Others

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been marred by controversy after a leaked medical report revealed that she is biologically male. The report, obtained by French journalist Djaffar Ait Aoudia, confirms that Khelif has internal testicles, XY chromosomes, and a micropenis, indicating a condition known as 5-alpha reductase insufficiency.Khelif's eligibility for the women's 66kg category was questioned throughout the Olympics, with many accusing her of being a biological man. Despite these concerns, she went on to secure a gold medal, sparking outrage among some athletes and commentators.The leaked medical report has reignited the debate over transgender athletes in sports. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh took to social media to demand that the gold medal be revoked, while US presidential candidate Donald Trump used Khelif's case to criticize the Biden-Harris administration's gender-ad sports policy.In 2023, the International Boxing Association (IBA) banned Khelif from participating in the World Championship Gold Medal fight in New Delhi due to concerns about her eligibility. The controversy has also raised questions about the fairness of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, with some arguing that it gives them an unfair advantage.The leaked medical report has further fueled these concerns, as it provides concrete evidence of Khelif's biological sex. The report has also raised questions about the accuracy of the gender verification tests used by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).The IOC has stated that it will investigate the matter and take appropriate action if necessary. However, the controversy is likely to continue, as it highlights the complex and sensitive issue of transgender athletes in sports.

New Delhi: The Indian men's hockey team's homecoming to the national capital was a disappointing one as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Germany in the first of two bilateral matches on Wednesday. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, hosting an international game after a decade, witnessed a crowd of nearly 10,000 on a weekday afternoon, eager to witness a competitive clash between two Paris Olympics medal contenders. However, the Indian team's performance left much to be desired.The hosts started brightly but ominous signs were evident from the outset. A visible lack of energy and intent plagued the Indian team, while the Germans, with their characteristic efficiency, capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 4th minute. Henrik Mertgens, one of three debutants in the German side, scored the opening goal off a counter-attack.Germany could have doubled their lead four minutes later, but a penalty corner was overturned after a referral, resulting in a penalty corner for India instead. However, Varun Kumar failed to keep his balance, and Sukhjit hit the rebound wide. Just 14 seconds before halftime, Germany earned their first penalty corner, and captain Lucas Windfeder made no mistake, slotting it past Suraj Karkera to extend the lead to 2-0.India had ample opportunities but failed to capitalize. Seven penalty corners, a penalty stroke, and several half-chances went begging. Varun, Amit Rohidas, and Sanjay were experimented with during penalty corners, suggesting that coach Craig Fulton is looking to develop a battery of drag-flickers instead of relying solely on Harmanpreet Singh. The captain himself had an off day. A penalty stroke, awarded after Germany appealed against Dilpreet Singh's opportunistic tap-in in the 27th minute, saw Harmanpreet's weak push saved by Joshua Nnaji Onyekwue, despite the German Junior World Cup winner diving to the wrong side.Onyekwue was impressive throughout, making several saves to keep the Indian attack at bay. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Germany maintaining their defensive dominance and preventing India from scoring.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has strongly criticized former wrestler Vinesh Phogat for blaming the association for her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Usha asserted that the responsibility lies with Phogat's team, not the IOA.Phogat, who recently entered politics and won her debut election in Haryana, had accused the IOA of mishandling her disqualification. However, Usha refuted these claims, stating that the IOA had provided Phogat with all the necessary support."She was a sportsperson. She should carry the qualities of a sportsman," Usha said. "We all wanted medals from her. After meeting her, we went to the World Wrestling Federation president to protest. They said, 'rules are rules.'"Usha emphasized that Phogat's team was aware of the weight regulations and should have taken appropriate measures to ensure compliance. "For us, it's new, only 100 gms, but for them it is not new. This had happened earlier as well so she should know what to do, and how to tackle it," Usha said.Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg category women's freestyle final for being 100 gm overweight in the second weigh-in. She challenged the verdict in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but was unsuccessful.Usha expressed disappointment that Phogat had chosen to criticize the IOA instead of acknowledging her own team's shortcomings. "It is not our or our sport science doctor's fault, it is her and her team's fault but still, she criticises us," Usha said.Phogat's disqualification ended her hopes of becoming the first woman Indian wrestler to win silver or gold in the Olympics. She announced her retirement from the sport shortly after the incident.

