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The debate over the necessity of personal coaches for athletes at global events has resurfaced, with Olympic medalist Vijender Singh expressing his support for athletes' right to choose their own support staff.Vijender, a former boxer and current politician, believes that athletes should have the freedom to select the coaches and sparring partners they feel most comfortable with. He cites his own experience as an amateur boxer, where he was given full autonomy in this regard and achieved significant success."When I used to box, we were given full freedom in this aspect. So we got the coaches and the sparring partners we wanted," Vijender said. "They (authorities) said 'we'll give you what you want but we need the performance'. And we delivered."Vijender's comments come amidst a trend of Indian athletes opting to bring their personal coaches to the Paris Olympics, despite the presence of national coaches. This has sparked a debate about whether such an arrangement is necessary.Vijender argues that fulfilling the demands of athletes in training camps is crucial for their performance. He points to the fact that between 2006 and 2012, when he was given the freedom to choose his own support staff, he achieved remarkable results.The Olympic contingent in Paris includes 140 support staff, with 72 being fully funded by the Indian government. This number largely comprises personal coaches requested by the athletes.Vijender also highlights the role of social media in empowering athletes to voice their concerns. He believes that platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow athletes to share their experiences and seek support from the public."We didn't have that power. There was no social media then. Social media is a huge power in the hands of the common man today. You can write about your problems on Instagram, Facebook, and people who are good they end up helping you," he said.

Raquel Kochhann, a beacon of resilience and determination, has etched her name in the annals of the Paris Olympics and Brazilian sporting history. Her journey to the Games is a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within her.Kochhann's Olympic debut came in Rio 2016, where she represented Brazil in the inaugural rugby sevens competition. However, her path to Paris was fraught with challenges. During the Tokyo Olympics, she discovered a lump in her breast, which was later diagnosed as breast cancer.The diagnosis was a devastating blow, but Kochhann refused to succumb to despair. Despite her mother's history of breast cancer, she remained steadfast in her resolve to overcome this adversity. She underwent rigorous treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, while battling a knee injury that had sidelined her for over 18 months.Kochhann's unwavering determination and the support of her medical team propelled her through the grueling recovery process. In January 2023, she made a triumphant return to the Brazilian team at the World Sevens Series event in Perth.Her return to the field was a testament to her indomitable spirit and the power of perseverance. Kochhann's presence at the Paris Olympics is not only a symbol of her personal triumph but also an inspiration to countless others facing adversity.The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a historic moment, marking the first time it was held outside the main stadium. A massive crowd of 300,000 witnessed the spectacle live from the banks of the Seine, while another 200,000 watched from balconies and apartments overlooking the river.Kochhann's journey to the Paris Olympics is a story of resilience, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit. Her presence at the Games is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who face challenges in their lives.

How Indian Athletes Cope with Pre-Competition Pressure at Paris OlympicsAs the Indian contingent prepares to kick off their campaign at the Paris Olympics, athletes are employing various strategies to manage the immense pressure and external distractions that come with competing on the world's biggest sporting stage.Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, emphasizes the importance of accepting the pressure rather than fighting it. "The best way to deal with the pressure is to stop fighting it. Just accept it and you'll be fine," he advises.Manu Bhaker, who experienced a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Games, has adopted a more relaxed approach this time around. "I am more relaxed. I am not telling myself, 'do this, do that,'" she says. She finds solace in playing the violin, journaling, and reading.Rhythm Sangwan, another pistol shooter, uses music to create her own zone. "It helps me find my zone. I might even curate a playlist for Paris," she says.Boxer Nikhat Zareen has chosen to disconnect from social media and focus solely on her training. "It's better to avoid distractions. I have cut down on my public appearances and I will soon disappear from social media too. Paris is my sole focus," she says.Rafael Nadal's pre-match cold shower ritual is a testament to the power of habits in helping athletes stay focused. "It helps me enter a new space in which I feel my power and resilience grow," he writes in his autobiography.Staying in the moment is crucial for athletes to shut out the noise. "Embrace the moment rather than succumb to it because a night before the final, all the talk about confidence and technique goes out of the window," says Bindra.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, believes in staying away from the distractions of home. "Over-reliance on a particular routine can be counterproductive because you won't find that curated atmosphere all the time," says his physiotherapist, Ishaan Marwaha.PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, found peace and quiet in Saarbrucken in the lead-up to the Olympics. "I can focus better," she says.Ultimately, each athlete has their own unique way of coping with the pressure of the Olympics. But one thing is clear: the ability to find their zone and shut out the noise will be essential for success in Paris.

