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Sukhjeet Singh's journey to the Olympic stage has been a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. Six years ago, a debilitating back injury left his right leg temporarily paralyzed, threatening to extinguish his hockey dreams. However, with the unwavering support of his family, especially his father, Sukhjeet refused to succumb to despair.Through grueling rehabilitation and sheer willpower, Sukhjeet regained his mobility and returned to the hockey field with renewed vigor. His talent and dedication caught the attention of the Indian selectors, and in 2022, he made his debut for the national team.Despite being a newcomer to the senior squad, Sukhjeet has quickly established himself as a valuable asset. His speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a formidable force on the forward line. In the past two years, he has scored 20 goals in 70 matches for India, including three crucial goals at the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup.Sukhjeet's contributions have extended beyond the World Cup. He played a pivotal role in India's gold medal victories at the Asian Champions Trophy and the Hangzhou Asian Games last year. His recent performances in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where he netted five goals, further solidified his status as a rising star.As the Paris Olympics draw near, Sukhjeet is laser-focused on delivering his best performance. He is determined to repay the trust of his coach and teammates by contributing to the team's success. His journey from adversity to the Olympic stage is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and never give up on their aspirations.

India's Olympic Journey: A History of Near MissesIndia's Olympic history is marked by a series of tantalizingly close finishes, where athletes have come within a hair's breadth of the podium but ultimately fallen short. These near misses have left an enduring legacy of both agony and inspiration.1956 Melbourne: FootballThe Indian football team made a remarkable run to the semifinals, defeating hosts Australia in the quarterfinals. However, they were unable to overcome Yugoslavia in the semifinals and lost the bronze medal match to Bulgaria.1960 Rome: AthleticsLegendary sprinter Milkha Singh narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the 400m final. He slowed down to glance at his competitors, costing him a mere 1/10th of a second. This heartbreaking loss haunted him for the rest of his life.1980 Moscow: Women's HockeyWith top hockey nations boycotting the Moscow Games, India's women's hockey team had a golden opportunity to medal. However, they narrowly missed out, losing their final match to the USSR and finishing fourth.1984 Los Angeles: AthleticsPT Usha, known as the "Payyoli Express," came within 1/100th of a second of winning a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles. This was the closest an Indian athlete had ever come to a medal in any competition.2004 Athens: TennisLeander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, India's celebrated doubles pair, missed out on a bronze medal after losing a marathon match to Croatia. They had also lost in the semifinals to Germany.2012 London: ShootingShooter Joydeep Karmakar finished just 1.9 points behind the bronze medal winner in the men's 50m rifle prone event.2016 Rio de Janeiro: GymnasticsDipa Karmakar became the first Indian woman gymnast to compete at the Games. She finished fourth in the women's vault event, missing the bronze medal by 0.150 points.2020 Tokyo: Women's HockeyThe Indian women's hockey team once again came close to a medal, but lost to Great Britain in the bronze medal match.2020 Tokyo: GolfAditi Ashok, ranked 200th in the world, came agonizingly close to a podium finish in golf. She ultimately finished fourth.These near misses have left a bittersweet legacy for Indian sports. They have shown the potential of Indian athletes to compete at the highest level, but they have also highlighted the challenges and heartbreak that can come with falling just short of the ultimate prize.

The 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled for July 26-August 11, promises to be a spectacle like no other. For the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony will not take place in a stadium but will instead embark on a captivating journey along the iconic Seine River.Over 200 delegations of athletes will grace the river in an armada of boats, traversing six kilometers before reaching the Pont d'Lena near the Eiffel Tower. The culmination of the ceremony will unfold at the Champions Park, a temporary stadium erected in front of the Trocadero by the Eiffel Tower. French President Emmanuel Macron will officially declare the Games open, marking the commencement of the sporting extravaganza.The Paris Olympics will feature a diverse array of venues, each offering a unique backdrop for the athletes' performances. From the historic Chateau de Versailles to the modern Paris La Defense Arena, the venues will showcase the city's architectural heritage and provide a memorable setting for the competitions.The 3x3 Basketball tournament will take place at La Concorde, while Artistic Swimming will be held at the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis. Artistic Gymnastics will grace the Bercy Arena in Paris, and Athletics will be spread across multiple locations, including the Hotel de Ville, Invalides, Stade de France, and Trocadero.Archery will be contested at the Invalides, and Badminton will be played at the Porte De La Chapelle Arena. Basketball will be divided between the Bercy Arena and Pierre Mauroy Stadium, while Beach Volleyball will take center stage at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.Boxing will be held at the North Paris Arena and Stade Roland Garros, and Breaking will make its Olympic debut at La Concorde. Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint will both take place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.Cycling Mountain Bike will be held at Elancourt Hill, while Cycling Road will traverse the Invalides, Pont Alexandre III, and Trocadero. Cycling BMX Freestyle will be contested at La Concorde and the Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines BMX Stadium. Cycling Track will take place at the Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines Velodrome.Equestrian events will be held at the Chateau de Versailles, and Fencing will grace the Grand Palais. Football will be played at stadiums across France, including the Bordeaux Stadium, Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, La Beaujoire Stadium, Lyon Stadium, Marseille Stadium, Nice Stadium, and Parc de Princes.Golf will be played at the Golf National, and Handball will be contested at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium and South Paris Arena. Hockey will be held at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, and Judo will take place at the Champ de Mars Arena.Marathon Swimming will be held at the Pont Alexandre III, and Modern Pentathlon will be contested at the Chateau de Versailles and North Paris Arena. Rhythmic Gymnastics will be held at the Porte De La Chapelle Arena, and Rowing will take place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.Rugby Sevens will be played at the Stade de France, and Sailing will be held at the Marseille Marina. Skateboarding will make its Olympic debut at La Concorde, and Shooting will be held at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.Sport Climbing will be held at the Le Bourget Sport Climbing Venue, and Surfing will take place at Teahupo'o, Tahiti. Swimming will be held at the Paris La Defense Arena, and Table Tennis will be contested at the South Paris Arena.Taekwondo will be held at the Grand Palais, and Tennis will be played at Stade Roland Garros. Trampoline will be held at the Bercy Arena, and Triathlon will take place at the Pont Alexandre III. Volleyball will be held at the South Paris Arena, and Water Polo will be contested at the Paris La Defense Arena.Weightlifting will be held at the South Paris Arena, and Wrestling will take place at the Champ de Mars Arena.

