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Lalit Upadhyay, a striker for the Indian men's hockey team, has overcome adversity to become an Olympic medalist. At 17, his career was derailed by a sting operation that falsely accused him of accepting a bribe. Shaken by the incident, he almost quit hockey."It was a blessing in disguise," Upadhyay said. "It made me mentally stronger. I've forgotten the incident, but it gives me strength when I remember it."Now 30, Upadhyay is a key member of the Indian team that won bronze in Tokyo. He has scored 45 goals in 168 international appearances and is focused on winning a gold medal in Paris."We know expectations are high," he said. "We're confident we can change the color of the medal."India faces a tough challenge in Paris, placed in a pool with New Zealand, Belgium, Australia, Argentina, and Ireland. But Upadhyay is optimistic."Hockey is always changing," he said. "We've been training hard and practicing against top teams like Australia, Germany, and Belgium."Upadhyay credits the team's success to mutual respect, bonding, and unity. "We stayed together for a long time during COVID," he said. "It strengthened our bond and helped us break the jinx in Tokyo."Upadhyay is inspired by hockey legend Mohammed Shahid, who hailed from his hometown of Varanasi. "I'm satisfied with what God has given me," he said. "I hope the legacy of hockey remains intact and the flag of Indian hockey keeps flying high."

The Olympic flame has illuminated the streets of Paris for two days, carried by hundreds of torchbearers through the city's iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods. From the grandeur of the Louvre Museum to the towering Eiffel Tower, the torch has symbolized the spirit of the upcoming Summer Games.Joyful crowds lined the route, cheering on the torchbearers as they ran at a slow pace, their white uniforms contrasting against the vibrant backdrop of Paris. BMX world champion Matthias Dandois, who carried the torch in front of the Eiffel Tower, expressed his emotions: "I got super emotional. I'm from Paris, and I grew up playing so much sport and watching the Olympics, and it was a dream to be a part of it."About 10,000 people were selected to carry the flame across France, representing a diverse range of backgrounds. Athletes, artists, cultural figures, and community volunteers all had the honor of participating in this historic relay.The torch reached the summit of the Eiffel Tower on Monday, carried by French judoka and Olympic champion Clarisse Agbegnenou. Francky Mbotto, a middle-distance runner from Central African Republic, described the experience as "incredible" and "emotional," emphasizing the message of peace conveyed by the relay.Eva David, a wheelchair basketball athlete, shared her joy: "It's a real moment of jubilation." Belgian singer Mentissa carried the torch to the sound of her own music, highlighting the unifying power of sports and music.The torch's grand entrance in Paris on Bastille Day featured military horse rider Col. Thibaut Vallette, a gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Games. It was then passed to students from the multicultural suburbs of Seine-Saint-Denis in front of French President Emmanuel Macron.Former World Cup winner Thierry Henry, who leads France's Olympic soccer team, carried the flame down the Champs-Elysees avenue. Among the most popular torchbearers was K-Pop icon Jin, a member of the band BTS, who drew a significant crowd.The torch relay also paid tribute to victims of the 2015 attacks in Paris, with Lassana Bathily, who saved lives during an attack at a kosher supermarket, carrying the torch at the Pantheon monument.The torch will continue its journey through northern France and the Paris region before returning to the capital for the opening ceremony on July 26, where the Olympic cauldron will be lit after the ceremony on the River Seine.

The Paris Olympics, commencing on July 24, will witness a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Among the veterans, several notable athletes have announced their final Olympic appearances.Simone Biles: At 27, Biles is the youngest on this list but has already made history as the oldest American woman to make an Olympic gymnastics team since the 1950s. After a two-year hiatus, she returned to dominate the sport, winning multiple gold medals worldwide. In Paris, she aims to add to her seven Olympic medals, including four golds from Rio 2016.Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: The Jamaican sprint legend has declared Paris 2024 as her final Olympics. She will compete in her fifth Games, seeking to increase her medal count of eight, including three golds. After the Olympics, Fraser-Pryce plans to focus on her family.LeBron James: The basketball icon has announced that Paris 2024 will be his last Olympic appearance. With two golds (Beijing 2008 and London 2012) and a bronze (Athens 2004), James will become the first US men's basketball player to compete in three different decades. He leads a star-studded team that has drawn comparisons to the legendary "Dream Team" of 1992.Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray: Two of the three tennis greats in Paris have confirmed their final Olympic appearances. Nadal, with two golds (singles in Beijing 2008 and doubles in Rio 2016), has announced his retirement from the Games. Murray has hinted at a farewell tour, having won two golds (singles in London 2012 and Rio 2016) and a mixed doubles silver (London 2012). Djokovic, however, has not mentioned retirement and remains a dominant force in tennis.Eliud Kipchoge: The Kenyan long-distance running legend has not officially announced his retirement but has expressed uncertainty about his future Olympic participation. Kipchoge has won gold in his last two Olympics, becoming only the third person to achieve this feat. A victory in Paris would make him the most successful marathon runner in Olympic history, with an unprecedented hat-trick of golds.