Swapnil Kusale's father, Suresh Kusale, has expressed disappointment over the Maharashtra government's prize money of Rs 2 crore for his son's bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. He believes the amount is insufficient compared to the rewards given by other states like Haryana.Suresh Kusale claims that Haryana offers Rs 5 crore to its Olympic medalists, regardless of the medal's color. He questions why Maharashtra has established a prize money structure that does not adequately recognize the rarity of an Olympic medal from the state.He points out that Swapnil is only the second individual Olympic medalist from Maharashtra in 72 years, after wrestler K D Jadhav in 1952. He argues that such a rare achievement deserves a more substantial reward.Suresh Kusale also criticizes the government's decision to award Rs 5 crore to gold medalists, Rs 3 crore to silver medalists, and Rs 2 crore to bronze medalists. He believes this criteria is unfair, as it does not account for the fact that only a handful of athletes from Maharashtra have won individual Olympic medals.He suggests that the government should consider naming the 50-meter-three-position rifle shooting arena at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex in Balewadi after his son. He also demands a flat near the stadium for Swapnil's convenience in training.Suresh Kusale's concerns highlight the need for a more equitable and merit-based approach to rewarding Olympic medalists in Maharashtra. He believes that the state should recognize the exceptional achievements of its athletes and provide them with the support they need to continue their success.

The Indian hockey team has been on a steady upward trajectory since their bronze medal triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Their impressive performance continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they reached the semi-finals before falling short. However, they bounced back in the bronze medal match, defeating Spain 2-1 to secure a podium finish.The team's success continued at the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy, where they emerged victorious after defeating China in the final. This victory further solidified their position as a rising force in international hockey.Hardik Singh, a key member of the Indian squad, recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality of the Olympic medal. "We were told the medal had iron from the Eiffel Tower, but I hope that's true," he said. "They had one job, which was to make a good quality medal, but that's not the case."Despite his disappointment with the medal, Singh remains proud of his achievement. "This is still my biggest achievement," he said. "I have a tattoo of the Olympic rings, but I've kept it incomplete. My wish is to complete it when I win the gold medal next time."Singh also shared an anecdote about an encounter with social media personality Dolly Chaiwala at an airport. "I saw it with my own eyes," he said. "People were getting themselves clicked with him and didn't recognize us. We started looking at each other, feeling awkward."This incident highlights the growing popularity of internet stars and the potential for them to overshadow athletes who have achieved significant accomplishments.As the Indian hockey team looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, they will be determined to continue their upward trajectory and challenge for the gold medal. With their current form and determination, they have the potential to make history and bring home the ultimate prize.

