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Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin, made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win back-to-back medals at the Games. However, the night belonged to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who shattered the Olympic record with a throw of 92.97m.Chopra, who was aiming for a second consecutive gold, was hampered by a groin injury that limited him to just one legitimate throw. Despite his best efforts, he could not breach the 90m mark for the first time in his career and had to settle for silver.The frustration was evident on Chopra's face as he repeatedly crossed the throwing arc, resulting in five of his six attempts being declared fouls. During his penultimate throw, he lost his cool and screamed in anger after his leg crossed the line.Speaking to the media after the competition, Chopra admitted that he felt he could have thrown over 90m, but his injury prevented him from doing so. "It was because of an injury (groin strain). I wanted to express myself and throw. It was not happening. It was the Olympic stage. But, the throw was still good. I managed only one legal throw. All others were foul. When Arshad threw 92.97m, I believed in my mind that I would be able to do it (90m) today. It didn’t happen today. Let’s see when it will happen. But the competition was very intense and exciting. Winning a medal for my country makes me happy,” he said.Despite the disappointment of not winning gold, Chopra's silver medal is a testament to his resilience and determination. He has become India's third track-and-field athlete to win an Olympic medal, after Norman Pritchard and Sushil Kumar, and the fifth Indian to have two medals at the Games.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Kripa Shankar Blames WFIFormer Indian wrestler Kripa Shankar has expressed his disappointment over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to being overweight. Vinesh, who was set to compete in the gold medal match on Wednesday, was disqualified for being a few grams overweight on the morning of her 50kg bout.Shankar, a former Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, believes that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is to blame for not implementing the practice of taking weights twice during national events. He claims that Vinesh did not have any prior experience of giving her weight twice during an event."I don't think Vinesh ever had the experience of going for weigh-ins twice. Even in the national tournaments, there is no such criteria of taking the weights of the wrestlers twice," Shankar told NDTV. "I had once asked the Indian wrestling body not to implement half-finished rules, but they suspended me for six years."Shankar also criticized the WFI for prioritizing cost-cutting over providing wrestlers with the necessary ecosystem to succeed. "I feel that the wrestling body wants to avoid extra expenditure by organizing a one-day tournament. By doing so, you are not giving the wrestlers the right ecosystem to wrestle," he said.According to the new rules, wrestlers must meet the weight limit on both days of competition. Vinesh was eligible to compete on Day 1 after she made the weight. However, she was found to be a kilogram overweight on Tuesday night and managed to reduce 900 grams overnight. Despite not sleeping or eating, she was unable to shed the remaining 100 grams of extra weight.If a wrestler is found overweight, they have 25 minutes to reduce it through methods such as cycling, running, or sauna. Shankar believes that reducing weight overnight is not an easy task."Giving weight is such an important practice in wrestling. This might be a small thing for many, but this has cost us big time (with Vinesh's disqualification)," Shankar said.Vinesh's disqualification has sparked outrage among Indian wrestling fans and raised questions about the WFI's handling of the situation. Shankar's comments have added fuel to the fire, highlighting the need for better support and infrastructure for Indian wrestlers.

India's Olympic journey continues at the Paris Games 2024, with grappler Aman Sehrawat vying for a bronze medal in the men's 57kg wrestling event. Sehrawat's hopes of a gold medal were dashed in the semifinals by Japanese top-seed Rei Higuchi, who dominated the bout with a 10-0 victory.Undeterred, Sehrawat will now face Puerto Rico's Darian Toi Cruz in the bronze medal match on Friday. The 21-year-old Indian had impressed in the earlier rounds, securing victories against formidable opponents. However, Higuchi's superior technique and experience proved too much for Sehrawat in the semifinals.In other events, the Indian women's 4x400m relay team will compete in Round 1 at 2:10pm, while the men's 4x400m relay team will take to the track at 2:35pm. In golf, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will represent India in the women's individual event, starting at 12:30pm.India's medal hopes remain alive, with Sehrawat's bronze medal match being a crucial opportunity to add to the country's tally. The young wrestler will be determined to make the most of this chance and secure a podium finish for India.

