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Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who made history by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, has found herself embroiled in a controversial storm. Allegations of her being a "biological male" have resurfaced, prompting Khelif to consider legal action against a French journalist who published an unverified report.During an appearance on Italian television, Khelif expressed her dismay over the unfounded claims and the impact they have had on her life. She revealed that she was unaware of Italian President Giorgia Meloni's comments on the matter but noted that several world leaders had weighed in without any concrete evidence."We will meet with the French journalist in court," Khelif declared, determined to clear her name. She also spoke about the toll the controversy has taken on her and her family, particularly the barrage of fake images and negative social media attention."The war against me through social media has had a negative impact," Khelif said. "We need to understand who the people are who have done these things. Those who have done it are not people of substance."Despite the challenges, Khelif remains resolute in her pursuit of success. She believes that the adversity she has faced has only strengthened her determination. "Any person who is exposed to this bullying and hatred finds it more difficult to win," she said. "But I have learned a lot from this experience. The more a person desires success, the easier it is to achieve it."The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that Khelif is taking legal action over the leaked medical records that have fueled the controversy. The IOC possesses the necessary tools to make an informed decision on the matter.

The Indian hockey team's recent Olympic success has dispelled the notion that they concede late goals, according to legendary hockey player Zafar Iqbal. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side has emerged as a formidable force in all aspects of the game, he believes.Iqbal, a gold medalist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and captain of the 1982 Asian Games silver-winning Indian team, is optimistic about the sport's resurgence in India following the bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris."The general impression before was that India is a team that concedes goals late in games, but that has changed now," Iqbal said. "We are one of the best teams in the world in all aspects."Iqbal recalls the immense popularity of hockey in his era, with events like the Nehru Gold Cup and Asian Games drawing large crowds. He hopes that the recent Olympic success will reignite the passion for the sport in the country.The upcoming India vs. Germany matches at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on October 23 and 24 have generated excitement among hockey enthusiasts. Iqbal believes that Germany is a tough opponent, but he is confident that the Indians will be motivated to perform well."The facilities are top-notch, and I am sure the game will be filled with riveting action," he added. "I would like to take this opportunity to invite hockey fans to turn up in numbers to support our team."Another hockey legend, Harbinder Singh, is equally upbeat about the return of big matches to the national capital. He recalls playing for the national team at Shivaji Stadium in 1972, where the stadium was packed to capacity."I believe a lot of fans will turn up to cheer for India and Germany as well," said Singh, a gold winner at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and bronze medalist at the 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Games. "They will be witnessing a high-level international match after a decade after all."With the matches against Olympic silver winners Germany, international hockey is returning to New Delhi after a decade. The last time India played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was during the Hockey World League Final Men's Round 4 in January 2014.Last year, Chennai hosted the Men's Asian Champions Trophy, while Ranchi organized the Women's Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier. In November 2024, Rajgir, a city in Bihar, will host the Women's Asian Champions Trophy.India's Olympic hockey medals are a testament to the country's rich history in the sport. The team clinched its first-ever Olympic gold medal in 1928, paving the way for many more triumphs in subsequent Olympics. Dhyan Chand emerged as the star with 15 goals.Singh believes that high-profile matches should be hosted at various venues across the country, giving people from all regions a chance to witness the team live in action and grow the following for the sport.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has made startling revelations about her meeting with PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympics Association (IOA), following her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to a failed weigh-in.Phogat, who was admitted to a poly-clinic in the Olympics village after falling ill, claims that PT Usha's visit and subsequent social media post were insincere and exploitative. She alleges that Usha did not offer any meaningful support during her time of distress."I don't know what support I got there," Phogat said in an interview with a local news channel. "PT Usha madam visited me at the hospital. One photo was clicked... Like you said, in politics a lot happens behind closed doors. Similarly, politics happened there (in Paris) as well. That's why I was heartbroken."Phogat, who recently joined the Indian National Congress, expressed her disappointment with Usha's decision to share the photo on social media, claiming that it was a mere publicity stunt."You are on a hospital bed, where you don't know what's happening in life outside, you are going through one of the worst phases of your life. At that place, just to show everyone you are standing with me, aap bina bataye photo kheench rahe ho, fir social media pe daal ke bol rahe ho hum saath mein khade hain (clicked a photo without telling me and then putting it on social media to say you are standing with me)," Phogat said."That's not how you show support (pretending to). What was it more than (posturing)!"Phogat's allegations have raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the IOA and its leadership. Her claims have also sparked a debate about the treatment of athletes in India, particularly those who face setbacks or controversies.

