Others

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has assembled a formidable team of 13 sports science experts to provide comprehensive health and wellness support to Indian athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the team comprises specialists in various disciplines, including medicine, injury management, physiotherapy, massage therapy, mental conditioning, nutrition, and sleep therapy.This unprecedented initiative marks a significant step forward for Indian sports. The team will be stationed at a dedicated 600-square-foot recovery center in the Games Village, equipped with state-of-the-art recovery equipment. The center will feature two inflatable ice baths, Normatec recovery suits, cooling units, recliners, massage guns, and compression wraps.The star attraction of the recovery center will be three sleep pods designed to address sleep issues that often plague athletes under pre-event stress. Sleep is recognized as a crucial aspect of recovery, and the pods will provide a much-needed solution for athletes facing sleep disturbances.The sports science team has already begun familiarizing themselves with the Olympic-bound athletes by visiting various SAI centers and training venues. Dr. Pardiwala has also conducted online sessions to brief athletes about the recovery center and other protocols.The team's presence at the Olympics will ensure that Indian athletes have access to the latest advancements in sports science and recovery techniques. This comprehensive support system will empower athletes to perform at their peak and maximize their chances of success.

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, has become a global sensation after his remarkable performance at the Norway Chess tournament. His victory over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen sent shockwaves through the chess world and cemented his status as a rising star.Praggnanandhaa's journey to the top has been marked by hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His victory over Carlsen was not a fluke; it was the culmination of years of training and preparation. The young Indian has a deep understanding of the game and an uncanny ability to calculate complex positions.Beyond his chess prowess, Praggnanandhaa is also known for his humility and respect for his opponents. He has a close relationship with Carlsen, who has praised Praggnanandhaa's talent and sportsmanship. The two players share a mutual respect and admiration, which has made their rivalry one of the most compelling in chess history.Praggnanandhaa's success has not only brought him fame but has also inspired a new generation of chess players in India. His achievements have helped to raise the profile of the game in the country and have shown that Indian players can compete with the best in the world.With the Paris Olympics 2024 approaching, Praggnanandhaa is eager to represent India on the global stage. He believes that chess has the potential to become an Olympic sport and is excited about the prospect of competing for a medal.Praggnanandhaa's journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the support of family and friends. He is an inspiration to young people everywhere and a shining example of what can be achieved through passion and perseverance.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics marked a turning point for Indian sports, thanks to the remarkable achievement of Abhinav Bindra. Despite the absence of the men's hockey team for the first time since 1928 and the doping bans that decimated the weightlifting contingent, India found a beacon of hope in Bindra.Bindra's gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle was not a stroke of luck but the culmination of meticulous preparation. Having finished seventh at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Bindra spent years honing his skills in Germany under the guidance of renowned coaches. He underwent rigorous training, including commando exercises, to overcome his stage fright.During the qualification round, Bindra sailed through with a score of 596, while his compatriot Gagan Narang narrowly missed out. However, in the finals, Bindra faced a setback during sighting time when his gun sight malfunctioned. With quick thinking, he made adjustments and regained his composure.Throughout the finals, Bindra displayed unwavering calmness, consistently shooting 10s and above. Finland's Henri Häkkinen kept pace until the final shot, but his 9.7 score fell short of Bindra's near-perfect 10.8. The Indian finished with a total score of 700.5, securing the gold medal.Bindra's victory was a watershed moment for Indian sports. It shattered the perception that India could not compete at the highest level in shooting. His gold medal inspired a new generation of athletes, including javelin star Neeraj Chopra, who became India's first-ever gold medallist in athletics at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

India's Olympic Journey: A Century of Triumphs and TransitionsIndia's Olympic journey began in 1900, when Norman Pritchard represented the country under British rule. However, it was in 1920 that India officially entered the Olympic Movement, sending a team to Antwerp. Since then, India has participated in 25 Summer Olympics, with Paris 2024 marking its 26th appearance.Over the years, India has witnessed numerous milestones and triumphs. The men's hockey team dominated the sport from 1928 to 1956, winning six consecutive gold medals. Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player, played a pivotal role in these victories.In recent years, India has made significant strides in other sports as well. Neeraj Chopra's historic gold medal in javelin at Tokyo 2020 was a testament to the country's growing prowess in athletics. India has also made its mark in shooting, wrestling, and badminton.Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, India is determined to make a strong showing at Paris 2024. A total of 111 athletes will represent the country, showcasing their talent and determination on the world stage.India's Olympic journey has been marked by both triumphs and transitions. From its humble beginnings under British rule to its emergence as a global sporting power, India's athletes have consistently inspired and united the nation. As the country prepares for Paris 2024, it is poised to continue its legacy of excellence and create new chapters in its Olympic history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence in India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics and has urged athletes bound for the Paris Games to share their observations on the arrangements in the French capital. Modi believes that the athletes' insights will be invaluable in helping the government prepare for the quadrennial event in New Delhi.In a meeting with Paris-bound athletes, Modi emphasized the importance of creating a sporting atmosphere in India and highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure for the 2036 Games. He urged the athletes to observe the arrangements in Paris and provide feedback on how India can improve its preparations."We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036, it will help in creating a sporting atmosphere (in the country). Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it," Modi said.The meeting was attended by the national men's hockey team, the shooting contingent, boxers, and track-and-field stars such as Neeraj Chopra. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association (IAO) President P T Usha were also present.Modi's request for feedback underscores India's determination to host the Olympics and its willingness to learn from the experiences of other host cities. The upcoming Games in Paris will be held from July 26 to August 11, and India hopes to surpass its best-ever tally of seven medals, including Chopra's historic javelin throw gold in Tokyo.Over 100 Indian sportspersons have qualified for the Paris Games, including an unprecedented 21 shooters. India has repeatedly expressed its desire to host the Olympics and has received support from International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach.However, securing the rights to host the 2036 Games will be a competitive process, with strong contenders such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia expected to bid. A decision on the host city is not expected before next year's IOC elections, where a new President will be elected.

