Others

The Ministry of Sports' Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has extended support to athletes and para-athletes in their preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games. During its weekly meeting, the MOC approved several proposals for equipment assistance.Paralympic table tennis medalist Bhavina Patel received approval for assistance to participate in the ITTF Para Table Tennis Asia Training Camp 2024 in Thailand from July 16 to 20, along with her coach and escort. Para shooters Manish Narwal, Rudranksh Khandelwal, Rubina Francis, and Sriharsha R Devareddy also received approval for various sport shooting equipment, including an air rifle for Sriharsha and a Morini pistol for Rubina.Para-athlete Sandeep Choudhary will receive assistance for the procurement of two javelins. Archers Ankita Bhakat, Deepika Kumari, and para-archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar will receive financial assistance for equipment procurement.Judoka Tulika Maan and her coach will train at the Valencia Judo High Performance Centre in Spain until July 25. Table tennis player Manush Shah will receive financial assistance for training in South Korea and for the procurement of physical fitness equipment.The MOC also approved the inclusion of athletes Suraj Panwar, Vikash Singh, Ankita Dhyani, and swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu in the TOPS Core group. Athletes Jeswin Aldrin, Praveen Chithravel, Akashdeep Singh, and Paramjeet Singh were promoted from TOPS Development to Core Group.These approvals demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting athletes and para-athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The MOC's assistance will enable them to access the necessary equipment and training facilities to enhance their performance and achieve their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.

The ninth meet of the 2024 Diamond League, held at the Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, Monaco, served as a thrilling prelude to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. With several Paris 2024-bound athletes competing in 14 Diamond disciplines, the event showcased some of the world's top track and field stars.The highlight of the meet was the men's 400-meter hurdles event, which featured a clash of the titans. World record holder Karsten Warholm (Norway), 2022 Diamond League champion Alison dos Santos (Brazil), and 2023 Diamond League champion Rai Benjamin (United States) battled it out in an eight-man field. The three athletes have clocked the 15 fastest times in the discipline's history and met for the first time since the 2023 Diamond League final, where Benjamin emerged victorious.Other notable performances included Tokyo 2020 men's 1500-meter gold medalist Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway), who competed in the 800-meter event. Tokyo 2020 men's 110-meter hurdles gold medalist Hansle Parchment (Jamaica) also took part in the 110-meter hurdles. In the women's events, 2019 Diamond League women's 100-meter winner Dina Asher-Smith (Great Britain) competed in the 200-meter race.The Diamond League 2024 featured a wide range of disciplines, including high jump, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, javelin throw, pole vault, triple jump, 100m, 400m, 2000m, and 5000m.The event was a testament to the high level of competition and excitement that fans can expect at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. With just a few days to go before the mega event, the Diamond League provided a glimpse of the thrilling performances that are in store.

Bollywood Stars Who Traded Sports for StardomIn a recent interview, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan revealed his past as a tennis enthusiast. The actor, who was once a part of the Maharashtra State Championship, had to give up the sport at his father's request. This revelation has shed light on the hidden athleticism of many Bollywood celebrities who once pursued professional sports before embracing the world of cinema.Deepika Padukone: Badminton ProdigyDeepika Padukone, known for her roles in films like "Piku" and "Padmaavat," was a national-level badminton player under the guidance of her father, Prakash Padukone, a badminton legend. She gave up the sport at age 16 to pursue modeling and acting.John Abraham: Football StarJohn Abraham, who will soon be seen in "Vedaa," was a professional football player in his youth. He played as a center forward in the Indian A-Division. His passion for football continues through his co-ownership of NorthEast United FC, a team that is making waves in Indian football.Saqib Saleem: Cricket AspirantSaqib Saleem, known for his role in "83," played cricket until he was 20. He aspired to play for the Indian national team but couldn't fulfill his dream. However, he got to live it out on screen in the film.Aparshakti Khurana: Cricket CaptainAparshakti Khurana, who has starred in films like "Stree" and "Luka Chuppi," was the captain of the Haryana Under-19 cricket team before becoming an actor.Rahul Bose: Rugby RepresentativeRahul Bose, known for his roles in "Midnight's Children" and "Bulbbul," represented India in rugby for 11 years. He is now the President of the Indian Rugby Football Union.These actors have demonstrated that athleticism and artistic talent can coexist. They have left a mark not only on the big screen but also on the playing field, inspiring others to pursue their passions in both sports and entertainment.