Australian hockey star Matt Dawson has made an extraordinary sacrifice in his quest to compete at the Paris Olympics, undergoing surgery to amputate part of his finger. The 30-year-old, who was a member of the silver medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, recently broke the ring finger on his right hand, jeopardizing his hopes of participating in his third Olympic Games.Faced with the choice of wearing a cast and allowing the finger to heal or having the top portion removed, Dawson opted for the latter. "I made an informed decision with the plastic surgeon at the time, not only for the opportunity to play in Paris but for life after as well," he said.The surgery was successful, and Dawson is now on his way to France for the Olympics. "It's a bit of a change at the moment and an exciting challenge, I guess," he said.Australian coach Colin Batch praised Dawson's unwavering commitment. "It's not something a coach can decide for a player," he said. "Full marks to Matt. Obviously, he's really committed to playing in Paris. I'm not sure I would have done it, but he's done it, so great."Dawson's sacrifice highlights the immense dedication and determination required to compete at the highest level in sports. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about his chances in Paris. "I'm feeling really good," he said. "I've been doing a lot of rehab and training, and I'm confident I'll be ready to go."Australia, who lost to Belgium in a penalty shootout in the Tokyo final, will face 2016 Olympic champions Argentina in their first match in Paris on July 27. With Dawson's unwavering spirit and the team's collective determination, they will be aiming to secure a podium finish and bring home a medal for their country.

Mirabai Chanu, India's weightlifting sensation, credits her remarkable success to her unwavering bond with national coach Vijay Sharma. Their decade-long partnership has been a testament to the crucial role of athlete-coach dynamics in the demanding sport of weightlifting.Sharma, a former Railways clerk, initially faced skepticism when he took over the Indian team in 2012. However, his scientific approach and ability to connect with his athletes proved transformative. He meticulously plans competition strategies, carefully assessing opponents and adjusting Chanu's lifts accordingly.During competitions, Sharma's keen observation and non-verbal communication guide Chanu's every move. "We barely talk," says Chanu. "I look at him and I know what I need to do."Their relationship extends beyond the training hall. Sharma has been a constant support for Chanu, both professionally and personally. He has navigated her through injuries, provided emotional encouragement, and even acted as a bridge between her and her family during times of unrest in Manipur.Chanu's unwavering trust in Sharma has been instrumental in her success. Despite setbacks, including a disappointing performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she has always maintained her belief in her coach. "I could see his sacrifices and devotion," she says.Their greatest triumph came at the 2017 World Championships, where Chanu ended India's 22-year wait for the title. The Tokyo Olympics silver medal in 2021 was another crowning achievement, solidifying their partnership as one of the most successful in Indian sports history.As Chanu prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Sharma remains confident in her abilities. "We've fallen so many times that now there's no fear," he says. "If her body holds up, she might do something special."

Anjum Moudgil, a seasoned rifle shooter, is preparing for the Paris Olympics with a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. Despite the Tokyo Games' shooting setbacks, she remains optimistic and eager to share her lessons with the younger generation of shooters.Moudgil, a 2018 World Championships silver medalist, acknowledges the valuable insights she gains from her younger counterparts, such as Asian Games gold medalist Sift Kaur Samra. She admires their confidence and determination, which inspire her to push her limits and improve daily.In contrast to the extended camps prior to Tokyo, Moudgil has opted for solo training for Paris, seeking guidance from coaches only when necessary. This approach allows her to focus on the finer details and avoid distractions.Moudgil's journey has not been without its challenges. After a successful 2022, where she won World Cup medals and became world No. 1 in women's 50m 3P, she experienced a dip in form. She struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning her abilities despite her achievements.Through mental training and self-reflection, Moudgil overcame her doubts. She realized the importance of self-belief and the need to persevere through setbacks. Her solo training in Budapest has further boosted her confidence, allowing her to explore new techniques and enjoy the city's ambiance.Moudgil's journey from Tokyo to Paris has been marked by setbacks, self-doubt, and resilience. She has emerged stronger from each experience, gaining invaluable lessons that she is eager to share with the next generation of shooters.