Vinesh Phogat, a former Indian wrestler, has once again faced accusations of omitting her uncle Mahavir Phogat's name from her "thank you" note following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat qualified for the 50kg final but was disqualified for being 100gm overweight before the match.In a conversation on 'Top Angle With Sushant Sinha,' Babita Phogat, Mahavir Phogat's daughter and a former Indian wrestler, expressed her disappointment over Vinesh's omission. She revealed that Mahavir had fought tirelessly to preserve Vinesh's career and accused her cousin of ingratitude."I have seen my father cry just three times in my life. First, when me and my sisters got married. Second, when my uncle died and third, when Vinesh got disqualified from the Olympics," Babita said. "When my uncle died, Vinesh and both of her siblings suddenly quit wrestling. My father went to their house and fought with their mother to get them back to wrestling. Imagine how much he has worked to make Vinesh. But she thanked everyone except for that guru."The National Anti-Doping Authority (NADA) has also served a notice to Vinesh Phogat for a whereabouts failure. A team was sent to collect a urine sample from Phogat, who missed a medal in the Paris Olympics due to her disqualification, but she was not available at her residence.Vinesh Phogat, who made history by becoming the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the final of the Women's 50kg category in Paris, has been asked to respond to the notice within 14 days.The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about Vinesh Phogat's relationship with her family and her gratitude towards those who have supported her career.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is set for a contentious executive council meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, with members adding several contentious items to the agenda. The meeting comes amid escalating tensions between IOA president PT Usha and treasurer Sahdev Yadav.One of the key issues on the agenda is the alleged "threatening letters" issued by Usha to executive committee members. The council will also discuss the scope of Usha's powers under the IOA Constitution and consider reporting her conduct to the IOA Ethics Commission.The meeting will also address issues related to the recent Paris Olympics, including sponsorship details, additional expenses incurred, and the accreditation process. The selection of Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) in November 2022 and their participation in IOA elections will also be discussed.The meeting was called by 12 council members, including senior vice president Ajay Patel, vice-president Rajalaxmi Singh Deo, and former Olympic medallist Gagan Narang. Notably, boxer M C Mary Kom and table tennis player A Sharath Kamal, who are on the IOA athletes commission, did not sign the document.The growing tensions between Usha and Yadav stem from a show cause notice issued by Usha to Yadav, challenging his eligibility to hold the post of treasurer. Yadav has threatened legal action against Usha for "defaming" his image.The IOA meeting is expected to be heated, with members likely to express their concerns and seek clarification on various issues. The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for the future of the IOA and its leadership.

French swimming sensation Leon Marchand has become a national icon after his record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics. His unprecedented feat of winning all four of his individual races has catapulted him to stardom, but it has also brought unexpected challenges.Marchand's newfound fame has forced him to adjust his lifestyle. "I'm going to lose a little freedom and spontaneity because I can't go out to restaurants like I used to anymore," he said. "I need to organize myself a little more. I can't do my shopping alone. I wear a cap and glasses. I try to hide a little."Despite the occasional inconvenience, Marchand is grateful for the recognition he has received. "When people do stop me in the street, it's to say 'thank you'. That's kind and I take it to my heart," he said.Marchand's success has also had a positive impact on France as a whole. "France has changed and I hope it will last," he said. "Sport is something quite special. It conveys an emotion that you can't have anywhere else and the French realized this. We must continue to celebrate athletes, try to put more resources into infrastructure, more sport in schools."Marchand's Olympic triumph has not only transformed his own life but has also inspired a wave of optimism in his country. His story is a testament to the power of sport to unite and uplift a nation.

India's hockey stars, Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, have been nominated for the prestigious FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards, respectively. The nominations recognize their exceptional performances in leading India to a bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics.Harmanpreet, the team's captain, was a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament. His 10 goals made him the highest scorer, showcasing his remarkable drag-flicking skills. He will face stiff competition from Thierry Brinkman (Netherlands), Joep de Mol (Netherlands), Hannes Müller (Germany), and Zach Wallace (England) for the Player of the Year award.Sreejesh, a veteran goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in India's success. His resolute defense, particularly in the quarterfinal against Great Britain when India was reduced to 10 men, was crucial in securing the team's victory. He will compete against Pirmin Blaak (Netherlands), Luis Calzado (Spain), Jean-Paul Danneberg (Germany), and Tomas Santiago (Argentina) for the Goalkeeper of the Year honor.The FIH Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards are highly coveted accolades in the hockey world. The nominees were selected by an Expert Panel composed of players, coaches, and officials from each Continental Federation. The voting process will remain open until October 11, with national associations, fans, players, coaches, officials, and media having a say in determining the winners.The nominations of Harmanpreet and Sreejesh are a testament to the resurgence of Indian hockey. Their performances have inspired a new generation of players and brought the sport back into the limelight. The awards ceremony will be held in November, where the winners will be announced and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the game.