Indian hockey legend Manpreet Singh is set to make history by representing his country in his fourth Olympics in Paris, joining the ranks of the legendary Dhanraj Pillay. The senior midfielder expressed his excitement and pride, stating that it is a "dream come true" and a testament to his hard work and dedication.Manpreet's journey with the national team has been remarkable, with his debut in 2011 and an impressive 370 caps and 27 goals to his name. He has participated in three previous Olympic Games, including the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he led the team to a historic Bronze medal.Speaking about his expectations for the Paris Olympics, Manpreet emphasized the importance of enjoying the performance and not underestimating any team. He believes that by focusing on their game and supporting each other, the team can achieve great results.The Indian men's hockey team is currently undergoing a three-day training period in Switzerland to instil mental toughness. They will then move to the Netherlands for practice matches before arriving in Paris on July 20.India is placed in Pool B for the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside defending Champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. To advance to the Quarter-Finals, the team must secure a top-four finish in their pool.Manpreet's fourth Olympic appearance is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Indian hockey. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team as they aim to make a strong showing in Paris and bring honor to their country.

The Tokyo Olympics marked a watershed moment for Indian sports, with the country surpassing its previous medal tally of six with an impressive seven medals. Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in track and field, the men's hockey team's bronze after a thrilling victory over Germany, and PV Sindhu's consecutive Olympic medals were among the highlights.However, India's previous attempt to build on a record haul at the Rio 2016 Olympics proved disappointing. Despite the presence of medalists from London 2012, including Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Gagan Narang, the contingent failed to add to their tally.This time, India has a strong contingent of medal contenders, including Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Lovlina Borgohain, Nikhat Zareen, and Mirabai Chanu.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic, Asian, and World champion in men's javelin, is a strong favorite to defend his gold. PV Sindhu, despite recent setbacks, remains a medal contender and could become India's most successful Olympian with three medals.Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have a chance to become the first Indians to win an Olympic medal in men's doubles badminton. Boxers Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen are also in contention for medals.Despite the seven medals in Tokyo, India's shooters underperformed. Manu Bhaker, who will compete in multiple events, and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar will carry India's hopes in shooting.The men's hockey team, bronze medalists in Tokyo, face a tough challenge in Paris. Under new coach Craig Fulton, they have improved defensively but have struggled in recent tournaments.India's medal hopes in Paris are high, but the country must learn from its past experiences and avoid complacency. With a strong contingent of athletes and a few historic firsts realistically possible, India has the potential to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has expressed concerns over the lack of preparatory camps for wrestlers bound for the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a letter to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), WFI president Sanjay Singh has requested medical tests and fitness assessments for the six qualified wrestlers.Singh emphasized the importance of ensuring optimal health and fitness for the athletes before the Games. He stated that the federation will not be held responsible for any injuries sustained due to the absence of sanctioned preparatory camps.The six wrestlers who have qualified for the Olympics are Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, Antim Panghal, Reetika Hooda, Nisha Dahiya, and Aman Sehrawat. They have been training independently at their respective academies or abroad under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).However, the lack of a national camp has hindered the assessment of their fitness levels. Wrestling national coaches have informed WFI that they are unable to evaluate the fitness of some wrestlers.The case of Anshu Malik, who reportedly suffered a shoulder strain during training, prompted WFI to write to TOPS. Malik was admitted to a hospital, but WFI was not initially informed. The federation received contradictory reports on her fitness, leading to concerns about her preparation for the Olympics.WFI has also forwarded requests from wrestlers to take their coaches and support staff to the Games for IOA's consideration. Currently, only Vinesh Phogat's personal physio has been cleared by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).The lack of preparatory camps and the uncertainty surrounding the fitness of some wrestlers have raised concerns within the WFI. The federation is urging SAI to address these issues to ensure that the wrestlers are adequately prepared for the upcoming Olympics.

