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Indian table tennis star Manika Batra's remarkable journey at the Paris Olympics ended in the women's singles pre-quarterfinals on Wednesday, as she succumbed to a 1-4 defeat against higher-ranked Japanese Miu Hirano.Batra, who had scripted history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the round of 16 at the Olympics, faced a formidable opponent in Hirano. Despite a valiant effort, Batra's uncharacteristic errors proved costly, resulting in a 6-11 9-11 11-9 14-12 8-11 6-11 loss in a match that lasted 47 minutes.The 29-year-old Batra had entered the match with high hopes, having previously defeated France's world number 18 Prithika Pavade 4-0 in the round of 16. However, Hirano's superior experience and skill proved too much for Batra, who suffered her fifth consecutive loss to the Japanese player.Earlier in the day, Batra's compatriot Sreeja Akula had advanced to the quarterfinals of the women's singles competition, providing a glimmer of hope for India in table tennis. Batra, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, had previously reached the round of 32 at the Tokyo Games three years ago.Despite the disappointing result, Batra's performance at the Paris Olympics has been a testament to her determination and resilience. She has once again showcased her exceptional talent and has inspired countless young Indians to pursue their dreams in table tennis.

Commentator Bob Ballard Removed for Sexist Remark During Olympics CommentaryVeteran commentator Bob Ballard has been removed from the commentary panel by broadcasters after making a sexist remark on air during a swimming event at the Olympics.During the Australia women's 4x100m freestyle swimming relay team's victory celebration, Ballard commented on Eurosport, "You know what women are like... hanging around, doing their make up."The remark sparked outrage, with co-commentator and British swimming champion Lizzie Simmonds labeling it as "outrageous." Ballard initially laughed off the criticism.Following the incident, Eurosport issued a statement confirming Ballard's removal from the commentary panel. "During a segment of Eurosport's coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment. To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect," the statement read.Ballard, who has been a commentator for almost 40 years, has covered various Olympic sports, including water polo, ice hockey, diving, and swimming.The incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of sexism in sports commentary. Many have called for commentators to undergo training to prevent such incidents in the future.The Australia women's 4x100m freestyle swimming relay team, consisting of Mollie O'Callaghan, Emma McKeon, Meg Harris, and Shayna Jack, secured Australia's fourth consecutive gold medal in the event at the Olympics.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting prodigy, has made history by becoming the first Indian female shooter to reach the final of an individual shooting event at the Olympic Games. Three years after the heartbreak of Tokyo, Bhaker produced a supremely confident performance to qualify for the women's 10m air pistol final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.Bhaker's journey to the final was not without its challenges. In the qualifications, she faced stiff competition from Hungarian ace Veronika Major, who claimed the top spot with a score of 582. However, Bhaker remained composed and shot 580 to finish third, securing her place in the final.The 22-year-old from Jhajjar has been through a rollercoaster of emotions since her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. A pistol malfunction during the qualifications reduced her to tears, but she has shown remarkable resilience to bounce back from that setback.Bhaker's personal coach, Jaspal Rana, was overcome with emotion after witnessing her performance. "What happened today doesn't matter anymore. Tomorrow is when it counts. We start afresh," he said.Bhaker's success is a testament to her hard work and determination. She has won numerous medals on the international stage, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. If she takes the top podium spot in the final on Sunday, she will become the only Indian shooter to win a gold medal at the Olympics.India has not won an Olympic medal in shooting since 2012, and Bhaker is well-placed to end that lean run. Her performance in the qualifications has given her a strong foundation for the final, and she will be determined to make history for her country.

