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Hockey India has announced a 27-member core group of players for a pre-Olympic national camp, which will be held from June 21 to July 8 at the SAI center in Bengaluru. The camp is part of India's preparations for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, where they will face a tough challenge in Pool B, alongside Belgium, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland.The core group includes experienced players who have been instrumental in India's recent success in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where they currently occupy the fourth spot. Goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak, PR Sreejesh, and Suraj Karkera will be joined by defenders Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Amir Ali.The midfield will be led by captain Manpreet Singh, along with Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sumit, Shamsher Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, Vishnukant Singh, and Akashdeep Singh. Mohammed Raheel Mouseen will also be part of the midfield contingent.The forward line will feature Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, and Araijeet Singh Hundal. Notably, striker Dilpreet Singh is a notable absentee from the core list.Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton believes the Pro League outing against top teams of the world was a great experience for his side. "We are looking to start an important block of training in this camp, and we need to make sure that we are in the best form ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The players have learned a lot from their matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24," he said."It has helped us in realizing where we need to improve. We have a lot of time to work on those areas. We have a strong mix of players who are capable of winning anything," the South African added.The Indian men's hockey team will be hoping to build on their bronze medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics and challenge for a podium finish in Paris. The pre-Olympic camp will provide them with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their skills and tactics ahead of the Games.

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been battling an adductor niggle that has hampered his season. After winning his first gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games, Chopra expressed his intention to consult multiple doctors after the Paris Olympics to address the persistent issue.Chopra's adductor niggle has been a recurring problem, affecting him every year. Despite the discomfort, he managed to secure a gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games with a throw of 85.97m. However, he acknowledged that he could not compete as much as he would have liked this season due to the niggle.Despite the setback, Chopra remains determined to compete in more competitions this season. He will next participate in the Paris Diamond League on July 7. In preparation for the Paris Olympics, Chopra will train in three different European venues with his coach Klaus Bartonietz and physio Ishaan Marwaha.Chopra's training regimen includes stints in Kuortane, Finland; Saarbrucken, Germany; and Gloria Sports Arena, Turkey. He emphasizes the importance of staying healthy in the lead-up to the Olympics, as he believes it will enable him to perform at his best.Chopra's journey to the Paris Olympics has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Despite the adductor niggle, he remains focused on his goal of achieving success at the highest level. His determination and resilience are a testament to his unwavering spirit and commitment to the sport.

Sharmila Devi, a promising young forward, has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian women's hockey team. Her unwavering determination to improve and her relentless work ethic have been instrumental in her return to the national side.After a nine-month absence, Sharmila returned to the Indian team in February 2024 during the FIH Hockey Pro League game against China. The 22-year-old from Haryana faced challenges during her time away from the national team, missing out on the Asian Games and Olympic Qualifiers.However, Sharmila remained mentally strong and focused on her training. She dedicated herself to improving her game, working on both her offensive and defensive skills. Her hard work paid off when she finally got her chance to take the field against China."I was more than excited to be wearing the Indian jersey once again," Sharmila said. "It felt very rewarding for all the work that was put in."Despite India's loss in that game, Sharmila vowed to continue giving her best. She believes in the importance of consistency and is committed to helping the national team achieve success."Every time we step onto the field, we give our hundred percent," Sharmila said. "I will work hard to consistently do well for the national team and help us win more and more games as time goes by."Sharmila's journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in herself have paved the way for her comeback. She is a testament to the power of hard work and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has faced a legal notice demanding Rs. 1 crore in compensation from Karun Duggal, a chess player whose career was cut short by the federation's decision to ban him during his peak.Duggal, a two-time Delhi State Rapid Chess champion, had an Elo rating of 1,979 points when it was revoked by AICF in 2010. The ban stemmed from Duggal's participation in a chess tournament sponsored by the Chess Association of India (CAI), which was not authorized by AICF.Duggal and three other players filed a complaint to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against AICF, alleging contravention of the Competition Act. The CCI ruled in favor of the players, imposing a penalty of Rs. 6.92 lakh on AICF for anti-competitive conduct.The CCI found that AICF's restrictions on chess players to participate in unauthorized events and the attendant punitive consequences restricted the movement of chess players and placed them and potential organizers of chess tournaments in a disproportionate disadvantage.Duggal's legal notice seeks compensation for the financial and professional damages incurred due to AICF's actions. He claims that the ban cut short his chess career and resulted in the loss of sponsorships, endorsements, and professional growth opportunities.Duggal's case has gained momentum after the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed AICF's petition for restoration of appeal. This dismissal has given Duggal's case added weight.Gurpreet Pal Singh, another player who was banned by AICF, is also considering legal action. Singh, who was the National Junior Champion in 1994, had an Elo rating of 2,306 points when his rating was revoked.The AICF's actions have had a significant impact on the careers of several chess players. Duggal and Singh's legal challenges aim to hold AICF accountable for its anti-competitive practices and to seek compensation for the damages caused to their careers.

Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to make his competitive return at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, on Tuesday, June 14. The 26-year-old Indian superstar will be up against a stellar field, including German sensation Max Dehning, who is the youngest member of the coveted 90m club.Chopra, who is aiming to enter the 90m club himself, will also face competition from local favorite Oliver Helander, who defeated him in the 2022 edition of the Paavo Nurmi Games. Two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago will also be in the fray.Chopra was forced to withdraw from last month's Ostrava Golden Spike as a precautionary measure due to a niggle in his adductor muscles. He began his season at the Doha Diamond League in May, where he finished second with a throw of 88.36m.Despite the setback, Chopra remains confident in his preparations for the Paris Olympics in 2024. He has opted out of the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Panchkula to avoid a hectic schedule ahead of the Games."Further competition schedule will be decided later according to situation and my body. Otherwise, I will go to Paris from there (after competing in Turku)," Chopra said after the Federation Cup.Chopra's return to competitive action at the Paavo Nurmi Games will be a crucial test of his fitness and form as he builds up to the Paris Olympics. The Indian star will be hoping to continue his impressive run of success and cement his status as one of the world's best javelin throwers.

Ankita Bhakat's impressive performance at the Final Olympic Qualifier in Paris has secured her an individual quota for the upcoming Paris Games. The ninth-seeded archer cruised to a 6-0 victory over Gabrielle Monica Bidaure of the Philippines in the pre-quarterfinals, earning India a quota in both men's and women's archery.Bhakat's journey to the quarterfinals included victories over Shelley Hilton and Mikaella Moshe of Israel. She will now face top-seed Mobina Fallah of Iran in the quarters. Bhajan, the third seed, also advanced to the pre-quarters after defeating Urantungalag Bishindee of Mongolia.While Bhakat and Bhajan continue their quest for a podium finish, India's premier archer Deepika Kumari suffered a disappointing opening round defeat to Yaylagul Ramazanova of Azerbaijan. Kumari, the former world No. 1, led 4-0 but faltered in the next two sets, allowing Ramazanova to level the match. The Azerbaijan archer then won the fifth set for a 6-4 victory.Despite the setback, India's men's and women's teams still have a chance to qualify for the Paris Games through the World Rankings. The men's team, currently ranked No. 2, and the women's team, ranked No. 8, can earn berths if they maintain their positions until the cutoff date of June 24.The top two nations from among those without team quotas will qualify for the Olympics based on their World Rankings after the third stage of the World Cup, which begins on Tuesday. India's nearest competitors in the men's rankings are China and Japan, while Indonesia, Colombia, and Italy are vying for the second spot in the women's rankings.

