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Nikhat Zareen, India's two-time world boxing champion, is eagerly anticipating her Olympic debut in Paris. Despite being a newcomer to the Olympic stage, Zareen is determined to make a mark and bring home a medal.Zareen's journey to the Olympics has been marked by unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From her humble beginnings in athletics to her rise as a boxing sensation, she has overcome countless obstacles to reach the pinnacle of her sport.The pressure of representing India at the Olympics is immense, but Zareen embraces it as a source of motivation. She draws inspiration from the Olympic rings, which she sees as a symbol of her ultimate goal: an Olympic gold medal.Zareen acknowledges the unpredictability of boxing and the importance of luck in the draw. However, she believes that if a medal is destined for her, no one can take it away. She is confident in her abilities and has put in the necessary hard work to ensure that she is ready for the challenge.To prepare for the Olympics, Zareen has undergone rigorous training sessions that have pushed her physical and mental limits. She has endured grueling conditioning sessions and intense sparring matches, all in the pursuit of perfection.Zareen understands the importance of staying focused and avoiding distractions. She limits her social media usage and minimizes contact with her family to maintain her concentration. She knows that an Olympic medal has the power to transform lives and is determined to make the most of this opportunity.Despite her lack of Olympic experience, Zareen is confident in her abilities and the support of her team. She is eager to showcase her skills on the world stage and make India proud.

How Indian Athletes Cope with Pre-Competition Pressure at Paris OlympicsAs the Indian contingent prepares to kick off their campaign at the Paris Olympics, athletes are employing various strategies to manage the immense pressure and external distractions that come with competing on the world's biggest sporting stage.Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, emphasizes the importance of accepting the pressure rather than fighting it. "The best way to deal with the pressure is to stop fighting it. Just accept it and you'll be fine," he advises.Manu Bhaker, who experienced a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Games, has adopted a more relaxed approach this time around. "I am more relaxed. I am not telling myself, 'do this, do that,'" she says. She finds solace in playing the violin, journaling, and reading.Rhythm Sangwan, another pistol shooter, uses music to create her own zone. "It helps me find my zone. I might even curate a playlist for Paris," she says.Boxer Nikhat Zareen has chosen to disconnect from social media and focus solely on her training. "It's better to avoid distractions. I have cut down on my public appearances and I will soon disappear from social media too. Paris is my sole focus," she says.Rafael Nadal's pre-match cold shower ritual is a testament to the power of habits in helping athletes stay focused. "It helps me enter a new space in which I feel my power and resilience grow," he writes in his autobiography.Staying in the moment is crucial for athletes to shut out the noise. "Embrace the moment rather than succumb to it because a night before the final, all the talk about confidence and technique goes out of the window," says Bindra.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic and world champion, believes in staying away from the distractions of home. "Over-reliance on a particular routine can be counterproductive because you won't find that curated atmosphere all the time," says his physiotherapist, Ishaan Marwaha.PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, found peace and quiet in Saarbrucken in the lead-up to the Olympics. "I can focus better," she says.Ultimately, each athlete has their own unique way of coping with the pressure of the Olympics. But one thing is clear: the ability to find their zone and shut out the noise will be essential for success in Paris.

Iraqi Judoka Fails First Doping Test of Paris 2024 OlympicsThe International Testing Agency (ITA) has confirmed the first positive doping test of the 2024 Paris Olympics, involving Iraqi judoka Sajjad Sehen. The athlete tested positive for banned anabolic steroids methandienone and boldenone during an out-of-competition anti-doping control in Paris.The ITA revealed that Sehen's sample "returned an adverse analytical finding for the non-specified prohibited substances metandienone and boldenone." Both drugs are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The sample was collected on Tuesday and the result was reported by the WADA-accredited laboratory of Paris on Thursday.The 28-year-old Sehen, a first-time Olympian, was scheduled to compete in the men's 81-kilogram class next week. However, he has been provisionally suspended until the resolution of the matter."This means that the athlete is prevented from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any activity during the Olympic Games Paris 2024," the ITA statement said.Herda Raouf, the manager of Iraq's delegation, stated that Sehen and his coach will be questioned by doping chiefs on Saturday. Raouf suggested that Sehen may have taken medication due to a recent surgical operation.Sehen has the right to challenge his provisional suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and can also request an analysis of the B sample. The ITA manages an independent anti-doping program for the Paris Olympics on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.This incident highlights the importance of anti-doping measures in ensuring fair play and protecting the integrity of the Olympic Games. The ITA's swift action in detecting and reporting the positive test sends a strong message that doping will not be tolerated.

Craig Fulton's defensive strategy will face its ultimate test as India embarks on their Olympic campaign in Paris. The world No.7 team aims to secure consecutive Olympic medals for the first time in over half a century.To achieve this, India must overcome formidable opponents such as the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, and Germany. Former India forward SV Sunil emphasizes the importance of a strong defense, stating that "if we keep our defense strong, then we can finish on the podium."India's recent performances in the Pro League and their tour of Australia have highlighted the need for defensive improvement. They conceded 21 goals in eight Pro League games and were whitewashed 5-0 by Australia.Former India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne stresses the significance of converting limited opportunities, saying, "You will not get many and if you need too many chances to score you will not win these matches."India will face New Zealand in their opening match on July 27th. A strong start is crucial, as a win can set the tone for the tournament. Harmanpreet Singh, India's captain, acknowledges New Zealand's strength and emphasizes the need to maintain momentum throughout the game.India's Olympic campaign will be a test of their defensive capabilities and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. If they can execute Fulton's strategy effectively, they have the potential to challenge for a medal in Paris.

