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The 2024 Paris Olympics, set to commence on July 26, mark a significant milestone in the history of the Games. As the second city to host the Olympics thrice, Paris will showcase a grand spectacle that has evolved dramatically since its previous hosting in 1924.Schedule and Program:The 1924 Olympics spanned nearly three months, featuring 17 sports and 126 medal events. In contrast, the 2024 Games will condense the schedule into two weeks, offering a staggering 32 sports and 329 medal events. While many sports have endured the test of time, the 2024 program introduces new additions such as skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing.Women's Participation:A notable change since 1924 is the increased participation of women. In 1924, women were largely absent from the Games, with only 135 female athletes competing. The 2024 Olympics will feature a more equitable representation, with women expected to make up a significant portion of the 10,500 athletes.Olympic Village:The 1924 Games introduced the concept of an Olympic Village, providing a centralized accommodation for athletes. The 2024 Village, located near the Saint-Denis stadium, will accommodate over 10,000 competitors, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.Participation and Representation:The 1924 Olympics welcomed 3,089 athletes from 44 countries. The 2024 Games are expected to attract over 10,500 athletes representing more than 200 countries, reflecting the global reach and inclusivity of the modern Olympics.Legacy and Evolution:The 2024 Paris Olympics will not only celebrate the centenary of the 1924 Games but also showcase the remarkable evolution of the event. From the extended schedule and expanded program to the increased participation of women and the modern Olympic Village, the Games have adapted to the changing times while preserving their core values of sportsmanship, excellence, and global unity.

Indian rifle shooter Sift Kaur Samra is approaching her Olympic debut with a calm and collected mindset, treating it as just another international competition. Despite the magnitude of the event, Samra remains focused on her technique and the familiar routine she has developed in previous tournaments."It's the same; it's just a normal World Cup for us, and we always give our best in the World Cup," Samra told IANS. "This is another tournament where we will give our best. Yes, because it (Olympics) comes every four years, it is much bigger than the other World Cups. But I feel like it's the same people we had in the last World Cup, so it's going to be the same."Samra, who holds the Asian Games gold medal and a World Record of 469.6, emphasizes the importance of consistency and following the same principles that have brought her success in the past. "I just have to do the same things I did in my previous tournaments and training sessions. It's just the name that changes, not the people or the technique," she added.When asked about her preparation for the Paris Olympics, Samra highlighted the importance of following a structured training schedule. "It's the same it's like when we had a camp and the schedule given to us so we just followed that," she said.Samra is part of a 21-member Indian shooting team that will compete in the Paris Games. While only two rifle shooters on the team have prior Olympic experience, Samra has sought advice from veterans in other sports, including Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom, and Sania Mirza."One of them was reaching here is not an easy job but I have done that so 'you have to be confident you have to believe in yourself and you will be doing the best'. Another one is, 'you should have that fire to do your best and get something from Paris'," she said.In terms of her individual performance, Samra aims to improve upon her previous scores. "I just want that it should not be the same as in the last tournament which I have shot, it should be like one more. I will try to shoot one more point. If it was like 593 so then I will shoot 594 if it's my day. So, let's see, let's check out yeah but this one gonna be my target."

The Paris Olympics athletes' village, inaugurated on Thursday, embodies a groundbreaking vision of sustainable construction, showcasing a myriad of innovations designed to minimize its carbon footprint.Naturally CoolThe village boasts a unique cooling system that eliminates the need for air conditioning. High-performance insulation, sun shades, and a geothermal power plant that circulates cool water in summer and heat in winter maintain a comfortable temperature inside, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.Concrete ImprovementsBuilders employed innovative techniques to reduce emissions by 30% per square meter. Wood replaced carbon-intensive concrete in many structures, including core support, facades, and floors. Low-carbon concrete and recycled concrete were also extensively used.Low-Carbon ConcreteLow-carbon concrete, which uses less energy-intensive materials and processes, was widely employed throughout the site. This innovative material significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the buildings.Recycled ConcreteRecycled concrete was used as ballast and mixed with compost to create a base layer for the gardens, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability.Real GreeneryThe village features extensive gardens, covering 40% of the total land space, with 9,000 trees and shrubs. This greenery provides relaxation areas, reduces heat, and promotes biodiversity.Water WorksThe site has its own water treatment center that purifies wastewater for use in the gardens. An experimental building, "the Cycle building," uses purified rainwater for toilets and separates urine and feces for conversion into fertilizers.Circular EconomyAll 300,000 household items in the village are destined for a second life. Suppliers were required to demonstrate their ability to recycle or reuse materials. Bed bases are made of reinforced cardboard, mattresses from recycled fishing nets, and street furniture from reclaimed wood.