Star Indian shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by winning two medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, recently met with legendary boxer and former Olympian Mary Kom. Bhaker, who secured bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event, is currently taking a break from shooting to recover from an injury.During their meeting, Bhaker and Kom shared their experiences at the Olympics and discussed the challenges and triumphs they faced. Bhaker also expressed her admiration for Kom's achievements, including her bronze medal in boxing at the London Olympics 2012.In a heartwarming gesture, Bhaker requested Kom to plan a workout session with her. "It was great catching up with you didi @mcmary.kom, and talking about the Olympics and more... Thank you for your wishes and blessings and let's plan a workout session soon!" Bhaker wrote on Instagram.Meanwhile, Mary Kom, an eight-time world champion, was initially appointed as India's Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics. However, she had to step down due to personal commitments. "I consider it an honor to serve my country in every way possible, and I was mentally prepared for it. However, I regret that I will not be able to uphold the prestigious responsibility and would like to resign, owing to personal reasons," Kom stated in a letter to IOA President PT Usha.Despite her absence as Chef-de-Mission, Kom expressed her support for the Indian athletes competing in Paris. "I am there to cheer on my country and the athletes competing in this Olympic Games, with great expectations," she added.Manu Bhaker's performance at the Paris Olympics was remarkable, as she became the first Indian athlete to win multiple individual medals at the Games. Her bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team event showcased her exceptional talent and determination. She also came close to winning a third bronze in 25m pistol, finishing a creditable fourth.Bhaker's achievements have inspired countless young shooters in India and have cemented her place as one of the country's most promising athletes. Her meeting with Mary Kom, a true icon of Indian sports, is a testament to the camaraderie and support that exists within the Indian sporting community.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024 was marred by a persistent controversy surrounding her gender. Despite winning the gold medal in the women's 66kg category, Khelif faced relentless scrutiny and accusations of being transgender.The debate over Khelif's gender intensified with each victory, casting a shadow over her remarkable achievement. However, the pugilist remained unyielding, refusing to let the criticism derail her performance. Her determination culminated in the coveted gold medal, a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit.The gender row surrounding Khelif has sparked a broader discussion about the complexities of gender identity in sports. Indian actress Taapsee Pannu, who portrayed a female athlete facing similar challenges in the film 'Rashmi Rocket,' weighed in on the debate.Pannu emphasized that athletes should not be penalized for naturally occurring hormonal differences. She argued that many athletes possess biological advantages, such as Usain Bolt's exceptional speed or Michael Phelps's extraordinary lung capacity, without facing disqualification."It's not in my control what my hormones are," Pannu said. "If she [Khelif] has taken injections for this particular competition, then, of course, it should be illegal and she should be banned. But if she is not, then by something that is not in her control, you've banned her."Pannu's comments resonated with many who believe that gender verification tests in sports are discriminatory and unfair. They argue that such tests perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create an environment where athletes are forced to prove their worthiness based on arbitrary standards.The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif has brought to light the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to gender in sports. It is essential to recognize that gender identity is a complex and multifaceted issue, and that athletes should be celebrated for their achievements regardless of their biological makeup.

