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The Paris Olympics 2024 is drawing to a close, with the closing ceremony set to take place at the iconic Stade de France in the early hours of August 12. This grand event will mark the culmination of the Games, celebrating the achievements of athletes and the success of the host city.The closing ceremony will be a traditional affair, attended by an estimated 80,000 spectators. It will feature a spectacular display of music, dance, and cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of France. The ceremony will also include the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic flame, symbolizing the end of the Games.For India, the closing ceremony will be a moment of pride as our flag bearers, PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker, lead the Parade of Nations. Sreejesh, the veteran hockey goalkeeper, expressed his delight at being chosen as the flag-bearer, saying, "It is the cherry on the cake. I am going out with a medal, and now I have been chosen to be the flag-bearer. One cannot demand anything more than this."The closing ceremony will also witness the transfer of the Olympic flag to the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee, marking the transition to the next host city.

India's Paris Olympics 2024 campaign concluded on Saturday with a total of six medals, marking the end of a 15-day journey. The contingent's performance was highlighted by Manu Bhaker's two bronze medals in shooting, Swapnil Kusale's bronze in shooting, and Neeraj Chopra's silver in javelin throw. The men's hockey team also secured a bronze medal after defeating Spain.On the final day of competition, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar finished outside the top ten in golf, while wrestler Reetika Hooda suffered a quarter-final defeat to Alperi Medet of Kyrgyzstan. Despite the match ending in a 1-1 tie, Medet advanced due to scoring the last point. Her subsequent semi-final loss eliminated Hooda from repechage contention.The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was expected to announce its verdict on Vinesh Phogat's joint-silver medal verdict but deferred it to August 13. Phogat had announced her retirement from wrestling on Friday.IOC President Thomas Bach stated that the IOC would abide by the CAS decision, emphasizing that the International Federation (United World Wrestling) has the responsibility to interpret and apply its rules.

Rai Benjamin's exceptional performance anchored the United States to a resounding victory in the men's 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics 2024. The quartet, comprising Benjamin, Christopher Bailey, Vernon Norwood, and Bryce Deadmon, shattered the Olympic record with a blistering time of 2 minutes and 54.43 seconds.Botswana, led by 200m champion Letsile Tebogo, put up a valiant fight, securing the silver medal with an African record of 2:54.53. Great Britain claimed the bronze with a European record of 2:55.83.Despite Quincy Hall's absence from the relay, the US team showcased their dominance in the 400m event. Bayapo Ndori of Botswana gave his team an early lead, but Britain briefly took the advantage before Deadmon's impressive third leg propelled the Americans back into contention.As Benjamin received the baton, Tebogo was hot on his heels and maintained the pressure until the finish line. However, Tebogo's shorter sprint pace proved insufficient to overcome Benjamin's relentless stride.The US team's victory marked a significant achievement, adding to their impressive medal haul in Paris. Benjamin's versatility, having already secured gold in the 400m hurdles, further cemented his status as one of the most formidable athletes in the world.Botswana's silver medal was a testament to their growing strength in track and field, while Great Britain's bronze demonstrated their continued competitiveness on the global stage.

Hockey, a sport deeply ingrained in the hearts of Indian sports enthusiasts, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in recent years. After a period of decline, the Indian hockey team has regained its glory, culminating in a historic bronze medal victory at the Paris Olympics 2024.Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, the team showcased exceptional resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Their triumph against Australia and Great Britain, despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, stands as a testament to their unwavering spirit. This victory marks the first time since 1972 that India has won back-to-back medals at the Olympics, following their bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games.Speaking to NDTV, Harmanpreet expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from the Indian public. He emphasized the importance of team unity and the positive environment fostered by senior players. Vivek Sagar Prasad, a pivotal member of the bronze-winning side, highlighted the crucial role of team spirit and the absence of a divide between seniors and juniors.Former captain Manpreet Singh acknowledged the high expectations placed on the team after their success in Tokyo. He attributed their success to meticulous planning and the team's ability to execute it effectively. Harmanpreet urged sports enthusiasts to support players during both their triumphs and setbacks, emphasizing that no player enters a game with the intention of losing.The team's success has not only brought joy to the nation but has also garnered increased attention from rivals and fans alike. Harmanpreet noted that their victory against Great Britain in the quarter-finals drew significant attention, even from non-hockey enthusiasts.While the majority of the current team will continue to strive for further glory, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has announced his retirement. His teammates expressed their gratitude for his contributions and dedicated their medal to him. Sreejesh will now take on the role of coach for the Indian junior hockey team.The team's success is a testament to the unwavering support provided by Hockey India, the Odisha Government, and the Government of India. The upcoming Hockey India League is expected to provide a valuable platform for young players to learn from top players and coaches.