Armand Duplantis, the 24-year-old Swedish pole vaulter, has ascended to the pinnacle of his sport, becoming a global icon and a testament to human athleticism. Born to an American pole vaulter father and a Swedish long jumper mother, Duplantis's sporting roots were firmly planted from an early age.In 2015, at the tender age of 15, Duplantis captured the under-18 title, showcasing his prodigious talent. Two years later, he shattered the under-20 world record with a remarkable clearance of 5.90m. His meteoric rise continued in 2018 when he claimed the European Championships gold with a vault of 6.05m, etching his name among the all-time greats.At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Duplantis secured a silver medal, further cementing his status as a world-class vaulter. However, it was at the Tokyo Olympics that he truly ascended to the summit of his sport. With a flawless first-attempt clearance of 6.02m, Duplantis captured the Olympic gold, narrowly missing his own world record.In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Duplantis has continued to push the boundaries of human performance. In March 2022, he broke his own world record with a vault of 6.19m at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting. Two weeks later, he shattered the record once again at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, clearing an astonishing 6.20m.Duplantis's outdoor dominance continued in June 2022 when he surpassed his previous outdoor world best of 6.15m with a vault of 6.16m. At the 2022 Eugene World Athletics Championships, he once again broke his own world record, soaring over 6.21m.In March 2024, Duplantis claimed gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow with a vault of 6.05m. A month later, at the Diamond League, he extended his world record by one centimeter, clearing 6.24m. His European Championships triumph in Rome in June saw him set a new European Championships record of 6.10m on his first attempt.Speaking after the Paris Diamond League, Duplantis expressed his confidence ahead of the Olympics, stating, "I like where things are at and I know that I can be just even that much a little better for the Olympics in a month."With his unwavering determination and exceptional talent, Armand Duplantis stands poised to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His pursuit of perfection and his ability to transcend the limits of human performance have made him a true legend in the world of athletics.

Indian motorcycle racing sensation Kavin Quintal is poised to make history as the first Indian rider to compete in the prestigious World Superbike Championship (World SBK). The 19-year-old Chennai native will make his debut in the SSP300 class at the fourth round of the championship, which commences at Most, Czech Republic, on Friday.Quintal's entry into the World SBK was facilitated by the Irish team, 'Team#109,' and its management company, Gaman Racing Global Service. He will fill in for the team's main rider, Spaniard Daniel Mogeda, who sustained an injury in a crash.Quintal, a highly skilled rider, has been competing in the European Stock Championship within the FIM JuniorGP and the Asia Road Racing Championship. In the three rounds of JuniorGP, he secured a top-10 finish.Quintal's journey in motorcycle racing began at the tender age of 13, making him the youngest rider to earn points in Indian National events. He went on to win the Talent Cup twice, in 2021 and 2023, in India. After participating in Asia Talent Cup events, he moved to Europe, where he has continued to develop his skills.Quintal expressed his excitement about this "magnificent opportunity" and his determination to make the most of it. "I will try to learn and enjoy it at the same time. I will be able to show my maximum level together with a great team that surrounds this structure," he said.Paul Tobin, the team manager of Team 109, welcomed Quintal and praised his experience in the Asia Talent Cup. "We are very happy to have the first Indian rider into the World Championships," he said.The practice sessions for the SSP300 class will be held on Friday, followed by races on Saturday and Sunday. Quintal will be aiming to showcase his talent and achieve his best results in this historic debut.

Danish Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen will bid farewell to Haas at the conclusion of the 2024 season, the American constructor announced on Thursday. Magnussen's departure marks the end of a seven-year association with Haas, spanning two stints from 2017-2020 and 2020-2024.Magnussen has amassed 135 Grand Prix appearances for Haas, with his most notable achievements being two fifth-place finishes in Bahrain and Austria during the 2018 season. He also secured ninth place in the overall driver standings that year."I'm grateful to everyone at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team," said Magnussen. "I'm proud to have raced for such a great team over the past few years. I especially want to thank Gene Haas for his unwavering support, particularly for bringing me back in 2022 when I thought my Formula 1 journey had come to an end."Magnussen's departure follows that of his German teammate Nico Hulkenberg, leaving Haas with a completely new driver lineup for the 2025 season. The American team has already announced the arrival of 19-year-old Briton Oliver Bearman, while French Alpine driver Esteban Ocon is the frontrunner to fill the second seat.Magnussen's exit from Haas opens up a new chapter in his career. The 31-year-old Dane has not yet announced his future plans, but he is expected to remain in Formula One with another team.