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The Indian men's 4x400m relay team's hopes of qualifying for the Paris Olympics were dashed on Sunday as they failed to finish their heat race at the World Athletics Relays in Silesia, Poland. The quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Rajesh Ramesh, Muhammed Ajmal, and Amoj Jacob had been aiming for a top-two finish in heat number four to secure their ticket to Paris, but their dreams were shattered when Ramesh was forced to pull out due to cramps.Anas had already completed the first leg in a time of 45.93 seconds when Ramesh, running the second leg, collapsed at the first bend, clutching his left leg. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) later confirmed that Ramesh had suffered cramps in his leg muscles.The setback was particularly disappointing for the Indian team, who had set an Asian record of 2 minutes and 59.05 seconds at the 2023 Budapest World Championships. They had also failed to progress beyond the heat round in the Tokyo Olympics.India will have another chance to qualify for the Paris Games on Monday during round two of the Olympic qualifications. All the teams that finished outside the top two in their respective heats on Sunday will compete for the remaining six Paris tickets. The teams will be divided into three heats, with the top two from each heat advancing to the Olympics.In addition to the men's 4x400m relay, India also failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics in the women's 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relays on the first day of qualifications. Both teams will have to wait for Monday's round two of Olympic qualifications for another shot at the Paris Games.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has indefinitely suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Punia failed to provide a urine sample during selection trials on March 10, prompting NADA to issue the suspension.According to NADA's official release, Punia has been provisionally suspended from all competitions and activities pending a hearing on the matter. The suspension stems from Punia's refusal to provide a sample despite being informed of the consequences.Punia, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, was among several wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The suspension comes as a setback for Punia, who was expected to compete in the selection trials later this month.In the absence of Punia, Sujeet Kalkal will represent India at the World Qualifiers in Istanbul on May 9. The suspension notice was addressed to the WFI's now-defunct ad hoc committee, rather than the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW).Punia had previously claimed that he had expired dope-collecting kits, but disregarded the dope control officer's directive. The DCO's report states that Punia left the venue despite being informed that his refusal would result in a warning for breaking anti-doping rules.Punia has been asked to provide a written justification for his refusal by May 7. If he accepts the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings. However, if he disagrees, the matter will be referred to the anti-doping disciplinary panel.

Olympic-bound javelin thrower Kishore Jena has emerged as a rising star in Indian athletics, following his impressive performance at the 2023 Asian Games. Alongside Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, Jena has formed a formidable duo that is poised to make waves at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.Jena's journey to the top has been marked by his unwavering determination and the invaluable guidance of Neeraj Chopra. In a recent interview with NDTV, Jena expressed his admiration for Chopra's humility and mentorship. "He is such a senior athlete, but he always treats us with respect," Jena said. "He keeps on pushing me ahead during tournaments and never makes me feel like he is my competition."Jena's meteoric rise has been fueled by his relentless pursuit of improvement. Last year, he shattered his personal best by over 9 meters, propelling him into the elite ranks of javelin throwers. As he prepares for the Olympics, Jena is meticulously fine-tuning his technique and fitness through rigorous training and participation in prestigious events like the Diamond League.In the lead-up to the Paris Games, Jena spent 35 days training in Australia, where he honed his skills in an optimal environment. "The temperature was around 2-3 degrees Celsius in Patiala, so the Athletic Federation of India recommended us to go for training," Jena explained. "Our trip turned out to be a success as we had good practice sessions twice a day."Jena's unwavering focus and the unwavering support of his mentor, Neeraj Chopra, have positioned him as a legitimate contender for an Olympic medal. As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, Jena is determined to leave an indelible mark on the world stage and inspire a new generation of Indian athletes.

Maheshwari Chauhan, a rising star in Indian shooting, has secured India's 21st quota place for the upcoming Paris Olympics. On the concluding day of the ISSF Final Olympic Qualification Championship Shotgun in Doha, Chauhan clinched a silver medal in the women's skeet event, earning her a coveted spot at the prestigious sporting spectacle.Chauhan's journey to the Olympics has been marked by unwavering determination and relentless hard work. Competing in her maiden ISSF Final, she displayed nerves of steel and exceptional marksmanship. In the 60-shot final, she tied with Chile's Francisca Crovetto Chadid at 54 hits, forcing a shoot-off for the gold medal.Despite a valiant effort, Chauhan narrowly missed out on the top prize, losing 3-4 to Chadid. However, her silver medal performance was enough to secure India's second Paris quota place in the women's skeet event."I am thrilled. There has been a lot of hard work over the years to get here. I am a bit bummed about the shoot-off, but overall, it has been very satisfying," said Chauhan after the final.Chauhan's triumph is a testament to her unwavering dedication and the support she has received from her coaches and the Indian shooting fraternity. Her achievement is a source of pride for the nation and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring shooters.

Amit Panghal, India's star boxer, endured a tumultuous two-year absence from the national team due to a controversial evaluation system. The system, implemented by former High Performance Director Bernard Dunne, favored Deepak Bhoria over Panghal, despite Panghal's impressive track record.Panghal's exclusion took a heavy toll on his mental and physical well-being. He lost motivation, struggled to maintain weight, and even contemplated depression. However, his unwavering determination to qualify for the Paris Olympics kept him going.With Dunne's departure, Panghal's fortunes changed. He returned to the national team and regained his top spot in the flyweight category. A gold medal at the Strandja Memorial tournament boosted his confidence.Panghal will have his final chance to qualify for Paris at the World Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok. He faces a tough challenge, but he is confident in his abilities. He has been preparing diligently, studying his opponents, and working on his technique and endurance.Panghal's journey has been marked by adversity and resilience. Despite the setbacks, he has remained focused on his Olympic dream. With the support of his coach and childhood friends, he is determined to make up for lost time and secure a place in Paris.

