Others

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling star, has received an outpouring of love and support since her return from the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite the heartbreak of being disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling final, Vinesh's resilience and determination have inspired the nation.Upon her arrival at the New Delhi airport on Saturday, Vinesh was greeted by a throng of supporters. Her journey to her family's village, Babali, was a testament to the immense admiration she holds in her community. Thousands lined the streets, cheering and showering her with affection.On Monday, Vinesh celebrated Raksha Bandhan with her brother. A heartwarming video emerged on social media, showing Vinesh holding a bundle of Rs 500 notes. "I am almost 30 years old. Last year he gave me Rs 500. After that this (points to a bundle of currency note). He has earned this much money only in his whole life (jokingly), which he has given to me," Vinesh said, eliciting laughter from her brother.Vinesh's journey from Delhi to Balali was a testament to her popularity. She was felicitated by supporters and 'khap' panchayats in several villages, extending her 135km-long journey to nearly 13 hours.Despite the disappointment of her disqualification, Vinesh has remained steadfast in her resolve to fight for justice. Her appeal against the disqualification was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but she has vowed to continue her battle against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)."Our fight has not ended and it will continue," Vinesh declared. "We have been fighting a battle for one year. It will continue and by God's grace, the truth will prevail."Vinesh's unwavering spirit has resonated with the nation. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. Her legacy as a two-time CWG gold medallist, Asian Games champion, and eight-time Asian Championships medallist will continue to inspire generations to come.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy, has emerged as a beacon of hope for India after her remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics. Having endured the disappointment of Tokyo, Bhaker's journey to redemption has been marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering belief.In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Bhaker shared her insights into the lessons she learned from Tokyo and the strategies she employed to achieve success in Paris. Overcoming her fears and embracing a confident mindset proved crucial. She also emphasized the importance of consistent training and the ability to adapt to different match scenarios.Bhaker's brilliance in the mixed event was a testament to her exceptional skills and the support of her coach, Jaspal Rana. She attributed her success to the meticulous planning and preparation that went into each competition.Reflecting on India's overall performance at Paris, Bhaker acknowledged the talent and potential of Indian athletes. However, she stressed the need for better planning, scouting, and support for young athletes. She believes that grassroots development and early identification of talent are essential for India to close the gap on the top medal winners at the Olympics.Bhaker also highlighted the importance of supporting former Olympians like Saurabh Chaudhary, who she considers the finest shooter she has ever witnessed. She urged authorities to provide opportunities for athletes to regain their form and contribute to India's sporting success.Bhaker's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a reminder that setbacks can be transformed into triumphs with the right mindset and unwavering determination.

Anasuya Mathur, a Delhi resident and avid athletics enthusiast, defied the odds to volunteer at the Paris Olympics despite her recent cancer diagnosis. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Mathur was determined to experience the Olympic spirit firsthand.Despite initial resistance from her doctor, Mathur found a physician who accommodated her Olympic aspirations into her chemotherapy schedule. She spent a week and a half at the La Defense Arena, where she witnessed the swimming competitions and the emergence of new aquatic stars.Mathur's Olympic journey began in London 2012, where she volunteered at the athletics venue. She has since participated in every Summer Olympics except Tokyo 2020, which was impacted by the pandemic. While she initially hoped to work at the Stade de France for the athletics events, she opted to assist at the swimming venue with her longtime Olympics manager.Despite enjoying the swimming competitions, Mathur expressed disappointment at missing the javelin final featuring Indian star Neeraj Chopra. However, she emphasized that her 10 days at the Olympics were an unforgettable experience.Mathur's unwavering determination and passion for the Olympics serve as an inspiration to all. Her story highlights the transformative power of sports and the resilience of the human spirit.

Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian hockey team's captain, faced intense scrutiny after India's disappointing performance at the 2023 World Cup. Despite leading 3-1 at one point, India lost 3-3 (4-5) to New Zealand in the crossover match, resulting in their worst-ever finish as a host nation.Harmanpreet, who had scored only once in four games, took the blame for the loss. However, he remained confident and worked tirelessly to improve his conversion rate. With the support of assistant coach Shivendra Singh, he spent extra hours practicing against top goalkeepers like PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak.Harmanpreet's determination paid off as he led India to gold at the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, becoming the tournament's highest scorer with nine goals. His 13 goals at the 2023 Asian Games helped India secure a direct ticket to the Paris Olympics.In the 2022-23 Pro League, Harmanpreet emerged as the highest scorer with 18 goals. He continued his impressive form in the 2023-24 edition, scoring 12 goals. However, the true test of his abilities came at the Olympics.At the 2023 World Cup, opposition teams had effectively neutralized Harmanpreet's penalty corner threat. However, India's chief coach Craig Fulton and Harmanpreet had devised a counter-strategy for Paris.Fulton instructed the forwards to enter the circle and attempt to score. If unsuccessful, they were to draw a penalty corner and allow Harmanpreet to take the shot. This strategy proved highly effective, as India scored 15 goals in eight matches in Paris, with Harmanpreet contributing an incredible 10.Harmanpreet's exceptional composure and decision-making were crucial to India's success. He analyzed the opposition's tactics and exploited their weaknesses. Against Spain, he noticed that goalkeeper Luiz Calzado tended to stay in the center, so he fired two low shots that secured India's second consecutive Olympic bronze medal.Harmanpreet's journey from despair to redemption is a testament to his resilience and determination. After the disappointment of the World Cup, he worked tirelessly to improve his game and led India to Olympic glory.

Cindy Djankeu Ngamba, a trailblazing athlete from the Refugee Olympic Team, has etched her name in history by becoming the first refugee to secure an Olympic medal. Her triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a pivotal moment for the team, which has previously achieved its highest ranking with two fifth-place finishes at the Tokyo Games.Ngamba's journey to the podium has been marked by resilience and determination. Born in Cameroon, she now resides in the UK, but her lack of a British passport prevents her from competing for Team GB. Despite facing challenges, including a near-deportation experience, Ngamba has persevered.Her sexuality has further complicated her battle for UK citizenship, as homosexuality is criminalized in Cameroon. However, Ngamba's unwavering spirit has propelled her forward. She received a scholarship from the IOC refugee team and became the first female boxer to represent the team at the Olympics.In the women's 75kg boxing semi-finals, Ngamba showcased her aggressive and tactical prowess. She dominated the first round against French contender Davina Michel, securing a commanding lead in the second. Despite being advised to play it safe in the final round, Ngamba maintained her dominance, earning perfect scores from all judges.Her victory has resonated deeply with refugees worldwide. "I want to say to refugees all around the world, [including] refugees who are not athletes around the world, keep on working, keep on believing in yourself, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to," Ngamba said.Ngamba's achievement is a testament to the power of human spirit and the transformative impact of sports. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity, reminding them that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

India's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has emerged as a formidable force at the Paris Olympics, defying adversity and showcasing unwavering resilience. Their stunning victory against Great Britain in the quarterfinals has ignited a belief within the squad that they possess something special.The team's journey to the semifinals has been marked by a series of challenges, including a narrow escape against New Zealand and a hard-fought draw with Ireland. However, they have risen to the occasion, displaying exceptional attacking prowess against Australia and a masterclass in defense against Great Britain.Harmanpreet Singh attributes their success to a newfound team spirit and a belief that they can overcome any obstacle. "The kind of situation that happened in the match and we still managed to win, I think something is there," he said. "We are just two steps (away)."The next step for India is a daunting semifinal clash against Germany, the reigning World Cup champions. Germany boasts a formidable attack, led by drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, and a strong defense. However, India's confidence is sky-high after their victory against Great Britain."If we can win from one man down, then we can definitely beat any team playing with 11 men," said Manpreet Singh, the captain of the Tokyo Olympics team. "If we have beaten Australia, we can beat any team in the world."Mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton has played a crucial role in developing the team's resilience. "We've worked hard on it, but it was only ever going to be revealed when the rubber hit the road," he said. "Now we've seen they have resilience."Despite the suspension of Amit Rohidas for the Germany match, India remains determined to make history. They have proven their ability to adapt and overcome adversity, and they are now within touching distance of a medal of a different color than the bronze they won in Tokyo.

