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Jyothi Yarraji, India's top female hurdler, has overcome significant obstacles to represent her country at the Paris Olympics. Her journey has been marked by language barriers, injuries, and personal growth.Growing up in humble surroundings, Jyothi felt invisible. However, her natural athleticism caught the attention of coach James Hillier, who recognized her potential. Despite initial communication challenges, Hillier patiently adjusted his instructions to Jyothi's understanding.Together, they embarked on a rebuilding process, focusing on confidence and technique. Jyothi's determination and Hillier's guidance led to a breakthrough in 2022, when she broke the national record in the 100m hurdles.Beyond the track, Jyothi has also experienced personal transformation. Living alone for the first time, she gained independence and self-reliance. She now cooks for Hillier and his family, showcasing her creativity both on and off the field.Hillier has played a pivotal role in Jyothi's development, transitioning from coach to manager. He empowers her to make decisions, fostering her responsibility and growth.Jyothi's success has not only brought pride to her family but also inspired other girls in her community. She believes that her achievements are not just about fame but about deserving her success.As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Jyothi remains focused on giving her best. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the transformative nature of sports.

Asian Games gold medalist Ronjan Sodhi has expressed concerns about the preparations for the Indian shooting contingent ahead of the Paris Olympics. He believes that the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) could have planned better and called for greater involvement of sportspersons in the running of the federation.Sodhi pointed out that the NRAI announced the 21-member contingent for Paris only two months before the Games, which left shooters struggling to plan their preparations and foreign exposure trips. He suggested that the announcement should have been made six months to a year in advance to give athletes ample time to prepare.The veteran marksman also criticized the lack of sportsperson representation in the NRAI panel responsible for selection matters. He believes that more athletes should be involved in decision-making to ensure that the process is fair and transparent."I think they (NRAI) must have thought about something, whether having trials at the last moment or whatever, whether there was a selection policy which was in order. I would say, there should be more sportspersons when it comes to selection matters in the whole (NRAI) panel," Sodhi said.Despite his concerns, Sodhi expressed optimism about the shooting contingent's chances in Paris. He acknowledged that the team is the largest ever and includes several talented young shooters."If you see, 21 shooters have qualified, which is the biggest (Indian) shooting contingent ever. I hope that they do well but shooting is one sport nobody can predict," he said.Sodhi emphasized that the contingent is well-trained and has a strong support team. He believes that the shooters will enter the competition with confidence, despite being relatively unknown."They are fearless, that's an advantage (with youngsters), they are the underdogs, nobody knows them. If I ask the names of the 21 shooters going to Paris, nobody would know most of their names," he said.

The Indian hockey team faces a daunting challenge at the upcoming Paris Olympics, with a formidable group that includes Australia, Belgium, Argentina, Ireland, and New Zealand. Legendary hockey player Ashok Dhyanchand, son of the legendary Dhyan Chand, believes that the team must approach the tournament with a fearless mindset and avoid preconceived notions to overcome the obstacles.India's recent performances, including a series loss to Australia and a disappointing finish in the Pro League, have raised concerns about their readiness for the Olympics. However, Dhyanchand remains optimistic, emphasizing the team's capabilities and experience. He advises the players to control their nerves and focus on implementing their techniques and tactics.Dhyanchand acknowledges the difficulty of the group but believes that India can succeed if they play with a fresh mind and a determination to win a medal. He highlights the importance of the Olympics as a potential swansong for several players, urging them to give their all and leave a lasting legacy.Despite the challenges, Dhyanchand remains hopeful that India can stand on the podium in Paris. He laments the fading aura of hockey in India but emphasizes the enduring romance with the sport and the expectations that accompany it. He believes that a medal is an absolute necessity, given India's rich hockey history.

Australian hockey star Matt Dawson has made an extraordinary sacrifice in his quest to compete at the Paris Olympics, undergoing surgery to amputate part of his finger. The 30-year-old, who was a member of the silver medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, recently broke the ring finger on his right hand, jeopardizing his hopes of participating in his third Olympic Games.Faced with the choice of wearing a cast and allowing the finger to heal or having the top portion removed, Dawson opted for the latter. "I made an informed decision with the plastic surgeon at the time, not only for the opportunity to play in Paris but for life after as well," he said.The surgery was successful, and Dawson is now on his way to France for the Olympics. "It's a bit of a change at the moment and an exciting challenge, I guess," he said.Australian coach Colin Batch praised Dawson's unwavering commitment. "It's not something a coach can decide for a player," he said. "Full marks to Matt. Obviously, he's really committed to playing in Paris. I'm not sure I would have done it, but he's done it, so great."Dawson's sacrifice highlights the immense dedication and determination required to compete at the highest level in sports. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about his chances in Paris. "I'm feeling really good," he said. "I've been doing a lot of rehab and training, and I'm confident I'll be ready to go."Australia, who lost to Belgium in a penalty shootout in the Tokyo final, will face 2016 Olympic champions Argentina in their first match in Paris on July 27. With Dawson's unwavering spirit and the team's collective determination, they will be aiming to secure a podium finish and bring home a medal for their country.