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, is poised to make history once again at the upcoming Paris Olympics. She has submitted an original skill to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for consideration, aiming to have a sixth unique move named after her.This new skill, a variation on a move first performed by Canadian Wilhelm Weiler, involves a clear hip circle forward with 1 1/2 turns to handstand. Biles plans to execute it at the beginning of her uneven bars routine.If successful, Biles will become the only active female gymnast to have at least one skill named for her on all four apparatuses. She currently has two skills named for her on vault, two on floor exercise, and one on balance beam.The FIG describes the skill as "a clear hip circle forward with 1 1/2 turns to handstand." It requires Biles to circle her body below one bar, rise back into a handstand, and then pirouette 1 1/2 times before stopping in the handstand.Biles's submission comes after a challenging Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events due to a debilitating bout of the "twisties." She is now determined to make a strong comeback in Paris and cement her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.Nellie Kim, a five-time Olympic gold medalist for the former Soviet Union, currently holds the record for the most eponymous skills, with seven named for her. Biles is now on the cusp of surpassing that mark.Other female gymnasts aiming to have original elements named for them in Paris include Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, who has submitted a Yurchenko triple twisting vault, and Lieke Wevers and Naomi Visser of the Netherlands, who will both attempt a triple turn with one leg held horizontally on floor exercise.

India's Kabilan Sai Ashok to Officiate at Paris Olympics, Making HistoryIndia's former international boxer Kabilan Sai Ashok has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest Indian to officiate at the Olympic Games. The 32-year-old has been appointed as a Referee Judge for the Paris Olympics, which commence on Friday.Sai Ashok's appointment marks a significant milestone for Indian boxing. He is only the fourth Indian since 1904 to officiate at the Olympics, and the first to have represented the country as both a player and an official at a World Championship event.Beyond his Olympic appointment, Sai Ashok has also made waves in the boxing administration. He currently serves as a boxing administrator at the Army Sports Institute in Pune and holds the distinction of being the first Indian to become the president of the World Military Boxing Council.Sai Ashok's rise to prominence has been marked by his exceptional skills and dedication. He holds the record of being the only Indian referee to have been fast-tracked from two-star to three-star status. His appointment as a Referee Judge at the Paris Olympics is a testament to his expertise and the high regard in which he is held within the boxing community.The last Indian to officiate at the Olympics was in 2012 in London. Sai Ashok's appointment as a Referee Judge for the Paris Olympics is a proud moment for India and a reflection of the country's growing stature in the sport of boxing.

India's Shooting Contingent Aims for Olympic Glory in ParisAs the Paris Olympics draw near, India's shooting contingent, comprising a record 21 members, embarks on a historic mission to break the medal drought that has plagued the nation in recent editions of the Summer Games.The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has selected a squad based on current form rather than past achievements, placing its hopes on a group of debutants who are unburdened by the weight of past performances.Among the key athletes to watch is Manu Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooting prodigy who has won numerous medals at world events. Despite a setback at the Tokyo Games, Bhaker will be competing in three disciplines: 10m air pistol, 25m pistol, and 10m pistol mixed team.Another promising shooter is Sift Kaur Samra, who won gold in the 50m rifle three positions at the Asian Games. She will team up with seasoned pro Anjum Moudgil in the women's 50m rifle three positions event.On the men's side, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, a member of the gold-winning team at the 2023 World Championships, will be a key contender in the 50m rifle three positions alongside Swapnil Kusale.Debutants such as Anish Bhanwala, Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Babuta, Arjun Singh Cheema, and Vijayveer Singh will also be looking to make their mark on the international stage.India's main challenge will come from China, which is also fielding a strong contingent of 21 shooters. However, India's chef de mission, Gagan Narang, believes that the team is well-prepared and confident in their abilities."There is genuine belief that we are at par with the best in the world," said Narang, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics.The shooting competition will take place in the sleepy French town of Chateauroux, away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. This could prove to be an advantage for the Indian shooters, who will be able to focus solely on their performances.With a squad full of talented debutants and a strong belief in their abilities, India's shooting contingent is poised to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics and end the nation's medal drought in this prestigious event.