Lovlina Borgohain, India's boxing sensation, is brimming with confidence as she sets her sights on a second Olympic medal at the upcoming Paris Games. Having endured a challenging period following her bronze medal triumph in Tokyo, Borgohain has found renewed success in the 75kg weight class, which aligns better with her natural body weight.Since transitioning to the higher weight category, Borgohain has claimed gold at the 2022 Asian Championship and the 2023 World Championships, along with a silver medal at the Asian Games. This remarkable run has instilled in her a belief that she can replicate her Olympic success in Paris."My performance has been good after changing the weight," Borgohain said. "Winning the World Championship in the Olympic category was huge. I had to control weight before, but now I am set in this weight."The 75kg category has been an Olympic fixture since 2012, and Borgohain acknowledges the formidable competition she will face. However, she remains undeterred, citing her comfort in the weight class and her improved strength and conditioning."75kg is challenging, but I fit well in this category," she said. "I feel stronger and I am able to train better."Borgohain's agility and speed are key strengths, and she has made tactical adjustments to her game plan. "I have changed my technique a bit," she revealed. "Earlier I had a more defensive game, but now I go ahead and attack."As the pressure mounts ahead of the Games, Borgohain finds solace in meditation and prayer. "I always try to be calm even when I am at ringside," she said. "I meditate, do breathing exercises, and I pray. That makes me feel strong."Borgohain's determination and unwavering belief in her abilities make her a formidable contender for an Olympic medal in Paris. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset, anything is possible.

Hockey India has announced a 28-member core probable group for the men's national coaching camp, aiming to address weaknesses ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The camp commenced on Sunday at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru and will continue until May 13.The team returns to camp after a disappointing 0-5 loss in a five-match Test series in Australia. Chief coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of this camp in preparing for the upcoming challenges. "We are looking to begin an important block of training in this camp, and we need to make sure that we are in the best shape possible ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics," Fulton said. "We have an exciting group of experienced players along with some young players."The core group includes experienced players such as goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, defender Harmanpreet Singh, and midfielder Manpreet Singh. Young talents like forward Akashdeep Singh and midfielder Hardik Singh are also part of the squad.The team will travel to Belgium and London for the next two legs of the FIH Pro League after this camp. They will face Argentina, Belgium, Germany, and Great Britain in these matches."The tour to Australia has helped us in realizing where we need to work on and I always believe that we can work on our shortcomings and look to set things straight well before the final leg of the Pro League and the Paris 2024 Olympics," Fulton added.The camp and subsequent Pro League matches will provide the team with valuable opportunities to improve their performance and build momentum towards the Paris Olympics.

Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, and Reetika have all advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Olympic Qualifier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, putting them one step closer to securing a quota for the Paris Olympics.Vinesh, competing in the 50kg category, dominated her opponents with ease. She quickly dispatched her Korean rival Miran Cheon in just 1 minute and 39 seconds, followed by a swift victory over Cambodia's Smanang Dit. Vinesh's strong hold and gut wrench moves proved too much for her opponents.Anshu Malik, the 2021 World Championship silver medalist, also had a strong performance. She received a direct entry into the quarterfinals and defeated Kyrgyzstan's Kalmira Bilimbekova by technical superiority.U23 world champion Reetika (76kg) showcased her class by outclassing Eunju Hwang of Korea and Davaanasan Enkh Amar of Mongolia. In her final group bout against China's Juang Wang, Reetika fought back after conceding six straight points to secure a narrow victory.Mansi Ahlawat (62kg) also advanced to the last-four with a 6-4 win over Kazakhstan's Irina Kuznetsova.However, Nisha Dahiya (68kg) was the only Indian wrestler who failed to reach the semifinals. Despite winning her opening bout against Sol Gum Pak of North Korea, she was outclassed by local favorite Meerim Zhumanazarova in round 2. Nisha's exhaustion from the previous bout proved costly, and she was unable to recover in the must-win round 3.The finalists at this competition will earn quotas for their respective countries. The last chance to win a Paris Games quota will be at the World Qualifiers in Turkey from May 9.

PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak, India's two elite goalkeepers, are engaged in a fierce rivalry for the coveted spot in the Paris Olympics squad. With only one goalkeeper allowed per team, the competition between these two stalwarts has intensified.Sreejesh, a three-time Olympian, has been India's undisputed number one for years, while Pathak has emerged as a formidable challenger. Pathak's impressive performances, including a crucial role in India's Asian Games gold medal triumph, have put him on par with Sreejesh.The team's strategy of rotating goalkeepers every quarter has provided Pathak with ample playing time, allowing him to develop his skills and confidence. His patience and exceptional stick saves have made him a formidable opponent for Sreejesh.Pathak has also invested significant time off the pitch, studying opponents' attacking patterns and penalty corner setups. This meticulous preparation has enhanced his game and reduced his vulnerability during matches.However, Sreejesh's experience and expertise in shootouts remain a significant advantage. In the high-stakes knockout rounds of major tournaments, shootouts often determine the outcome. Sreejesh's intelligent gameplay and composure in these situations make him a valuable asset.Despite his age, Sreejesh maintains his fitness and mental sharpness. He believes that goalkeepers should be prepared to play full matches and handle the pressure of international competition.The final decision on who will represent India in Paris rests with coach Craig Fulton. Both Sreejesh and Pathak have proven their worth, making it a difficult choice. The outcome of this rivalry will have a significant impact on India's Olympic aspirations.