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Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, the father of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, passed away at the age of 69. Bryant, a former NBA player and coach, played for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets during his career. He also played professionally in Europe for several years.After retiring from playing, Bryant coached the La Salle University men's basketball team from 1993-1996. He later coached the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women's NBA and several teams in Asia.Bryant's son, Kobe, was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2008. Kobe Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2020 at the age of 41.Joe Bryant was a beloved figure in the basketball community. He was known for his infectious personality and his love of the game. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.

Rory McIlroy, the world's number two golfer, is determined to overcome the disappointment of his near-miss at the US Open and claim victory at the British Open, which begins on Thursday at Troon. McIlroy's heartbreaking loss at Pinehurst, where he missed two short putts on the final two holes, has fueled his motivation to add to his sole British Open triumph in 2014.Despite his recent struggles on links courses, world number one Scottie Scheffler remains the favorite to win. Scheffler has enjoyed a remarkable season, winning six times in 14 starts, including the Masters in April. However, he will need to adapt his game to the windy conditions at Troon, which have historically favored older players.Bryson DeChambeau, who won the US Open, will also be a contender. DeChambeau has recognized the need to adjust his game for links golf and has been practicing on similar courses in preparation.Tiger Woods, a three-time British Open winner, will make his return to the tournament after missing last year's event. Despite his limited playing time since a serious car accident in 2021, Woods believes the links course conditions give him a better chance to compete.The field will be battling for a prize pot worth $17.5 million, with the winner receiving $3.1 million. Fans can expect an exciting tournament, as the last Open played at Troon in 2016 saw Henrik Stenson outgun Phil Mickelson in a Sunday shootout.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old pistol shooter, is preparing for her second Olympics with a renewed mindset and the guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana. After a bitter fallout before the Tokyo Games, the duo has reconciled and is working together to achieve success in Paris.Bhaker, known for her Gen Z lingo, has matured significantly since her teenage years. She now understands the importance of not dwelling on failures or successes, recognizing that people's memories fade over time. Rana has noticed her growing maturity and believes she is more practical and calm.The relationship between Bhaker and Rana extends beyond coach and athlete. Rana serves as her mental coach, fitness coach, yoga coach, father figure, and friend. He has helped her regain her love for shooting and find peace in the foothills of Dehradun.Rana emphasizes the importance of making Bhaker an independent shooter and not overanalyzing scores or data. He believes in her abilities and encourages her to be brave and free in her approach. Bhaker credits Rana with helping her "chill" and stop working with a sports psychologist.Despite their different interests, Bhaker and Rana share a close bond. They go for walks together in the evening, where Bhaker can talk about anything she wishes. Rana provides her with the support and guidance she needs, both on and off the range.Bhaker's newfound approach is evident in her preparation for the Paris Olympics. She is determined to avoid unnecessary pressure and focus on enjoying the moment. Rana's presence at the range gives her courage and confidence.

Jarmanpreet Singh, a defender from Jalandhar, was once hailed as a rising star in Indian hockey. However, a failed dope test in 2015 shattered his dreams, leading to a two-year ban. Despite the setback, Jarmanpreet remained determined to return to the sport.After serving his suspension, he returned to domestic hockey in 2017 and impressed selectors with his unwavering skills. In 2018, he made his India debut at the Champions Trophy, helping the team secure a silver medal.However, Jarmanpreet faced challenges under Australian coach Graham Reid, who preferred other defenders. The disappointment of missing out on the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was a major blow.With the appointment of Craig Fulton as coach, Jarmanpreet's fortunes changed. Fulton's "defend to win" philosophy emphasized the role of flank defenders in attack, giving Jarmanpreet a new lease of life.Through rigorous training and improved game analysis, Jarmanpreet has become one of India's most improved players. His ability to switch between defense and attack seamlessly has made him a valuable asset to the team.On June 26, Jarmanpreet's Olympic dream came true when he was named in India's squad for the Paris Games. The same day, his wife gave birth to their daughter, making it a double celebration for the defender.Jarmanpreet's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he never gave up on his dream of representing India at the Olympics. With his newfound confidence and the support of his coach, he is poised to make a significant contribution to India's medal hopes in Paris.

