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The 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled for July 26-August 11, promises to be a spectacle like no other. For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony will not take place in a stadium but will instead embark on a captivating journey along the iconic Seine River.Over 200 delegations of athletes will grace the river in an armada of boats, traversing six kilometers before reaching the Pont d'Lena near the Eiffel Tower. The culmination of the ceremony will unfold at the Champions Park, a temporary stadium erected in front of the Trocadero by the Eiffel Tower. French President Emmanuel Macron will officially declare the Games open, marking the commencement of the sporting extravaganza.The Paris Olympics will feature a diverse array of venues, each offering a unique backdrop for the athletes' performances. From the historic Chateau de Versailles to the modern Paris La Defense Arena, the venues will showcase the city's architectural heritage and provide a memorable setting for the competitions.The 3x3 Basketball tournament will take place at La Concorde, while Artistic Swimming will be held at the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis. Artistic Gymnastics will grace the Bercy Arena in Paris, and Athletics will be spread across multiple locations, including the Hotel de Ville, Invalides, Stade de France, and Trocadero.Archery will be contested at the Invalides, and Badminton will be played at the Porte De La Chapelle Arena. Basketball will be divided between the Bercy Arena and Pierre Mauroy Stadium, while Beach Volleyball will take center stage at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.Boxing will be held at the North Paris Arena and Stade Roland Garros, and Breaking will make its Olympic debut at La Concorde. Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint will both take place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.Cycling Mountain Bike will be held at Elancourt Hill, while Cycling Road will traverse the Invalides, Pont Alexandre III, and Trocadero. Cycling BMX Freestyle will be contested at La Concorde and the Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines BMX Stadium. Cycling Track will take place at the Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines Velodrome.Equestrian events will be held at the Chateau de Versailles, and Fencing will grace the Grand Palais. Football will be played at stadiums across France, including the Bordeaux Stadium, Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, La Beaujoire Stadium, Lyon Stadium, Marseille Stadium, Nice Stadium, and Parc de Princes.Golf will be played at the Golf National, and Handball will be contested at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium and South Paris Arena. Hockey will be held at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, and Judo will take place at the Champ de Mars Arena.Marathon Swimming will be held at the Pont Alexandre III, and Modern Pentathlon will be contested at the Chateau de Versailles and North Paris Arena. Rhythmic Gymnastics will be held at the Porte De La Chapelle Arena, and Rowing will take place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.Rugby Sevens will be played at the Stade de France, and Sailing will be held at the Marseille Marina. Skateboarding will make its Olympic debut at La Concorde, and Shooting will be held at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.Sport Climbing will be held at the Le Bourget Sport Climbing Venue, and Surfing will take place at Teahupo'o, Tahiti. Swimming will be held at the Paris La Defense Arena, and Table Tennis will be contested at the South Paris Arena.Taekwondo will be held at the Grand Palais, and Tennis will be played at Stade Roland Garros. Trampoline will be held at the Bercy Arena, and Triathlon will take place at the Pont Alexandre III. Volleyball will be held at the South Paris Arena, and Water Polo will be contested at the Paris La Defense Arena.Weightlifting will be held at the South Paris Arena, and Wrestling will take place at the Champ de Mars Arena.

As the world eagerly anticipates the 2024 Paris Olympics, three legendary Indian hockey Olympians share their memories and insights.Vasudevan BaskaranBaskaran, the captain of India's historic gold medal-winning team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, recalls the thrill of meeting Muhammad Ali and Carl Lewis at the Olympic village. He emphasizes the importance of networking and the unique experience of the Olympics, where athletes from all sports come together. Baskaran is optimistic about India's chances in Paris, predicting a double-digit medal tally.Muneer SaitSait, the goalkeeper of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics bronze medal-winning team, expresses his disappointment at missing out on gold due to internal team conflicts. However, he takes pride in his bronze medal, which has become a cherished possession. Sait believes that the current hockey team has excellent fitness but laments the decline in the sport's popularity in India.Charles CorneliusCornelius, a goalkeeper who won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics, shares his unique experience of being the only South Indian in a team of Punjabis. He highlights the importance of a goalkeeper's role in stopping the ball and preventing it from becoming a pass to the opponent. Cornelius is hopeful for the current team but expresses concern about the lack of interest in outdoor sports among the younger generation.The Future of Indian HockeyThe Olympians agree that the current Indian hockey team has the potential to perform well in Paris. They attribute this to the team's improved fitness and the leadership of experienced players. However, they also acknowledge the need to address the decline in the sport's popularity and encourage more young people to take up hockey.

