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Rohan Sejwal, a young basketball prodigy from Bhopal, has overcome adversity to earn a spot on India's squad for the upcoming Junior Asian Basketball Championship in Jordan.Growing up in a humble background, Rohan's father, Sunil Sejwal, works as an auto driver. Despite financial constraints, Rohan's passion for basketball ignited at the tender age of 10.In 2020, Rohan's talent was recognized when he was selected for the NBA Junior program. He has since participated in numerous national competitions and Khelo India sports events, representing Madhya Pradesh in the Under 14 and Under 17 categories.Rohan's journey to the national team has been marked by hard work and determination. He has faced countless challenges, but his unwavering spirit has propelled him forward.The Junior Asian Basketball Championship will be held from September 2 to 9 in Jordan. India's team, which includes 12 talented young players, will be led by Rohan Sejwal.Rohan's selection is a testament to his exceptional skills and the power of perseverance. He is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

The Paris Paralympics, set to commence on Wednesday, will witness a spectacular opening ceremony in the heart of Paris, following the city's successful hosting of the Olympics. A new generation of Paralympians will join seasoned veterans in competing at many of the same venues that hosted Olympic events.Eighteen of the 35 Olympic venues will be utilized for the Paralympics, including the Grand Palais, which received high praise for hosting fencing and taekwondo under its ornate roof. The La Defense Arena will once again host the 141 gold-medal events in para-swimming, while the Stade de France will be the stage for track and field competitions.The Games will commence with a ceremony in Place de la Concorde, the central square of Paris where skateboarding and other urban sports were featured during the Olympics. This marks the first time a Paralympics opening ceremony will take place outside the main stadium.The Paralympic flame was ignited at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England, the birthplace of the Games, and transported to France via the Channel Tunnel. Theatre director Thomas Jolly, who also oversaw the Olympics opening ceremony, emphasized the symbolism of holding the Paralympics ceremony in the heart of Paris, a city whose Metro system remains largely inaccessible to wheelchair users."Placing Paralympic athletes in the heart of the city is a political statement, as the city is not sufficiently adapted to every handicapped person," Jolly said.Organizers have addressed accessibility concerns by ensuring that Paris buses are wheelchair-friendly and providing 1,000 specially adapted taxis. Ticket sales, which were initially sluggish, have picked up since the Olympics, with over 1.9 million tickets sold to date.Every Paralympics introduces new stars, and this edition will be no exception. American above-the-knee amputee sprinter/high jumper Ezra Frech, at just 19 years old, has already garnered significant attention for his journey to Paris. Familiar faces will also return, such as British amputee sprinter Jonnie Peacock, who made a comeback last year in his bid to win a medal at his fourth consecutive Paralympics.Beyond the track, Iranian sitting volleyball legend Morteza Mehrzad, standing at an impressive 8ft 1in (2.46m) tall, will aim to defend his gold medal. The Paralympics, however, extend beyond sports, serving as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons expressed his hope that the Paris edition will bring the issues facing disabled people back to the forefront of global priorities. He believes the Games "will have a big impact in how people with disability are perceived around the world.""This is one of the key expectations we have around Paris 2024; we believe that we need people with disability to be put back on the global agenda," Parsons said.Paralympic powerhouse China is expected to send a strong squad, having dominated the medals table at the Tokyo Games with 96 golds. Britain, with 41 golds, will be aiming to improve its performance. Host nation France, riding the wave of its Olympic team's success, will be targeting a significant increase from the 11 golds it won in 2021.Ukraine, traditionally a top medal-winning nation at the Paralympics, will send a team of 140 athletes despite the challenges they face in preparing amidst the ongoing war. Athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete under a neutral banner but are barred from the opening and closing ceremonies.

Indian Sports Icons Extend Heartfelt Wishes on 78th Independence DayOn the occasion of India's 78th Independence Day, the nation's sports icons have come together to express their heartfelt greetings and patriotic sentiments. From cricket legends to Olympic and Paralympic champions, athletes have taken to social media to share their messages of unity, pride, and gratitude.Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, known for his unwavering passion for the game and his country, shared a poignant message on Twitter. "Sportspersons aren't the only ones playing for India," he wrote. "Every Indian who does their job with honesty and sincerity is a key player for Team India. So, when the national anthem plays today, know that it's for you."Olympic medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal echoed Tendulkar's sentiments, emphasizing the value of freedom both on and off the field. "As a sportsperson, I've learned the value of freedom on the field, but it's the freedom of our nation that gives us the strength to dream big," she tweeted.Indian men's hockey stalwart PR Sreejesh expressed his pride in being an Indian and wished everyone a memorable Independence Day. "May the spirit of freedom and patriotism fill your heart with pride," he wrote.Indian men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir shared a powerful message, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India's independence. "Freedom comes at a price. Our heroes pay it everyday with their blood! Never forget," he tweeted.Ex-India women's cricket captain Mithali Raj penned a heartfelt message, honoring the nation's journey and the strength found in unity. "Every time our tricolour flutters in the wind, it tells a story of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of freedom," she wrote.Paralympics champion shuttler Pramod Bhagat also conveyed his greetings, urging everyone to reflect on the nation's journey and contribute towards a brighter future. "Together, we are unstoppable!" he tweeted.Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad emphasized the importance of unity and equality, while former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh expressed his pride in standing with the tricolor.The theme of this year's Independence Day celebration, 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047,' aims to propel the country towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by the year 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag and delivered the customary address to the nation from the Red Fort's ramparts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious goal for India: to host the Olympics in 2036. During his Independence Day speech on Thursday, PM Modi announced that preparations are already underway for this grand event.India's Olympic aspirations are not unfounded. The country has proven its ability to host major international events, such as the G20 Summit. PM Modi expressed confidence that India has the infrastructure and capabilities to successfully organize the Olympics.The Prime Minister congratulated the Indian athletes who represented the nation at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024. He also extended his best wishes to the contingent of athletes traveling to the upcoming Paralympics.India's Paralympic team is expected to continue the country's impressive performance in the Games. At the Tokyo Paralympics, India won 19 medals, while at the Para Asian Games, the team secured a historic 111 medals.For the Paris Paralympics, India has fielded its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes. They will compete in 12 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.PM Modi's announcement has been met with enthusiasm by sports enthusiasts and the general public. India's hosting of the Olympics would be a significant milestone in the country's sporting history and a testament to its growing global stature.The allotment of hosting rights for the Summer Games is a rigorous process conducted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). India will need to submit a detailed bid and undergo a thorough evaluation by the IOC's Future Host Commission.If India's bid is successful, it will be the first time the country has hosted the Olympics. The event would provide a major boost to India's sports infrastructure and inspire a new generation of athletes.

Tragedy Strikes: Three Budding Hockey Players Killed in Jharkhand Lightning StrikeIn a heart-wrenching incident, three promising hockey players lost their lives while five others were severely injured in a lightning strike in Simdega district of Jharkhand on Wednesday. The tragedy occurred in Tutikela village, where the players had gathered for a hockey competition.As heavy rain lashed the area, the players sought shelter under a tree to avoid getting drenched. However, fate had a cruel twist in store for them. A sudden lightning bolt struck the tree, instantly killing Senan Dang, Nirmal Horo, and Enos Budh.The remaining players, Clement Bagay, Jailesh Bagay, Salim Bagay, Patras Bagay, and Patras Dang, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Kolebira community health center. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the hockey fraternity.According to the police, the players were all between the ages of 15 and 18 and had been practicing for the competition. The sudden loss of these young lives has left their families and friends devastated.The Jharkhand government has announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. The state's Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, expressed his condolences and ordered an investigation into the incident.The tragedy highlights the dangers of lightning strikes, especially during heavy rainfall. Experts advise people to seek shelter in enclosed buildings or vehicles during thunderstorms and to avoid standing under trees or open fields.The hockey community has come together to mourn the loss of these talented young players. The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) has expressed its deepest sympathies and pledged to support the families of the victims.The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of taking precautions during inclement weather. As the monsoon season continues, it is crucial for people to be aware of the risks associated with lightning strikes and to take necessary safety measures.

India's performance at the Paris Olympics, while marked by some notable achievements, also highlighted the need for a comprehensive system to foster sporting excellence. Despite Manu Bhaker's medals and Neeraj Chopra's silver, India's overall medal tally of six (including four bronze) fell short of expectations.The post-Games analysis has focused on the failure to win more medals, but it is crucial to examine the methods available in India to ensure sporting success. A clear pathway and system must be established to identify, nurture, and develop young athletes.Australia's national swimming squad provides a model for such a system. They establish relationships with clubs and states, identifying talent early and providing them with specialized training and support. They focus on stroke-specific development and seek athletes with a competitive mindset.India's lack of a comprehensive system was evident in the case of Vinesh Phogat, whose weight management issues marred her Olympic hopes. The absence of accountability and responsibility for such failures is a major concern.The boxing federation also faced challenges due to coaching issues, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in sports administration.While national camps and exposure trips are important, they are not sufficient. Athletes like Jeswin Aldrin and Shaili Singh have struggled despite their talent, indicating a lack of options for athletes to seek alternative coaching or training environments.The Indian men's hockey team's bronze medal demonstrated the importance of fitness, discipline, and teamwork. However, India needs to develop systems that consistently produce champions to make bidding for the 2036 Olympics meaningful.

Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem etched his name in Olympic history by claiming the gold medal in the men's javelin throw at the Paris Games. His record-breaking throw of 92.97m not only secured the top spot on the podium but also shattered the previous Olympic record held by Andreas Thorkildsen.Nadeem's triumph was a testament to his unwavering determination and the support of his coach, Salman Fayyaz Butt. Despite facing financial constraints in his early days, Nadeem's talent and dedication propelled him to the pinnacle of his sport.The Pakistani athlete's journey to Olympic glory was not without its challenges. As a young athlete, he struggled to secure funding for his training and equipment. However, his unwavering spirit and the support of his family and community kept him going.Nadeem's father, a retired construction worker, expressed immense pride in his son's achievement. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and the value of hard work.Nadeem's success has not only brought glory to Pakistan but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country. His story serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

The Olympic Games hold a special allure for athletes, even those who have achieved immense success in their respective sports. From the tears of joy shed by Scottie Scheffler and Novak Djokovic to the stirring comeback of the French football team, the Tokyo Olympics showcased the enduring power of the Games.For some, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of their careers. Badminton star Viktor Axelsen, a two-time defending champion, declared that the Olympics are the "grandest stage of them all." Similarly, for Noah Lyles, Neeraj Chopra, Simone Biles, and countless others, the Games provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their talents and compete against the world's best.However, for athletes in certain sports, the Olympics may not hold the same level of significance. Men's football, golf, tennis, and basketball players often earn substantial salaries at their clubs and may prioritize those commitments over the Olympics.Despite this, many top athletes in these sports have chosen to participate in the Olympics, recognizing the unique experience and honor it represents. For example, Sergio Camello celebrated Spain's football victory by taking off his shirt, while Fermin Lopez described the summer as "unbeatable."In golf, Scottie Scheffler's tears of joy after winning the gold medal demonstrated the emotional significance of the Olympics, despite his substantial earnings on the PGA Tour. Rory McIlroy, who has won millions of dollars in prize money, explained that the Olympics has the potential to rival the Ryder Cup as one of the most prestigious events in the sport.In tennis, Novak Djokovic's victory at Roland Garros was particularly meaningful as it marked his first Olympic gold medal and placed him among an elite group of players who have won all four Grand Slams and the Olympics. Carlos Alcaraz, despite his disappointment in losing the final, expressed the honor he felt in representing Spain.Basketball legend Steph Curry also showed his commitment to the Olympics, scoring 36 points in the semi-final against Serbia to keep the United States' hopes of a fifth consecutive gold medal alive.The Olympics provide a unique platform for athletes to represent their countries and compete for the ultimate prize. While some may prioritize financial rewards, for many, the Olympic rings hold an unparalleled allure, symbolizing the pursuit of excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship.

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, has effortlessly qualified for the javelin throw final at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. With a season's best throw of 89.34 meters in his first attempt, Chopra sent a clear message to his rivals.The qualification standard was set at 84.00 meters, and Chopra's throw was well above that mark. The other Indian in the fray, Kishore Jena, could not make the final, with his best attempt being 80.73 meters.The final promises to be a thrilling affair, with Chopra's Czech rival Jakub Valdech, who has a personal best of 99.88 meters, also in the mix. Valdech, like Chopra, needed only one throw to qualify, registering a distance of 85.63 meters. Germany's Julian Weber also impressed with an 87.78-meter attempt.Chopra's ability to perform at his peak during major events sets him apart. He is a rare Indian athlete who is a favorite for gold in a track and field event. Pakistan's Nadeem Arshad and Grenada's Anderson Peters also qualified automatically with season's best throws of 86.59 meters and 88.63 meters, respectively.The qualification round was of exceptional quality, with five of the finalists posting their season's best throws. India's qualification comes after a disappointing day at the Games, with Lakshya Sen missing out on a bronze medal in badminton, the mixed skeet shooters team losing a bronze medal playoff, and wrestler Nisha Dahiya suffering an injury and losing her quarterfinal bout.