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Three years after India's historic Olympic performance in Tokyo, the nation's athletes are poised to embark on another Olympic journey in Paris. Among them, Neeraj Chopra, India's lone gold medalist in athletics, faces a unique challenge as the defending champion.Chopra's success in Tokyo has brought immense pressure, but he has embraced it as a necessary part of his journey. He has remained grounded and motivated, consistently delivering exceptional performances. His dominance in javelin throw over the past few years suggests he is a strong contender for a medal in Paris.However, Chopra recognizes that each competition is a new challenge. He has chosen to approach Paris as a fresh start, leaving behind the baggage of the past. By focusing on the present and embracing a growth mindset, he aims to replicate his success.Chopra's exceptional work ethic and adaptability set him apart. His decision to skip the Paris Diamond League to prioritize his body's well-being demonstrates his self-awareness and understanding of the demands of his sport. This quality is rare among Indian athletes and is crucial for sustained success.In addition to his physical abilities, Chopra's open-mindedness and willingness to innovate contribute to his world-class status. He is receptive to new training methods and techniques, recognizing that success requires constant improvement.Chopra's journey is a testament to the importance of self-belief and the pursuit of excellence. His ability to think independently and make decisions that align with his goals is a valuable lesson for all Indian athletes.

India's Olympic aspirations have long been a subject of debate, with varying metrics used to measure success. As the nation prepares for the 2024 Paris Games, the focus remains on tangible results, with medals serving as the ultimate benchmark.For athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Olympic glory brings substantial rewards, including government grants and corporate endorsements. However, failure can lead to swift public disinterest. This pressure drives athletes to perform at their peak, recognizing that a single event can define their careers.To achieve excellence, experts emphasize the importance of mastering the process. Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla advocates for a long-term approach, focusing on progression rather than immediate medal count. The government's increased financial support for athletics, amounting to ₹96.08 crore, reflects a renewed belief in the sport's potential.Manisha Malhotra, who has worked with both Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra, highlights the mental fortitude that sets successful athletes apart. They possess unwavering belief and leave no stone unturned in their preparation.Bindra believes that today's Indian athletes are more confident and ambitious than their predecessors. However, the pressure to perform remains constant, requiring adaptability and focus on the present moment.Despite significant progress, India still faces challenges in creating a thriving sports ecosystem. Grassroots coaching, infrastructure, and sports science expertise are crucial for nurturing talent. The government acknowledges the need for a comprehensive approach, emphasizing that financial support is not the sole solution.Bindra urges athletes to take pride in representing India, regardless of the outcome. He believes that the pursuit of Olympic glory should not overshadow the journey and the sacrifices made along the way.

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.

Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unanimously re-elected Nita M. Ambani as the IOC member from India. This marks a significant milestone for India's growing influence in the global sporting arena.Nita Ambani, the leading Indian philanthropist and Founder of the Reliance Foundation, was first appointed to the IOC in 2016. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Olympic Movement in India and worldwide.As India's first woman to join the IOC, Ambani has championed India's sporting ambitions and Olympic vision. She recently hosted the first IOC session in Mumbai in over 40 years, showcasing India's transformation and aspirations to the world.Through the Reliance Foundation, Ambani empowers millions of Indians with resources and opportunities. Her initiatives span sport, education, health, art, and culture, aiming to improve lives across the country.Reliance Foundation is at the forefront of driving India's sports growth. Its programs reach over 22.9 million children and youth, promoting a variety of sports, especially in remote areas.As part of a partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Reliance Foundation will open the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympics 2024. This "home away from home" for athletes will celebrate India's Olympic journey and demonstrate its ambitions to become a global sports powerhouse.Ambani's re-election to the IOC is a testament to her dedication to the Olympic Movement and her unwavering commitment to promoting sports in India. It also reflects India's growing stature in the international sporting community.

