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Sanjay, a 23-year-old defender and drag-flicker, has made history by becoming the youngest and most inexperienced player on India's 16-member hockey squad for the Paris Olympics. Despite his limited international experience of just 35 matches, Sanjay's impressive performances in trials and his ability to defend fearlessly earned him a spot on the team.Sanjay's selection has raised eyebrows, as many expected his more experienced teammate Jugraj Singh to be chosen. However, the selectors and chief coach Craig Fulton saw something special in Sanjay, who played a key role in India's Asian Games gold medal victory last year.Sanjay's inclusion is crucial for India, as it provides a much-needed second penalty corner (PC) specialist to partner the brilliant Harmanpreet Singh. Top teams often have multiple world-class drag-flickers, and Sanjay's presence will give India a significant advantage.Sanjay's childhood coach, Gurminder Singh, believes his protege has the potential to shine on the world's biggest stage. He praised Sanjay's strength, ball sense, and ability to handle pressure.Sanjay's selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has trained tirelessly at the Chandigarh Hockey Academy since 2011 and has consistently impressed with his performances in the Pro League.Sanjay's ability to defend fearlessly is another key factor in his selection. He is known for his man-to-man marking and his willingness to take a hit. This defensive prowess will be invaluable to India in Paris.Sanjay is confident in his abilities and is determined to make the most of his Olympic debut. He said, "The coach has trusted my abilities. I'll try to play my best hockey in Paris."Sanjay's selection is a reminder that age and experience are not always the only factors in determining success. With his talent, determination, and the support of his teammates, Sanjay has the potential to make a significant impact on India's Olympic campaign.

Indian table tennis star Harmeet Desai believes that the Indian team has the potential to upset any team at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Desai, who played a crucial role in India's gold medal victories in the team competition at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, expressed confidence in the team's preparations and their ability to perform at their best in the French capital.The Indian TT contingent made history earlier this year when both the men's and women's teams qualified for the Olympics for the first time. The preparatory camps, held in Bengaluru and Saarbrucken, Germany, focused on developing the perfect combinations for the team events at the Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11."On a given day, I think we really have a very good chance of beating any team. We have won against top teams in the world in the past and it is possible this time also if we give our best. In the Olympics, if all three of us can put on the best show then anything is possible," said Desai in an interview with Ultimate Table Tennis.Desai is part of the Indian men's team along with Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manav Thakkar, and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran. He will also be competing in the individual events. Desai's confidence stems from the fact that the Indian men's team had defeated the mighty Japan in the quarterfinals to clinch the bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games.Speaking about the rise of Indian table tennis on the world stage, Desai credited the central government's various schemes and the launch of Ultimate Table Tennis in 2017 for the development of the sport. "UTT has helped us get more experience and exposure to play with international players and get guidance from foreign coaches. That was not the case before 2017. So, this kind of experience has helped the players get more self-belief and perform well in the international arena," he said.The Indian men's team will face China in the opening round while the women's team will open their campaign against Romania. The individual events will be played from July 27 to August 4, whereas the team events are scheduled from August 5 to 10.After the Paris Olympics, India's representatives at the Games and upcoming talent from the country will rub shoulders against each other and some international stars in the Ultimate Table Tennis 2024, scheduled to take place in Chennai from August 22 to September 7.

India's archery contingent made a promising start at the Paris Olympics, with both the men's and women's teams securing quarterfinal berths in the recurve event.The women's trio of Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Deepika Kumari impressed with a combined score of 666 points, placing fourth in the standings. Bhakat, a debutant at the Games, emerged as the top-ranked Indian archer, finishing 11th in the individual qualifications.In the men's team event, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Ramesh Jadhav combined for a score of 2013 points, finishing third behind South Korea and France. Bommadevara, who made a remarkable comeback in the ranking round, finished fourth in the singles qualifying with a score of 681.South Korea's Lim Sihyeon set a new world record with a score of 694 in the individual competition, while her compatriot Suhyeon Nam finished second with 688 points. China's Yang Xiaolei secured the third position with 673 points.Despite her impressive team performance, Deepika Kumari, a four-time Olympian, had a disappointing outing in the individual qualifications, recording her worst-ever result at the Games. As a result, she missed out on the mixed team berth for the first time, with Ankita set to partner Bommadevara in the mixed team finals.The top four teams in both the men's and women's events earned direct entry into the quarterfinals, bypassing the Round of 16 fixtures. India's women's team will face either France or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, while the men's team will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent.If successful in the quarterfinals, India could face a formidable challenge against the South Korean team, renowned for their dominance in Olympic archery. The Korean women's team has been particularly invincible, securing their ninth consecutive Olympic medal in Tokyo three years ago.

