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Manu Bhaker, a rising star in women's pistol shooting, is making waves in the sport. Born in Jhajjar, Haryana, Bhaker's passion for sports began early, with her participating in tennis, skating, boxing, and thang ta. However, it was at the age of 14 that she discovered her true calling in shooting.Within a week of trying the sport, Bhaker asked her father to purchase her a sports shooting pistol. Her determination and talent quickly became evident, and in 2017, she made headlines by defeating Olympian Heena Sidhu at the national shooting championships. Bhaker's record-breaking score of 242.3 in the 10m Air Pistol final set the stage for her meteoric rise.Bhaker's international debut came in 2018 at the Asian Games, where she set a game's record score of 593 in the qualification round of the 25m Air pistol event. Despite her impressive performance, she narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing 6th in the final.Undeterred, Bhaker went on to secure the top position in the women's 10m air pistol event at the 2018 Youth Olympics. At the age of 16, she became the first Indian shooter and the first female athlete from India to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.Bhaker's success continued in 2021, when she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. She finished 12th in the women's 10m air pistol event, but her performance showcased her potential and determination.Now, Bhaker is setting her sights on the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she will compete in the women's 25m pistol event. Coached by pistol shooter Jaspal Rana, Bhaker is confident in her abilities and is working hard to achieve her Olympic dream.

Nikhat Zareen, the rising star of Indian boxing, has emerged as the successor to legendary Mary Kom. Her journey to the top has been marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her dreams.Born into a conservative Muslim family in Telangana, Zareen's initial foray into boxing was met with resistance. However, her unwavering passion and the support of her father propelled her forward. Despite societal norms and family opposition, she persevered, proving that women can excel in sports.Zareen's talent became evident at a young age when she won a junior world cup event at the age of 15. Her rise continued with back-to-back world titles in 2022 and 2023, solidifying her status as one of the favorites in the women's 50kg category at the upcoming Paris Olympics.Zareen's success has not come without challenges. In 2019, she lost a controversial showdown with Kom, missing out on a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. However, she turned disappointment into motivation, using it as fuel to achieve her world championship victories.Now, as she prepares for the Paris Games, Zareen is aware of the expectations and pressure that come with being the face of Indian boxing. She manages her nerves by connecting with loved ones and engaging in activities that distract her from the intensity of the competition.Zareen's journey is an inspiration to aspiring women boxers and a testament to the power of breaking societal barriers. She has shown that with determination and support, women can achieve their dreams and become role models for future generations.

Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis icon, has made significant contributions both on and off the court. This week, she showcased her versatility by appearing on Jeopardy! and receiving recognition for her groundbreaking work in promoting equality through Billie Jean King Enterprises (BJK Enterprises).On Jeopardy!, King presented clues in the "Trailblazing Women in Sports" category, honoring fellow athletes like Wilma Rudolph, Jacqueline Joyner-Kersee, and Mia Hamm. Her appearance highlighted the achievements of women in sports and inspired contestants to answer correctly.Beyond her Jeopardy! appearance, King's advocacy for equality has been recognized by Chief, a network of senior executive women. BJK Enterprises, co-founded by King and Ilana Kloss, was named one of 25 exceptional companies shaping the future of business through innovation.BJK Enterprises, a women-owned and women-led firm, supports women in sports and business. In 2023, they played a pivotal role in establishing the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), the first sustainable women's hockey league. The PWHL has witnessed record-breaking attendance in major cities, demonstrating the growing interest in women's sports.BJK Enterprises also partnered with the International Tennis Foundation to create the BJK Cup, the World Cup of women's tennis. This annual competition is the largest international team sports event for women, attracting nations from around the globe."We are finally seeing the impact of real investment in women's sports," said Ilana Kloss, CEO of BJK Enterprises. "We've always known that women's sports was good business, and we're glad to see more leaders join us in driving innovation and investment in this market."BJK Enterprises was selected for the New Era of Leadership Awards by a panel of judges from renowned organizations like PepsiCo, Bumble, and IBM. Chief itself has been recognized by TIME and Fast Company for its influence and innovation.King's legacy extends beyond her tennis achievements. Her unwavering commitment to equality and her work through BJK Enterprises continue to inspire and empower women in sports and business.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaching, India's preparations are in full swing. The country's seven medals at Tokyo and success at the Hangzhou Asian Games have raised expectations, but the Olympics present a formidable challenge.Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur expressed confidence in India's athletes, stating that they will return with the country's best Olympic haul. The government has supported athletes' qualification and preparation, sanctioning over 350 foreign exposure trips.As of now, 58 Indian athletes have qualified for Paris 2024, including both the men's and women's Table Tennis teams, as well as quotas in women's Skeet Shooting and Equestrian (Dressage).The government has graded National Sports Federations (NSFs) based on performance and expectations, but fund cuts are not considered a measure for non-performance. Instead, the focus is on providing support to athletes through federations.India has expressed its intention to bid for the 2036 Olympics and 2030 Youth Olympics. The government is working closely with the Indian Olympic Association and the IOC Future Hosts Commission to make a strong recommendation in favor of the Indian bid.To achieve success in terms of medals, India is encouraging sports like cycling and swimming, which offer multiple medal opportunities. The government has increased its sports budget three times in the past decade, and corporate and private investments through CSR funds have also contributed to the development of Indian sport.The Khelo India Games play a crucial role in talent identification, and the upcoming KIRTI Platform aims to tap into untapped sporting talent across India.Women's sport is a particular area of focus, with the government enhancing its support in recent years. Women athletes have won five medals in the last two Olympic Games and have made significant contributions to India's medal tally at the Asian Games.