Women's Sports Shine Bright at Paris Olympics: Overcoming Adversity and Inspiring TriumphThe upcoming Paris Olympics will witness a historic moment as women take center stage in sports. Among the 5250 female athletes, several stand out for their remarkable journeys and unwavering determination.Overcoming Health Challenges:Rikako Ikee, a Japanese swimmer, faced a life-altering diagnosis of leukemia in 2019. After 10 months of hospitalization, she made a miraculous comeback, qualifying for the Olympic freestyle and medley relay teams. Similarly, Marloes Oldenburg, a Dutch rower, overcame a near-fatal bicycle accident that left her with six pins in her back. Despite the challenges, she returned to rowing and became a world champion.Faith and Resilience:Maddie Musselman, a 26-year-old water polo player, has drawn strength from her Catholic faith to cope with her husband's lung cancer. She aims for her third consecutive Olympic gold medal, while Sunisa Lee, a gymnast, has reset her goals after a setback in the USA trials.Clearing Names and Pursuing Dreams:Shayna Jack, an Australian swimmer, was banned for four years after testing positive for a banned substance. Despite the controversy, she has worked tirelessly to clear her name and is now part of the world record-breaking 4x100m relay team. Yasameen Al-Raimi, an air pistol shooter from Yemen, has overcome war and lack of training facilities to pursue her Olympic dream.Inspiring Stories of Triumph:These women's stories are not just about medals but about overcoming adversity and inspiring others. They represent the resilience, determination, and passion that drive women's sports forward. Their presence at the Paris Olympics will not only showcase their athleticism but also serve as a testament to the power of human spirit.

The modern Olympic Games have come a long way in terms of gender equality, with Paris 2024 setting a new benchmark as the most gender-equal Games ever. The journey to this milestone has been a gradual one, marked by significant milestones and the unwavering efforts of women athletes and advocates.When the Games were revived in 1896, women's participation was non-existent. It was not until the 1900 Paris Games that 22 women were reluctantly allowed to compete, representing a mere 2.2% of the total athletes. Paris again took the lead in 1924, with over 100 women participating, a significant increase from previous editions.The road to equality was not without its challenges. Athletics, one of the most popular disciplines, only permitted women to participate in 1928. The women's marathon event was not added until 1984. Other sports, such as swimming, fencing, and gymnastics, gradually welcomed women athletes from 1912, 1924, and 1928 respectively.The post-World War II era saw a steady increase in women's participation, reaching 34% in the 1996 Atlanta Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in collaboration with International Federations and National Olympic Committees, has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in sports.Paris 2024 has not only achieved numerical equality but has also embraced its spirit. The Games will feature the mixed team race walking event and schedule the women's marathon as the final event, a symbolic gesture that highlights the progress made in women's sports.The journey to gender equality in the Olympics has been a testament to the determination and resilience of women athletes. From the pioneering women who broke barriers in the early 20th century to the current generation of Olympians, their contributions have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.

Sift Kaur Samra, a rising star in Indian shooting, is preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics with a unique blend of determination and nonchalance. Her journey to the Olympic stage has been guided by coach Deepali Deshpande, who has nurtured her talent while respecting her individuality.Samra's shooting career began with a modest goal of winning a national medal. However, her exceptional talent and unwavering focus propelled her to the world stage. In 2022, she shattered the women's 50m rifle three positions world record score at the Asian Games, securing an individual gold medal.Deshpande, a former Olympian herself, recognized Samra's potential early on. Despite her busy schedule, she took Samra under her wing after the Tokyo Olympics. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared understanding of Samra's unique approach to shooting.Samra's free-spirited nature and ability to switch between focus and relaxation have been key to her success. She balances her shooting with other interests, including music and studies. Deshpande encourages this balance, believing it reduces unnecessary pressure and allows Samra to approach shooting with a clear mind.The transition from junior to senior shooting can be challenging, but Samra has navigated it seamlessly. Her consistency as a junior has laid the foundation for her success at the senior level. Deshpande has worked tirelessly to refine Samra's technique, particularly her kneeling position.Samra's determination and open-mindedness have made her a joy to coach. She is always willing to listen to suggestions and experiment with new ideas. However, she also has a stubborn streak and is not afraid to voice her opinions.Despite her success, Samra remains grounded. She credits her close friends for providing support during difficult times. Deshpande respects this boundary and only intervenes when Samra specifically requests her assistance.As Samra prepares for her Olympic debut, she is determined to approach it with the same carefree attitude that has served her well so far. She aims to enjoy the experience and shoot with a smile, just as she did at the World University Games and Asian Games.

