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Rhythm Sangwan, a rising star in Indian pistol shooting, has emerged as a formidable force on the international stage. At just 20 years old, she has already amassed an impressive collection of medals, including seven World Championships medals, eight World Cup medals, and three Asian Championships medals. Her crowning achievement came at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where she won team gold in the women's 25m pistol event.Despite her early success, Rhythm remains grounded and focused on continuous improvement. "I don't believe in resting on my laurels," she says. "I have had my share of highs and lows, but opportunities like the Olympics make it all worthwhile."Rhythm will represent India in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics alongside the experienced Manu Bhaker. While expectations are high, Rhythm emphasizes the importance of staying present and giving her best. "I don't think of results," she says. "My only target is to give my 100 percent."Rhythm's preparation for the Olympics includes a rigorous training regimen and a focus on mental strength. She draws inspiration from Manu Bhaker, who bounced back from a disappointing performance in Tokyo. "The way she has bounced back says a lot about her mental strength," Rhythm says. "Shooting is an individual sport, but there are occasional discussions with her that help me improve."Rhythm's pre-match routine involves listening to upbeat music to help her enter the zone. "I like Bollywood music," she says. "It helps me get into my zone."Rhythm is confident of making an impact at the Olympics. She has experience shooting at the competition range in Chateauroux, France, which she believes will be an advantage. "My only goal will be to shoot the best I have ever done," she says.

India Gears Up for Paris Olympics: High-Powered Committee Meets to Enhance CoordinationNew Delhi: In preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics, a high-level committee comprising officials from the Sports Ministry, Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and Sports Authority of India (SAI) convened on Friday to assess India's readiness.Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who presided over the meeting, emphasized the need for "coordination among all stakeholders." He urged officials to prioritize "country's interest before personal interest," according to sources familiar with the discussions.These remarks come amidst ongoing disputes within the IOA over accreditation and financial matters. "IOA executive council members are seeking access cards for National Olympic Committees, which are distributed to federations. These cards provide access to all venues and are essential for federation officials," an IOA official explained."However, only a limited number of such cards (six) are available for India. Some IOA officials also wish to bring their family members," the official added.To address these concerns, a coordination committee was established during the meeting, with IOA President PT Usha and SAI DG Sandip Pradhan in attendance. Usha and IOA executive committee members have been at odds over various issues, including the appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer, which remains unratified.Upon assuming office, Sports Minister Mandaviya had met with IOA executive council members and urged them to resolve their differences.India's Olympic Contingent and Coaching SupportIndia will send a contingent of 257 members, including 118 athletes, to the Olympics. Notably, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu will be supported by three coaches and a physio. In addition to national coach Vijay Sharma, Sandip Kumar and Pramod Kumar have been included as coaches in weightlifting, while Rohit Shyam Chhabria will serve as physio.Tokyo gold medalist Neeraj Chopra will be accompanied by his coach Klaus Bartonietz and physio Ishaan Marwaha. Other athletes, including Manu Bhaker, Vinesh Phogat, PV Sindhu, Manika Batra, Jyothi Yarraji, Gaganjeet Bhullar, and Rajeshwari Kumari, will have their personal coaches.In wrestling, the coaches of Anshu Malik, Antim Panghal, Nisha Dahiya, and Aman Sehrawat will be accommodated in the 'non-accredited' category.

The Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league is set to return with a bang in 2024, with eight teams vying for the coveted title. The Player Draft, held on Wednesday, saw franchises strategize and select their squads for the upcoming season, which will be held in Chennai from August 22 to September 7.Newcomers Jaipur Patriots made a bold move by selecting India's rising star Sreeja Akula, who recently became the first Indian to win a WTT Contender singles title. Puneri Paltan Table Tennis opted for Ayhika Mukherjee, while Ahmedabad SG Pipers secured the services of Manush Shah and Romania's world No. 10 Bernadette Szocs.The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, has attracted some of the best players in the world. "We are very excited for UTT 2024. This is the first time we have eight teams, and we want to make this even bigger and better," said UTT promoters.A total of 48 players, including 16 foreigners, will be in action. Jaipur Patriots COO Imran Shaikh expressed confidence in their squad, saying, "We wanted Sreeja and we got her in the first pick. We have a strong squad and we are confident that we can go all the way."Ahmedabad SG Pipers' Kartikeya Rao emphasized the importance of a balanced team, stating, "We've enjoyed success in other leagues and other sports with this same formula, so just looking to continue the same thing."Defending champions Goa Challengers have a new look, with Australia's Yangzi Liu and Italy's Mihai Bobocica joining their ranks. Last edition's runners-up Chennai Lions also made significant changes, adding Japan's Sakura Mori and Frenchman Jules Rolland to their squad.Dabang Delhi will rely on Sathiyan G. and Andreas Levenko of Austria, while PBG Bengaluru Smashers will have Alvaro Robles of Spain and Lily Zhang of the USA supporting Manika Batra.The Player Draft has set the stage for an exciting season of UTT, with each team aiming to lift the trophy. The league promises to showcase high-quality table tennis and provide a platform for both established and emerging players.