The 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, promises to be a spectacle of athleticism and sporting excellence. The Games will feature a record-breaking 10,500 athletes, including seasoned veterans who have graced the Olympic stage for years.Among the most anticipated athletes to watch are:Rafael Nadal (Tennis): The Spanish legend, known for his dominance on clay, will likely make his final Olympic appearance in Paris. With 14 French Open titles to his name, Nadal will be a formidable contender on the Roland Garros courts.Caleb Dressel (Swimming): The American swimmer, who won five gold medals in Tokyo, will be looking to defend his titles in the 50m freestyle and 100m butterfly. Despite a brief hiatus due to mental health issues, Dressel has returned to form and is poised for another stellar performance.Simone Biles (Gymnastics): The American gymnast, who withdrew from several events in Tokyo due to "twisties," has made a triumphant return. She will be aiming to add to her impressive Olympic medal count, which includes four golds and one bronze.Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Athletics): The Jamaican sprinter, a legend in her own right, will be competing in her fifth and final Olympics. With eight Olympic medals, including three golds, Fraser-Pryce is determined to cement her legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.LeBron James (Basketball): The NBA icon, turning 40 this year, will make his fourth Olympic appearance. A three-time Olympic gold medalist and the NBA's all-time leading scorer, James will be a key player for Team USA.These seasoned veterans, along with countless other talented athletes, will converge in Paris for an unforgettable Olympic experience. The Games will showcase the pinnacle of human athleticism and provide unforgettable moments that will inspire generations to come.

Tulika Maan, India's lone judoka for the 2024 Paris Olympics, is preparing diligently for the biggest stage in sports. The 25-year-old secured a quota in the women's +78kg division after amassing 1345 points in the qualifying period.Maan's journey to the Olympics has been supported by her mother, who has been her unwavering pillar. Despite never witnessing her daughter's live matches, Maan's mother has provided financial and emotional support, enabling her to compete in international tournaments.Maan's preparation for Paris includes a three-week training camp in Valencia, Spain, followed by a special camp in Paris. She will face formidable opponents in the +78kg category, including China's Su Xin and France's Romane Dicko.While Maan acknowledges the pressure of being India's sole judoka at the Olympics, she believes that having a team of athletes would provide motivation and support. She emphasizes the importance of unity and camaraderie among Indian judokas.Maan's training regimen includes yoga to manage mental pressure. She also relies on Evocus Hydration I.V. to maintain optimal hydration levels, which is crucial for her demanding training and recovery.

Dipa Karmakar Inspires Young Gymnasts at Leap GymnasticsAhead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar visited Leap Gymnastics, an initiative by the JSW Group, to inspire young athletes. Karmakar, who made history with her fourth-place finish in the vault event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, shared her journey and encouraged the youngsters to pursue their dreams.Tanvi Jindal, Founder of Leap Gymnastics, emphasized the importance of Karmakar's achievements in showcasing India's potential in gymnastics. She stated that Leap Gymnastics is committed to providing world-class training and facilities to nurture and develop future gymnasts.Karmakar expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to visit Leap Gymnastics and praised the initiative's dedication to the growth of gymnastics in India. She believes that such initiatives will foster the next generation of gymnasts who will excel on the global stage.Leap Gymnastics has trained over 1,000 gymnasts in Mumbai since its inception and aims to train and develop more than 10,000 gymnasts nationwide over the next five years. The initiative focuses on establishing world-class gymnastics centers, implementing progressive training curriculums, and creating a structured pathway for high-performance athletes.Leap Gymnastics is part of the JSW Group's mission to introduce gymnastics to a wider audience in India and build a strong foundation for elite athletes. The program aims to establish world-class gymnastics centers, implement progressive training curriculums, and create a structured pathway for high-performance sports, with the ultimate goal of competing at global championships, including the Olympics.

Indian hockey legend Manpreet Singh is set to make history by representing his country in his fourth Olympics in Paris, joining the ranks of the legendary Dhanraj Pillay. The senior midfielder expressed his excitement and pride, stating that it is a "dream come true" and a testament to his hard work and dedication.Manpreet's journey with the national team has been remarkable, with his debut in 2011 and an impressive 370 caps and 27 goals to his name. He has participated in three previous Olympic Games, including the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he led the team to a historic Bronze medal.Speaking about his expectations for the Paris Olympics, Manpreet emphasized the importance of enjoying the performance and not underestimating any team. He believes that by focusing on their game and supporting each other, the team can achieve great results.The Indian men's hockey team is currently undergoing a three-day training period in Switzerland to instil mental toughness. They will then move to the Netherlands for practice matches before arriving in Paris on July 20.India is placed in Pool B for the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside defending Champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. To advance to the Quarter-Finals, the team must secure a top-four finish in their pool.Manpreet's fourth Olympic appearance is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Indian hockey. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team as they aim to make a strong showing in Paris and bring honor to their country.