Simone Biles, the legendary American gymnast, is poised to make history once again at the upcoming Paris Olympics. She has submitted an original skill to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for consideration, aiming to have a sixth unique move named after her.This new skill, a variation on a move first performed by Canadian Wilhelm Weiler, involves a clear hip circle forward with 1 1/2 turns to handstand. Biles plans to execute it at the beginning of her uneven bars routine.If successful, Biles will become the only active female gymnast to have at least one skill named for her on all four apparatuses. She currently has two skills named for her on vault, two on floor exercise, and one on balance beam.The FIG describes the skill as "a clear hip circle forward with 1 1/2 turns to handstand." It requires Biles to circle her body below one bar, rise back into a handstand, and then pirouette 1 1/2 times before stopping in the handstand.Biles's submission comes after a challenging Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events due to a debilitating bout of the "twisties." She is now determined to make a strong comeback in Paris and cement her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.Nellie Kim, a five-time Olympic gold medalist for the former Soviet Union, currently holds the record for the most eponymous skills, with seven named for her. Biles is now on the cusp of surpassing that mark.Other female gymnasts aiming to have original elements named for them in Paris include Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, who has submitted a Yurchenko triple twisting vault, and Lieke Wevers and Naomi Visser of the Netherlands, who will both attempt a triple turn with one leg held horizontally on floor exercise.

India's Kabilan Sai Ashok to Officiate at Paris Olympics, Making HistoryIndia's former international boxer Kabilan Sai Ashok has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest Indian to officiate at the Olympic Games. The 32-year-old has been appointed as a Referee Judge for the Paris Olympics, which commence on Friday.Sai Ashok's appointment marks a significant milestone for Indian boxing. He is only the fourth Indian since 1904 to officiate at the Olympics, and the first to have represented the country as both a player and an official at a World Championship event.Beyond his Olympic appointment, Sai Ashok has also made waves in the boxing administration. He currently serves as a boxing administrator at the Army Sports Institute in Pune and holds the distinction of being the first Indian to become the president of the World Military Boxing Council.Sai Ashok's rise to prominence has been marked by his exceptional skills and dedication. He holds the record of being the only Indian referee to have been fast-tracked from two-star to three-star status. His appointment as a Referee Judge at the Paris Olympics is a testament to his expertise and the high regard in which he is held within the boxing community.The last Indian to officiate at the Olympics was in 2012 in London. Sai Ashok's appointment as a Referee Judge for the Paris Olympics is a proud moment for India and a reflection of the country's growing stature in the sport of boxing.

Max Verstappen, despite facing a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, dominated the opening free practice session on Friday. The Red Bull driver set the fastest lap time, outpacing McLaren's Oscar Piastri by over half a second.Verstappen, who had a heated outburst on team radio during the Hungarian Grand Prix, showcased his pace on the track. He clocked a best lap of 1:43.372, remaining unchallenged throughout the session. The Dutchman is aiming to end his three-race winless streak and secure his fourth consecutive Belgian triumph.Williams' Alex Albon impressed with the third-fastest time, ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez of Red Bull, and Lando Norris in the second McLaren rounded out the top eight.Carlos Sainz finished ninth for Ferrari, while Lance Stroll took 10th for Aston Martin. The session was held in warm but cloudy conditions, with Russell being the first driver to take to the track. Verstappen quickly established his dominance, setting the early pace on hard tires.Piastri, who claimed his maiden Formula One victory in Hungary, initially used soft tires but later switched to hards. Esteban Ocon, who recently announced his move to Haas next year, faced a setback as his Alpine team worked on a suspected water leak.Verstappen's 10-place grid penalty was confirmed during the session, along with a similar penalty for Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda. Both drivers will start from the back of the grid due to engine component changes.Perez joined Verstappen on track midway through the session and complained of car responsiveness issues. Hamilton also reported problems with bouncing and a lack of rear end grip. Despite these concerns, Mercedes showed inconsistent pace in conditions that typically favor their cars.

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.

India's Olympic Odyssey Begins: Day 1 Schedule UnveiledThe stage is set for the Paris Olympics 2024, and India's athletes are poised to make their mark from the very first day. On July 26, a host of Indian stars will take to the field, court, and range, eager to showcase their skills and bring glory to their nation.Badminton: Shetty and Rankireddy Lead the ChargeIndia's badminton contingent will be spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. The pair will face Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar of France in their men's doubles group match, aiming to secure a top spot in their group.Shooting: Eyes on the TargetIndia's shooters will also be in action on Day 1. Sandeep Singh and Elavenil Valarivan, along with Arjun Babuta and Ramita Jindal, will compete in the 10m air rifle mixed team qualification. They will need to finish in the top four to advance to the gold medal match.Hockey: Men in Blue Face New ZealandThe Indian men's hockey team will kick off their Olympic campaign against New Zealand in a Pool B match. The team will be looking to start their tournament with a strong performance and set the tone for the rest of their matches.Boxing: Preeti Pawar's Olympic DebutPreeti Pawar will make her Olympic debut in the women's 54kg boxing category. She will face Thi Kim anh Vo of Vietnam in the opening round, with a victory securing her a spot in the Round of 16.Rowing: Panwar Balraj Takes to the WaterPanwar Balraj will represent India in the men's single sculls rowing event. He will be aiming to qualify for the main draw of the competition and make a strong impression on the Olympic stage.Table Tennis: Harmeet Desai's Preliminary ChallengeHarmeet Desai will face Zaid Abo Yaman of Jordan in the men's singles preliminary round of table tennis. A victory will earn him a place in the main draw of the Round of 64.Tennis: Bopanna and Balaji Aim for Round of 16Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will team up in the men's doubles first round match of tennis. They will face Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Fabien Reboul of France, with a win securing their place in the Round of 16.