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India's lone rowing representative at the Paris Olympics, Balraj Panwar, faced a setback in his quest for a medal after finishing fifth in his quarterfinals heat race of the men's single sculls event. The 25-year-old clocked a time of 7 minutes and 5.10 seconds in quarterfinals heat 4, relegating him to semifinals C/D, where rowers compete for positions 13th to 24th.Panwar's journey to the quarterfinals was a testament to his resilience. After finishing fourth in his first round heat race on Saturday, he secured a spot in the repechage round. On Sunday, he displayed his determination by finishing second in his repechage race, earning a berth in the quarterfinals.However, the quarterfinals proved to be a challenging hurdle for Panwar. Individual Neutral Athlete Yauheni Zalaty dominated the heat with a time of 6:49.27, while Giedrius Bieliauskas of Lithuania and Ryuta Arakawa of Japan finished second and third, respectively.The top three finishers in each of the four quarterfinal heats advanced to semifinals A/B, while the remaining rowers, including Panwar, will compete in semifinals C/D. The rowers in semifinals A/B will then vie for Final A/B races, where medals will be awarded to the top three finishers.Despite the setback, Panwar remains determined to make the most of his Olympic experience. He will now focus on securing a respectable position in semifinals C/D and showcasing his skills on the global stage.

Ukraine's Olga Kharlan, a fencing legend, has dedicated her bronze medal in the women's sabre event at the Paris Olympics to her war-torn country. Despite missing out on the individual gold she had set her sights on, Kharlan's bronze was a testament to her resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.Kharlan, 33, staged a remarkable comeback from an 11-5 deficit to defeat South Korea's Choi Se-bin in front of a crowd that included her mother, sister, and nephew. Her father, however, was unable to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.The bronze medal marked Ukraine's first at the Paris Olympics and was a poignant moment for Kharlan, who has been an outspoken critic of Russia's invasion of her country. She has repeatedly used her platform to condemn the war and call for peace."It's really special," said a beaming Kharlan after her victory. "It's like infinity. It's special for my country. It's for the people of Ukraine, for defenders (soldiers), for athletes who couldn't come here because they were killed by Russia."Kharlan's bronze medal was a culmination of her unwavering determination and the sacrifices she has made since the war began. She has rarely been home, and when she did return, she had to seek shelter from Russian airstrikes."I've been at home five times probably for one week," said Kharlan. "It's all the sacrifices. And all the news, all the tragic moments that we had when Russia bombed and killed people. We all take it. So that's why it's tough."Despite the challenges, Kharlan has remained focused on her sport and used it as a platform to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine. Her bronze medal is a symbol of hope and resilience, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman from the country to win an Olympic medal in shooting. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the 10m Women's Individual Air Pistol event, marking a significant milestone for Indian sports.Bhaker's triumph is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After experiencing a disappointing malfunction in her pistol at the Tokyo Olympics, she returned to the world stage with renewed focus and determination. Her performance in Paris not only brought glory to India but also inspired countless aspiring shooters across the nation.In the qualification round, Bhaker displayed her exceptional skills, finishing third to secure a place in the final. The final was a nail-biting affair, with Bhaker facing stiff competition from top shooters worldwide. However, she remained composed and focused, delivering a series of precise shots that ultimately earned her the bronze medal.Bhaker's victory has been met with widespread praise and recognition. In addition to the Eiffel Tower badge awarded to all medalists at the Paris Games, she has received accolades from the Indian government and sports authorities. Her achievement has also sparked a renewed interest in shooting among young Indians, who now see her as a role model and inspiration.Bhaker's success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing strength of Indian shooting. The country has produced several world-class shooters in recent years, and Bhaker's medal is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of these athletes and their coaches.As the Paris Olympics continue, Bhaker has the opportunity to add to her medal tally. She is scheduled to compete in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event alongside her partner Sarabjot Singh. If they manage to secure a medal in this event, Bhaker will further cement her status as one of India's greatest shooters.

Former US President Donald Trump has vehemently criticized the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, labeling it a "disgrace." The ceremony has sparked outrage among some viewers, particularly over a scene that critics allege parodied Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting "The Last Supper."Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president in the upcoming November elections, expressed his disapproval during an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle." "I thought that the opening ceremony was a disgrace, actually. I thought it was a disgrace," he stated.The opening ceremony has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising its artistic vision and others condemning its perceived mockery of Christian imagery. The scene in question featured a group of transgender performers seated at a table, resembling the disciples in "The Last Supper."Trump's criticism has been echoed by other conservative figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. In a post on social media, Johnson denounced the ceremony as "shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world."The controversy surrounding the opening ceremony has highlighted the ongoing debate over the role of religion and cultural sensitivity in major sporting events. Some argue that the ceremony's portrayal of Christian imagery was disrespectful, while others defend it as a form of artistic expression.The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet commented on the controversy. However, the organization has previously stated that it is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion at the Olympic Games.The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked a heated debate over the intersection of art, religion, and cultural sensitivity. As the Games continue, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the overall atmosphere and perception of the event.

Belgium and Australia Suffer Upsets in Women's Basketball at Paris OlympicsThe highly anticipated women's basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics got off to a surprising start on Monday, with fancied Belgium and Australia suffering unexpected defeats.In Group C, Belgium, considered a medal contender, fell to debutants Germany 83-69. The Sabally sisters, Satou and Nyara, proved to be a formidable force for Germany, combining for 33 points. Belgium's offense struggled to keep pace, with Emma Meesseman, their star player, limited to just 12 points.Meanwhile, in Group B, Nigeria pulled off a stunning upset over third-ranked Australia, winning 75-62. Point guard Ezinne Kalu led the way for Nigeria, scoring 19 points and orchestrating a relentless defense. Australia, despite a strong second-half performance, couldn't overcome Nigeria's tenacity."Our defense was relentless," said Kalu. "We smelt blood for the ball. Nobody defends like us, and that's what kept us going."The results have shaken up the tournament's early standings, with Germany and Nigeria emerging as potential dark horses. Defending champions the United States, who begin their campaign against Japan later on Monday, will be wary of the upsets that have already occurred.Hosts France will face Canada in Group B later on Monday, hoping to avoid a similar fate to Belgium and Australia. The tournament promises to be fiercely competitive, with several teams vying for a spot on the podium.