India's Olympic medal tally at the 2024 Paris Games is expected to remain at seven, similar to the 2021 Tokyo Games. This is despite the contributions of young athletes like Aman Sehrawat (wrestling), Manu Bhaker (shooting), and Nishant Dev (boxing).Wrestling, a major medal contributor for India, continued its streak of securing at least one medal at every Games since 2008. Sehrawat, a debutant, won bronze, while Reetika Hooda showed promise in her first multi-sport event. However, established wrestlers like Antim Panghal and Anshu Malik underperformed.Boxing, on the other hand, faced challenges due to off-field distractions and a lack of bench strength. The squad, including Tokyo medalist Lovlina Borgohain and world champion Nikhat Zareen, failed to deliver. Experts suggest a reset button and a focus on grooming young talent.Shooting, which had a disappointing performance in Rio and Tokyo, made a significant comeback with three bronze medals. Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale contributed to the tally. However, the medals being bronze indicate room for improvement, especially considering the dominance of nations like China and Korea.The performance of these young athletes in wrestling, shooting, and boxing reflects India's need to address issues in preparation, planning, and talent development. The next Olympic cycle should focus on correcting these areas to enhance India's medal prospects at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Irish Olympian Mark English, despite a valiant effort in the Men's 800m, finished sixth in the race. While his performance was met with praise on social media, his surname, "English," sparked a humorous meme fest.English, a native of Letterkenny, Donegal, is Ireland's leading 800m runner with nine national titles to his name. His athletic journey began with soccer and Gaelic football before transitioning to competitive running.In the 2024 Paris Olympics, English made a strong move with 200m remaining but was unable to maintain his pace. Despite missing out on a medal, his performance was widely lauded.However, his surname became a source of amusement online. "Ireland or England at the 2024 Paris Olympics?" one user quipped, sharing a picture of English. Another added, "English but Irish."The irony of English's name and nationality sparked a flurry of memes. "In the ironic lane is the Irish runner, Mark English," one user commented. Another explained, "So this Mark, is he English? No, actually, he's Irish. But his name is Mark English! True, but he hails from Ireland. So, is English his first language? No, he speaks Irish as his mother tongue."The 2024 Paris Olympics, which began on July 26 and will conclude on August 11, has witnessed both controversy and memorable moments. The opening ceremony tableau drew criticism for its alleged insensitivity towards Christianity, while athletes falling ill after swimming in the River Seine raised concerns about water quality.Despite these setbacks, the event has also showcased remarkable achievements, such as the effortless style of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec and the heartwarming marriage proposal made by Chinese badminton player Zheng Si Wei to his mixed doubles partner Huang Ya Qiong after winning gold.