India's Olympic medal drought at the Paris 2024 Games ended with a silver medal from javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who fell short of defending his Tokyo gold but secured India's first podium finish in the French capital.Chopra's best throw of 89.45 meters, recorded in his second attempt, was a season-best but not enough to surpass Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who claimed the gold with a monumental throw of 92.97 meters, breaking the Olympic record.The competition began tensely, with Chopra, Nadeem, and Julian Weber all committing fouls on their first attempts. Nadeem, however, quickly turned things around with a throw that surpassed the 90-meter mark, putting pressure on Chopra.Chopra responded with his second attempt, but another foul on his third try left him trailing Nadeem. After three rounds, four competitors were eliminated, leaving Chopra to face fierce competition from Jakub Vadlejch, Anderson Peters, Julius Yego, and Weber.In the fourth round, Peters took the lead with an 88.54, while Chopra fouled again. Nadeem played it safe, staying within bounds but managing only a 79.40-meter throw. Despite the dip in distance, Nadeem remained in the lead, with Chopra holding onto second place.More fouls from Chopra in the fifth round allowed Nadeem to extend his lead. With just one throw left for each competitor, Chopra fouled again, sealing his fate with a silver medal. Nadeem's gold was guaranteed even before his final throw, which he celebrated with a gigantic 91.79-meter throw.Chopra's silver medal brings India's medal count at Paris 2024 to five, with a chance for another on Friday. After Swapnil Kusale's bronze in the men's 50m rifle 3 position final, India went six days without winning a medal before Neeraj's silver and the men's hockey team's second consecutive bronze on Thursday evening.

Coach Craig Fulton's unwavering belief in building trust and teamwork propelled the Indian hockey team to defend its bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Fulton emphasized the importance of fostering a strong bond among the players, recognizing that it was the foundation for their success.The team's journey began with a gold medal at the Asian Games, securing their qualification for the Olympics. Despite facing challenges in the Pro League, the team remained confident in their abilities. Fulton's unwavering belief in their potential instilled a sense of determination within the players.The quarterfinal match against Great Britain proved to be a defining moment. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Amit Rohidas' red card suspension, the team displayed remarkable resilience. They fought valiantly for 43 minutes, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory. Fulton hailed this performance as one of his proudest moments on the hockey field.The semifinal match against Germany was a tough battle, but the Indian team played with heart and determination. While they were unable to score, Fulton praised their fighting spirit. He also acknowledged the team's resilience in the bronze medal match against Spain, where they faced a relentless attack in the final quarter.Fulton credited the team's success to the lessons they learned during their training sessions with Paddy Upton and Mike Horn, who were part of the World Cup-winning Indian cricket team. These sessions focused on mental toughness and the importance of embracing challenges. Fulton believes that these experiences played a crucial role in the team's ability to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

In the hallowed halls of the Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Paris, the curtain fell on the illustrious career of Indian hockey legend P.R. Sreejesh. The 36-year-old goalkeeper, a stalwart of the Indian team for two decades, bid farewell to the sport he had dedicated his life to.Sreejesh's journey began in the non-hockey state of Kerala. Driven by an unyielding passion, he rose through the ranks, becoming a beacon of hope for aspiring hockey players from his home state. His international debut came in 2006, and he quickly established himself as one of the world's finest goalkeepers.Over the years, Sreejesh witnessed the highs and lows of Indian hockey. He was part of the team that failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, a crushing blow for the nation. But he remained steadfast, his determination unwavering.In 2012, India reached the quarterfinals of the Olympics, a testament to Sreejesh's leadership and skill. Four years later, in Rio, India finished eighth, but Sreejesh's heroics in goal earned him the respect of the hockey world.The pinnacle of Sreejesh's career came in Tokyo in 2020. After a 41-year medal drought, India secured a bronze, with Sreejesh playing a pivotal role. His emotional celebration atop the goalpost became an iconic image, symbolizing the resurgence of Indian hockey.In Paris, Sreejesh repeated his Tokyo heroics, leading India to another bronze medal. His final act on the international stage was a fitting tribute to his unwavering spirit and dedication.As Sreejesh bowed out, he left behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. His aggressive style of goalkeeping, coupled with his ability to motivate his teammates, made him a true legend of the sport.

