Others

India's Paris Olympics 2024 campaign concluded on Saturday with a total of six medals, marking the end of a 15-day journey. The contingent's performance was highlighted by Manu Bhaker's two bronze medals in shooting, Swapnil Kusale's bronze in shooting, and Neeraj Chopra's silver in javelin throw. The men's hockey team also secured a bronze medal after defeating Spain.On the final day of competition, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar finished outside the top ten in golf, while wrestler Reetika Hooda suffered a quarter-final defeat to Alperi Medet of Kyrgyzstan. Despite the match ending in a 1-1 tie, Medet advanced due to scoring the last point. Her subsequent semi-final loss eliminated Hooda from repechage contention.The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was expected to announce its verdict on Vinesh Phogat's joint-silver medal verdict but deferred it to August 13. Phogat had announced her retirement from wrestling on Friday.IOC President Thomas Bach stated that the IOC would abide by the CAS decision, emphasizing that the International Federation (United World Wrestling) has the responsibility to interpret and apply its rules.

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic Gold medalist, has been bestowed with the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This honor recognizes Bindra's exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement.Bindra's journey to this remarkable achievement is marked by numerous accolades and contributions both on and off the field. As an athlete, he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men's 10m Air rifle event. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win a World Championship Gold in Air Rifle Shooting.Over his two-decade-long career, Bindra won over 150 individual medals, earning recognition as one of India's greatest sports icons. His exceptional service to the sport was further acknowledged when he was awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honor by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).Beyond his achievements in sports, Bindra has made significant contributions to sports governance. He chaired the ISSF Athletes Committee for eight years and currently serves as a member of the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission. These roles allow him to influence the development of global sports policies and advocate for athletes worldwide.Post-retirement, Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots athletes in India through cutting-edge sports science technology. Through initiatives focused on high-performance training, education, and social upliftment, ABFT aims to bring global best practices to the Indian sporting landscape.A key initiative under Bindra's leadership is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which is being implemented in partnership with the IOC's Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam. Launched in Odisha in 2022 and Assam in 2023, OVEP aims to instil the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in over 11,000 schools, impacting more than 1 million schoolchildren.Bindra's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is reflected in the Odisha Ridley Forest Project, an initiative aimed at preserving the natural habitat of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coastline.This recognition highlights Bindra's enduring legacy in the world of sports and his continued efforts to promote the values of Olympism globally.

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç has become an internet sensation at the Paris 2024 Olympics for his unconventional shooting style. Dikeç, who won a silver medal in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, has competed in five consecutive Olympic Games, but it was his relaxed and casual demeanor that captured the world's attention.Dikeç's unique shooting style involves keeping one hand in his pocket and both eyes open while aiming. He attributes his success to his natural ability and lack of reliance on specialized equipment. "I'm a natural shooter," he told Turkish media.Following his viral moment, athletes across various sports began mimicking Dikeç's distinctive pose as a celebratory gesture. Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, Australian pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, and Jamaican discus thrower Rojé Stona all adopted the "Yusuf Dikeç pose" after their respective victories.The trend has extended beyond the Olympics, with footballers also joining in on the action. Fenerbahçe midfielder İrfan Can Kahveci, Nigerian attacker Cyriel Dessers, and Dutch winger Steven Berghuis have all celebrated goals by striking the iconic stance.Dikeç's approach to shooting is a departure from the norm. Shooters typically rely on specialized equipment, including precision glasses and ear protection. However, Dikeç competes with his usual glasses and earplugs, radiating a unique confidence.Now in his fifth Olympic appearance, Dikeç first competed in the 2008 Beijing Games. He holds a world record from the 2006 CISM Military World Championships and a bronze medal from the 2012 ISSF World Cup Final.Dikeç's unconventional style and infectious confidence have made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to athletes worldwide. His relaxed approach to shooting has challenged traditional norms and demonstrated that success can be achieved through natural ability and self-belief.

Star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker made a triumphant return to India on Wednesday, greeted by a jubilant crowd of supporters and family members at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Bhaker's historic feat of winning two medals at the Tokyo Olympics, a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol and another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, has etched her name in the annals of Indian sporting history.The Air India flight carrying Bhaker and her coach, Jaspal Rana, touched down at around 9:20am, an hour behind schedule. Despite the early morning drizzle, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport hours before her arrival, eager to witness the return of their Olympic hero.As Bhaker emerged from the airport exit, she was greeted with a thunderous applause, bouquets, garlands, and the rhythmic beats of dhol. Flower petals were showered upon her and Rana as they made their way through the crowd, which was managed by a significant police presence.Among those present to welcome Bhaker were her parents, Ram Kishan and Sumedha, as well as sports enthusiasts and officials from her home states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Rana's father, Narayan Singh Rana, a former Uttarakhand Sports Minister, expressed his pride in his son and Bhaker's achievements."It is a matter of pride for us that a daughter of India is coming back after creating history by winning two medals in an Olympics. It has never happened before. She is only 22 years old," said Rana.Bhaker's historic feat has drawn comparisons to British-Indian athlete Norman Pritchard, who won two silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles at the 1900 Olympics. However, Bhaker's achievement is particularly significant as it came in the post-Independence era.Before leaving for India, Bhaker had expressed her anticipation for a grand welcome, and she was not disappointed. The crowd celebrated her feat with song and dance, holding banners with photos of Bhaker and Rana.Bhaker is scheduled to meet with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the afternoon. She will then return to Paris on Saturday to participate in the closing ceremony of the Olympics, where she will be one of India's flag-bearers.

