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India's Olympic journey in the 21st century has been marked by steady progress, with the country winning more medals than in all its previous appearances combined. Since the turn of the millennium, India has claimed 20 Olympic medals, including a historic gold in 2008 and another in 2021.Sydney 2000: Breaking BarriersThe Sydney Olympics witnessed a significant milestone for India as Karnam Malleswari became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, claiming bronze in weightlifting. This breakthrough paved the way for future female athletes to excel on the Olympic stage.Athens 2004: Shooting SuccessRajyavardhan Singh Rathore etched his name in Indian Olympic history by winning the country's first individual silver medal in shooting. His achievement in men's trap shooting marked a turning point for India in the sport.Beijing 2008: Golden GloryAbhinav Bindra's historic gold medal in men's 10m air rifle was a watershed moment for India. It was the country's first individual gold since 1980 and the first in a sport other than hockey. Sushil Kumar and Vijender Singh also contributed bronze medals in wrestling and boxing, respectively.London 2012: Record HaulIndia's medal tally doubled in London, with Sushil Kumar becoming the first Indian to win two individual Olympic medals. The men's hockey team returned to the Olympics and finished eighth, while Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom made history as the first Indian women to win individual medals in badminton and boxing, respectively.Rio 2016: Resilience and RedemptionDespite high expectations, India faced a medal drought until Sakshi Malik's bronze in women's wrestling. PV Sindhu's silver in badminton provided a glimmer of hope, showcasing India's growing strength in the sport.Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021): Golden EraIndia's performance in Tokyo was its most successful ever, with a record seven medals. Neeraj Chopra's gold in javelin throw was a historic achievement, while the men's hockey team ended a 41-year medal drought with a bronze. Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu, Lovlina Borgohain, Ravi Dahiya, and Bajrang Punia also contributed medals in weightlifting, badminton, boxing, and wrestling, respectively.

Paris-Bound Shooters Face Accommodation Chaos in BhopalNew Delhi: The Paris Olympics-bound Indian rifle shooters currently training in Bhopal faced significant inconvenience on Tuesday due to an administrative blunder related to their accommodation. Without prior notice, the shooters were abruptly asked to shift hotels with their luggage, given a mere 20 minutes to pack.The situation worsened when the shooters were informed that they would have to return to the same hotel on Wednesday morning. Sources close to the team revealed that the shooters were deeply upset and had complained to top National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) officials about the lack of proper organization, especially considering the importance of the national camp.The pre-Olympics camp in Bhopal commenced on July 7 and is scheduled to conclude on July 13. The team is set to depart for France on July 14. "There has been a lot of confusion regarding their accommodation from the very beginning. Today, when they returned from training around 3 pm, the shooters and support staff were told to immediately vacate and move to another hotel," said an individual familiar with the situation."Everyone was caught off guard. They had to rush and pack a lot of things. It was their time for rest, but that was lost in packing and shifting. Some of them skipped the evening gym session, while others just went through the motions. They will have to travel back to the same hotel tomorrow morning, which means another day of training will be affected," the source added.Another source pointed out that while there may have been a shortage of hotel accommodation due to the wedding season, the NRAI could have made better arrangements. A Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility is located near the shooting range. NRAI officials were unavailable for comment."It is shocking how the NRAI administration functions. Such situations take a mental toll on the shooters. They could have shifted the camp to another venue if rooms were not available," said a former shooter, requesting anonymity.A record number of 21 Indian shooters, including eight in rifle, have qualified for the Paris Olympics. The chaotic accommodation situation has raised concerns about the NRAI's ability to provide a conducive environment for the athletes' preparation.

The highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics are set to commence on July 26 and conclude on August 11, with 206 nations participating from across the globe. The event will feature 45 sports, including 41 mainstay Olympic disciplines and four new additions: breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing.India aims to surpass its tally of seven medals from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which included a gold, two silver, and four bronze. The country will send approximately 120 athletes to Paris, representing various sports.In archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, Pravin Jadhav, Bhajan Kaur, Deepika Kumari, and Ankita Bhakat have secured spots. Athletics will see Akshdeep Singh, Vikash Singh, Paramjeet Singh Bisht, Priyanka Goswami, Avinash Sable, Parul Chaudhary, Jyothi Yarraji, Kiran Pahal, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Abha Khatua, Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena, Annu Rani, Sarvesh Kushare, Praveen Chithravel, Abdulla Aboobacker, and the men's and women's 4x400m relay teams competing.Badminton will feature H.S Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, P.V Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Ashwini Ponappa, and Tanisha Crasto. Boxing will be represented by Nikhat Zareen, Amit Phangal, Nishant Dev, Preeti Pawar, Lovlina Borgohain, and Jaismine Lamboria.In equestrian, Anush Agarwalla will participate in dressage. Golf will see Subhankar Sharma, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Aditi Ashok, and Diksha Dagar. The men's hockey team will include P.R Sreejesh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rogidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, and Gurjant Singh.Judo will feature Tulika Mann, while rowing will have Balraj Panwar. Sailing will see Vishnu Saravanan and Nethra Kumanan. Shooting will be represented by Prithviraj Tondaiman, Rajeshwari Kumari, Shreyasi Singh, Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Raiza Dhillon, Maheshwari Chauhan, Sandeep Singh, Arjun Babuta, Elavenil Valarivan, Ramita Jindal, Swapnil Kusale, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Sift Kaur Samra, Anjum Moudgil, Arjun Cheema, Sarabjot Singh, Manu Bhaker, Rhythm Sangwam, Vijayveer Sidhu, Anish Bhanwala, and Esha Singh.Swimming will have Dhinidhi Desinghu and Srihari Nataraj. Table tennis will feature Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath. Tennis will see Sumit Nagal, Rohan Bopanna, and Sriram Balaji. Weightlifting will be represented by Mirabai Chanu. Wrestling will have Aman Sehrawat, Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, Nisha Dahiya, Reetika Hooda, and Antim Phangal.

Antim Panghal, India's rising wrestling star, is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The 19-year-old prodigy is expected to be a medal contender in the 53 kg weight category, carrying the hopes of her nation on her shoulders.Panghal's journey began at the tender age of 10, inspired by her elder sister, a kabaddi player. Encouraged by her sibling, she embarked on a path that would lead her to unprecedented heights in Indian wrestling. In an exclusive interview with JioCinema's 'The Dreamers,' Panghal shared her remarkable story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career.Reflecting on her early days, Panghal admitted to experiencing nerves before stepping onto the mat. However, once the competition commenced, her fears dissipated, replaced by an unwavering determination to fight and win. The two-time Junior World Champion's journey took a pivotal turn at the 2022 Commonwealth Games trials. A disappointing loss to Vinesh Phogat ignited a fire within her, propelling her to work harder than ever before."The loss at the trial for the 2022 Commonwealth Games to Vinesh Phogat was tough, but it motivated me to work harder," Panghal said. "I went on to win a gold at the Junior World Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to do so, and later won a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Championships. My life changed after the 2022 Commonwealth Games."Panghal emphasized the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks. "If I lose a match, I don't dwell on it," she said. "I motivate myself to do better and move on. I believe that the Almighty has a better plan for me, and there are lessons to be learned from my losses."Looking ahead to Paris 2024, Panghal aspires to emulate Sakshi Malik, India's only female Olympic wrestling medallist. "The country has placed its faith in me, and I want to live up to their expectations," she said. "Once I set my mind on something, I ensure it gets done."Panghal's achievements are a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. She has created history as the first Indian woman to win gold at the Junior World Wrestling Championships in 2022 and 2023. She also earned a bronze medal at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships, a bronze at the 2022 Asian Games, and a silver at the 2023 Asian Wrestling Championships.As she prepares for the biggest stage of her career, Antim Panghal is determined to make her mark on the world stage. With her unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, she is poised to become a symbol of inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Manu Bhaker, a rising star in women's pistol shooting, is making waves in the sport. Born in Jhajjar, Haryana, Bhaker's passion for sports began early, with her participating in tennis, skating, boxing, and thang ta. However, it was at the age of 14 that she discovered her true calling in shooting.Within a week of trying the sport, Bhaker asked her father to purchase her a sports shooting pistol. Her determination and talent quickly became evident, and in 2017, she made headlines by defeating Olympian Heena Sidhu at the national shooting championships. Bhaker's record-breaking score of 242.3 in the 10m Air Pistol final set the stage for her meteoric rise.Bhaker's international debut came in 2018 at the Asian Games, where she set a game's record score of 593 in the qualification round of the 25m Air pistol event. Despite her impressive performance, she narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing 6th in the final.Undeterred, Bhaker went on to secure the top position in the women's 10m air pistol event at the 2018 Youth Olympics. At the age of 16, she became the first Indian shooter and the first female athlete from India to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.Bhaker's success continued in 2021, when she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. She finished 12th in the women's 10m air pistol event, but her performance showcased her potential and determination.Now, Bhaker is setting her sights on the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she will compete in the women's 25m pistol event. Coached by pistol shooter Jaspal Rana, Bhaker is confident in her abilities and is working hard to achieve her Olympic dream.

