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Indian rower Balraj Panwar's Olympic dream suffered a setback on Saturday as he narrowly missed out on direct qualification to the quarterfinals of the men's single sculls event at the Paris Olympics 2024.Panwar, the lone Indian representative in the category, clocked 7:07.11s to finish fourth in his heat, behind New Zealand's Thomas Mackintosh (6:55.92), Stefanos Ntouskos of Greece (7:01.79), and Abdelkhalek Elbanna of Egypt (7:05.06).Despite the disappointment, Panwar still has a chance to advance to the semifinals or finals through the repechage round on Sunday.The 25-year-old Armyman from Haryana's Karnal district made a strong start, but Mackintosh quickly took a commanding lead. Panwar held on to third place for much of the race, but Elbanna eventually caught up and overtook him.Panwar, who only began rowing four years ago, is only India's second representative in the discipline at the Olympics. He narrowly missed out on a bronze medal at the Asian Games last year but secured an Olympic quota for Paris by finishing third at the Asian and Oceanian Rowing Olympic Qualification Regatta in South Korea earlier this year.Panwar's performance on Saturday was a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite the setback, he remains focused on his goal of reaching the quarterfinals and beyond.

As the Indian shooting contingent embarks on its quest for glory at the Paris Olympics 2024, the parents of two promising athletes, Elavenil Valarivan and Ramita Jindal, have expressed their unwavering belief in their daughters' abilities.Elavenil, a 10m air rifle specialist, will be making her second Olympic appearance after narrowly missing out on a medal in Tokyo. Her father, R Valarivan, is confident that she has the experience and preparation to make a podium finish this time around. "She has prepared well and is stronger than ever before," he said. "We expect her to bring glory to India."Ramita, a rising star in the 10m air pistol event, has also been making waves on the international stage. Her parents, Sonika and Arvind, are equally optimistic about her chances of success. "She has been improving with every match," said Arvind. "We are confident that she will win a medal for India."The Indian shooting team has been training diligently in the lead-up to the Olympics, and the athletes have received strong support from the government and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme. The team's coaches are also confident in their abilities."The Indian shooting team is a strong contender for a medal in every category," said national coach Jaspal Rana. "Our athletes have been performing consistently at the national and international level, and they are ready to give their best at the Olympics."The shooting competition at the Paris Olympics will begin on Saturday with the 10m air rifle mixed team qualification, featuring the teams of Sandeep Singh/Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta/Ramita Jindal. The medal rounds will take place later that day. The 10m air pistol qualifiers for men and women will follow on the same day.The Indian shooting contingent is determined to make a mark at the Paris Olympics and bring home medals for the country. With the support of their families, coaches, and the nation, they are confident in their abilities to achieve their goals.

Pakistan's Disappointing Olympic Contingent Sparks OutragePakistan's participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in France has been met with disappointment and anger after a commentator's remarks highlighted the country's meager representation. Despite having a population of over 240 million, Pakistan has sent only 7 athletes to the global event, accompanied by 11 officials.The controversy erupted during the opening ceremony when a commentator stated, "Pakistan is a country of over 240 million people, but only 7 athletes are competing at the Olympics." This comment sparked outrage among Pakistani journalists and citizens, who took to social media to express their frustration."Shameful," tweeted Basit Subhani, a Pakistani journalist. "Who is responsible for this?"Farid Khan, another journalist, echoed the sentiment: "This is so shameful, and it hurts a lot. Who is responsible for this?"The Pakistani contingent includes javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, the country's only medal hope. Other athletes include shooters Ghulam Mustafa Bashir, Gulfam Joseph, and Kishmala Talat. Wildcard entries include Faiqa Riaz, Mohammad Ahmed Durrani, and Jahanara Nabi.Pakistan's participation in the Olympics has been hampered by a lack of funding and support for athletes. The country's sports infrastructure is also inadequate, making it difficult for athletes to train and compete at the highest level.The commentator's remarks have reignited the debate about Pakistan's poor performance in international sports. Critics argue that the government and sports authorities have failed to invest in athlete development and create a conducive environment for sporting excellence.As Pakistan begins its Olympic campaign with the Women's 10m Air Pistol qualification event on Saturday, the country's hopes rest on the shoulders of a small group of athletes who have overcome significant challenges to represent their nation on the world stage.