The 2024 Paris Olympics, set to commence on July 26, mark a significant milestone in the history of the Games. As the second city to host the Olympics thrice, Paris will showcase a grand spectacle that has evolved dramatically since its previous hosting in 1924.Schedule and Program:The 1924 Olympics spanned nearly three months, featuring 17 sports and 126 medal events. In contrast, the 2024 Games will condense the schedule into two weeks, offering a staggering 32 sports and 329 medal events. While many sports have endured the test of time, the 2024 program introduces new additions such as skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing.Women's Participation:A notable change since 1924 is the increased participation of women. In 1924, women were largely absent from the Games, with only 135 female athletes competing. The 2024 Olympics will feature a more equitable representation, with women expected to make up a significant portion of the 10,500 athletes.Olympic Village:The 1924 Games introduced the concept of an Olympic Village, providing a centralized accommodation for athletes. The 2024 Village, located near the Saint-Denis stadium, will accommodate over 10,000 competitors, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.Participation and Representation:The 1924 Olympics welcomed 3,089 athletes from 44 countries. The 2024 Games are expected to attract over 10,500 athletes representing more than 200 countries, reflecting the global reach and inclusivity of the modern Olympics.Legacy and Evolution:The 2024 Paris Olympics will not only celebrate the centenary of the 1924 Games but also showcase the remarkable evolution of the event. From the extended schedule and expanded program to the increased participation of women and the modern Olympic Village, the Games have adapted to the changing times while preserving their core values of sportsmanship, excellence, and global unity.

Rhythm Sangwan, a rising star in Indian pistol shooting, has emerged as a formidable force on the international stage. At just 20 years old, she has already amassed an impressive collection of medals, including seven World Championships medals, eight World Cup medals, and three Asian Championships medals. Her crowning achievement came at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where she won team gold in the women's 25m pistol event.Despite her early success, Rhythm remains grounded and focused on continuous improvement. "I don't believe in resting on my laurels," she says. "I have had my share of highs and lows, but opportunities like the Olympics make it all worthwhile."Rhythm will represent India in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics alongside the experienced Manu Bhaker. While expectations are high, Rhythm emphasizes the importance of staying present and giving her best. "I don't think of results," she says. "My only target is to give my 100 percent."Rhythm's preparation for the Olympics includes a rigorous training regimen and a focus on mental strength. She draws inspiration from Manu Bhaker, who bounced back from a disappointing performance in Tokyo. "The way she has bounced back says a lot about her mental strength," Rhythm says. "Shooting is an individual sport, but there are occasional discussions with her that help me improve."Rhythm's pre-match routine involves listening to upbeat music to help her enter the zone. "I like Bollywood music," she says. "It helps me get into my zone."Rhythm is confident of making an impact at the Olympics. She has experience shooting at the competition range in Chateauroux, France, which she believes will be an advantage. "My only goal will be to shoot the best I have ever done," she says.

Lovlina Borgohain, India's boxing sensation, is poised to make history at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where she will compete in the women's 75kg event. Hailing from the humble village of Baromukhia in Assam, Lovlina's journey to the pinnacle of boxing is a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional talent.Born on October 2, 1997, Lovlina's boxing journey began with Muay Thai alongside her two elder sisters, who were national-level competitors. Her potential was recognized during a Sports Authority of India (SAI) trial in 2012, where she caught the attention of coach Padum Boro. Under his guidance, Lovlina embarked on a rigorous training regimen at the SAI center in Guwahati.Despite early setbacks, including a transition to higher weight divisions due to her height, Lovlina's talent shone through. She won the junior national championship and achieved international success with a silver medal at the 2013 Nation's Women's Junior Cup in Serbia.Lovlina's breakout came with a bronze medal at the 2017 Asian Championships, followed by a gold medal at the 2018 India Open. These victories earned her a spot at the Commonwealth Games, where she narrowly lost to gold medallist Sandy Ryan of England in the quarter-finals.Undeterred, Lovlina rebounded with a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships, overcoming adversity and injury. In 2019, she cemented her status as India's top female welterweight boxer with national and international gold medals.Lovlina's Olympic dream became a reality when she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 with a bronze medal at the Asia and Oceania Boxing Olympic qualifiers. At the Games, she made history by clinching an Olympic bronze medal, defeating former world champion Chen Nien-chin. This victory solidified her status among India's boxing elite alongside icons like Mary Kom and Vijender Singh.Lovlina's success continued with a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Championships and a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games. She secured her place in the Paris Olympics while becoming a world champion in New Delhi the following year.As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Lovlina Borgohain is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. Her journey from humble beginnings to the world stage is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of her family and coaches.