Esports to Make Olympic Debut in 2025, Elevating Status and OpportunitiesThe Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has hailed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This landmark move marks a significant milestone in the global recognition and growth of esports, providing a prestigious platform for athletes worldwide to showcase their skills.The IOC's partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia will bring the Olympic Esports Games to life. The event will feature a standalone multi-national format, with details such as venue, timings, titles, and qualification process to be announced at the upcoming IOC session on the eve of the Paris Olympics.Lokesh Suji, ESFI director and vice-president of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), expressed his excitement over the decision. "This is the news we have all been waiting for," he said. "The Olympic Esports Games will elevate the status of esports and pave the way for greater opportunities and support for players and enthusiasts in India and beyond."The Olympic Esports Games will provide a global stage for esports athletes to compete at the highest level. It will also serve as a catalyst for the development of esports infrastructure, training programs, and recognition for esports professionals.The IOC's decision reflects the growing popularity and legitimacy of esports as a competitive sport. With millions of players and viewers worldwide, esports has become a major force in the entertainment industry. The inclusion of esports in the Olympics will further legitimize the sport and attract new audiences.The Olympic Esports Games will also have a positive impact on the esports ecosystem in India. It will inspire young players to pursue esports as a career and encourage the development of esports academies and training facilities.

India's Olympic Preparations Intensify: Minister Mandaviya Emphasizes Elite Athlete ReadinessIn preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics, India's Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, has urged all stakeholders to prioritize the mental and physical well-being of elite athletes. With 118 athletes, including 48 women, representing India across 16 sports disciplines, the minister emphasized the importance of ensuring their optimal condition for success.The government has established a coordination group to provide holistic support to athletes and address any challenges leading up to and during the Games. Over 80% of qualified athletes are currently training in Europe to minimize acclimatization issues.Through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), the government is providing comprehensive support, including world-class coaches, competitive exposures, and rehabilitation and injury management initiatives. For the first time, a recovery center with sports science equipment will be available at the Games Village.Additionally, India House has been established in Paris, joining other nations in providing a dedicated space for athletes. All decisions are made with the athletes' needs and perspectives in mind, demonstrating a strong commitment to their success.These efforts underscore India's dedication to optimizing athlete performance and well-being, showcasing a unwavering commitment to their achievements.

Lovlina Borgohain, India's boxing sensation, is poised to make history at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where she will compete in the women's 75kg event. Hailing from the humble village of Baromukhia in Assam, Lovlina's journey to the pinnacle of boxing is a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional talent.Born on October 2, 1997, Lovlina's boxing journey began with Muay Thai alongside her two elder sisters, who were national-level competitors. Her potential was recognized during a Sports Authority of India (SAI) trial in 2012, where she caught the attention of coach Padum Boro. Under his guidance, Lovlina embarked on a rigorous training regimen at the SAI center in Guwahati.Despite early setbacks, including a transition to higher weight divisions due to her height, Lovlina's talent shone through. She won the junior national championship and achieved international success with a silver medal at the 2013 Nation's Women's Junior Cup in Serbia.Lovlina's breakout came with a bronze medal at the 2017 Asian Championships, followed by a gold medal at the 2018 India Open. These victories earned her a spot at the Commonwealth Games, where she narrowly lost to gold medallist Sandy Ryan of England in the quarter-finals.Undeterred, Lovlina rebounded with a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships, overcoming adversity and injury. In 2019, she cemented her status as India's top female welterweight boxer with national and international gold medals.Lovlina's Olympic dream became a reality when she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 with a bronze medal at the Asia and Oceania Boxing Olympic qualifiers. At the Games, she made history by clinching an Olympic bronze medal, defeating former world champion Chen Nien-chin. This victory solidified her status among India's boxing elite alongside icons like Mary Kom and Vijender Singh.Lovlina's success continued with a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Championships and a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games. She secured her place in the Paris Olympics while becoming a world champion in New Delhi the following year.As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Lovlina Borgohain is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. Her journey from humble beginnings to the world stage is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of her family and coaches.