Palestinian Athletes Embody Resistance Amidst Gaza ConflictAs the Paris Olympics approach, eight Palestinian athletes will carry the weight of their nation's struggle on their shoulders. Their participation symbolizes the resilience and determination of a people facing adversity.The athletes' journey to Paris has been marked by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since October 2022, Hamas attacks on Israel have escalated tensions, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians. The conflict has also devastated Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, making it difficult for athletes to train and receive proper medical care.Despite these challenges, the Palestinian athletes have persevered. They have trained tirelessly, determined to represent their country with honor. Their participation in the Olympics is not only a sporting event but also a political statement."You are not just athletes, you are also ... symbols of Palestinian resistance," said Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Palestinian authority minister of state for foreign affairs.The athletes' presence in Paris will serve as a reminder of the ongoing suffering in Gaza. They will use their platform to highlight the human toll of the conflict and advocate for peace."Through this participation, we want to present the suffering of the Palestinian people and the unprecedented killing taking place in Gaza," said Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Olympic committee.The athletes' journey to Paris has been fraught with obstacles. Majed Abu Marahil, a long-distance runner who competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, died in June due to kidney failure. Gaza's hospitals, overwhelmed by the conflict, were unable to provide him with adequate treatment.Despite these setbacks, the Palestinian athletes remain undeterred. They are determined to compete with pride and represent their country with dignity."Getting athletes to Paris is already a victory," said Rajoub.The eight athletes will compete in various disciplines, including athletics, swimming, archery, taekwondo, judo, and boxing. One athlete qualified through regular channels, while the others received special invitations.Among them is Valerie Tarazi, a 24-year-old swimmer with US and Palestinian nationality. Tarazi has won titles at the Arab Games and is determined to use her platform to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza."My heart aches for them," she said of the Gaza people. "Being in Paris on behalf of Palestine is a very important thing."The Palestinian athletes' participation in the Paris Olympics is a testament to their resilience and determination. They will carry the hopes and dreams of their nation on their shoulders, inspiring the world with their courage and unwavering spirit.

Nishant Dev, a rising star in Indian boxing, is poised to make history at the upcoming Paris Olympics. With his unwavering confidence and rigorous training regimen, he aims to become the first Indian male boxer to win an Olympic gold medal.Dev's inspiration lies in the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr., known for his undefeated record and impeccable defense. While Dev may not engage in trash-talking, he instills fear in his opponents with his unwavering belief in his abilities. "I know I am the best in the world. I don't fear anyone," he declares.In preparation for the Olympics, Dev has spent weeks at a training camp in Saarbrucken, Germany. The camp provides him with world-class sparring partners and excellent facilities. He has sparred with boxers from the US, Denmark, and Ireland, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience.Dev's training regimen is intense, with 90-minute sessions in the morning and three-hour sessions in the evening. He focuses on endurance, strength, and technique, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of Olympic glory.Despite the formidable competition in the 71kg division, Dev remains undeterred. He has faced and defeated many of his potential opponents, studying their weaknesses and developing strategies to exploit them.To maintain his weight and muscle content, Dev follows a strict low-fat, low-calorie diet. He has sacrificed his favorite foods, such as aloo ke paranthe and rajma-chawal, in the pursuit of his Olympic dream.Dev's post-Olympic plans include indulging in his favorite foods and exploring the world. However, his ultimate goal remains the Olympic gold medal. "It's been over three months since I had my favorite food. All my life, all I have done is box. It will all be worth it when I win that Olympic gold," he says.

Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, the Arjuna awardee and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Uttar Pradesh, is eagerly preparing for his second Olympic Games appearance in Paris this year. The 30-year-old forward for the India men's national field hockey team is determined to make a mark on the world stage once again.Upadhyay's journey to the Olympics has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Hailing from Varanasi, he faced financial constraints that often hindered his pursuit of hockey. However, his passion for the sport and unwavering determination propelled him forward.In 2020, Upadhyay played a pivotal role in India's historic bronze medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics. The achievement brought immense pride and recognition to the team and motivated them to strive for even greater success in Paris.Upadhyay's contributions to Indian hockey extend beyond the Olympics. He was instrumental in securing gold at the 2022 Asian Games in China and medals at the Commonwealth Games and the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup.As the team prepares for the Paris Games, Upadhyay emphasizes the importance of sustaining their efforts and bringing home a gold medal for India. He believes that hockey, being the national game, holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, and the team is committed to delivering their best.Upadhyay's personal life has also seen a significant milestone this year, as he tied the knot with hockey player Diksha Tiwari in April. The couple shares a passion for the sport and supports each other's aspirations.Before heading to Paris, the Indian team will participate in practice matches in Holland. Upadhyay recognizes the significance of this opportunity, as it will provide them with valuable experience and help them fine-tune their strategies.Upadhyay's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. He encourages parents to support their children's sporting endeavors and urges the youth to embrace sports with passion and determination.

Jessica Hull's world record-breaking performance in the women's 2,000m at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco has sent shockwaves through the athletics world. The Australian shattered the previous record by almost two seconds, clocking in at an astonishing 5 minutes and 19.70 seconds.Hull's dominance was evident from the outset as she closely followed the pacemakers through the first 1,000m. With the trackside lights indicating world record pace, Hull remained focused and determined. As the second pacemaker stepped aside, Hull took over the lead and faced the daunting task of running against the clock.Undeterred, Hull surged ahead, leaving the lights behind as she entered the final bend. With the crowd cheering her on, she crossed the finish line in a time that will forever be etched in the history books."It was incredible," said Hull. "When I was on my own on the last lap, everyone was cheering for me. I was just looking at the lights, hoping they wouldn't catch me."Hull's achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication. "There are for sure some women who can run that 5:19, but for now I have my place in the history books," she added.Meanwhile, Algeria's Djamel Sedjati made history in the men's 800m, breaking the Diamond League record with a time of 1:41.46. This performance places him as the third-fastest 800m runner in history.In the men's 1,500m, Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen continued his pursuit of a record time, improving his European record to 3:26.73.Hull's world record and the impressive performances by Sedjati and Ingebrigtsen have set the stage for an exciting lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Surinamese sprinter Issamade Asinga has filed a lawsuit against the Gatorade Company, alleging that his recent doping ban was caused by contaminated "recovery gummies" provided by the brand. The 19-year-old Asinga was handed a four-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in May for a doping violation, resulting in the loss of his two South American Championship gold medals and his under-20 100 meters world record.In the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, Asinga claims that Gatorade provided him with the gummies a year ago, with packaging stating that they were "NSF Certified for Sport" and therefore free from banned substances. However, the lawsuit alleges that the gummies lacked the certification and were instead "made using shoddy manufacturing processes, and were contaminated with trace amounts of an illegal performance-enhancing drug."NSF is an independent, Michigan-based non-governmental organization that certifies products as free from substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Gatorade has denied the allegations, stating that the product in question is safe and that the claims made are false. The beverage company also claims that its products are FDA compliant and safe for athlete consumption, as validated by the AIU investigation.Asinga further alleges that Gatorade provided a sealed bottle from a different lot of gummies to AIU, "creating the false impression that the testing of this exemplar was relevant to Issam's case." Gatorade maintains that it provided a sealed container of gummies from the same lot after the AIU ruling and that the sample tested negative. Asinga argues that the banned drug, known as cardarine, would not have been detectable after that length of time.The sprinter has not competed since he was handed a provisional suspension ahead of last year's World Championships in Budapest. He is seeking economic damages for lost income, scholarship opportunities, and future earnings.

Tulika Maan, India's lone judoka for the 2024 Paris Olympics, is preparing diligently for the biggest stage in sports. The 25-year-old secured a quota in the women's +78kg division after amassing 1345 points in the qualifying period.Maan's journey to the Olympics has been supported by her mother, who has been her unwavering pillar. Despite never witnessing her daughter's live matches, Maan's mother has provided financial and emotional support, enabling her to compete in international tournaments.Maan's preparation for Paris includes a three-week training camp in Valencia, Spain, followed by a special camp in Paris. She will face formidable opponents in the +78kg category, including China's Su Xin and France's Romane Dicko.While Maan acknowledges the pressure of being India's sole judoka at the Olympics, she believes that having a team of athletes would provide motivation and support. She emphasizes the importance of unity and camaraderie among Indian judokas.Maan's training regimen includes yoga to manage mental pressure. She also relies on Evocus Hydration I.V. to maintain optimal hydration levels, which is crucial for her demanding training and recovery.