The debate over the necessity of personal coaches for athletes at global events has resurfaced, with Olympic medalist Vijender Singh expressing his support for athletes' right to choose their own support staff.Vijender, a former boxer and current politician, believes that athletes should have the freedom to select the coaches and sparring partners they feel most comfortable with. He cites his own experience as an amateur boxer, where he was given full autonomy in this regard and achieved significant success."When I used to box, we were given full freedom in this aspect. So we got the coaches and the sparring partners we wanted," Vijender said. "They (authorities) said 'we'll give you what you want but we need the performance'. And we delivered."Vijender's comments come amidst a trend of Indian athletes opting to bring their personal coaches to the Paris Olympics, despite the presence of national coaches. This has sparked a debate about whether such an arrangement is necessary.Vijender argues that fulfilling the demands of athletes in training camps is crucial for their performance. He points to the fact that between 2006 and 2012, when he was given the freedom to choose his own support staff, he achieved remarkable results.The Olympic contingent in Paris includes 140 support staff, with 72 being fully funded by the Indian government. This number largely comprises personal coaches requested by the athletes.Vijender also highlights the role of social media in empowering athletes to voice their concerns. He believes that platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow athletes to share their experiences and seek support from the public."We didn't have that power. There was no social media then. Social media is a huge power in the hands of the common man today. You can write about your problems on Instagram, Facebook, and people who are good they end up helping you," he said.

Commonwealth Games champion Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra will lead India's six-member table tennis team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Kamal, 41, will make his fifth and final Olympic appearance, joined by Manav Thakkar and Harmeet Desai in the men's team. Batra, in her third Olympics, will team up with Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath in the women's team.India's qualification in both men's and women's team table tennis events marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time the country has qualified in these categories since their introduction in 2008.Sports entrepreneur Vita Dani, chairperson of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), expressed optimism about India's chances at the Olympics. She highlighted the improved performances of women paddlers, with Batra and Akula securing crucial wins in the lead-up to the Games. Dani also credited UTT for its role in India's progress in table tennis.Dani emphasized the importance of the Olympics for Indian paddlers, stating that a strong performance would be a testament to their years of hard work. She also discussed the upcoming UTT season, which will run from August 22 to September 7.Dani believes that UTT has created a platform for Indian paddlers, giving them exposure and boosting their self-belief. She pointed to the success of Batra and Akula as evidence of the league's impact on women's table tennis in India.Dani also noted the significance of team play in table tennis, despite its traditional focus on individual competition. She expressed excitement about India's qualification in all categories at the Olympics, setting a new benchmark for the sport in the country.

Team GB Raises Concerns Over Inadequate Food at Paris Olympics VillageDespite the promise of Michelin-starred chefs contributing to the Olympic Village's culinary offerings, Team GB's chief executive, Andy Anson, has expressed dissatisfaction with the food provided. Athletes have complained of insufficient portions and a lack of high-protein options."There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates," Anson told The Times newspaper. He also raised concerns about the quality of the food, citing instances of raw meat being served. "They have got to improve it over the next couple of days dramatically," he emphasized.To address the issue, Team GB has decided to fly in a chef to prepare meals at their performance lodge in the Clichy district of Paris. "Our athletes have decided they would rather go and eat in our performance lodge in Clichy, so we are having to get another chef to come over as the demand is far exceeding what we thought it would be," Anson explained.The Athletes Village restaurant, which can seat 3,300 people, prepares approximately 40,000 meals daily. A spokesperson for the organizers acknowledged the concerns and stated that they are working to "increase supplies."Anson emphasized the importance of providing athletes with adequate nutrition to optimize their performance. "We are trying to make sure our athletes have an advantage by having more food. It is the biggest issue at the moment," he said.The food situation at the Paris Olympics Village has become a significant concern for Team GB, highlighting the challenges of catering to the dietary needs of thousands of athletes from around the world.