Manu Bhaker, India's pistol shooting sensation, made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian athlete since independence to win two medals in a single Games. Her bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events cemented her status as a global star.However, Bhaker's post-Olympic journey has been marked by both adulation and controversy. While she has received widespread praise for her achievements, she has also faced uncomfortable questions from the media.At a recent event in Chennai, Bhaker was confronted with questions about wrestler Vinesh Phogat's controversial comments and her alleged conversation with javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. The questions left Bhaker visibly uncomfortable, and she abruptly left the event without answering.Beyond the media scrutiny, Bhaker has also encountered legal issues related to unauthorized use of her image. Several brands have used her photos in congratulatory advertisements without her consent. Bhaker's team has sent legal notices to these brands, emphasizing that they have no right to use her image without her permission.This issue is not unique to Bhaker. Other Indian athletes who participated in the Paris Games have also faced similar problems with non-associated brands using their images for commercial purposes."Brands that do not sponsor our athletes cannot legally use their images in advertisements," said a spokesperson from Baseline Ventures, which represents several Indian athletes. "If they do, we will take strict legal action."Bhaker's case highlights the importance of protecting athletes' rights and ensuring that their images are used ethically and with their consent. As Indian athletes continue to achieve success on the global stage, it is crucial that their rights are respected and that they are not exploited for commercial gain.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting sensation who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, is making the most of her time off by indulging in her hobbies and spending quality time with her family.During the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Bhaker shared glimpses of her celebrations on social media. She posted a picture with her brother, symbolizing the traditional ritual of siblings blessing each other with gifts.In another Instagram story, Bhaker showcased her culinary skills, hilariously captioning it as "making the right use of my holidays with classes from my mother."Beyond her shooting prowess, Bhaker has revealed her passion for martial arts. She plans to dedicate her time off to practicing this discipline, which she pursued as a teenager before transitioning to shooting."Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again," Bhaker told PTI. "I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that. Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies."Bhaker's hobbies extend beyond martial arts to include horse riding, skating, fitness, and dance. She is particularly fond of Bharatnatyam, a classical Indian dance form."I was training in France, I wasn't able to get time, not able to cope up with the (Bharatnatyam) classes," said Bhaker, whose trainer is from Tamil Nadu.Bhaker's diverse interests and dedication to her hobbies demonstrate her well-rounded personality and her commitment to personal growth beyond her sporting achievements.

Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin, who captured hearts at the Paris Olympics 2024 with her heartwarming medal-biting moment, has returned home to a new viral sensation. The 18-year-old silver medalist in the balance beam event has been spotted helping her parents serve food at their local restaurant in Hengyang, Hunan province.Zhou's Olympic journey began at the tender age of three when she discovered her passion for gymnastics. Specializing in the balance beam, she quickly rose through the ranks, winning an individual gold in the Chinese Championships in 2020. Her senior-level achievements include gold medals at the National Games of China and the World Championships.At the Paris Olympics, Zhou made history by qualifying ahead of legendary gymnast Simone Biles in the balance beam event. She went on to secure a silver medal with a total score of 14.100, just behind Italy's Alice D'Amato. Zhou's performance was particularly impressive as she outscored Biles, who finished outside the podium in fifth place.Zhou's Olympic moment of fame came after the medal ceremony when she was captured on camera trying to bite her silver medal, mimicking the actions of the Italian gymnasts who had done so before her. The wholesome moment went viral on social media, endearing Zhou to fans worldwide.Now, back home in Hengyang, Zhou has traded her Olympic uniform for an apron, helping her parents run their restaurant. In a heartwarming gesture, she has been serving food to customers in her Olympic uniform, promoting the family business and inspiring her community.Zhou's story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to achieve Olympic success. It also highlights the importance of family and community support in the lives of athletes. As she continues her gymnastics career, Zhou Yaqin remains an inspiration to young athletes and a symbol of the Olympic spirit.

India's Disappointing Performance at Paris Olympics 2024 Raises ConcernsIndia's performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024 has left many disappointed, including Mahindra Group founder Anand Mahindra. Despite the government's significant investment in sports infrastructure and incentives, India finished a lowly 71st in the medals tally with just six medals (five bronze and one silver). Pakistan, on the other hand, finished ahead with a single gold medal in men's javelin throw.Mahindra expressed his distress over India's poor showing, stating that he had "run out of thoughts and [was] confused" about what needed to be done to improve the country's performance. He acknowledged the efforts of the government and private sector in promoting sports, but questioned why India was still struggling to produce world-class athletes in Olympic sports.One of India's biggest medal hopes was javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had won gold at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. However, Chopra failed to repeat his success in Paris, finishing behind Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who set a Games record with a 92.97m throw. Nadeem's victory marked Pakistan's first individual gold medal at the Olympics.Mahindra highlighted the need to identify and nurture young talent, providing them with the necessary support and resources to excel at the highest level. He also emphasized the importance of a strong grassroots sports culture, where children are encouraged to participate in sports from a young age.The Indian contingent had several athletes who finished fourth in their respective events, narrowly missing out on medals. This suggests that India has the potential to improve its performance, but needs to address the factors that are preventing its athletes from reaching the podium.