Jyothi Yarraji, India's first-ever Olympic 100m hurdler, is determined to overcome adversity and make her mark in Paris. Her journey has been marked by her mother's unwavering support and a positive mindset that has helped her navigate challenges.Yarraji's mother, Kumari, worked tirelessly as a domestic help and hospital cleaner to provide for her family. Despite their struggles, Kumari instilled in her daughter the importance of perseverance and positivity. "My mom always told me to just keep going forward because we can't stop the present, past, and the future," Yarraji said.Yarraji's positive mindset has been crucial in her athletic career. She has faced numerous injuries and setbacks, but she has always managed to bounce back stronger. "I got a lot of injuries, lots of hurdle hits, lots of falling down. I got minus but I try to turn it to plus," she said.Yarraji's coach, James Hillier, believes she is in the best shape of her life. "She is in the best shape I have ever seen, physically and mentally. She can run significantly faster than her best timing," Hillier said.Yarraji is aware of the pressure she will face at the Olympics, but she is determined to remain calm and focused. "I don't have experience of (competing in the) Olympics but I am confident that it will go well," she said. "I am now focusing more on recovery and meditation so that I remain calm and focused."Yarraji's journey is an inspiration to all who face adversity. Her determination, resilience, and positive mindset are a testament to the power of the human spirit.

The 152nd Open Championship, scheduled for July 18-21 at Royal Troon, will witness a significant increase in prize money, with the winner set to receive a record-breaking USD 3.1 million. This marks a half-a-million-dollar increase from the previous edition, bringing the total prize purse to USD 17 million.The R&A, the governing body of the Open, has emphasized the need to balance the tournament's global standing with the funding required for amateur and recreational golf development worldwide. CEO Martin Slumbers expressed concerns about the impact of substantial prize money increases on the sport's perception and long-term financial sustainability.The Open remains committed to supporting the growth of golf globally, with additional prize money being allocated if more than 70 professional golfers qualify for the final two rounds. However, prize money will decrease by USD 125 per qualifying place above 70, with a minimum of USD 37,650.Non-qualifiers will also receive financial compensation, with the leading 10 and tied professional golfers among those not making the cut receiving USD 12,350 each. The following 20 professional golfers and ties will receive USD 10,300, while the remainder and ties will get USD 8,750.The increased prize money at the Open reflects the tournament's continued status as one of the most prestigious events in golf. It also highlights the R&A's commitment to supporting the sport at all levels, while ensuring its long-term financial health.

IOA Faces Scrutiny Over Coach and Support Staff Issues Ahead of Paris OlympicsWith just days remaining before the start of the Paris Olympics, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is facing criticism over administrative issues involving coaches and support staff for the Indian contingent. Despite clearing a jumbo 256-member contingent, several concerns have emerged.One of the most notable omissions is South Korean archery coach Baek Woong Ki, who has been instrumental in the team's impressive results and qualification for the Olympics. The Archery Association of India has expressed surprise at his exclusion, stating that they had submitted his name along with five other support staff members.Wrestler Antim Panghal has also raised concerns, claiming that her coach and physio have yet to receive visas due to delays by IOA officials. IOA president PT Usha has defended the association's actions, stating that they have been "proactive" in obtaining accreditations and visas for coaches and support staff.However, Usha has blamed the ad-hoc committee that governed wrestling until March 18 for not recommending Antim's support personnel in the long list. The committee's former chairman, Bhupinder Bajwa, has expressed surprise at this accusation, stating that the WFI took over after the ad-hoc committee's departure and that the names of Vinesh Phogat's coach and support staff were included in the long list despite her qualifying only in April.Despite IOA's efforts to accommodate personal coaches, trainers, and physios of several top athletes, some disciplines have more support staff members than athletes. This has led to concerns about the allocation of resources and the potential impact on the performance of the team.IOA has cleared 68 coaches and 50 support staff for 117 athletes, with a ratio of slightly better than 1:1. However, a large number of support staff will stay outside the Games Village and have limited access to venues.The IOA has included seven personal support staff members in wrestling in the 'non-accredited' category, including Antim's coach, sparring partner, and physio. However, concerns remain about the potential impact on the team's performance.