India's men's hockey team capped off a remarkable Olympic campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain, securing the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The triumph marks a fitting farewell for veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who is playing his final international tournament.The match started with Spain dominating possession and earning a penalty stroke, which they converted to take an early lead. However, India responded with determination, led by skipper Harmanpreet Singh. Singh converted two penalty corners in the third quarter, giving India a crucial 2-1 advantage.India's defense, anchored by Sreejesh, stood firm in the face of relentless Spanish pressure. The team's goalkeeper made several crucial saves, denying Spain any chance to equalize. The Indian midfield and forwards also played a vital role, controlling possession and creating scoring opportunities.The bronze medal is a testament to India's resilience and fighting spirit. After a disappointing start to the tournament, the team rallied together and produced some of their best performances in the latter stages. The victory also marks India's fourth bronze medal in hockey at the Olympics, following their triumphs in 1972, 1980, and 2016.For Sreejesh, the bronze medal is a fitting end to an illustrious career. The 39-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Indian hockey team for over a decade, inspiring a generation of players. His leadership and experience were invaluable throughout the tournament, and his performance in the bronze medal match was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.

American Sisters Cheer for Ledecky, Team USA at Paris OlympicsEleven-year-old Sahana Bhattal and her nine-year-old sister Meher couldn't contain their excitement at the La Défense Arena in Paris. The venue, once graced by pop star Taylor Swift, was now transformed into the swimming hub for the 2024 Paris Olympics.Dressed in Team USA shirts, the sisters, accompanied by their parents, Tej and Sumedha Bhattal, cheered enthusiastically for Katie Ledecky and other American swimmers. The family, originally from India but now residing in Chicago, had traveled to Paris to witness the spectacle firsthand."The girls swim competitively and were eager to experience this in person," said Sumedha. "Sahana also plays volleyball, so we're attending those games as well."Despite their daughters' allegiance to Team USA, the Bhattal parents remained loyal to their Indian roots. They had supported Team India during their recent ICC T20 World Cup triumph. Tej, a former college athlete, was particularly excited to watch the athletics events, especially the javelin throw where Neeraj Chopra would defend his Olympic gold."We had planned to attend the Tokyo Olympics for my father's 70th birthday, but COVID prevented that," said Sumedha. "Now, we're here in Paris celebrating his 75th, hopefully with another gold for Chopra."The Bhattal family had extended their trip with a five-day stopover in Norway, making it a memorable vacation. Their enthusiasm and passion for sports, both American and Indian, exemplified the spirit of the Olympic Games.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin throw, is poised to make history once again as he prepares for the men's javelin final at the Paris Olympics 2024. The reigning Olympic champion, Chopra, made a resounding statement in the qualification round with a monstrous throw of 89.34m, topping the field with ease.However, the road to defending his title will be far from straightforward. The competition in Paris is fierce, with nine throwers surpassing the automatic qualification mark of 84m, compared to just six in Tokyo. Five of these elite athletes, including Chopra, qualified for the final with their first throws, indicating the depth of talent in the field.Chopra, now 26, is no stranger to the global stage, having competed for over eight years. He is aware of the challenges that lie ahead and is determined to etch his name in Olympic history. If he manages to secure gold, he will become only the fifth man in Olympic javelin throw history to successfully defend his title.The Indian star has the potential to become the most decorated Indian Olympian in individual sports. Currently, he is tied with shuttler PV Sindhu, wrestler Sushil Kumar, and shooter Manu Bhaker, who have each won two Olympic medals. A medal of any color in Paris would elevate Chopra to the pinnacle of Indian Olympic history.The men's javelin final is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2024, at 11:55 pm IST. The event will be broadcast live on Sports 18 and streamed online on Jio Cinema. Indian fans will be eagerly awaiting Chopra's performance as he aims to bring glory to the nation and cement his legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time.