Shubhankar Sharma, the 27-year-old Indian golfer, has matured significantly in his approach to the Open Championship. In the past, he would rush to the golf course upon arrival at the venue, eager to practice extensively. However, this year at Royal Troon, he opted for a day of rest, recognizing the importance of preserving his energy for the grueling tournament.Sharma's decision stems from his thorough preparation during an earlier reconnaissance trip in May. He played three practice rounds alongside his coach, Jessie Grewal, gaining valuable insights into the challenging course. This prior knowledge allows him to approach the tournament with confidence and avoid unnecessary exertion.Sharma's recent performance at the Scottish Open also bolsters his optimism. Despite a disappointing triple bogey on the final hole, he displayed impressive form, making six birdies and finishing even-par on Saturday. This performance reinforces his belief that he is playing well and ready for the challenge ahead.During his May visit to Royal Troon, Sharma had the privilege of interacting with legendary golfer Tom Watson, who was hosting a clinic for Mastercard clients. Sharma was inspired by Watson's presence and the opportunity to play a hole with him.Sharma acknowledges the formidable nature of Royal Troon, particularly the relentless back nine that plays into headwinds. He emphasizes the importance of accurate ball-striking and precise tee shots to navigate the course successfully.Sharma's opening round on Thursday will see him paired with Matteo Manassero of Italy and Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden. He is confident in his preparation and eager to showcase his skills on one of the toughest golf courses in the Open rota.

Anshu Malik, India's 57kg wrestling sensation, is honing her skills in the hallowed halls of Nippon Sports Science University in Yokohama, Japan. Under the watchful eyes of legendary wrestlers Kaori Icho and Chikara Tanabe, Anshu is sparring with Japan's elite wrestlers, seeking to elevate her technique and prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics.After three hours of intense sparring with world champions like Yui Sasaki, Akari Fujinami, and Tsugumi Sakurai, Anshu takes a brief respite before returning for a second session of grueling training. The Land of the Rising Sun has become a crucible for Anshu's growth, inspiring her to reach new heights in her young career.At 22, Anshu has already made her mark as an Olympian and a World Championships silver medalist. However, she is determined to make a splash in Paris and prove her mettle on the global stage. "I have improved a lot from Tokyo," she says. "In Tokyo, I was a teenager with technical deficiencies. I have matured as a wrestler in these three years."This is Anshu's third training stint at Japan's invitation-only facility, which has produced some of the country's greatest wrestling talents. The world-class guidance has been invaluable, as evidenced by her impressive performance at the Olympic qualifier selection trial in Patiala.Anshu's 57kg division is one of the most competitive in the world. Her major challengers include Nigeria's Odunayo Folasade Adekuoroye, Moldova's Anastasia Nichita, and USA's Helen Maroulis. "I have competed against them and my bouts have always been close," she says. "I understand their gameplan well. Ultimately, it will boil down to that particular day."Off the mat, Anshu enjoys cooking as a therapeutic hobby. She also credits her father, Dharamvir Malik, for her unwavering support and relentless training. "Since the day we first stepped on the mat, papa told me to think of him as an enemy," she says. "He shows no mercy, gives no respite. Off the mat, he is a friend with whom I can share everything."Anshu's journey to the Paris Olympics is filled with both challenges and opportunities. With her unwavering determination and the support of her mentors, she is poised to make a mark on the world stage and bring glory to India.