The Paris Olympics athletes' village, inaugurated on Thursday, embodies a groundbreaking vision of sustainable construction, showcasing a myriad of innovations designed to minimize its carbon footprint.Naturally CoolThe village boasts a unique cooling system that eliminates the need for air conditioning. High-performance insulation, sun shades, and a geothermal power plant that circulates cool water in summer and heat in winter maintain a comfortable temperature inside, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.Concrete ImprovementsBuilders employed innovative techniques to reduce emissions by 30% per square meter. Wood replaced carbon-intensive concrete in many structures, including core support, facades, and floors. Low-carbon concrete and recycled concrete were also extensively used.Low-Carbon ConcreteLow-carbon concrete, which uses less energy-intensive materials and processes, was widely employed throughout the site. This innovative material significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the buildings.Recycled ConcreteRecycled concrete was used as ballast and mixed with compost to create a base layer for the gardens, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability.Real GreeneryThe village features extensive gardens, covering 40% of the total land space, with 9,000 trees and shrubs. This greenery provides relaxation areas, reduces heat, and promotes biodiversity.Water WorksThe site has its own water treatment center that purifies wastewater for use in the gardens. An experimental building, "the Cycle building," uses purified rainwater for toilets and separates urine and feces for conversion into fertilizers.Circular EconomyAll 300,000 household items in the village are destined for a second life. Suppliers were required to demonstrate their ability to recycle or reuse materials. Bed bases are made of reinforced cardboard, mattresses from recycled fishing nets, and street furniture from reclaimed wood.

IOA Faces Scrutiny Over Coach and Support Staff Issues Ahead of Paris OlympicsWith just days remaining before the start of the Paris Olympics, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is facing criticism over administrative issues involving coaches and support staff for the Indian contingent. Despite clearing a jumbo 256-member contingent, several concerns have emerged.One of the most notable omissions is South Korean archery coach Baek Woong Ki, who has been instrumental in the team's impressive results and qualification for the Olympics. The Archery Association of India has expressed surprise at his exclusion, stating that they had submitted his name along with five other support staff members.Wrestler Antim Panghal has also raised concerns, claiming that her coach and physio have yet to receive visas due to delays by IOA officials. IOA president PT Usha has defended the association's actions, stating that they have been "proactive" in obtaining accreditations and visas for coaches and support staff.However, Usha has blamed the ad-hoc committee that governed wrestling until March 18 for not recommending Antim's support personnel in the long list. The committee's former chairman, Bhupinder Bajwa, has expressed surprise at this accusation, stating that the WFI took over after the ad-hoc committee's departure and that the names of Vinesh Phogat's coach and support staff were included in the long list despite her qualifying only in April.Despite IOA's efforts to accommodate personal coaches, trainers, and physios of several top athletes, some disciplines have more support staff members than athletes. This has led to concerns about the allocation of resources and the potential impact on the performance of the team.IOA has cleared 68 coaches and 50 support staff for 117 athletes, with a ratio of slightly better than 1:1. However, a large number of support staff will stay outside the Games Village and have limited access to venues.The IOA has included seven personal support staff members in wrestling in the 'non-accredited' category, including Antim's coach, sparring partner, and physio. However, concerns remain about the potential impact on the team's performance.