The Indian athletics team, comprising 30 members, is gearing up for the upcoming Olympics with a rigorous training regimen at three international venues. The team will assemble in Paris on July 28, four days prior to the commencement of track and field events.Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, the star javelin thrower, is currently training in Antalya, Turkey. The team's chief coach, Radhakrishnan Nair, confirmed that Chopra will arrive in Paris on July 28.The Indian athletics contingent has expanded to 30 members with the inclusion of long jumper Jeswin Aldrin and 500m runner Ankita Dhyani, based on their rankings in the World Athletics Road to Paris system.Four race walkers (Akshdeep Singh, Paramjeet Singh Bisht, Vikash Singh, Suraj Panwar) and triple jumper Abdulla Aboobacker are currently training at the Sports Authority of India center in Bengaluru. Avinash Sable and Parul Chaudhary will train in St Moritz, Switzerland."Sable and Parul will join the group of athletes in Poland on July 24 and then proceed to Paris," Nair stated. "Ankita (5,000m) is currently based out of Bengaluru."The entire 4x400m relay team (men and women) will depart for Poland on Thursday. Four athletes (Kishore Kumar Jena, Jyothi Yarraji, Jeswin Aldrin, Praveen Chithravel) have already arrived in Poland."Annu Rani (javelin), Tajinderpal Singh Toor (shot put), and Abha Khatua (shot put) will also leave for Poland on Thursday," Nair added.The Indian athletics team is determined to make a mark at the Olympics, and their rigorous training regimen is a testament to their dedication and commitment.

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Hunner Singh from Birel Art India emerged as the second-place winner at the 2024 National Karting Championship Round 2 held in Bangalore on July 7. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the young driver's karting career.Hunner, a student of Pathways World School, Gurugram, showcased his exceptional talent by outshining the reigning champion, Ishaan Madesh from Peregrine Racing. Despite the absence of FMSCI-approved tracks in North India, Hunner's unwavering dedication and monthly commutes to Bengaluru, the karting hub of India, have paid off.Last year, Hunner made history by securing a podium finish in his debut MECO FMSCI National Karting Championship 2023. His passion for karting remained undeterred even after a rib fracture ruled him out of the 2022 National Karting Championship.Despite taking his class X board exams this year, Hunner's performance at the 2024 National Karting Championship Round 2 has solidified his reputation as a rising star. His determination to push the boundaries of his capabilities is evident in his consistent pursuit of excellence.The 2024 National Karting Championship Round 2 witnessed a thrilling display of talent and sportsmanship as young drivers navigated sharp turns and accelerated towards the finish line. Hunner's second-place finish is a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering spirit.As the season progresses, Hunner aims to continue his impressive run and etch his name in the annals of karting history. Stay tuned for more updates as these talented drivers gear up for future competitions, promising more action-packed races and memorable moments on the track.

Adani Group Pledges Support to Indian Contingent for 2024 Paris OlympicsIn a significant announcement, the Adani Group has pledged its unwavering support to the Indian contingent preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The conglomerate has launched a campaign titled #DeshkaGeetAtOlympics, which celebrates the relentless dedication of Indian athletes and aims to ignite patriotism among the nation.The campaign revolves around the athletes' unwavering pursuit of victory and the honor of hearing the national anthem at the Olympics. The Adani Group recognizes the countless hours and years of training that these athletes have invested in their quest for excellence.Through its support, the Adani Group aims to elevate the sporting ecosystem in India and foster a culture of sportsmanship. Since 2016, the Group has supported over 28 athletes in various disciplines, including boxing, wrestling, tennis, javelin throw, shooting, and archery.Notable beneficiaries of the Adani Group's support include Commonwealth Games gold medalists Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Deepak Punia, as well as boxer Amit Panghal. Dahiya and Punia also secured silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 Asian Games.The Adani Group's commitment to Indian sports extends beyond the Olympics. The Group has also sponsored the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Olympics, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, and the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022.Sanjay Adesara, CBO of Adani Sportsline, expressed the Group's unwavering support for the athletes: "We extend our best wishes to our champion athletes and hope that we have more success than ever before. We are fully committed to supporting our athletes in their quest for excellence at the highest level in sport."As the Indian contingent embarks on the final leg of its preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Adani Group's support serves as a testament to the nation's unwavering belief in its athletes. The Group's commitment to developing the sporting ecosystem in India will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the Indian contingent and inspire future generations of athletes.