India's Paris Olympics 2024: Day 15 to Witness Golf and Wrestling ActionAs India's Paris Olympics 2024 nears its conclusion, Day 15 promises excitement in golf and wrestling.Golf:Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will compete in the final round of the women's individual stroke play. After a promising start, they slipped to 40th and 42nd positions, respectively, on the penultimate round. They will aim for a strong finish to improve their standings.Wrestling:Reetika will represent India in the women's freestyle 76kg Round of 16. If she emerges victorious, she will advance to the quarter-finals and semi-finals, which will take place later in the day.India's Performance on Day 14:Day 14 witnessed a historic achievement for India as Aman Sehrawat clinched a bronze medal in the men's 57kg freestyle wrestling category. He became the first Indian wrestler to win a medal at Paris 2024 and the youngest Indian to do so at the Olympics.India's medal tally now stands at six, with Manu Bhaker contributing two bronze medals in shooting, Swapnil Kusale adding another in shooting, Neeraj Chopra securing a silver in javelin throw, and the men's hockey team earning a bronze.Schedule for India on Paris Olympics 2024 Day 15:Golf:* 12:30 PM IST - Women's individual stroke play (Round 4) - Aditi Ashok and Diksha DagarWrestling:* 3:00 PM IST - Women's freestyle 76kg Round of 16 - Reetika* 4:20 PM IST - Women's freestyle 76kg quarter finals (if qualified) - Reetika* 10:25 PM IST - Women's freestyle 76kg semifinal (if qualified) - Reetika

The Indian men's hockey team's historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics has ignited a wave of pride across the nation, particularly in the state of Odisha, which has been instrumental in the sport's resurgence.Odisha's association with Indian hockey began in 2018 when the state government, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, became the official sponsor of the men's and women's teams. This partnership came at a crucial time when the sport faced financial challenges following the withdrawal of Sahara as the primary sponsor.Patnaik, a former hockey goalkeeper, has been a driving force behind the state's commitment to the sport. Under his leadership, Odisha has invested heavily in hockey infrastructure, including the construction of the world's largest hockey stadium in Rourkela. The state has also hosted several international tournaments, providing the Indian teams with invaluable experience and exposure.The state's support has extended beyond financial assistance. Odisha has become a hub for hockey development, with grassroots programs and academies nurturing young talent. The state's commitment to the sport has earned it the reputation as the "hockey capital" of India.Patnaik's personal connection to hockey adds an emotional dimension to Odisha's involvement. He has been a vocal supporter of the teams and has played a key role in promoting the sport at the national and international levels.The Indian men's hockey team's success at the Paris Olympics is a testament to the transformative impact of Odisha's support. The state's long-term commitment to the sport has created a conducive environment for the teams to thrive and achieve their full potential.As India celebrates this historic achievement, much of the credit goes to Odisha for its unwavering dedication to nurturing and promoting hockey. The state's continued support is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of Indian hockey, ensuring its continued growth and success on the global stage.

The Paris Olympic Games 2024 have concluded, with India securing a total of 5 medals: 4 bronze and 1 silver. Despite surpassing Pakistan in medal count, India finds itself ranked lower due to the International Olympic Committee's ranking system, which prioritizes gold medals.India's medal hopes rested heavily on javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had emerged as a gold medal contender after wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification. However, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem shattered those hopes, claiming the gold medal and setting a new Olympic record. This victory propelled Pakistan ahead of India in the overall medals tally.As of Day 13, Pakistan stood at 53rd in the standings with a single gold medal, while India occupied 64th place with one silver and four bronze. The ranking discrepancy stems from the IOC's system, which places greater value on gold medals. Silver and bronze medals are only considered in the event of a tie in gold medal count.Arshad's triumph marked Pakistan's first individual Olympic gold medal in four decades. Prior to this, the nation had only won gold medals in field hockey, with three victories in 1960, 1968, and 1984. Pakistan's Olympic medal history also includes two individual bronze medals in wrestling (1960) and boxing (1988). The country's last Olympic medal was a bronze in field hockey at the 1992 Barcelona Games.India's medal haul in Paris included a silver in weightlifting by Mirabai Chanu and bronze medals in wrestling (Bajrang Punia), boxing (Lovlina Borgohain), badminton (PV Sindhu), and hockey (men's team). While these medals represent a commendable achievement, India's lower ranking highlights the importance of gold medals in the Olympic ranking system.