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Indian Archers Aim to Shed the Weight of History at Tokyo OlympicsAs the Indian archery team prepares for the Tokyo Olympics, they are determined to break free from the "bhaar" (weight) that has burdened them in past Games.Coach Purnima Mahato acknowledges the challenges faced by the squad, including the absence of Korean chief coach Baek Woong Ki and psychologist Gayatri Madkekar. However, she remains optimistic, stating that the team has been working on improving their processes rather than focusing solely on medals.Tarundeep Rai, a four-time Olympian, believes that the team has matured and is better equipped to handle the pressure of the Games. He emphasizes the importance of qualifying with a good ranking in the ranking rounds, which will determine their seeding in the team and individual events.The men's team, ranked world No. 2, is aiming for a top-four finish in the ranking rounds to secure a direct spot in the quarter-finals. The trio of Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Pravin Jadhav has shown consistent results in recent competitions, including a gold medal at the Shanghai World Cup.The women's team, led by experienced Deepika Kumari, has more subdued expectations. Coach Mahato prefers a quieter approach, allowing the archers to focus on their performances without the added pressure of medal expectations.Rai acknowledges the team's past struggles at the Olympics, but believes that they have learned from their mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the present and not getting caught up in the weight of expectations.The team has been training in France for the past fortnight, acclimating to the conditions at the Esplanade des Invalides, where the archery competition will be held. They have had two practice sessions in the main competition arena, which differs slightly in design and wind resistance from the adjacent training venue.The addition of Dhiraj to the men's team has added solidity, and his growth and consistency have contributed to the team's success. Rai believes that the team's recent medals have boosted their self-belief and sent a message to other teams that India is a contender.However, he cautions against carrying the weight of expectations into the competition. The team's focus remains on delivering their best performances and not getting bogged down by the pressure of medals.

Shubhankar Sharma, India's rising golf star, is brimming with confidence as he sets his sights on the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The 28-year-old, who recently finished tied 19th at the Open Championship, believes a medal is within reach.Sharma's optimism stems from his impressive performance at Royal Troon, where he battled through challenging conditions to secure a top-20 finish. The experience, he says, has put him in an "Olympics mindset.""You could not take any shot for granted at The Open last week," Sharma said. "It was a grind from the first tee shot to the last putt, and that's what I would expect at the Olympics as well."Sharma is also buoyed by his recent form, which includes a top-5 finish at the Italian Open and 15 birdies over the weekend at the Scottish Open. He attributes his improvement to hard work and a renewed focus on his game."I have started seeing the reward for those hours," Sharma said. "I'm looking forward to Le Golf National."The Le Golf National, the venue for the Olympic golf tournament, is known for its challenging layout. Sharma believes his ball-striking ability will be crucial to success there."It can easily separate the boys from men," Sharma said. "You need to be a superior ball-striker to do well there, as you needed to do at Royal Troon."Sharma is aware of the underdog status of the Indian golf team, but he is determined to make a mark."I honestly think the Olympics can create a very different kind of motivation," Sharma said. "I am very aware of what kind of a spotlight a good performance in France by any one of us would put on Indian golf."Sharma will be joined by Gaganjeet Bhullar in the men's event, while Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will represent India in the women's event. The golf competition at the Tokyo Olympics begins on Thursday, August 1.

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin throw, is gearing up for the Paris Olympics 2024 with renewed determination. The Tokyo Olympics gold medalist has been working tirelessly to defend his title and bring home another Olympic gold for India.Chopra's journey to the top has been marked by consistent hard work and dedication. At the Tokyo Olympics, he defied expectations by topping the qualification round with a throw of 86.65m, ahead of seasoned contenders like Johannes Vetter and Jakub Vadlejch. In the final, he opened with a sensational throw of 87.03m, followed by an improved effort of 87.58m. These throws proved unmatchable, securing him the gold medal.However, Chopra's road to Paris has not been without challenges. This season, he has faced fitness issues, including an adductor niggle. However, his German coach has assured that Chopra is back on track and training at full intensity.Chopra's training regimen involves a combination of sprinting, jumping, throwing, and weightlifting. He emphasizes the importance of a fast runway and proper blocking technique for optimal performance.Despite his achievements, Chopra remains humble and hungry for improvement. He believes he has yet to reach his peak and is constantly striving to perfect his technique.As the Paris Olympics draw near, Chopra is confident and determined to make history once again. He is an inspiration to young athletes across India and a symbol of the country's growing prowess in track and field.