Paris Braces for Scorching Heat During Olympic GamesAs the Olympic Games descend upon Paris, the city and its surrounding areas are facing a meteorological challenge: a heatwave accompanied by thunderstorms. France's meteorological agency has issued a "yellow alert" for Tuesday, warning of temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and the potential for severe weather.The heatwave, originating from southern France, has prompted concerns for the well-being of athletes and spectators alike. The "yellow alert" signifies that individuals should exercise caution when engaging in physical activities, as the heat can pose significant health risks.Overnight temperatures are expected to remain high, hovering around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit), providing little respite from the oppressive heat. Parts of southern France have been placed on an "orange alert," the third highest warning level, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).The scorching conditions will pose a particular challenge for Olympians competing in outdoor events during the afternoon. Beach volleyball at the iconic Eiffel Tower, BMX freestyle qualifiers at Place de la Concorde, and the women's rugby sevens semi-finals at the Stade de France are among the events that will be affected by the extreme heat.In the lead-up to the Games, athletes had expressed concerns about the potential impact of high temperatures on their performance and safety. Some had urged event organizers to adjust timings to mitigate the risks associated with competing in such conditions.The meteorological agency has advised individuals to stay hydrated, seek shade during peak heat hours, and avoid strenuous activities. The heatwave is expected to persist for several days, making it crucial for both athletes and spectators to take necessary precautions to ensure their well-being.

Paris is considering extending the display of iconic Olympic landmarks beyond the Games' conclusion, including the Eiffel Tower's rings and the hot air balloon tethered to the Olympic cauldron. Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her desire to find permanent homes for these symbols, which have become popular attractions during the Olympics.Hidalgo specifically mentioned the hot air balloon in the Tuileries gardens and the statues of 10 French women featured in the opening ceremony. She emphasized the artistic and symbolic value of these objects, stating that they deserve "full attention."However, Hidalgo acknowledged that the decision to keep these landmarks on display is not solely hers. Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan noted the technical challenges involved in maintaining the Olympic rings, while suitable locations would need to be identified for the hot air balloon and statues.The cauldron, which forms the base of the hot air balloon, was ignited by French track legend Marie-Jose Perec and judo champion Teddy Riner. It has since become a popular attraction, with all reservable slots for viewing taken throughout the Games. Approximately 10,000 people are admitted daily to witness the spectacle.Hidalgo's proposal to extend the display of these Olympic landmarks reflects the city's desire to preserve the legacy of the Games and create lasting symbols of the event. The Eiffel Tower rings, hot air balloon, and statues have become iconic representations of the Paris Olympics, and their continued presence would serve as a reminder of the city's hosting of the prestigious sporting event.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting sensation, has once again proven her mettle at the Paris Olympics. A day after securing India's first medal, Bhaker has qualified for the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze playoff alongside Sarabjot Singh.The Indian duo finished third in the qualification round with a combined score of 580, including 20 hits on the target. Bhaker shot 98, 98, and 95 in her three series, while Singh shot 95, 97, and 97.Turkey's Sevval Ilayda Tarhan and Yusuf Dikec topped the competition with a combined score of 582, equaling the Olympic qualification record. They will face Serbians Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec in the gold medal match.Bhaker and Singh will take on South Koreans Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho in the bronze medal match on Tuesday. The Indian shooters will be aiming to add another medal to India's tally.Bhaker has been in impressive form throughout the Olympics, having already won a silver medal in the women's 10m air pistol event. If she medals in the mixed team event, she will become the first Indian athlete to claim multiple medals at the same edition of the Games.She will also become the second Indian female after shuttler PV Sindhu to claim two Olympic medals and the third Indian sportsperson to do so after Sindhu and wrestler Sushil Kumar.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony, a daring and unconventional spectacle, has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from some Catholic groups and French bishops. The ceremony, choreographed by theater director Thomas Jolly, featured scenes that were perceived as mocking Christianity, particularly a performance involving dancers, drag queens, and a DJ in poses reminiscent of the Last Supper.Paris 2024 organizers have expressed regret for any offense caused but have vehemently denied any intention to disrespect religious beliefs. Spokeswoman Anne Descamps emphasized that the ceremony aimed to promote tolerance and inclusivity, not to denigrate any faith.Jolly, the ceremony's director, has also defended his work, stating that it was inspired by pagan mythology and not by the Last Supper. He emphasized his commitment to creating a unifying and celebratory event that reflects France's Republican values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.Despite the controversy, the opening ceremony has been met with widespread praise. A poll commissioned by Paris 2024 revealed that the majority of French people viewed the ceremony positively. American broadcaster NBC reported that the procession was the most-watched start to an Olympics since London 2012, while German broadcaster ARD claimed it was the most-watched in 20 years.The ceremony also featured other striking moments, including the appearance of a woman holding a bloodied severed head, representing executed French queen Marie-Antoinette. Jolly clarified that the scene was not intended to glorify the guillotine but rather to highlight its historical significance.With around 700,000 spectators expected to attend events around Paris on Sunday, the second full day of the Games, the opening ceremony has set the stage for an unforgettable and thought-provoking Olympic experience.