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Dhiraj Bommadevara, the lone Indian recurve archer to secure an Olympic quota for Paris 2024, played a pivotal role in India's historic triumph at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai. The Indian men's recurve team, comprising Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Ramesh Jadhav, defeated archery powerhouse Korea in the title round, reclaiming the gold medal after a 14-year hiatus.Bommadevara, a beneficiary of the Sports Ministry's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), also bagged a bronze medal in the mixed team event alongside Ankita Bhakat. India's victory over Mexico in straight sets marked their second medal in Shanghai.In an exclusive interview with SAI Media, Bommadevara shared his insights on the team's success, their mindset, and their aspirations for the Paris Olympics.On the Historic Gold Medal:"We're overjoyed," Bommadevara exclaimed. "We executed our plan and maintained our focus throughout the competition."On the Team's Mindset:"We focused solely on our game and ignored our opponents," Bommadevara explained. "We maintained clear communication and supported each other through every situation."On Team Bonding:"Tarundeep Rai, Pravin, and I are all from the Indian Army, so we spend a lot of time together," Bommadevara said. "We've developed a strong chemistry that translates into our performances."On Being the Youngest Member:"I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from my experienced teammates," Bommadevara stated. "I'm constantly striving to improve and avoid repeating mistakes."On India's Chances at Paris 2024:"Our chances are promising," Bommadevara asserted. "We're working towards converting our individual quota into a team quota. Our priority is to qualify as a team and then give our best in Paris. We're not setting expectations but preparing for every scenario."On the Impact of Tarundeep Rai:"Tarundeep Rai's experience is invaluable," Bommadevara said. "He shares his tactical and philosophical insights, which helps us immensely. His dedication inspires us to push ourselves."On the Mental Strength of Indian Archers:"We're focused on improving ourselves rather than comparing ourselves to others," Bommadevara explained. "We learn from our mistakes and strive to perform better."On the Impact of the Compound Team:"Our compound team is world-class," Bommadevara said. "Their success motivates us to raise our own standards. Jyothi Surekha's ability to handle pressure in various events is truly inspiring."On the Support from TOPS:"TOPS has provided me with financial stability and allowed me to focus solely on my game," Bommadevara said. "It has alleviated the financial burden on my family and enabled me to pursue my Olympic dream."

Olympic-bound javelin thrower Kishore Jena has emerged as a rising star in Indian athletics, following his impressive performance at the 2023 Asian Games. Alongside Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, Jena has formed a formidable duo that is poised to make waves at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.Jena's journey to the top has been marked by his unwavering determination and the invaluable guidance of Neeraj Chopra. In a recent interview with NDTV, Jena expressed his admiration for Chopra's humility and mentorship. "He is such a senior athlete, but he always treats us with respect," Jena said. "He keeps on pushing me ahead during tournaments and never makes me feel like he is my competition."Jena's meteoric rise has been fueled by his relentless pursuit of improvement. Last year, he shattered his personal best by over 9 meters, propelling him into the elite ranks of javelin throwers. As he prepares for the Olympics, Jena is meticulously fine-tuning his technique and fitness through rigorous training and participation in prestigious events like the Diamond League.In the lead-up to the Paris Games, Jena spent 35 days training in Australia, where he honed his skills in an optimal environment. "The temperature was around 2-3 degrees Celsius in Patiala, so the Athletic Federation of India recommended us to go for training," Jena explained. "Our trip turned out to be a success as we had good practice sessions twice a day."Jena's unwavering focus and the unwavering support of his mentor, Neeraj Chopra, have positioned him as a legitimate contender for an Olympic medal. As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, Jena is determined to leave an indelible mark on the world stage and inspire a new generation of Indian athletes.

The Minnesota Twins extended their winning streak to nine games on Tuesday night, defeating the Chicago White Sox 6-5 in a thrilling ninth-inning comeback. Max Kepler drove in the tiebreaking run with a sacrifice fly, mirroring his game-winning hit in Monday's victory.The Twins' resilience was on full display as they overcame an early deficit and a late home run by Andrew Benintendi to tie the game in the eighth inning. Minnesota's offense came alive in the fifth inning, scoring twice to chase White Sox starter Michael Soroka. Danny Mendick gave Chicago a 4-2 lead with a two-run homer in the bottom half, but the Twins responded with a double steal in the sixth inning, with Ryan Jeffers swiping home.In the eighth inning, Carlos Correa hit an RBI single and scored on Trevor Larnach's base hit to put Minnesota on top 5-4. However, the White Sox tied it up again when Benintendi homered off Cole Sands.Undeterred, the Twins rallied in the ninth inning. Byron Buxton drew a leadoff walk and advanced to third on Manuel Margot's single. Kepler then delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly to center field. Jhoan Duran pitched a scoreless bottom of the ninth to secure the save.The Twins' victory was a testament to their depth and versatility. "I don't feel like we're one dimensional or two dimensional," said manager Rocco Baldelli. "I feel like we can win games in all the ways."The White Sox, on the other hand, continue to struggle, falling to a league-worst 6-24 overall. Despite their recent struggles, manager Pedro Grifol remains optimistic. "I like what we are doing," he said. "I like the way we are playing. I like the energy."

Thirty years after the tragic death of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna, Brazil continues to honor his legacy as a national icon. On May 1, 1994, Senna's life was cut short at the Imola circuit, sending shockwaves through the world.Senna's impact on Brazil transcends sports. He became a symbol of national pride, inspiring millions with his determination and unwavering spirit. His three Formula One world championships brought joy and unity to a country grappling with economic and political challenges.Fans will gather at Senna's grave in Sao Paulo to pay their respects. A fun-run will be held at the Interlagos circuit, where Senna triumphed twice in 1991 and 1993. Television programs and an exhibition titled "I, Ayrton Senna da Silva - 30 Years" will commemorate his life and career.The exhibition features an AI-powered recreation of Senna's voice, narrating his journey. On Copacabana beach, fans young and old pose with a bronze statue of Senna, celebrating his iconic victory pose.Senna's legacy extends beyond the racetrack. The Ayrton Senna Institute, founded by his sister Viviane, has impacted millions of children through educational projects. Senna believed that education was the key to transforming Brazil.Ernesto Rodrigues, author of "Ayrton: The Hero Revealed," highlights Senna's cultural significance. He restored self-esteem to Brazilians, giving them a sense of pride. His name adorns streets throughout the country, a testament to his enduring legacy.The Brazilian government declared three days of national mourning for Senna. A million Brazilians paid their respects in Sao Paulo, lining the streets to witness his final journey. Senna's memory lives on, inspiring generations of Brazilians and reminding them of the power of determination and the importance of giving back to society.

Luis Castillo's masterful performance on the mound propelled the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night, extending the Mariners' remarkable streak of starting pitching dominance.Castillo, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in a blockbuster trade, delivered a gem, retiring the final 11 batters he faced and allowing only three hits. His stellar outing marked the 18th consecutive game in which Mariners starters have surrendered two earned runs or fewer, a franchise record.The Mariners' bullpen, which has been a source of strength all season, held on for the win despite a late rally by the Braves. Ryne Stanek allowed three singles in the eighth inning, but Andrés Muñoz came on in relief and escaped a bases-loaded jam, striking out two batters to end the inning. Muñoz then pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.Seattle's offense provided Castillo with early support, as Jorge Polanco launched a two-run homer in the third inning. Dylan Moore added another run in the fourth with an RBI double.The Braves, who entered the game with the second-best offense in MLB, were held in check by Castillo's pinpoint control and sharp breaking pitches. