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Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Team India's historic double gold triumph at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad, declaring that "Bharat is brimming with energy and aspirations."India's exceptional performance in Budapest culminated in gold medals for both the men's and women's teams on Sunday. Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM Modi lauded their achievements."India is a nation brimming with energy and dreams. We witness new milestones every day. Today, both our men's and women's teams have brought home gold medals from the Chess Olympiad," he said.In the final round, India's men's team, led by D Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, emerged victorious over Slovenia to secure the gold. Gukesh and Erigaisi's wins gave India an early 2-0 lead, while Praggnanandhaa's subsequent victory and Vidit's draw sealed the gold with a 3.5-0.5 triumph.Meanwhile, the Indian women's team, featuring Harika Dronavalli, R. Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agarwal, and Tania Sachdev, also clinched gold by defeating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5. Harika, Divya, and Vantika secured individual victories, while Vaishali drew her match.PM Modi's visit to New York marks the second leg of his three-day trip to the United States. On Saturday, he participated in the Quad Summit and held bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.The Quad has emerged as a pivotal group of like-minded nations collaborating for peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi and President Biden explored new avenues to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.PM Modi will also engage with prominent American business leaders, who play a crucial role in fostering the unique partnership between the world's largest and oldest democracies. He is scheduled to address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji returned to India on Thursday as a national hero after securing a bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 final at the ongoing Paris Paralympics. Jeevanji, making her Paralympic debut, showcased exceptional speed and determination throughout the competition.In the final, Jeevanji started strongly but faced a challenge in the final phase of the race. Despite her best efforts, she finished behind Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar (gold) and Turkey's Aysel Onder (silver). However, her time of 55.82s was enough to secure a podium finish and add to India's growing medal tally.Jeevanji's bronze medal is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She qualified for the final with a sensational run in the qualification round, finishing first in her heat with a time of 55.45s. Her performance in Paris has not only brought glory to India but also inspired countless aspiring athletes.India's Paralympic contingent has enjoyed a remarkable run in Paris, with several athletes achieving podium finishes. Para-athletes Dharambir and Pranav Soorma claimed gold and silver medals, respectively, in the men's club throw F51 final. Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar also secured silver and bronze medals in the men's javelin throw F46 event.In addition to Jeevanji's bronze, India has also won gold medals in para archery, para shooting, and para-shuttle. Para-archer Harvinder Singh made history by winning India's first-ever gold medal in para archery at the Paralympics. Para-shooter Avani Lekhra and javelin thrower Sumit Antil also contributed to India's gold medal count.The Indian contingent's success at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to the country's growing support for para-sports. The athletes' achievements have not only brought pride to the nation but also raised awareness about the abilities and potential of individuals with disabilities.

India's Paralympic Contingent Aims for Record-Breaking Performance in ParisIndia's Paralympic contingent is poised to make history at the Paris Paralympics 2024, aiming to surpass their previous best tally of 25 medals. With several promising athletes in contention, the Indian team is confident of achieving their ambitious goal.On Thursday, September 5, India will have a busy schedule with athletes competing in shooting, archery, athletics, power-lifting, and judo. In shooting, Sidhartha Basu and Mona Agarwal will participate in the Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 event, while Pooja and Harvinder Singh will represent India in the Mixed Team Recurve Open (Pre Quarterfinals).Athletics holds another medal opportunity for India, with Arvind competing in the Men's Shot Put F35. In archery, Pooja and Harvinder Singh will face Amanda Jennings and Taymon Kenton-Smith of Australia in the Mixed Team Recurve Open (Pre Quarterfinals). If they qualify, they will advance to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and potentially the medal matches.Power-lifter Ashok will compete in the Men's up to 65kg final, while judokas Kokila and Kapil Parmar will participate in the Women's 48kg J2 and Men's 60kg J1 events, respectively.India's Paralympic contingent has already made a strong start to the Games, with several athletes securing medals in various events. The team's determination and resilience are evident, and they are eager to continue their success in Paris.The Indian government and sports authorities have provided significant support to the Paralympic contingent, ensuring that athletes have access to world-class training facilities and resources. The team's performance at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they are determined to make India proud.

India's Paralympic contingent, the largest in its history, is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. With an 84-strong team, India aims to surpass its record-breaking performance in Tokyo, where it won 19 medals, including five gold.The contingent boasts a mix of experienced veterans and promising young athletes. The target is to secure over 25 medals, with a double-digit haul in gold. This ambition is fueled by the team's exceptional performances in the past year, including a record 111 medals at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.The schedule for India's athletes is packed with events across various disciplines. On August 29, Aruna Tanwar will compete in Taekwondo, while Jyoti Gaderia will participate in Cycling. Badminton group stages and Archery ranking rounds will also take place.August 30 will see Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal in Shooting, while Manish Narwal and Rudransh Khandelwal will compete in Shooting. Athletics events include discus throw for Sakshi Kasana and Karam Jyoti, and shot put for Manu.On August 31, Mahavir Unhalkar will compete in Shooting, while Jyoti Gaderia and Arshad Shaikh will participate in Cycling. Table tennis will feature Bhavinaben Patel and Sonalben Patel in Women's doubles. Athletics events include javelin throw for Parveen Kumar and high jump for Nishad Kumar and Ram Pal.September 1 will see Avani Lekhara and Sidhartha Babu in Shooting, while Sriharsha Ramakrishna will compete in Archery. Athletics events include shot put for Ravi Rangoli and 200m for Preethi Pal. Badminton group stages and semifinals will also take place.September 2 will feature the finals of several Badminton events, including SL3, SL4, SH6, and SU5. Athletics events include discus throw for Yogesh Kathuniya and 1500m for Rakshita Raju. Archery will see Rakesh Kumar and Shyam Swami in compound open.September 3 will see Pooja in Archery, Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal in Shooting, and Bhagyashri Jadhav in Athletics. Archery will also feature Rakesh Kumar, Sheetal Devi, and Shyam Swami in compound open mixed team.September 4 will see Arshad Shaikh and Jyoti Gaderia in Cycling, Harvinder Singh in Archery, and Nihal Singh and Rudransh Khandelwal in Shooting. Athletics events include shot put for Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, Mohd Yasser, and Rohit Kumar.September 5 will feature Mona Agarwal and Sidhartha Babu in Shooting, Harvinder Singh and Pooja in Archery, and Kokila and Kapil Parmar in Judo. Athletics events include shot put for Arvind.September 6 will see Sonalben Patel in Table Tennis, Dipesh Kumar in Athletics, and Kasthuri Rajamani in Powerlifting. Athletics events also include high jump for Praveen Kumar and shot put for Soman Rana and Hokato Sema.September 7 will feature Jyoti Gaderia and Arshad Shaikh in Cycling, Suyash Jadhav in Swimming, and Bhavinaben Patel in Table Tennis. Athletics events include javelin throw for Navdeep and 200m for Simran.September 8 will see Pooja Ojha in Canoe, while the closing ceremony will take place on September 9.

India's surfing prowess continues to shine on the international stage as the nation claimed a silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup, a team event within the Asian Surfing Championships 2024. The victory comes on the heels of India securing its first-ever Asian Games quotas in surfing, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country.The Maruhaba Cup, held at the picturesque Thulusdhoo island in the Maldives, brought together elite surfers from across Asia to compete in a team format. India's team, comprising Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani, showcased their skills and determination throughout the competition.In the Heat 2 semi-final, India dominated the field, securing first place with a total score of 32.16. Chinese Taipei followed in second place with a score of 29.70, while South Korea finished third with a score of 27.74.The final saw India facing off against Asia's top surfing nations. Despite a valiant effort, the Indian team finished in second place with a team score of 24.13. Chinese Taipei (23.93) and China (22.10) were placed third and fourth respectively, while Japan emerged victorious with an impressive score of 58.40.India's silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup is a testament to the growing strength of surfing in the country. The team's performance not only secured a podium finish but also demonstrated India's potential to compete at the highest level of the sport.

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.

Coach Craig Fulton's unwavering belief in building trust and teamwork propelled the Indian hockey team to defend its bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Fulton emphasized the importance of fostering a strong bond among the players, recognizing that it was the foundation for their success.The team's journey began with a gold medal at the Asian Games, securing their qualification for the Olympics. Despite facing challenges in the Pro League, the team remained confident in their abilities. Fulton's unwavering belief in their potential instilled a sense of determination within the players.The quarterfinal match against Great Britain proved to be a defining moment. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Amit Rohidas' red card suspension, the team displayed remarkable resilience. They fought valiantly for 43 minutes, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory. Fulton hailed this performance as one of his proudest moments on the hockey field.The semifinal match against Germany was a tough battle, but the Indian team played with heart and determination. While they were unable to score, Fulton praised their fighting spirit. He also acknowledged the team's resilience in the bronze medal match against Spain, where they faced a relentless attack in the final quarter.Fulton credited the team's success to the lessons they learned during their training sessions with Paddy Upton and Mike Horn, who were part of the World Cup-winning Indian cricket team. These sessions focused on mental toughness and the importance of embracing challenges. Fulton believes that these experiences played a crucial role in the team's ability to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh urged his team to seize their second chance at an Olympic medal in Paris 2024, despite their heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Germany in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics.Sreejesh, who will retire from international hockey after the bronze medal match against Spain on Thursday, emphasized the importance of securing a medal for the country. "It's a medal match, and it's not about me; it's about the country, the 19 players, and the staff," he said. "We have one last opportunity to play, to get a medal for our country, and we should focus on that rather than dwelling on what happened today."The veteran custodian acknowledged that India missed several chances, including penalty corners. "We had our opportunities but couldn't convert many of them. You can see it in the scoreline. It's a matter of homework," he said. "They did a wonderful job against Harman, how to tackle him. He's one of the best drag-flickers in the world, and that's what they did against us."Despite the setback, Sreejesh praised his team's fighting spirit. "My players have done a wonderful job. They fought back, they really stood tall. Unfortunately, we couldn't finish it the way we wanted. It's not an easy deal," he said.Sreejesh expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back against Spain in the bronze medal match. "We are tough. I believe we will bounce back in a better way. This consultation will have to be about how to fight that bronze medal match more than discussing this loss," he said. "We need to look at this match also because from there we will realize what went wrong and what we can do better. Because a lot of the opposition look into these kinds of matches, they learn how they can hurt us in certain ways. So we need to find that out and we need to block that.""Spain is not an easy team. They are real fighters. The way they played in the quarterfinals showed that we can't be in a relaxing chair," Sreejesh added.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy of athletics, made a triumphant start to his Paris Olympics journey on August 26, 2024, which was aptly dubbed "Neeraj Chopra Day" by the official Olympics X handle. The reigning Olympic champion and India's only medalist in athletics in independent history, Chopra breezed into the men's javelin final with a season-best throw of 89.34m in the qualification round.Chopra's dominance was evident from the outset as he was the first to take his attempt in Qualification B. With his very first throw, he surpassed the automatic qualification mark of 85m, securing his place in the final. The Olympics X handle celebrated the moment, tweeting, "Happy Neeraj Chopra day, to all those who celebrate. The reigning champ is back in Olympic action for today's Men's Javelin qualifiers, could he be adding another medal to his collection soon?"The final, scheduled for Thursday at 11:55 pm IST, promises to be a thrilling affair. Speaking to JioCinema after his qualification, Chopra acknowledged the differences in conditions between Tokyo and Paris. "In Tokyo, we threw in the sunshine and here it's a bit cooler and the humidity is much lesser. Tokyo was much warmer and more humid than Paris. The big difference is that there are crowds here," he said.Despite his impressive performance in the qualification round, Chopra remained focused on the task ahead. "Final will be a cracker, the Tokyo final mark has already been surpassed by qualification. We were a little relaxed today. The burden and pressure will be much more in the final," he added.Chopra also addressed his recent injury concerns, stating, "I have had a few issues with my groin and that is why I did not take part in a lot of competitions. It is important to stay fit and reach the final."Chopra's performance in the qualification round has set the stage for a thrilling final, where he will aim to defend his Olympic title and add another chapter to India's sporting history.