Paris, the City of Lights, is renowned for its iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. However, beyond the familiar sights, there lies a hidden Paris, a realm of secrets and forgotten histories.Gustave Eiffel's Secret ApartmentPerched atop the Eiffel Tower, concealed from public view, lies Gustave Eiffel's private apartment. This 1,076-square-foot sanctuary boasts a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and three desks. While it lacks a bed, it offers a glimpse into the life of the tower's creator.Les Catacombes de ParisBeneath the bustling streets of Paris, a labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers known as the Catacombs holds the remains of millions of Parisians. Originally a quarry, it was transformed into an ossuary in the late 18th century to address the city's health crisis. Visitors can descend into this eerie underworld, navigating 131 steps down and 112 steps up.Homoerotic Private Tour of the LouvreDelve into the Louvre Museum's hidden narratives with a semi-private tour that explores the depiction of homosexuality, masculinity, and nudity throughout history. This tour showcases works from Mesopotamia to 19th-century French paintings, offering a unique perspective on art and society.Fondation Louis VuittonHoused in a stunning building designed by Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art haven. It hosts two temporary exhibitions annually, showcasing modern and contemporary masterpieces. Currently on display is Matisse's "The Red Studio," a 1911 masterpiece.The Centre PompidouThe Centre Pompidou is a vibrant hub for modern and contemporary art. Its Musée National d'Art Moderne houses a vast collection of 20th and 21st-century works. In addition to temporary exhibitions, the center features a public library, a film museum, and a center for musical and acoustical research.Musée de la Vie RomantiqueNestled in the former home of painter Ary Scheffer, the Musée de la Vie Romantique celebrates the Romantic era. The ground floor is dedicated to writer George Sand, while the first floor showcases contemporary works alongside Scheffer's paintings. The museum's tearoom, Rose Bakery, offers delightful snacks.Musée CarnavaletHoused in the historic Carnavalet mansion, the Musée Carnavalet-History of Paris traces the city's history from prehistory to the present. Its collection includes over 618,000 items, including Napoleon I's campaign kit, royal mementos, and Marcel Proust's personal belongings.The Père Lachaise CemeterySpread over 44 hectares, the Père Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of countless famous figures. Here, visitors can pay homage to the graves of Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and many others. Guided tours are available on weekends.Retro Tour of ParisEmbark on a unique journey through Paris in a vintage motorbike with a sidecar. Gentlemen Siders, dressed in retro style, will guide you through hidden streets, charming neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks.World War II BunkerBeneath Gare de l'Est, a key railway terminal, lies a well-preserved World War II bunker. Built as an air raid shelter, it was completed by the Germans during the occupation of Paris. Visitors can explore its metal chairs, tables, oxygen cylinders, and narrow passageways, offering a glimpse into the city's wartime past.