The Summer Olympics in Paris are set to commence with a grand ceremony on the Seine River, welcoming over a hundred heads of state, government officials, royalty, and US First Lady Jill Biden. However, the absence of Russian officials due to the ongoing war in Ukraine casts a shadow over the event.Despite the ban on Russia's participation, a small group of neutral athletes will represent the country. Ukraine's attendance remains uncertain, with President Volodymyr Zelensky yet to confirm his presence. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US First Lady Jill Biden are among the notable attendees.European leaders expected to grace the ceremony include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will attend under heavy protection amidst protests over Israel's bombardment of Gaza.Gulf states have kept their plans confidential, while Chinese President Xi Jinping will be represented by Vice President Han Zheng. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has delegated his wife Rosangela to represent the nation. Argentine leader Javier Milei and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have confirmed their attendance.African leaders Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon and Faustin Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic will be present. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will attend, while South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa will not. Niger will be represented by sports ministry official Abdoulaye Mohamadou, marking the first anniversary of a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.Royalty in attendance includes Britain's Princess Anne and Prince Albert of Monaco, both IOC members. King Felipe VI of Spain, King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark are also expected.Despite ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world, the Olympics provide an opportunity for diplomatic engagement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to call for a ceasefire, while French President Emmanuel Macron has urged an "Olympic truce."

Three years after India's historic Olympic performance in Tokyo, the nation's athletes are poised to embark on another Olympic journey in Paris. Among them, Neeraj Chopra, India's lone gold medalist in athletics, faces a unique challenge as the defending champion.Chopra's success in Tokyo has brought immense pressure, but he has embraced it as a necessary part of his journey. He has remained grounded and motivated, consistently delivering exceptional performances. His dominance in javelin throw over the past few years suggests he is a strong contender for a medal in Paris.However, Chopra recognizes that each competition is a new challenge. He has chosen to approach Paris as a fresh start, leaving behind the baggage of the past. By focusing on the present and embracing a growth mindset, he aims to replicate his success.Chopra's exceptional work ethic and adaptability set him apart. His decision to skip the Paris Diamond League to prioritize his body's well-being demonstrates his self-awareness and understanding of the demands of his sport. This quality is rare among Indian athletes and is crucial for sustained success.In addition to his physical abilities, Chopra's open-mindedness and willingness to innovate contribute to his world-class status. He is receptive to new training methods and techniques, recognizing that success requires constant improvement.Chopra's journey is a testament to the importance of self-belief and the pursuit of excellence. His ability to think independently and make decisions that align with his goals is a valuable lesson for all Indian athletes.

Paris Games-bound high jumper Sarvesh Kushare has received invaluable advice from Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra: "Just focus on training and don't get scared by the fame of the opponents." This guidance has boosted Kushare's confidence, especially after a period of uncertainty about his Olympic qualification.Kushare's journey to the Olympics has been remarkable. From practicing on a makeshift mat made of fodder to becoming the first Indian high jumper to qualify for the Games, he has overcome numerous challenges. His personal best of 2.27m and season's best of 2.25m make it realistic for him to reach the final round in Paris.Despite his relatively small stature, Kushare is determined to compete with the best. "It is only my height that is small, but I am also very strong from within," he said. "There is no fear of seeing my opponent's personality. It is important to be in top form at the right time and have faith in your preparation."Kushare's training regimen in Poland includes gym work, speed training, strength training, and recovery sessions. He also incorporates yoga and meditation into his routine for mental preparation. "I talk to a sports psychologist regularly for mental preparation," he said. "He tells me how to deal with pressure and how to keep myself mentally fresh."Kushare's Olympic debut will be a significant moment for Indian athletics. He hopes to make it to the finals and bring pride to his country. "We also want to be like him (Chopra) and bring pride to the country," he said.

French authorities have apprehended a Russian national suspected of orchestrating "destabilization" plots during the upcoming Paris Olympics. The 38-year-old man was detained and placed under judicial investigation for allegedly "organizing events likely to lead to destabilization during the Olympic Games."Prosecutors revealed that an investigation was initiated into "passing intelligence to a foreign power in order to arouse hostilities in France," a crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison. A search of the suspect's residence, conducted at the request of the interior ministry, yielded evidence supporting the alleged plans.However, authorities emphasized that the plot was not terrorist in nature and that anti-terrorist prosecutors were not involved in the case. In preparation for the Olympics, authorities have conducted extensive background checks on over a million individuals, including athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, security guards, and local residents near event locations.Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin disclosed that 4,360 individuals were denied access to the Games, with 880 of them barred due to suspected foreign interference. Recent incidents have raised concerns about foreign actors attempting to influence French public opinion or foment divisions.In June, dummy coffins labeled "French soldiers in Ukraine" were left near the Eiffel Tower. In May, red hands were painted on Paris's main Holocaust memorial. Following Hamas's attack in October, stars of David were tagged on buildings in the Paris region, leading to the arrest of two Moldovan suspects.