Esha Singh, a 19-year-old pistol shooter from Hyderabad, is on the cusp of making her Olympic debut at the upcoming Paris Games. While excitement fills her heart, she remains uncertain about the extent of her nerves.Her journey to the Olympics began with a remarkable performance at the 2018 National Championships, where she emerged as the senior champion at the tender age of 13. Since then, she has faced both highs and lows, but it is the highs that have presented the greatest challenges."After you win something major, it comes down to your prestige," Esha explains. "It's difficult to manage the baggage that comes with it."Despite these challenges, Esha has learned to embrace her failures and use them as opportunities for growth. She believes that her experiences at the 2023 Asian Games, where she won four medals, have given her a template for success at the Olympics."I surprised myself with that match," she says of her performance in the 25m pistol final at the Asian Games. "That final really proved to me that if I can perform here, anything else would be way easier."Esha's approach to training is based on the belief that shooting is a game of basics. She has been training for the Olympics for the past decade, focusing on consistency and maintaining a calm and composed demeanor."I'm more of a calm, composed person now," she says. "I'm learning to embrace my failures and understand why they ever happened."As she prepares for the biggest stage of her career, Esha is confident in her abilities and the lessons she has learned along the way. She is determined to replicate the mindset that led to her success at the Asian Games and to make the most of her Olympic experience.

Indian wrestling has established itself as a dominant force in the Olympics, with medal-winning performances in every edition since 2008. This success has elevated wrestling's status in the country, inspiring young athletes and raising hopes for continued excellence.Sushil Kumar's bronze medal in Beijing 2008 marked a turning point, followed by his silver in London 2012 and Yogeshwar Dutt's bronze in the same Games. Sakshi Malik's bronze in Rio 2016 and the double delight of Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia in Tokyo 2021 further cemented India's wrestling prowess.However, the sport faced a setback due to prolonged protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by elite wrestlers. This led to the suspension of national camps and domestic competitions, creating uncertainty and confusion.Despite these challenges, India has qualified six wrestlers for the upcoming Paris Olympics: Aman Sehrawat (men's freestyle 50kg), Vinesh Phogat (women's 50kg), Antim Panghal (women's 53kg), Anshu Malik (women's 57kg), Nisha Dahiya (women's 68kg), and Reetika Hooda (women's 76kg).Aman Sehrawat:Sehrawat's steady progress has earned him a spot in the 50kg weight division, replacing Olympic silver medalist Ravi Dahiya. His strengths lie in his stamina and endurance, making him a formidable opponent in long bouts. However, his limited strategy and technique could be a weakness.Vinesh Phogat:Phogat is one of India's most accomplished female wrestlers, known for her solid defense and impressive attack. However, her lack of quality mat time in recent years and the weight cut to 50kg could pose challenges.Antim Panghal:Panghal's flexibility and ability to escape her rivals' grips make her a dangerous opponent. However, her lack of recent competition due to a back injury could be a concern.Anshu Malik:Malik's quick movement and aggressive style have made her a promising prospect. Despite her experience at the Tokyo Olympics, her fitness is a worry due to a suspected shoulder injury.Nisha Dahiya:Dahiya's aggressive game style and fearless approach have earned her a spot in the Paris Games. However, her lack of exposure to major events and tendency to lose steam in the later stages of bouts could be weaknesses.Reetika Hooda:Hooda's explosive strength and technique make her a potential threat to her rivals. However, her habit of conceding points in the closing seconds of bouts could be a vulnerability.

Suraj Panwar, a 23-year-old race walker, is preparing for a unique challenge at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Despite being a 20km race walker, he will be competing in the inaugural marathon race walk mixed relay event, where he will team up with Priyanka Goswami.Panwar's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both adversity and triumph. Born into a family of forest guards, he lost his father at a young age when he was killed while preventing illegal logging. Raised by his single mother, Poonam, who worked at a forest department nursery, Panwar's sporting ambitions were nurtured from an early age.The marathon race walk mixed relay event, which will make its Olympic debut in Paris, presents a new challenge for Panwar. He will cover a total of 22.195km in two legs, with a break in between. The combined time of both athletes will determine the result.Panwar is currently training under Russian coach Tatiana Sibileva and is simulating the race conditions by taking breaks after completing 12.195km. He is not practicing with Goswami, who is training abroad, but will meet her in Paris before the event.Despite the challenges, Panwar is determined to give his best. He qualified for the Olympics through the world ranking quota in the 20km event but was later selected for the mixed relay. "It was a bit of a surprise," he said. "But I continued my training and it is a dream come true to be an Olympian."Panwar's mother, Poonam, has been his constant source of inspiration. "She told me to focus on my game and not on other things," he said. "I am keeping my TOPS inclusion a secret from her until I start getting the allowance. She will be very happy."With the support of his mother and the guidance of his coach, Panwar is ready to embrace the challenges of the Paris Olympics and make his mark on the world stage.