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has welcomed Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin to the world of chess, as Ashwin becomes a co-owner of the American Gambits franchise in the Global Chess League (GCL).Ashwin's entry into chess has been met with enthusiasm by Anand, who shared a heartfelt message on social media. "Congratulations @ashwinravi99 on your exciting new venture into the world of chess! As someone who has bowled out the best in cricket, I'm sure you'll bring the same competitive spirit to the Global Chess League with the American Gambits," Anand wrote.The GCL, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is set to hold its second edition in London from October 3 to 12. The American Gambits, owned by Ashwin, Prachura PP, and Venkat K Narayana, will replace Chingari Gulf Titans in the league.Ashwin expressed his excitement about joining the chess world. "We're thrilled to introduce the American Gambits to the chess world. With a blend of strategic brilliance and unwavering determination, our team aims to redefine the game," he said.The GCL features a unique joint team format, with each team consisting of six players, including two top women chess players and a prodigy player. The teams will compete in a double round-robin format, with the top two sides advancing to the final round.The league's CEO, Sameer Pathak, expressed his delight at welcoming the teams for the second season. "We have found the right partners to strengthen the league's global reach and look forward to bringing an exciting season of chess to fans worldwide," he said.The GCL's innovative format and the participation of renowned players like Ashwin are expected to generate significant interest among chess enthusiasts worldwide. The league will be aired on major OTT and broadcast platforms, further expanding its reach.

World Championship challenger D Gukesh will seek to enhance his reputation in rapid and blitz chess as he joins Vidit Gujrathi in the Superunited rapid and blitz chess tournament, part of the Grand Chess Tour.Gukesh, who is set to face Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren in Singapore from November 20th for the World Championship title, has consistently demonstrated his prowess in classical chess. However, he is yet to establish himself among the world's elite in faster time controls.In the event of a tie in the World Championship, rapid and blitz games will be played to determine the winner. Gukesh will be eager to emulate American Fabiano Caruana, who recently won the tiebreaker in Bucharest by defeating Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Alireza Firouzja of France.Gujrathi, who received a wildcard, will be the other Indian participant in the tournament, which offers a prize pool of USD 175,000. The event will feature nine rounds of rapid chess and 18 rounds of blitz chess.With each rapid win worth two points and each blitz win worth one point, the odds favor top seed Caruana, who will aim for consecutive victories on the tour. Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi and Alireza are other contenders who could challenge for the title.Wesley So of the United States, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France, and Anish Giri of the Netherlands are also in contention, while local star Ivan Saric and American Levon Aronian complete the ten-player field.So remains a threat but is struggling for form, while Vachier-Lagrave has yet to prove his consistency. Aronian led his team to victory in the recent Global Chess League in Dubai, but the former Armenian is past his peak. Giri has had mixed results in faster time controls and will be looking to end the tournament on a high note.All eyes will be on Gujrathi to see if he can replicate his impressive performance in the recent Candidates Tournament. Gujrathi was one of the best-prepared players in that event and could spring some surprises in Zagreb.

Nikhat Zareen, the rising star of Indian boxing, has emerged as the successor to legendary Mary Kom. Her journey to the top has been marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her dreams.Born into a conservative Muslim family in Telangana, Zareen's initial foray into boxing was met with resistance. However, her unwavering passion and the support of her father propelled her forward. Despite societal norms and family opposition, she persevered, proving that women can excel in sports.Zareen's talent became evident at a young age when she won a junior world cup event at the age of 15. Her rise continued with back-to-back world titles in 2022 and 2023, solidifying her status as one of the favorites in the women's 50kg category at the upcoming Paris Olympics.Zareen's success has not come without challenges. In 2019, she lost a controversial showdown with Kom, missing out on a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. However, she turned disappointment into motivation, using it as fuel to achieve her world championship victories.Now, as she prepares for the Paris Games, Zareen is aware of the expectations and pressure that come with being the face of Indian boxing. She manages her nerves by connecting with loved ones and engaging in activities that distract her from the intensity of the competition.Zareen's journey is an inspiration to aspiring women boxers and a testament to the power of breaking societal barriers. She has shown that with determination and support, women can achieve their dreams and become role models for future generations.