Avinash Sable, India's 3000m steeplechase champion, has shifted his focus from chasing timings to meticulous preparation ahead of the Paris Olympics. After a disappointing performance at the 2022 Budapest World Championships, Sable opted to train in Bengaluru rather than return to the Indian team's base in Colorado Springs.His decision paid off at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he struck gold and regained his confidence. However, Sable realized the need to improve his preparation for major events. In the 2022 Eugene Worlds, he qualified for the final but finished 11th due to a slow race. At Budapest, another tactical and slow preliminary heat caught him off guard, resulting in his elimination."This year, the focus has been on preparation, so that I don't run behind but run shoulder to shoulder with the front group," Sable explained. "That's why I started late. I want to cover all the bases in training."Sable's preparation included declining invitations to Diamond Leagues to focus on his Olympic training. He believes that he has overcome his fear of international competition and is now confident in his abilities."I know what it is to compete in international events. I don't have a fear of international competition anymore," he said. "I've learnt to back my decisions. I've not thought about results in the preparation phase. I told myself I will accept all that comes my way, but whatever has to happen should happen before Olympics, not during it."The Paris Diamond League served as an ideal preparation for the Olympics, featuring top runners. Sable finished sixth, breaking his national record with a time of 8:09.91. Kenyans Abraham Kibiwot and Leonard Kipkemoi, who will compete in the Olympics, were also in the race.Sable's focus has shifted from chasing timings to improving his overall performance. "Last year, the target was to get good timing; this year it is the opposite – keep doing your best in training – speed, endurance, final kick," he said.Having broken the national record multiple times, Sable believes that his obsession with timing is over. "I was running for timing and if I didn't get it in one race, I would call up Scott that I want to enter this Diamond League or some other competition," he explained. "But I was losing crucial time to train and it was affecting my preparation for major championships."Sable's goal for the Paris Olympics is to run a race similar to the Commonwealth Games, where he won silver against three Kenyans. "I think my best chances will be if it is a race like athletes running single file," he said. "You are clear about your position. You are able to see others."Sable is prepared for any type of race and is confident in his abilities. "Kuch bhi ho jaaye, jaise bhi race jaaye, uske liye prepare raghenge," he said. (Whatever the race throws up, I will be ready).

India's archery contingent is brimming with confidence ahead of the Paris Olympics, with ace archer Deepika Kumari expressing optimism about their chances. The team's strength lies in its clear communication and unwavering support for each other, especially in challenging situations.Deepika, a veteran of three Olympic Games, emphasized the importance of effective communication. "The strength of any team lies in its communication and combination. It's essential to support each other in various situations. We talk a lot and discuss how to handle different scenarios. Clear communication, especially in tough situations, is a huge strength for us," she said.Ankita Bhakat, who will be fulfilling her lifelong dream of competing in the Olympics, echoed Deepika's sentiments. "Since I started archery, I have always dreamt of playing in the Olympics. Now, that dream is coming true. In past World Cups, we rarely played podium matches, but this time it's different. We learned from our early setbacks and improved significantly. Our performance has been consistently better in each competition, and I believe we will perform well at the Olympics," Bhakat stated.Bhajan Kaur, another member of the women's team, highlighted the importance of self-belief and giving their best effort. "My performance at the second World Cup was much better than the first one, so I started feeling victorious about my progress since the first World Cup. Whenever we go for a tournament, we focus on giving our best, no matter the magnitude of the tournament. Our aim is to leave no stones unturned for the Olympics as well and we are confident that we will return from Paris with a medal," Kaur said.Bhakat also acknowledged the invaluable experience of having Deepika Kumari in the team. "It's a great advantage that Deepika is going to the Olympics for the fourth time. She understands the challenges we might face in Paris," she explained.Bhajan added, "Deepika's experience, along with Ankita's, is our biggest strength. They help us understand and rectify any issues in our game. Our ability to communicate and support each other is crucial."Deepika, one of India's most decorated archers, has been a beacon of excellence in the sport. The former World No.1 archer has won medals in World Cups, Asian Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships, and the Asian Games.