an Olympic sport.

American swimmer Ryan Murphy experienced an unforgettable moment at the Paris 2024 Olympics when his pregnant wife, Bridget Konttinen, surprised him with a gender reveal after he won bronze in the men's 100m backstroke.Murphy's bronze medal marked his seventh Olympic medal overall, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated Olympic athletes of all time. He is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and the former world-record holder in the men's 100-meter backstroke.As Murphy stood on the podium, his wife, who was present in the stands, held up a handwritten sign that read, "Ryan it's a girl!" The heartwarming moment was captured on camera and shared widely on social media.Murphy's bronze medal was a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. He is currently attempting a once-in-a-lifetime feat of becoming the first male swimmer to medal in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events in three consecutive Olympics.The gender reveal was an unexpected and joyous addition to Murphy's Olympic experience. It served as a reminder that even in the midst of intense competition, life's most precious moments can bring immeasurable happiness.Murphy's victory and the subsequent gender reveal were met with widespread praise and congratulations from fellow athletes, fans, and the swimming community. The moment was hailed as a testament to the power of sports to create unforgettable memories and inspire others.

Simone Biles, the legendary gymnast, led the United States to a resounding victory in the women's gymnastics team final at the Paris Olympics, exorcising the demons of Tokyo and claiming her fifth career Olympic gold medal.Three years after a mental block derailed her performance in Tokyo, Biles and her teammates Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Sunisa Lee dominated the competition from start to finish, reclaiming gold ahead of Italy and Brazil.Biles electrified the crowd with a gravity-defying floor routine that showcased her signature skills, including a double back flip with a half twist and the "triple-double" of two back flips with three twists. The United States posted the highest score on all four apparatus, amassing a total of 171.296 points and a commanding 5.802-point margin over Italy.For Biles, this victory marked a triumphant return to the Olympic summit after a two-year hiatus during which she prioritized her mental health. Lee, the reigning all-around champion, has since overcome two career-threatening kidney ailments."Simone was glad it was over for today," said coach Cecile Landi. "The whole team hasn't been easy, it's had its ups and downs, so to make it happen was just a relief."Biles now holds the record for the most Olympic medals in gymnastics history, with eight. Her performance was witnessed by a star-studded audience that included Serena Williams, Nicole Kidman, and Bill Gates.The United States' victory was especially poignant for the quartet of gymnasts who had also competed in Tokyo. It was a testament to their resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

Manu Bhaker's Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. In Tokyo 2020, a technical glitch with her pistol shattered her dreams of reaching the final. Three years later, Bhaker has not only redeemed herself but has also become the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics since the nation's independence.In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Bhaker reflected on her remarkable achievement. "Victory cannot teach you what defeat teaches you," she said. "From Tokyo, the journey has been full of ups and downs. I've tried my best in performing in all the competitions, but sometimes you just can't keep up."Bhaker's success is a testament to her unwavering determination and the guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana. "The planning part was definitely entirely Jaspal sir's programme," she said. "He planned it according to if my shoulder is in good shape. I always look at him whenever I lack courage or I want to feel more confident."Confidence is crucial in major competitions, and Bhaker credits her family, friends, and training environment for instilling it in her. "When you come to a major Games, confidence plays a huge part," she said. "It comes from the roots, from my family, from my friends, from the atmosphere I trained in the last two-three years, and from my coach."Bhaker's journey at Paris 2024 may not be over yet. She is set to participate in the 25m air pistol events, where she will aim to add to her medal tally. Her achievements have already made her a role model for aspiring shooters and a source of pride for India.

Aditi Ashok, India's top female golfer, is gearing up for her third Olympic Games in Paris. Having competed in two previous Olympics, she is determined to make the most of this opportunity.Ashok's journey to the Olympics began at the age of 14 when she set her sights on Rio 2016. She worked tirelessly to improve her amateur ranking and secure sponsor invites to professional events. In Rio, she finished 41st despite being only 18 years old and having limited professional experience.In Tokyo 2020, Ashok showcased her maturity and skill, finishing fourth and narrowly missing out on a medal. This performance gave her immense confidence and proved that she could compete with the world's best.Heading into Paris 2024, Ashok is focused on her driving, which she believes is key to her success. She has been working on improving her speed and accuracy off the tee. Despite the pressure of expectations, Ashok remains composed and focused on her game plan.Ashok is excited to compete at Le Golf National, the storied venue for the Paris Olympics. She believes the course's open layout and potential for windy conditions will provide a challenging but enjoyable experience.Reflecting on her previous Olympic experiences, Ashok emphasizes the importance of staying present and committed to every shot. She believes her game is strong enough to keep her in contention and is eager to make the most of this opportunity.

Team USA's Olympic medal count may be impressive, but the absence of gold medals on day three has raised concerns. Despite three golds on day two, the team dropped to sixth place in the medal tally after day three.However, Team USA's athletes showcased their talent with six bronze and two silver medals on day three. Swimming accounted for four medals, including a silver for Katie Grimes and bronzes for Emma Weyant, Luke Hobson, and Ryan Murphy.Skateboarding also brought success, with Jagger Eaton and Nyjah Huston claiming silver and bronze respectively. Nick Itkin added a bronze in Fencing. Notably, the men's gymnastics team secured a bronze medal, their first in 16 years.Despite the lack of gold on day three, Team USA's prospects remain bright with upcoming events in women's gymnastics, basketball, and track and field.The women's basketball team, aiming for its eighth gold medal, boasts a star-studded roster including Diana Taurasi, A'ja Wilson, and Kelsey Plum. They defeated Japan on day two, led by Wilson and Breanna Stewart.The men's basketball team, featuring Stephen Curry and Lebron James, is also a medal contender. After a disappointing exit in the 2023 FIBA Championship, they defeated Serbia in their opening game, with Kevin Durant and James leading the scoring.Both basketball teams are favorites for gold, and their performances will be crucial in determining Team USA's overall medal count.

Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by competing in the round of 16 of her event while seven months pregnant. The 26-year-old's remarkable achievement highlights the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood and elite sports.Hafez's journey to the Olympics began in 2014 when she joined the Egyptian National Senior Women's Sabre Fencing Team. In 2015, she claimed her first victory at the Egyptian Senior Women's Sabre National Republic Competition. Her Olympic debut came at the 2016 Rio Games, where she qualified through the African zonal qualification.In 2021, Hafez secured a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous accolades, including a silver medal at the 2018 African Zonal Championship and bronze medals in 2014 and 2019. She also claimed a bronze medal at the Belgium Tournoi satellite.The Paris Games held special significance for Hafez, who was already a three-time Olympian. "This specific Olympics was different," she said. "Three times *Olympian* but this time carrying a little Olympian one!"Hafez's pregnancy presented both physical and emotional challenges. "The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life & sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it," she said.Despite the challenges, Hafez remained determined to compete at the highest level. She won her first match 15-13 against USA's Elizabeth Tartakovsky but was eventually knocked out in the round of 16 by South Korea's Jeon Hayoung.Hafez's achievement is a testament to her resilience and dedication. She has inspired countless women around the world by demonstrating that it is possible to pursue both motherhood and elite sports.