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Jyothi Yarraji, India's top female hurdler, has overcome significant obstacles to represent her country at the Paris Olympics. Her journey has been marked by language barriers, injuries, and personal growth.Growing up in humble surroundings, Jyothi felt invisible. However, her natural athleticism caught the attention of coach James Hillier, who recognized her potential. Despite initial communication challenges, Hillier patiently adjusted his instructions to Jyothi's understanding.Together, they embarked on a rebuilding process, focusing on confidence and technique. Jyothi's determination and Hillier's guidance led to a breakthrough in 2022, when she broke the national record in the 100m hurdles.Beyond the track, Jyothi has also experienced personal transformation. Living alone for the first time, she gained independence and self-reliance. She now cooks for Hillier and his family, showcasing her creativity both on and off the field.Hillier has played a pivotal role in Jyothi's development, transitioning from coach to manager. He empowers her to make decisions, fostering her responsibility and growth.Jyothi's success has not only brought pride to her family but also inspired other girls in her community. She believes that her achievements are not just about fame but about deserving her success.As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Jyothi remains focused on giving her best. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the transformative nature of sports.

Rail Explorers: A Unique and Unforgettable Adventure on Rhode Island's CoastEmbark on an extraordinary journey along the picturesque coast of Newport, Rhode Island, with Rail Explorers. This innovative experience offers a unique blend of cycling and rail travel, allowing you to glide effortlessly along historic railroad tracks while immersing yourself in breathtaking ocean views and serene surroundings.Inspired by the hand-pumped carts of the past, modern railbikes are pedal-powered with an engine assist, providing a smooth and effortless ride. As you pedal along the iron tracks, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of Narragansett Bay and hidden gems of Aquidneck Island that are only accessible by rail.Rail Adventures offers a variety of group tours tailored to different preferences. The Northern circuit combines adventure with history, as the guide narrates the area's Revolutionary War significance and the origins of the railroad. The Southern circuit, on the other hand, offers a more social experience, with stops at scenic picnic spots complete with fire pits and Adirondack chairs.Safety is paramount at Rail Explorers. The pack of railbikes maintains a safe distance of 500 feet between each other, with guides positioned at the front, rear, and throughout the group. The custom-designed quads, known as the "Rolls-Royce of railbikes," feature an advanced propulsion system that ensures a smooth and effortless ride, even on inclines.Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a novice, Rail Explorers caters to all ages, weights, and heights. Up to four people can share a bike, and two bikes can be linked together to form a caravan, combining pedal power for a truly memorable experience.Destination Tennis host Monica Puig, who has traveled extensively, couldn't resist the allure of Rail Explorers during her visit to Newport. "It's really cool because you get beautiful views of the ocean and trees," she enthused. "It's different in terms of excursions and things to do."

Paris Olympics Operations Resume After Global IT OutageThe Paris 2024 Organizing Committee has announced that its operations have resumed normal functioning following a global IT outage that temporarily affected some of its computer servers.The outage, which occurred earlier on Friday, caused disruptions to the committee's accreditation centers. However, the Uniform and Accreditation Centre in Paris has now reopened and extended its operating hours to accommodate the backlog."All of Paris 2024's operations are now running normally, following this morning's global IT issue, which had temporarily affected a limited number of our own IT services," the committee said in a statement.The outage was part of a broader global IT issue that affected multiple organizations worldwide. The cause of the outage is still under investigation.Despite the disruption, the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee remains confident in its ability to deliver a successful Olympic Games in 2024."We are working closely with our partners to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to mitigate any potential impact on our operations," the committee said.The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Games are expected to attract over 10,000 athletes from around the world.