Gautam Adani's #DeshKaGeetAtOlympics Campaign Inspires Indian Athletes for Paris 2024In a bid to rally support for India's athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, has launched the #DeshKaGeetAtOlympics campaign. The campaign aims to ignite patriotism and inspire the athletes as they prepare to represent India on the world's grandest sporting stage.The Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024, will witness the participation of 206 countries. India is expected to send a contingent of approximately 120 athletes to the French capital.Adani expressed his confidence in India's potential to achieve its best-ever medal tally at the quadrennial event. "Their relentless riyaaz and unwavering dedication truly embody the new indomitable spirit of India," he said. "I am confident that this year, we will achieve our greatest medal haul ever."The #DeshKaGeetAtOlympics campaign revolves around the athletes' unwavering commitment to training and their aspiration to hear the national anthem on the victory stand. The campaign's inspiring film showcases India's top sporting talent as they prepare for Paris, aiming to surpass the Tokyo Olympics' medal haul.Adani Group, the principal sponsor of the Indian contingent, has been supporting athletes in various sports since 2016. The group has provided support to over 28 athletes in disciplines such as boxing, wrestling, tennis, javelin throw, shooting, running, shotput, brisk walking, and archery.Notable beneficiaries of Adani Group's support include Commonwealth Games gold medalist wrestlers Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Deepak Punia, and boxer Amit Panghal. Dahiya and Punia also secured silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 Asian Games.The group's commitment to Indian sports extends beyond the Paris Olympics. Adani Group was also associated with the Indian contingents at the Tokyo Olympics, Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, and Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 as official partners.

Indian boxing star Lovlina Borgohain, an Olympic medalist, has added another accolade to her impressive resume by securing a silver medal at the Grand Prix 2024 competition in the Czech Republic. In a thrilling final bout on Saturday, Lovlina narrowly missed out on the gold medal, losing 2-3 to Li Qian of China.The Grand Prix 2024, held from June 12 to 15, featured a round-robin format. Lovlina began her campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over England's Chantal Reid. However, she faced a setback in her second bout, losing 0-5 to Cindy Ngamba of the Olympic Refugee team.Despite the loss, Lovlina remained determined and bounced back in her third bout against Li Qian. The match was a close affair, with both boxers showcasing their skills and resilience. Ultimately, Li Qian emerged victorious, securing the gold medal.Lovlina's silver medal performance is a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport. She is one of six Indian boxers who have secured quotas to represent the country at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled for July 26 to August 11.Lovlina's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. She won a bronze medal in the welterweight category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the third Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal.India has high hopes for its boxing contingent at the Paris Olympics, aiming to surpass its all-time best tally of seven medals, including a gold, achieved in Tokyo. Lovlina Borgohain, along with other talented boxers like Amit Panghal, Nikhat Zareen, and Preeti Pawar, will be key players in India's quest for Olympic glory.

New Sports Minister Takes Stock of India's Olympic PreparationsBarely a day after assuming office, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha to assess India's preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was attended by Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, and Sports Authority of India Director General Sandip Pradhan.During the meeting, Mandaviya was briefed on the country's progress in qualifying for the Paris Games. IOA President Usha expressed confidence that India would send a contingent of over 100 athletes to the Olympics. "We have done everything good this time," Usha said. "We will be in contact every week and I hope that this is good for our Olympic athletes."Usha highlighted the efforts made to prioritize the needs of athletes in the lead-up to the Games. "Our first preference were the athletes, whatever the players want we have done this time," she said. "So we are expecting more medals this than Tokyo."As of now, 97 Indian athletes have qualified for the Paris Olympics, and the IOA expects the number to reach 115-120. The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.Mandaviya expressed the government's commitment to supporting the athletes and ensuring their success in Paris. "I today visited the IOA officials for the first time where they briefed me about India's preparation for Paris Olympics," Mandaviya said. "The government is committed to extend all possible support."The meeting between Mandaviya and the IOA officials is a positive sign for India's Olympic preparations. The government's support and the IOA's commitment to athlete welfare will be crucial in ensuring India's success at the Paris Games.