Esha Singh, a 19-year-old pistol shooter from Hyderabad, is on the cusp of making her Olympic debut at the upcoming Paris Games. While excitement fills her heart, she remains uncertain about the extent of her nerves.Her journey to the Olympics began with a remarkable performance at the 2018 National Championships, where she emerged as the senior champion at the tender age of 13. Since then, she has faced both highs and lows, but it is the highs that have presented the greatest challenges."After you win something major, it comes down to your prestige," Esha explains. "It's difficult to manage the baggage that comes with it."Despite these challenges, Esha has learned to embrace her failures and use them as opportunities for growth. She believes that her experiences at the 2023 Asian Games, where she won four medals, have given her a template for success at the Olympics."I surprised myself with that match," she says of her performance in the 25m pistol final at the Asian Games. "That final really proved to me that if I can perform here, anything else would be way easier."Esha's approach to training is based on the belief that shooting is a game of basics. She has been training for the Olympics for the past decade, focusing on consistency and maintaining a calm and composed demeanor."I'm more of a calm, composed person now," she says. "I'm learning to embrace my failures and understand why they ever happened."As she prepares for the biggest stage of her career, Esha is confident in her abilities and the lessons she has learned along the way. She is determined to replicate the mindset that led to her success at the Asian Games and to make the most of her Olympic experience.

Mental Health Takes Center Stage at Paris Olympics with Indian Experts on BoardAs the Paris Olympics draw near, the importance of mental health in sports has gained unprecedented recognition. Bengaluru-based sports psychologist Divya Jain and psychiatrist Dr. Samir Parikh will join the Indian Olympic Association's medical team, marking a significant shift in the approach to athlete well-being.The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the mental toll on athletes, with uncertainty and isolation disrupting training routines and fueling anxiety. The Tokyo Olympics witnessed a watershed moment when Simone Biles withdrew from events due to the "twisties," sparking a global conversation about mental health."The conventional idea of athletes needing mental support was largely to do with getting into a zone and reaching an optimal performance state," said Dr. Parikh. "But now, we understand that the mental wellness of an athlete is extremely important too."For India's Paris-bound athletes, Jain and Parikh will provide comprehensive mental health support before, during, and after the Games. "We will be available to assist athletes both before as well as after the Games too," said Parikh. "The impact of the competition does, after all, tend to go on for longer."Jain emphasizes the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues among athletes. "Athletes can worry about being perceived as weak if they express emotions or mental struggle," she said.To address this, Jain and Parikh have introduced themselves to the athletes and established a medical room where they will be available for consultations. They will employ techniques such as visualization, mindfulness-based training, and focus regulation to enhance performance and manage stress.The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also recognized the importance of mental health, providing athletes with access to a mindfulness app and a dedicated mental health helpline.The inclusion of mental health experts in the Indian Olympic medical team is a testament to the growing awareness of the crucial role mental well-being plays in athletic performance and overall health.

Indian wrestling has established itself as a dominant force in the Olympics, with medal-winning performances in every edition since 2008. This success has elevated wrestling's status in the country, inspiring young athletes and raising hopes for continued excellence.Sushil Kumar's bronze medal in Beijing 2008 marked a turning point, followed by his silver in London 2012 and Yogeshwar Dutt's bronze in the same Games. Sakshi Malik's bronze in Rio 2016 and the double delight of Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia in Tokyo 2021 further cemented India's wrestling prowess.However, the sport faced a setback due to prolonged protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by elite wrestlers. This led to the suspension of national camps and domestic competitions, creating uncertainty and confusion.Despite these challenges, India has qualified six wrestlers for the upcoming Paris Olympics: Aman Sehrawat (men's freestyle 50kg), Vinesh Phogat (women's 50kg), Antim Panghal (women's 53kg), Anshu Malik (women's 57kg), Nisha Dahiya (women's 68kg), and Reetika Hooda (women's 76kg).Aman Sehrawat:Sehrawat's steady progress has earned him a spot in the 50kg weight division, replacing Olympic silver medalist Ravi Dahiya. His strengths lie in his stamina and endurance, making him a formidable opponent in long bouts. However, his limited strategy and technique could be a weakness.Vinesh Phogat:Phogat is one of India's most accomplished female wrestlers, known for her solid defense and impressive attack. However, her lack of quality mat time in recent years and the weight cut to 50kg could pose challenges.Antim Panghal:Panghal's flexibility and ability to escape her rivals' grips make her a dangerous opponent. However, her lack of recent competition due to a back injury could be a concern.Anshu Malik:Malik's quick movement and aggressive style have made her a promising prospect. Despite her experience at the Tokyo Olympics, her fitness is a worry due to a suspected shoulder injury.Nisha Dahiya:Dahiya's aggressive game style and fearless approach have earned her a spot in the Paris Games. However, her lack of exposure to major events and tendency to lose steam in the later stages of bouts could be weaknesses.Reetika Hooda:Hooda's explosive strength and technique make her a potential threat to her rivals. However, her habit of conceding points in the closing seconds of bouts could be a vulnerability.