Shamsher Singh's Olympic journey has been a testament to his unwavering determination and the belief of his coaches. From being a relatively unknown player to a key member of India's bronze-winning team in Tokyo, Shamsher has come a long way.In 2021, Graham Reid's decision to include Shamsher in the Olympic squad raised eyebrows. However, Reid's faith in the young forward proved to be well-founded as Shamsher played a crucial role in India's historic medal win.Now, with 95 caps to his name, Shamsher is a seasoned campaigner. He has matured into a lynchpin of the team and is aware of the importance of his role in India's quest for a medal in Paris."I have learnt a lot from our seniors in the last three years," Shamsher said. "I am confident of performing well even this time."Shamsher's rapid pace and peripheral vision were the qualities that initially caught the attention of the selectors. However, he has since developed new skills, including his ability to build the attack and link the midfield and frontline.Under Craig Fulton, Shamsher's role has evolved from an out-and-out forward to an attacking midfielder. This change has allowed him to provide more assists and earn multiple penalty corners."My ability to control passes from defense to the forward line, making that connection has worked," Shamsher said. "Also, my ability to receive and control aerial balls from the back and push it forward are probably my plus points which have handed me the role of the linkman."Fulton's 'defend to win' strategy has also seen Shamsher take on a more defensive role. He now plays a key role in poaching the ball during opposition attacks and counterattacking with the entire unit pressing."My role while defending, which wasn't much earlier, has increased," Shamsher said. "That is where I come in, where I have to assist in scoring a goal or create chances, goal shots and PCs."Shamsher's second Olympic journey will begin on July 27 when India face New Zealand. The attacking midfielder will be eager to prove his worth once again and help India achieve its medal aspirations in Paris.

Mirabai Chanu, India's weightlifting sensation, credits her remarkable success to her unwavering bond with national coach Vijay Sharma. Their decade-long partnership has been a testament to the crucial role of athlete-coach dynamics in the demanding sport of weightlifting.Sharma, a former Railways clerk, initially faced skepticism when he took over the Indian team in 2012. However, his scientific approach and ability to connect with his athletes proved transformative. He meticulously plans competition strategies, carefully assessing opponents and adjusting Chanu's lifts accordingly.During competitions, Sharma's keen observation and non-verbal communication guide Chanu's every move. "We barely talk," says Chanu. "I look at him and I know what I need to do."Their relationship extends beyond the training hall. Sharma has been a constant support for Chanu, both professionally and personally. He has navigated her through injuries, provided emotional encouragement, and even acted as a bridge between her and her family during times of unrest in Manipur.Chanu's unwavering trust in Sharma has been instrumental in her success. Despite setbacks, including a disappointing performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she has always maintained her belief in her coach. "I could see his sacrifices and devotion," she says.Their greatest triumph came at the 2017 World Championships, where Chanu ended India's 22-year wait for the title. The Tokyo Olympics silver medal in 2021 was another crowning achievement, solidifying their partnership as one of the most successful in Indian sports history.As Chanu prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Sharma remains confident in her abilities. "We've fallen so many times that now there's no fear," he says. "If her body holds up, she might do something special."