Anirban Lahiri, the Indian golf ace, has bounced back from a heartbreaking loss at the Andalucia Masters, where he missed a crucial two-foot putt that cost him the title. Despite the setback, Lahiri remains optimistic and is eager to prove himself at this week's LIV Golf UK challenge.Lahiri's resilience was evident when he was spotted practicing diligently at the JCB Golf & Country Club, even before the tournament began. When Claude Harmon III, the renowned golf coach, approached him, Lahiri joked, "Don't worry. Just practicing my two-footers!"The 37-year-old has learned a valuable lesson from his experience at Valderrama. He realized that in golf, as in life, nothing is over until it's over. "I thought it was over. It obviously wasn't," said Lahiri, referring to the missed putt that led to a playoff loss against Sergio Garcia.Lahiri admitted that he had become complacent and rushed his shot. "I hit it dead center of the cup, which wasn't the line. I didn't spend enough time, and I didn't go through my processes," he said.Despite the financial loss and the disappointment of not ending his nine-year winless streak, Lahiri remains determined. "There are a lot of things to be proud of," he said. "I put myself in a position to win again."Lahiri spent the last week in Spain with his family, which helped him refresh and refocus. He is eager to test himself again at the LIV Golf UK event. "It's just this intense eagerness that I want to test myself again," he said.Lahiri will be paired with Bryson DeChambeau and Paul Casey in the tournament, which begins on Friday. He is confident that he can overcome the challenges and emerge victorious.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, India's athletes are not only preparing physically but also donning their striking new JSW Inspire sports kits. These kits are not just athletic wear; they are symbols of national pride and are engineered with cutting-edge technology to enhance performance.The JSW Inspire kits boast several advanced features designed to optimize athleticism. The stretchable material conforms to the athlete's body, providing a custom fit that maximizes range of motion. Anti-static properties ensure comfort by reducing static cling, while strategically placed air vents facilitate airflow and heat dissipation, helping athletes manage the heat.Anti-microbial properties prevent unpleasant odors and fabric degradation, while Drytech+ technology wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping athletes cool and dry. This reduces chafing and irritation, allowing them to focus on their performance.The response to the official Indian Olympic merchandise has been overwhelming. Within just 2.5 weeks of its release, the traffic for these jerseys exceeded 100,000 visits, with most of the traffic being organic. This surge in interest reflects the national pride and love for sports among Indians. Over 5,000 orders have been placed, many by corporates providing kits for their members traveling to Paris.While major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, and Hyderabad accounted for a majority of the orders, there was also significant demand from tier-I and tier-II cities such as Rohtak, Chandigarh, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Sonipat, and Sivakasi.Indian athletes have expressed their pride and enthusiasm for the new kits. Neeraj Chopra, the javelin thrower, said, "As a JSW athlete, it makes me immensely proud to wear a kit manufactured by JSW Inspire at the Olympic Games. A part of an athlete's confidence in competition comes from the kitting. I really like the concept behind the design of these kits, and hope to see our contingent create as many winning moments in them."Manpreet Singh, captain of the men's hockey team, added, "It felt good to wear the jersey. I really liked 'India' written in Gold. It gave me goosebumps. It's always every athlete's dream to win a gold medal, and seeing India written in gold gives an athlete motivation. The jersey looks beautiful."Nishant Dev, a boxer, said, "I really like the design of the JSW Inspire kit, which pays tribute to India's vast terrains and mountains. Growing up, it was always my dream to represent India at the Olympic Games. To do it in these JSW Inspire kits as a JSW athlete makes it even more special."

Tarundeep Rai, a seasoned Indian archer, is determined to make his fourth Olympic appearance in Paris a memorable one by securing his first Olympic medal. At 40 years old, Rai has an impressive track record, having won medals at every major global and continental championship, including two World Championship silver medals, nine World Cup medals, and three Asian Games medals.Despite his success, Rai has yet to achieve his Olympic dream. He exited in the first round of the individual event in Athens 2004, and in the second round in both London 2012 and Tokyo 2021. In Tokyo, the men's team, which included Rai, reached the quarterfinals."It's emotional every day," Rai said. "It's the fourth time. It's a now-or-never situation for me, and that's what I tell my teammates too. You have to put in an effort as if it's going to be your last."Rai is also serving as an unofficial mentor to the Indian team, sharing his vast experience and knowledge with his younger teammates. He believes that the team has the potential to win a medal in Paris, and he is determined to help them achieve their goal."We have kept that in control (this time)," Rai said. "Coaches, management, players' mentality, we have kept that in check. Everyone is in their best form."For the first time since London 2012, India will have a full six-member squad in Paris, after both the men's and women's teams qualified on the basis of rankings. This means they will compete in all five events.Rai's journey to the Olympics has not been without its challenges. He failed to make it to the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, which served as a wake-up call for him."Yes, the Asian Games was a realization period and gave me a lot of positive vibes," Rai said. "If that did not happen, maybe I would not have made it to my fourth Olympics and reached here."Despite the setbacks, Rai remains optimistic and is eager to make the most of his final Olympic opportunity. He has set up an academy in Sikkim to pass on his knowledge to the future generation of archers."Coaching or not, you have to give something back to the sport," Rai said. "This is one thing we have lacked. Transfer of technique, transfer of experience. Senior archers leaving should come back. This gap we have to fill up."

The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has unveiled its roster of Icon players for the upcoming second season, set to take place in London from October 3rd to 12th.Leading the charge is world No. 1 and five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, who will once again represent Alpine SG Pipers. Carlsen expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating that the team format introduced by the GCL is "very exciting and refreshing."Joining the league for the first time are two new Icon players: Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri. Nakamura, known for his dynamic style, will play for the American Gambits, while Giri will make his debut with the PBG Alaskan Knights.Returning as Icon players are Viswanathan Anand (Ganges Grandmasters), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Mumba Masters), and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Triveni Continental Kings). Anand, a five-time world champion, believes that the GCL's unique format will enhance the popularity of chess.The GCL features a minimum of three marquee showdowns each day between the Icon players, who lead their teams into battle. Each team consists of six players: one Icon player, two superstar male players, two superstar female players, and one prodigy player.The league aims to promote chess through innovative technology-enabled platforms, leveraging 5G, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. By bringing together top male and female chess champions in a joint team format, the GCL offers a unique viewing experience for fans worldwide.

India's Olympic campaign kicks off on Friday with archers taking the stage, aiming to surpass their record medal haul of seven from Tokyo. Among the medal contenders, Neeraj Chopra faces stiff competition from Jakub Valdlejch and Arshad Nadeem in the javelin throw. The men's hockey team faces a challenging group stage, with Australia posing a significant threat. PV Sindhu, despite recent struggles, remains a medal hopeful but could face a showdown with reigning gold medalist Chen Yu Fei. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have a potential semifinal clash with Chinese top seeds in men's doubles. Nikhat Zareen identifies Turkey's Buse Naz Cakiroglu as her biggest challenge in the women's 50kg boxing category. Vinesh Phogat, despite past Olympic disappointments, aims to break the curse and secure a medal in wrestling.