Indian Swimming Faces Setback Ahead of Paris OlympicsThree years ago, Indian swimming celebrated a historic moment when Sajan Prakash became the first Indian to achieve the Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT) for the Tokyo Games. However, as the Paris Olympics approach, the Indian swimming contingent finds itself in a disappointing position.No Indian swimmer has managed to qualify for the Paris Olympics through the OQT or the Olympic Consideration Timing (OCT). This has forced India to rely on Universality Places, which are allocated to underrepresented National Olympic Committees. As a result, Srihari Nataraj (100m backstroke) and Dhinidhi Desinghu (200m freestyle) will represent India in Paris.Sajan Prakash, who made history in Tokyo, has been sidelined by injuries and failed to qualify for Paris. He acknowledges that his planning and training were not optimal. The modified criteria for Universality places, which limit participation to two Olympics and an age limit of 30, also worked against him.Srihari Nataraj, who also achieved the OQT for Tokyo, expressed disappointment at not qualifying directly for Paris. Despite strong performances, he narrowly missed the 'A' cut. Coach Nihar Ameen believes that Srihari may need to reduce weight to improve his speed.Indian swimming coaches attribute the lack of depth in the sport to early burnout. Young swimmers often peak early due to pressure to perform in national meets. This leads to injuries and a high dropout rate before the age of 17.To address this issue, coaches emphasize the need for a robust coaches' education program to raise the level of coaching. They believe that it will take time to develop a sustainable pipeline of talented swimmers who can consistently achieve Olympic qualification.

India's Top 400m Runner Deepanshi Suspended for DopingIndia's promising 400m runner Deepanshi has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for anabolic steroids during the recent National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula, Haryana.Deepanshi, 21, had secured a silver medal in the event, clocking an impressive 52.01 seconds in the women's 400m final. However, her jubilation was short-lived as her in-competition dope sample, collected on June 27, returned positive results for banned substances.This incident marks the first doping violation from the National Inter-State Championships, which served as the final qualifying event for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Deepanshi's suspension has raised concerns about the sources of her doping substances and the nature of her training environment, as she does not train at the National camp.The use of anabolic steroids, which are synthetic hormones that promote muscle growth, is strictly prohibited in sports. They can enhance performance but also pose significant health risks, including liver damage, heart problems, and infertility.Deepanshi's suspension is a major setback for Indian athletics. She was considered one of the country's top prospects for the Paris Olympics and had been consistently improving her times. Her suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of clean sport and the consequences of doping.The NADA is investigating the case and will determine the appropriate sanctions against Deepanshi. The suspension is a blow to her career and raises questions about the integrity of Indian athletics. It is crucial for athletes to adhere to anti-doping regulations and maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship.

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra will lead a 28-member Indian athletics contingent to the Paris Olympics, which will commence on July 26. Chopra, the reigning world champion in javelin throw, skipped the recent Paris leg of the Diamond League to focus on his preparations for the Summer Olympics 2024.The Indian squad comprises 17 men and 11 women athletes. Race walkers Priyanka Goswami and Akshdeep Singh, who are part of the squad, were the first Indians to qualify for athletics this year. Other notable names include Avinash Sable and Tejinderpal Singh Toor, who won gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games.The Indian 4x400m men's relay team, featuring Muhammed Anas, Muhammed Ajmal, Amoj Jacob, and Rajesh Ramesh, will be closely watched after their qualification at the World Athletics Relay 2024 tournament in Bahamas.The track and field competition will be held at the Stade de France from August 1 to August 11. "I am confident that this contingent will sustain India's growth trajectory in sports," said Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya during the ceremonial send-off of the Paris-bound athletes and the unveiling of the playing kits of the contingent.

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa's hopes of a strong finish in the Superbet Classic tournament were dented after he was held to a draw by the lowest-ranked player in the field, Deac Bogdan-Daniel of Romania. The result leaves Praggnanandhaa in a three-way tie for second place, half a point behind tournament leader Fabiano Caruana of the United States.Praggnanandhaa, who has been in impressive form this year, tried to break down Bogdan-Daniel's solid Nimzo Indian defense but was unable to find a breakthrough. The game was eventually drawn through repetition after 38 moves."It was a tough game," said Praggnanandhaa. "I tried my best, but I couldn't find a way to win. I'm disappointed, but I'll try to come back stronger in the next round."Bogdan-Daniel, who is ranked 267th in the world, was delighted with his result. "I'm very happy with the draw," he said. "Praggnanandhaa is a very strong player, so I'm proud to have held him to a draw."In other games, Iranian-French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja continued his impressive form with a win over Wesley So of the United States. Firouzja, who is now tied for second place with Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh of India, is now just half a point behind Caruana.Gukesh, who is preparing for his World Championship match against Ding Liren in November, played a cautious game against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France and settled for a draw.With just three rounds remaining in the tournament, Caruana is in a strong position to win the title. However, Praggnanandhaa, Firouzja, and Gukesh will all be looking to catch him and claim the top prize.