Shane Lowry has emerged as the frontrunner in the 152nd British Open at Royal Troon, holding a two-shot lead after the second round. The Irishman, who triumphed at the Open in 2019, overcame a double bogey on the 11th hole to post a two-under-par round of 69, bringing his total to seven under.Lowry's ascent to the top of the leaderboard was preceded by Englishman Daniel Brown's impressive six-under 65 on Thursday. However, Brown maintained his composure under pressure, carding a steady 72 to remain at five under.World number one Scottie Scheffler is lurking in fourth place at two under, despite a bogey on the 18th hole. Scheffler, who has already secured six victories this year, including the Masters, is within striking distance of Lowry.In contrast, Tiger Woods' hopes of adding to his 15 major titles were dashed after two disappointing rounds. The 48-year-old struggled in the blustery conditions, finishing with a two-round score of 156, his worst ever at a British Open.Rory McIlroy, another pre-tournament favorite, faces an uphill battle to make the weekend after an opening round of 78. The projected cut is currently set at four over.Scottish Open champion Bob MacIntyre's dreams of a home soil triumph were shattered as he dropped eight shots in his first four holes, leaving him at nine over.As the tournament progresses, attention will shift to McIlroy's attempt to recover from his disastrous start and Lowry's bid to maintain his lead and secure his second major championship.

Asian Games gold medalist Ronjan Sodhi has expressed concerns about the preparations for the Indian shooting contingent ahead of the Paris Olympics. He believes that the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) could have planned better and called for greater involvement of sportspersons in the running of the federation.Sodhi pointed out that the NRAI announced the 21-member contingent for Paris only two months before the Games, which left shooters struggling to plan their preparations and foreign exposure trips. He suggested that the announcement should have been made six months to a year in advance to give athletes ample time to prepare.The veteran marksman also criticized the lack of sportsperson representation in the NRAI panel responsible for selection matters. He believes that more athletes should be involved in decision-making to ensure that the process is fair and transparent."I think they (NRAI) must have thought about something, whether having trials at the last moment or whatever, whether there was a selection policy which was in order. I would say, there should be more sportspersons when it comes to selection matters in the whole (NRAI) panel," Sodhi said.Despite his concerns, Sodhi expressed optimism about the shooting contingent's chances in Paris. He acknowledged that the team is the largest ever and includes several talented young shooters."If you see, 21 shooters have qualified, which is the biggest (Indian) shooting contingent ever. I hope that they do well but shooting is one sport nobody can predict," he said.Sodhi emphasized that the contingent is well-trained and has a strong support team. He believes that the shooters will enter the competition with confidence, despite being relatively unknown."They are fearless, that's an advantage (with youngsters), they are the underdogs, nobody knows them. If I ask the names of the 21 shooters going to Paris, nobody would know most of their names," he said.

The Indian hockey team faces a daunting challenge at the upcoming Paris Olympics, with a formidable group that includes Australia, Belgium, Argentina, Ireland, and New Zealand. Legendary hockey player Ashok Dhyanchand, son of the legendary Dhyan Chand, believes that the team must approach the tournament with a fearless mindset and avoid preconceived notions to overcome the obstacles.India's recent performances, including a series loss to Australia and a disappointing finish in the Pro League, have raised concerns about their readiness for the Olympics. However, Dhyanchand remains optimistic, emphasizing the team's capabilities and experience. He advises the players to control their nerves and focus on implementing their techniques and tactics.Dhyanchand acknowledges the difficulty of the group but believes that India can succeed if they play with a fresh mind and a determination to win a medal. He highlights the importance of the Olympics as a potential swansong for several players, urging them to give their all and leave a lasting legacy.Despite the challenges, Dhyanchand remains hopeful that India can stand on the podium in Paris. He laments the fading aura of hockey in India but emphasizes the enduring romance with the sport and the expectations that accompany it. He believes that a medal is an absolute necessity, given India's rich hockey history.