Dipa Karmakar Inspires Young Gymnasts at Leap GymnasticsAhead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar visited Leap Gymnastics, an initiative by the JSW Group, to inspire young athletes. Karmakar, who made history with her fourth-place finish in the vault event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, shared her journey and encouraged the youngsters to pursue their dreams.Tanvi Jindal, Founder of Leap Gymnastics, emphasized the importance of Karmakar's achievements in showcasing India's potential in gymnastics. She stated that Leap Gymnastics is committed to providing world-class training and facilities to nurture and develop future gymnasts.Karmakar expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to visit Leap Gymnastics and praised the initiative's dedication to the growth of gymnastics in India. She believes that such initiatives will foster the next generation of gymnasts who will excel on the global stage.Leap Gymnastics has trained over 1,000 gymnasts in Mumbai since its inception and aims to train and develop more than 10,000 gymnasts nationwide over the next five years. The initiative focuses on establishing world-class gymnastics centers, implementing progressive training curriculums, and creating a structured pathway for high-performance athletes.Leap Gymnastics is part of the JSW Group's mission to introduce gymnastics to a wider audience in India and build a strong foundation for elite athletes. The program aims to establish world-class gymnastics centers, implement progressive training curriculums, and create a structured pathway for high-performance sports, with the ultimate goal of competing at global championships, including the Olympics.

Breaking: A Dance of Originality and ImprovisationBreaking, an electrifying dance form rooted in the Bronx and hip-hop culture, is set to make its Olympic debut this year. In Bengaluru, a Red Bull-hosted Cypher offered a glimpse into the captivating world of this unique sport.Arif Chaudhury, known as B-Boy Flying Machine, is one of India's top breakers. He credits his latest move to a vivid dream. "I dreamt I was in a tunnel and suddenly there was a wall in front of me. I told myself 'Damn, I need to break this'. I punched the wall and got out. Based on that visual, I created a move."Breaking is a fusion of hip-hop, acrobatics, and flow art. Inspiration can come from anywhere, even cartoon characters. "When you dance, you're often playing a character," says Arif. "In breaking, there's so much room to imagine, create, and just make something look magical."In competitions, breakers battle one-on-one in a circle. The music is controlled by a DJ, and breakers must improvise their moves to the beat. Judges evaluate their musicality, execution, technique, and originality."How much you're in sync with the music with your freestyle, how clean your execution is, how sound your technique is, and how original you are, is what is looked at by judges," explains Arif. "Most of us have signature moves that we use in each round."Improvisation is crucial. Breakers must be able to adapt to sudden changes in tempo and outmaneuver their opponents. "There's some amount of showmanship and undermining your opponent involved," says Arif.At the Bengaluru Cypher, Arif emerged victorious in the 16-man field, while B-Girl Glib (Simran Ranga) won the women's category. They will represent India at the Red Bull BC One World Finals in Rio de Janeiro.Despite the absence of Indian breakers at the Paris Olympics, Arif remains optimistic. "It's tough and depressing, but we're going to take some time to get there," he says. "It's great that breaking will be on a huge stage like the Olympics. It will hopefully bring more attention, awareness, and sponsors."Arif is working to establish an academy in Bhopal to promote breaking at the grassroots level. "We're trying to create a curriculum and take it to other states too," he says. "In India, the breaking scene is still very underground. Maybe when more people see it on TV, they'll want to dive in."

Sourav Ganguly Joins Indian Racing Festival as Kolkata Royal Tigers OwnerFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has become the owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers, a new racing team set to compete in the Indian Racing Festival 2024. The festival, scheduled for August-September, will feature eight teams from major Indian cities, including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.Ganguly, who is also a former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed his excitement about the venture. "Motorsports has always been a passion of mine," he said. "Together with the Kolkata Royal Tigers, we aim to build a strong legacy in the Indian Racing Festival and inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts."The Indian Racing Festival encompasses two main championships: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). The IRL is a team-based championship featuring identical race cars, while the F4IC is a single-seater championship for young drivers.Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), welcomed Ganguly to the racing fold. "His visionary leadership and commitment to excellence bring unparalleled dynamism to the Indian Racing Festival," he said.Ganguly's involvement in the Indian Racing Festival follows a trend of sports stars investing in motorsport. Recently, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin acquired stakes in American Gambits, a team competing in the Global Chess League.The Indian Racing Festival aims to promote motorsport in India and provide a platform for young drivers to showcase their skills. The festival is expected to attract a large audience and generate significant interest in the sport.