Cricket may reign supreme in India, but other sports are gaining traction. According to Ormax Media, football, Kabaddi, professional wrestling (WWE), and hockey follow cricket in popularity. However, only hockey is relevant to the upcoming Paris Olympics.Key Terms for the Paris Olympics:* Heats: Preliminary rounds in track, rowing, swimming, and canoeing, where athletes are grouped based on performance.* Dressage: Equestrian event where horse and rider perform predetermined movements within an arena, judged on fluidity and coordination.* Ippon: In judo, a decisive victory achieved by throwing an opponent on their back, pinning them for 20 seconds, or forcing a submission.* RSC: In boxing, when the referee stops a contest due to the losing boxer's inability to protect themselves.* Repechage: In wrestling, track, and rowing, a chance for athletes who lose to medalists to qualify for bronze.* PC (Penalty Corner): In hockey, a penalty awarded when a foul is committed within the penalty circle. The attacking team attempts to score by hitting the ball into the goal.Indian Athletes to Watch:* Anush Agarwalla: Competing in dressage, the only Indian equestrian at Paris 2024.* Tulika Maan: India's sole judo representative, aiming for an ippon victory.Understanding Repechage:Repechage offers a lifeline to athletes who lose to eventual medalists. In wrestling, for example, Sakshi Malik won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics after losing in the quarterfinals. She qualified for the repechage rounds and won two subsequent bouts to secure a medal.Penalty Corners in Hockey:Penalty corners are crucial in hockey, often determining the outcome of matches. India's captain, Harmanpreet Singh, is renowned for his dragflicks, which can be game-changers.

Tamil Thalaivas, a formidable team in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has made a groundbreaking move by appointing Udaya Kumar as Chief Coach and Dharmaraj Cheralathan as Strategy Coach for the upcoming Season 11. This innovative dual-coach system marks a departure from the traditional head coach and assistant coach model, signaling a shift towards a collaborative approach to team management.Udaya Kumar, a legendary figure in kabaddi, brings an unparalleled wealth of experience to the Thalaivas. As the former coach of the Indian kabaddi team, he has guided them to multiple Asian Games gold medals, showcasing his exceptional player development skills. His focus will be on nurturing young talent and enhancing the team's overall skill set."We are committed to providing opportunities to new, young, and talented players," said Kumar. "By implementing a cohesive team dynamic, we aim to secure a remarkable victory."Dharmaraj Cheralathan, a former Pro Kabaddi player, joins the Thalaivas with a reputation for strategic brilliance and on-field prowess. As a key player in Patna Pirates' Season 4 PKL triumph, he has also excelled on the international stage, winning the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup and securing gold medals in the 2017 South Asian Games and the Asian Beach Games.Cheralathan's expertise will be invaluable in developing match strategies and making in-game decisions for the Thalaivas. "We have a profound obligation to the sport," he said. "I am confident that we will make a strong comeback this year."The combination of Kumar's skill development expertise and Cheralathan's strategic insights is expected to be a game-changer for the Thalaivas. Their immense experience and dedication will guide the team towards their ultimate goal: the PKL Season 11 title."The idea of onboarding coaches with diverse roles is to focus on the franchise's long-term vision of nurturing and developing young talent," said Shushen Vashishth, CEO of Tamil Thalaivas. "Cheralathan's experience as an ex-PKL player brings a fresh ideology to the team."With their new coaching duo at the helm, the Tamil Thalaivas are poised to deliver exceptional performances and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

Prince Harry's ESPY Award for Service has sparked controversy, with Venus Williams' reaction to his acceptance speech drawing particular attention. As Harry approached the stage, his wife Meghan Markle and others gave him a standing ovation. However, Williams remained seated, prompting speculation that she had snubbed the Sussexes.A video of the incident shows Williams initially staying in her seat and not applauding Harry. She later stands up and joins Markle as Harry delivers his speech. The clip has gone viral, with many expressing their opinions on Williams' actions.Some have defended Williams, suggesting that she may have had a personal reason for not applauding Harry. Others have criticized her, accusing her of being disrespectful and unpatriotic. The Pat Tillman Award for Service honors individuals who have made significant contributions to society, similar to Tillman, a former NFL player who was killed in Afghanistan while serving in the U.S. Army.Past winners include the Buffalo Bills' training staff, Army veteran Gretchen Evans, and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford. Harry's award has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his qualifications for the honor.The controversy surrounding Williams' reaction has overshadowed the purpose of the award and the legacy of Pat Tillman. It remains to be seen whether the incident will have any lasting impact on Williams' reputation or the perception of the ESPY Awards.