Indian boxing star Lovlina Borgohain, an Olympic medalist, has added another accolade to her impressive resume by securing a silver medal at the Grand Prix 2024 competition in the Czech Republic. In a thrilling final bout on Saturday, Lovlina narrowly missed out on the gold medal, losing 2-3 to Li Qian of China.The Grand Prix 2024, held from June 12 to 15, featured a round-robin format. Lovlina began her campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over England's Chantal Reid. However, she faced a setback in her second bout, losing 0-5 to Cindy Ngamba of the Olympic Refugee team.Despite the loss, Lovlina remained determined and bounced back in her third bout against Li Qian. The match was a close affair, with both boxers showcasing their skills and resilience. Ultimately, Li Qian emerged victorious, securing the gold medal.Lovlina's silver medal performance is a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport. She is one of six Indian boxers who have secured quotas to represent the country at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled for July 26 to August 11.Lovlina's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. She won a bronze medal in the welterweight category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the third Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal.India has high hopes for its boxing contingent at the Paris Olympics, aiming to surpass its all-time best tally of seven medals, including a gold, achieved in Tokyo. Lovlina Borgohain, along with other talented boxers like Amit Panghal, Nikhat Zareen, and Preeti Pawar, will be key players in India's quest for Olympic glory.

Harpal Singh Bedi, a veteran sports journalist who chronicled the highs and lows of Indian sports for over four decades, passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 72.Bedi's illustrious career spanned eight Olympic Games, countless Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Cricket and Hockey World Cups, and national and international championships in various sports. He served as the national Olympic contingent's press attaché in 2012, where his wit and warmth charmed the media box.As the former sports editor of United News of India (UNI) and consulting editor of the Statesman newspaper, Bedi was a towering figure in Indian sports journalism. His expertise extended beyond reporting, as he mentored young journalists, easing their nerves with his trademark humor."Harpal Singh Bedi was a quintessential newsman, loved and respected," said veteran journalist and sports administrator G Rajaraman. "His finger was on the pulse of Indian sport and sports administration."Bedi's close friendship with legendary cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi often led to mistaken identities. "We are close friends you know, I am BSB, he is HSB. We go back a long way," the late spin great once quipped.An alumnus of Jawahar Lal Nehru University, Bedi witnessed the transformation of India's sporting landscape, from P.T. Usha's fourth-place finish in the 1984 Olympics to Abhinav Bindra's historic gold medal in 2008.Bedi's reputation extended beyond India's borders. He became a popular figure with Pakistani journalists during tours with the Indian cricket team in 2004 and 2005. "His understanding of the Indo-Pak relationship was at par with the best foreign affairs experts," Rajaram recalled.Pakistani sports journalist Rasheed Shakoor fondly remembered Bedi's jovial personality. "He was a treasure trove of both news and jokes," Shakoor said. "It was so easy to become his friend."Despite his cheerful demeanor, Bedi's frustration was evident when the Indian hockey team underperformed. "The only journalist I knew who could laugh at himself," said Vijay Lokapally, former senior editor of 'The Hindu'. "The press box will not be the same without him."Bedi's health had declined in recent years, but his legacy as a respected and beloved sports journalist will endure.

New Sports Minister Takes Stock of India's Olympic PreparationsBarely a day after assuming office, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha to assess India's preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was attended by Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi, and Sports Authority of India Director General Sandip Pradhan.During the meeting, Mandaviya was briefed on the country's progress in qualifying for the Paris Games. IOA President Usha expressed confidence that India would send a contingent of over 100 athletes to the Olympics. "We have done everything good this time," Usha said. "We will be in contact every week and I hope that this is good for our Olympic athletes."Usha highlighted the efforts made to prioritize the needs of athletes in the lead-up to the Games. "Our first preference were the athletes, whatever the players want we have done this time," she said. "So we are expecting more medals this than Tokyo."As of now, 97 Indian athletes have qualified for the Paris Olympics, and the IOA expects the number to reach 115-120. The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.Mandaviya expressed the government's commitment to supporting the athletes and ensuring their success in Paris. "I today visited the IOA officials for the first time where they briefed me about India's preparation for Paris Olympics," Mandaviya said. "The government is committed to extend all possible support."The meeting between Mandaviya and the IOA officials is a positive sign for India's Olympic preparations. The government's support and the IOA's commitment to athlete welfare will be crucial in ensuring India's success at the Paris Games.