India's contingent for the 2024 Paris Olympics boasts a diverse mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. With 117 athletes across 16 disciplines, India aims to make a significant impact on the global stage.Among the notable names are Rohan Bopanna (tennis), Sharath Kamal (table tennis), and PV Sindhu (badminton), all of whom have multiple Olympic appearances under their belt. Five of the seven medal winners from Tokyo 2020 are also part of the contingent.However, over half of the Indian athletes will be experiencing the Olympics for the first time. One such debutant is 14-year-old swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest Indian in the contingent. Desinghu, who was awarded the Universality quota, will compete in the women's 200m freestyle event alongside her idol, Katie Ledecky.Despite her young age, Desinghu has already made a mark in international competitions, participating in the 2022 Asian Games and the 2024 World Aquatics Championships.In boxing, Nikhat Zareen, the reigning world champion in the 50kg weight category, is poised to emerge from Mary Kom's shadow and become a potential face of Indian boxing.Wrestling also features promising young talents, including Antim Panghal and Reetika. Panghal, a two-time junior world champion, has already won a bronze medal at the senior World Wrestling Championships. Reetika, the first Indian woman to qualify in the women's 76kg weight class, is looking to emulate Sakshi Malik's medal-winning performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics.Seasoned stars like Kishore Kumar Jena (javelin throw), Jyothi Yarraji (hurdles), and Parul Chaudhary (steeplechase) are also making their Olympic debuts and have the potential to surprise.In badminton, Lakshya Sen, a former world championship bronze medalist, will be vying for a medal in men's singles alongside HS Prannoy.India's contingent is a testament to the country's growing sporting prowess and the dedication of its athletes. With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, India is poised to make a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Indian para-athletes are setting their sights high for the upcoming Paris Paralympics, aiming to surpass their historic performance at the Tokyo Games and secure more than 25 medals. This ambitious goal was announced by Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia, who expressed confidence in the team's abilities.At the Tokyo Paralympics, India achieved its best-ever performance, winning 19 medals, including five golds. This remarkable achievement has fueled the team's determination to continue their success in Paris. Jhajharia, a three-time Paralympic medalist, emphasized the team's physical and mental readiness for the Games."Our slogan this time is 'Abki Baar 25 Paar'," said Jhajharia. "We have a target of winning more than 25 medals this time. The preparation is going well. I am in touch with the athletes."Jhajharia highlighted the support provided to the para-athletes through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which ensures they have access to world-class facilities and training. He also praised the team's performance in recent events, including the Para Asian Games and the World Championships, where India ranked fifth."The players are not only physically but also mentally fit," said Jhajharia. "They are getting all the facilities under the TOPS scheme. In the past 4 years, India has performed well in every event. In the world championships, we were at number 5. To be 5 in the world is a huge thing."The Paris Paralympics are scheduled to begin on August 28, and the Indian para-athletes are eager to showcase their skills and determination on the world stage. With their unwavering spirit and the support of the nation, they aim to create history once again and bring glory to India.

Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 is set to ignite the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai from August 22 to September 7, with 23 thrilling ties scheduled. The tournament will witness eight teams vying for the coveted title, including defending champions Goa Challengers and newcomers Jaipur Patriots.World-class players will grace the UTT stage, including World No. 10 Bernadette Szocs, World No. 16 Nina Mittelham, and Nigerian legend World No. 19 Quadri Aruna. They will be joined by Indian stars Achanta Sharath Kamal (WR 40), Sreeja Akula (WR 25), and Manika Batra (WR 28).UTT 2024 will also showcase promising Indian talents like Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Poymantee Baisya, Abhinandh PB, Jeet Chandra, and Yashansh Malik. Debutant team Ahmedabad SG Pipers will make their debut against Puneri Paltan Table Tennis, while Chennai Lions will face PBG Bengaluru Smashers in a southern derby.The addition of two new teams has led to a revised competition format. Teams will be divided into two groups of four for the league stage, playing five ties each. The top four teams will advance to the knockout stage, with the semi-finals featuring Team No. 1 vs Team No. 4 and Team No. 2 vs Team No. 3.Each tie will comprise five matches: two men's singles, two women's singles, and one mixed doubles. The tournament promises high-octane action and intense competition as teams battle for the ultimate glory.