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has urged Indian athletes participating in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics to perform fearlessly and expressed hope that the country will surpass its previous medal tally. India will be represented by a contingent of 117 athletes in Paris, aiming to improve upon the seven medals won in Tokyo.Dev, who is also the president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), advised the athletes to express themselves without hesitation. He believes that India has the potential to achieve a double-digit medal count. However, he declined to comment on Indian cricket and the newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir.Dev expressed his optimism for the growth of golf in India, recalling his own experience playing amateur events. He hopes that the sport will reach the same heights as cricket in the future. He emphasized the importance of sponsorship in promoting the game and predicted that golf could reach significant milestones within five years.The Trinity Golf Champions League (TGCL), which Dev is an ambassador for, is expanding to eight teams this year, including one from Sri Lanka. The league will be held in Bengaluru from September 2 to 7 and will feature a unique format similar to the Ryder Cup. Each team will comprise 20 players, including professionals, celebrities, and amateurs.The winning team will receive a prize of Rs 30 lakh, while the second and third-placed teams will receive Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively. Dev expressed his hope that the prize money for the TGCL winners will reach one million dollars within the next five years.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old pistol shooter, is preparing for her second Olympics with a renewed mindset and the guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana. After a bitter fallout before the Tokyo Games, the duo has reconciled and is working together to achieve success in Paris.Bhaker, known for her Gen Z lingo, has matured significantly since her teenage years. She now understands the importance of not dwelling on failures or successes, recognizing that people's memories fade over time. Rana has noticed her growing maturity and believes she is more practical and calm.The relationship between Bhaker and Rana extends beyond coach and athlete. Rana serves as her mental coach, fitness coach, yoga coach, father figure, and friend. He has helped her regain her love for shooting and find peace in the foothills of Dehradun.Rana emphasizes the importance of making Bhaker an independent shooter and not overanalyzing scores or data. He believes in her abilities and encourages her to be brave and free in her approach. Bhaker credits Rana with helping her "chill" and stop working with a sports psychologist.Despite their different interests, Bhaker and Rana share a close bond. They go for walks together in the evening, where Bhaker can talk about anything she wishes. Rana provides her with the support and guidance she needs, both on and off the range.Bhaker's newfound approach is evident in her preparation for the Paris Olympics. She is determined to avoid unnecessary pressure and focus on enjoying the moment. Rana's presence at the range gives her courage and confidence.

The Tokyo Olympics marked a watershed moment for Indian sports, with the country surpassing its previous medal tally of six with an impressive seven medals. Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in track and field, the men's hockey team's bronze after a thrilling victory over Germany, and PV Sindhu's consecutive Olympic medals were among the highlights.However, India's previous attempt to build on a record haul at the Rio 2016 Olympics proved disappointing. Despite the presence of medalists from London 2012, including Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Gagan Narang, the contingent failed to add to their tally.This time, India has a strong contingent of medal contenders, including Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Lovlina Borgohain, Nikhat Zareen, and Mirabai Chanu.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic, Asian, and World champion in men's javelin, is a strong favorite to defend his gold. PV Sindhu, despite recent setbacks, remains a medal contender and could become India's most successful Olympian with three medals.Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have a chance to become the first Indians to win an Olympic medal in men's doubles badminton. Boxers Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen are also in contention for medals.Despite the seven medals in Tokyo, India's shooters underperformed. Manu Bhaker, who will compete in multiple events, and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar will carry India's hopes in shooting.The men's hockey team, bronze medalists in Tokyo, face a tough challenge in Paris. Under new coach Craig Fulton, they have improved defensively but have struggled in recent tournaments.India's medal hopes in Paris are high, but the country must learn from its past experiences and avoid complacency. With a strong contingent of athletes and a few historic firsts realistically possible, India has the potential to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics.

Neeraj Chopra, India's reigning Olympic javelin throw champion, is poised to defend his title at the upcoming Paris Olympics. His remarkable performance at the World Championships, where he qualified for the final and the 2024 Paris Olympics with a first attempt of 88.77m, has solidified his status as a formidable contender.Chopra's journey to the top has been marked by consistent excellence. At the Tokyo Olympics, he etched his name in history by securing India's first-ever athletics gold medal with a best throw of 87.58m. He became the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra (2008) to win an individual gold at the Olympics and the first Indian since independence to earn a medal in athletics at the Games.Post-Tokyo, Chopra has maintained his impressive form. In June 2022, he set a new personal best of 89.30m at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, breaking his own national record. He further surpassed his record with a throw of 89.94m at the Stockholm Diamond League, where he finished second.Chopra's historic silver medal at the Oregon World Championships in July 2022 was followed by a gold at the Lausanne Diamond League, which also qualified him for the Zurich final. He emerged victorious in the final with a throw of 88.44m, becoming the first Indian to do so and securing his spot at the 2023 World Championships.In May 2023, Chopra topped the Doha Diamond League with an 88.67m throw, propelling him to the top of the men's javelin rankings by World Athletics. His golden performance at the World Athletics Championships in August 2023, with a throw of 88.17m, further cemented his dominance. He concluded the season with a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games, achieving a season-best throw of 88.88m.Chopra's unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a strong favorite to defend his Olympic title in Paris. His consistent performances and unwavering focus on improvement bode well for India's hopes of another historic triumph in athletics.