In a historic spectacle, the 2024 Paris Olympics opened with an unprecedented ceremony along the Seine River. American singer Lady Gaga serenaded the crowd with a French cabaret song near Notre Dame Cathedral, while athletes received a rapturous reception as they paraded on barges.For the first time, the opening ceremony was held outside a stadium, showcasing the iconic landmarks of Paris. Over 1000 athletes sailed along a six-kilometer stretch of the river, passing by the Louvre, Pont des Arts, and Pont Neuf. The floating parade paid homage to French culture, with dancers performing on rooftops and a giant cancan line by Moulin Rouge dancers.French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Games open, marking the start of 16 days of competition. A plume of blue, white, and red smoke resembling the French flag soared above the Seine, and a winged man played accordion, evoking the country's rich artistic heritage.French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura drew thunderous applause with her performance, representing the vibrant modern face of France. However, her inclusion sparked controversy, with some questioning her French identity due to her foreign influences.Despite the pouring rain, spectators lined the riverbanks, cheering for the athletes and the cultural displays. The ceremony also paid tribute to prominent French women, including former minister Simone Veil, and featured a nod to Hindi as one of the languages used in infographics.Security was tight, with 45,000 police and thousands of soldiers deployed. Armed police patrolled the river in inflatable boats, and snipers were stationed on rooftops. The Seine's riverbed was swept for bombs, and Paris' airspace was closed.The torchbearer's identity remained concealed throughout the show, appearing on rooftops and walking through the empty corridors of the Louvre. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the gold, silver, and bronze medals by Michael Phelps and Martin Fourcade, the most decorated athletes in Olympic history.The 2024 Paris Olympics mark the 100th anniversary of the Games being held in the French capital. Over 10,500 athletes will compete for 329 gold medals, with the closing ceremony scheduled for August 11th.

Raquel Kochhann, a beacon of resilience and determination, has etched her name in the annals of the Paris Olympics and Brazilian sporting history. Her journey to the Games is a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within her.Kochhann's Olympic debut came in Rio 2016, where she represented Brazil in the inaugural rugby sevens competition. However, her path to Paris was fraught with challenges. During the Tokyo Olympics, she discovered a lump in her breast, which was later diagnosed as breast cancer.The diagnosis was a devastating blow, but Kochhann refused to succumb to despair. Despite her mother's history of breast cancer, she remained steadfast in her resolve to overcome this adversity. She underwent rigorous treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, while battling a knee injury that had sidelined her for over 18 months.Kochhann's unwavering determination and the support of her medical team propelled her through the grueling recovery process. In January 2023, she made a triumphant return to the Brazilian team at the World Sevens Series event in Perth.Her return to the field was a testament to her indomitable spirit and the power of perseverance. Kochhann's presence at the Paris Olympics is not only a symbol of her personal triumph but also an inspiration to countless others facing adversity.The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a historic moment, marking the first time it was held outside the main stadium. A massive crowd of 300,000 witnessed the spectacle live from the banks of the Seine, while another 200,000 watched from balconies and apartments overlooking the river.Kochhann's journey to the Paris Olympics is a story of resilience, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit. Her presence at the Games is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who face challenges in their lives.

The 2024 Paris Olympics kick off today with a thrilling lineup of events. Medals will be awarded in aquatics, cycling, fencing, judo, rugby sevens, shooting, and skateboarding.Shooting:India's shooting contingent will be eager to make a mark after disappointing performances in the last two Olympics. Sandeep Singh and Elavenil Valarivan will compete in the 10m air rifle mixed team final, while Arjun Babuta and Ramita will also be in action. Sarabjot Singh and Arjun Singh Cheema will participate in the 10m air pistol men's qualification.Hockey:India, the Tokyo Games bronze medallists, will begin their campaign against New Zealand. Harmanpreet Singh's team will aim to give a fitting farewell to veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is competing in his fourth Olympics.Badminton:Badminton, which has brought India three medals in recent editions, will also commence on Saturday. Lakshya Sen, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, will face Kevin Cordon of Guatemala. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will take on French shuttlers Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar. Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto will compete against former All England champions Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong of South Korea.Swimming:An epic rivalry will resume in the women's 400m freestyle, where Australian Ariarne Titmus and American Katie Ledecky will battle for gold. Canada's Summer McIntosh and New Zealand's Erika Fairweather are also contenders in this highly anticipated event.Rugby 7s:The men's rugby sevens event will conclude with back-to-back Olympic champions Fiji facing Australia and South Africa taking on hosts France in the semi-finals. The bronze and gold medal matches will take place later on Saturday evening.Other Events:Cycling, fencing, and judo will also feature on the first day of the Olympics. Skateboarding will make its Olympic debut, with medals awarded in the men's and women's street events.