Indian boxing is poised to make history at the upcoming Paris Olympics, with a strong contingent of medal contenders aiming to surpass the nation's previous Olympic boxing medal tally of three. Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, and Nishant Dev will lead the charge, navigating challenging draws in their respective weight classes.Zareen, the reigning world champion in the light-flyweight (50kg) division, faces a formidable challenge. Her half of the draw includes top medal contenders Wu Yu (China), Chuthamat Raksat (Thailand), and Sabina Bobokulov (Uzbekistan). Zareen's opening bout against Germany's Maxi Klotzer will be followed by a potential clash with top-seeded Wu. If she overcomes these hurdles, she could face Raksat or Bobokulova, both of whom have recently defeated her.Amit Panghal (51kg) has had a rollercoaster year, but he is determined to make amends for his first-round exit in Tokyo. He has received a first-round bye and will face African Games champion Patrick Chinyemba in the round of 16. Panghal's path to the semifinals could include Asian Games silver medalist Thitisan Panmod (Thailand) and Rio Olympics and reigning world champion Hassanboy Dusmatov (Uzbekistan).Nishant, one of India's most consistent performers, has received a favorable draw. With a first-round bye, he will take on Ecuador's Rodriguez Tenorio in the pre-quarters. If successful, he will face Pan American Games champion Merco Verde (Mexico) in the quarterfinals and potentially top seed Sewon Okazawa (Japan) in the semifinals.Borgohain, the reigning Olympic bronze medalist in the 69kg category, has moved up to 75kg. She will face Norway's Sunniva Hofstad in the first round, but her quarterfinal opponent, Chinese Li Qian, poses a significant challenge. Qian is a two-time Olympic and world medalist and defeated Borgohain at the Asian Games.Preeti Pawar (54kg) and Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) will make their Olympic debuts. Pawar will face Vietnam's Vo Thi Kim Anh in the first round, while Lamboria has a daunting task against Tokyo silver medalist Nesthy Petecio (Philippines) in her opening bout.The boxing events at the Paris Games will be held at two venues, with the early rounds taking place at the North Paris Arena and the semifinals and finals at the iconic Stade Roland-Garros.

India's Olympic contingent for the Paris Games is their second-largest ever, with 117 athletes representing the nation across 16 disciplines. This includes 29 athletes in athletics and 21 in shooting, the largest contingents in those sports for India at the Olympics.Among the 117 athletes, 72 are making their Olympic debut, while veterans like Sharath Kamal (table tennis), Rohan Bopanna (tennis), PV Sindhu (badminton), and Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting) will be competing in their third or more Olympics.India's medal hopes rest on the shoulders of several athletes, including Neeraj Chopra (javelin), Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (men's doubles badminton), PV Sindhu (women's singles badminton), the Indian women's archery team, the Indian men's archery team, the Indian men's hockey team, Sift Kaur Samra (shooting), Manu Bhaker (shooting), Nikhat Zareen (boxing), and Antim Panghal (wrestling).India has won 35 Olympic medals in total, with 12 coming from team sports and 134 athletes winning individual or team medals. Only three Indians have won multiple Olympic medals: Norman Pritchard, Sushil Kumar, and PV Sindhu.The Paris Olympics will be a crucial test for India's athletes, who will be aiming to surpass their best-ever medal haul of seven from the Tokyo Games. With a strong contingent and high expectations, India will be hoping to make history in Paris.

The Indian men's hockey team's failure to qualify for the 2008 Olympics marked a turning point in their history. Despite being eight-time Olympic gold medalists, they had not won a major title since the 1975 World Cup. A significant financial investment aimed at reversing their fortunes led to their return to the Olympics in 2012, but it proved disastrous. India finished last in the 12-team competition, and their players' lackluster approach shocked observers.Former Australian player and India's chief coach, Michael Nobbs, expressed his disappointment at the players' complacency. He noted their reluctance to engage in physical challenges and their casual execution of shots. Nobbs emphasized the need for a "killer instinct" and a willingness to sacrifice for the team.In contrast to India's struggles, seasoned Australian defender Matt Dawson demonstrated unwavering determination. Despite injuring his finger in training, he underwent an amputation to remain in contention for the Olympics. Such commitment highlights the physical risks that players are willing to take in modern hockey.International hockey has evolved into a fast-paced and competitive sport where physicality plays a crucial role. Teams rely heavily on analysis to identify weaknesses and exploit them. The results of the recent FIH Pro League will have little bearing on the Olympics, providing India with an opportunity to improve their performance under coach Craig Fulton.Harmanpreet Singh, India's captain, has been a key player with his drag flicks, but opponents have developed strategies to neutralize his threat. He recognizes the need to introduce new elements into his shots to maintain his effectiveness.At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper P R Sreejesh's experience will be invaluable. His ability to maintain defensive structure and deal with penalty corners will be crucial.While the bronze medal at Tokyo could motivate India, it could also weigh them down. They have struggled to replicate their success and finished among the also-rans at the 2023 World Cup. However, the Olympic preliminary pool draw provides them with an opportunity to gain momentum against lower-ranked opponents before facing tougher challenges.India's performance against Argentina could determine their quarter-final draw and potentially set them up for a favorable matchup. They have a history of defeating Argentina, having done so in the 2016 Olympics.