Nikhat Zareen's Olympic dream was shattered in the pre-quarterfinals of the Paris Games, leaving her devastated and vowing to return with renewed determination. The Indian boxing star, who was a strong medal contender, suffered a unanimous decision loss to top seed and reigning Asian Games champion Wu Yu of China in the 50kg women's boxing competition."The Olympic dream I've cherished for so long didn't unfold as I had hoped," Zareen wrote in a heartfelt social media post. "After countless hours of training, sacrifices, and unwavering determination, this moment slipped through my fingers."Zareen's defeat was a crushing blow, as she had been the first of six Indian boxers to qualify for the Paris Olympics. She had fought through a year of injury, battled to reclaim her spot, and overcome countless obstacles to represent her country on the global stage."Winning an Olympic medal was my greatest dream, and I fought with everything I had to get here," Zareen said. "The Paris 2024 journey was filled with challenges, but I never gave up."Despite her disappointment, Zareen remains determined to achieve her Olympic dream. "This isn't the end," she vowed. "I'll return home to recover and clear my mind. This dream is still alive, and I will continue to chase it with renewed passion."Zareen's resilience and determination are a testament to her unwavering spirit. She has promised to come back stronger and make her country proud.

In the realm of sports, setbacks and triumphs are intertwined, shaping the journeys of athletes. The Tokyo Olympics witnessed several such tales of resilience and redemption.Simon Biles, the gymnastics icon, faced the dreaded "twisties" in Tokyo, a mental block that threatened her Olympic dreams. Yet, she persevered, winning her eighth Olympic medal and becoming the most decorated gymnast in US history. Her triumph was not merely a victory on the scoreboard but a testament to her mental fortitude.Manu Bhaker, India's shooting prodigy, endured relentless trolling after a disappointing performance in Tokyo. The pressure and self-doubt nearly shattered her spirit. However, she found solace in taking a break and rediscovering her love for the sport.China's diving "Dream Team" suffered a rare setback in Tokyo, losing their four-decade-long streak in men's synchro platform. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but it ignited a fire within Cao Yuan and Chen Aisen. They vowed to return stronger, proving that even in the face of adversity, redemption is possible.American sprinter Noah Lyles, after a bronze medal in the 200 meters, realized the need for a change. He embraced discomfort, competing in events that challenged his limits. His silver medal in the 60 meters at the Indoor World Championships boosted his confidence, reminding him that setbacks can be stepping stones to success.These athletes' journeys highlight the transformative power of setbacks. They teach us that failure is not a dead end but an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By embracing the lessons learned from adversity, athletes can emerge stronger, more resilient, and with a renewed appreciation for the joy of victory.

Indian Hockey Team's Unconventional Bootcamp in the Swiss Alps: Building Resilience and TeamworkIn preparation for the Paris Olympics, the Indian men's hockey team embarked on an extraordinary two-day bootcamp in the Swiss Alps with renowned adventurer Mike Horn. This unconventional detour aimed to enhance the players' mental resilience, teamwork, and strategic thinking.Horn, who has previously worked with the Indian cricket team and IPL franchises, led the players through a series of challenging activities, including glacier walking, mountain climbing, via ferrata, and waterfall rappelling. These experiences pushed the players out of their comfort zones and tested their limits.According to Horn, these activities foster mental resilience, enabling athletes to stay focused under pressure. They also strengthen team bonds and trust, as players face challenges together. Additionally, they enhance strategic thinking and adaptability, crucial skills in high-stakes competitions like the Olympics.Horn shared personal anecdotes from his expeditions, exposing the players to the pressures of life and death. These stories resonated with the team, providing them with a fresh perspective on handling pressure in their own sport.The bootcamp began at Glacier 3000, where the players walked with harnesses. Initially, some players expressed apprehension, but their concerns dissipated after spending the night in a hostel and cycling to Rougemont.Horn gradually increased the intensity of the activities, culminating in a night spent on hay without sleeping bags or mattresses. This experience tested the players' adaptability and resilience.By the end of the camp, the players had embraced the challenges and developed a newfound sense of camaraderie and achievement. They left with a fresh perspective on handling pressure, a crucial skill for the upcoming Olympics.