India's shooting contingent has made history at the Paris Olympics, ending a two-decade medal drought with three bronze medals. The performance marks a significant turnaround for the sport in the country, which had failed to win any medals at the previous two Olympics.The team's success can be attributed to a comprehensive overhaul of its preparation strategy after the Tokyo Olympics. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) implemented a system that prioritized athlete-centric training, coach-driven guidance, and administrative support.Sports science, mental training, strength and conditioning, and nutrition were meticulously incorporated into the program. Beijing Olympics champion Abhinav Bindra was brought in as a mentor to provide motivation and guidance.The introduction of Olympic selection trials and the removal of bonus points ensured a level playing field for all athletes. This resulted in a highly competitive team that included some of the world's top shooters.At the Olympics, India's shooters displayed remarkable consistency, with multiple athletes qualifying for finals. Manu Bhaker emerged as a star, winning two bronze medals in the air pistol individual and mixed events. Swapnil Kusale also secured a bronze in the 50m rifle three positions.The team's success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired a new generation of shooters. The NRAI's focus on personal coaches and a positive team environment has fostered a culture of excellence that is likely to drive the growth of the sport in the years to come.

India's Olympic journey in Paris 2024 was marked by a series of near misses, with five athletes finishing just shy of the podium. Arjun Babuta, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Ankita Bhakat, Manu Bhaker, and Lakshya Sen all came agonizingly close to securing a medal, but ultimately fell short.Babuta narrowly missed out on a bronze in the men's 10m air rifle shooting, finishing fourth with a score of 208.4. In the mixed team archery event, Bommadevara and Bhakat made history by becoming the first Indian archers to reach the semi-finals, but lost in the bronze medal match to the USA.Manu Bhaker, who had won two Olympic medals in previous editions, came close to a third in the women's 25m pistol shooting final. However, a series of poor shots near the end caused her to drop to fourth place after a shoot-off against Hungary's Veronika Major.Badminton star Lakshya Sen's hopes of becoming the first Indian male shuttler to win an Olympic medal were dashed in the semi-finals by Denmark's Victor Axelsen. In the bronze medal match, he lost to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia, crushing his dreams of a podium finish.India's shooting contingent also faced disappointment in the mixed skeet bronze-medal match. Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka lost by a single point to China, finishing fourth overall.Despite these near misses, the Indian athletes displayed immense skill and determination. They join a list of 17 other Indian athletes who have finished fourth in their respective events at the Olympics, including wrestling legend Randhir Shinde, track and field icon Milkha Singh, and tennis duo Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati.These fourth-place finishes serve as a testament to the growing competitiveness of Indian athletes on the global stage. While they may not have reached the podium, their performances have inspired a nation and set the stage for future Olympic success.

Ace Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been bestowed the honor of being India's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. The 22-year-old markswoman etched her name in Indian sporting history by securing two bronze medals in Paris.Bhaker's remarkable journey began with a bronze in the individual 10m air pistol event, making her the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. She broke India's 12-year medal drought in shooting, following Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang's podium finishes in London 2012.Not content with one medal, Bhaker teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to clinch another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. This achievement made her the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games."Manu has been chosen to be the flag bearer. She has done exceptionally well and deserves the honor," an IOA official confirmed to PTI.Bhaker expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, "There are many in the contingent who are more deserving, but it will be a real honor if I am asked to."The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has yet to finalize the male flag bearer, with the decision expected in the coming days.Besides Bhaker's two medals, Swapnil Kushale added a third bronze for India in the men's 50m Rifle Three Positions. Ace shuttler Lakshya Sen will compete for bronze on Monday, while the Indian men's hockey team advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Great Britain on penalties.Reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will commence his javelin throw campaign on August 6.In the opening ceremony, star shuttler PV Sindhu and veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal led the Indian contingent as flag bearers in the Parade of Nations.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting sensation, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Olympics. Her bronze medals in the women's 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team events at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 have opened India's medal count and brought immense pride to the nation.The 22-year-old from Haryana's Jhajjar district has been on a remarkable journey, dedicating eight and a half years to her sport. Her unwavering commitment and hard work have paid off, culminating in this historic achievement. Bhaker's success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the dedication and support of her team, including her coach, family, and countless others who have believed in her.Despite the sacrifices she has made, including being away from her family for extended periods, Bhaker remains grounded and grateful for the love and support she has received. Her social media following has skyrocketed to over 1 million on Instagram, and she has been lauded by legends like PV Sindhu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Bhaker's victory is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in oneself. She has faced challenges and setbacks along the way, but her determination has never wavered. Her success is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a source of pride for all Indians.As she sets her sights on the LA Olympics 2028, Bhaker remains focused on her goals. Her rigorous training routine and unwavering commitment will undoubtedly lead her to even greater heights. Her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes and the transformative power of sport.

Indian shooters Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon faced disappointment at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, failing to qualify for the final of the women's skeet competition. Chauhan finished in 14th place with a score of 118, while Dhillon placed 23rd with 113.Chauhan started the competition strongly, shooting 23, 24, and 24 in the first three series on Saturday. However, her performance dipped slightly in the final two series, with scores of 25 and 22. Dhillon, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency throughout the qualification round, recording scores of 21, 22, 23, 23, and 24.Only the top six shooters in the qualification round advanced to the final. Italy's Diana Bacosi, the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalist, also failed to qualify, finishing just below Chauhan in 15th place with a score of 117.On the first day of qualifications, Chauhan had been in contention for a top-six finish, sitting in eighth place with an aggregate of 71. However, her performance on Sunday was not enough to secure a spot in the final. Dhillon, who was placed 25th after the first day, also failed to improve her position significantly.Meanwhile, Indian shooters Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala are currently competing in the 25m rapid fire pistol men's qualifications.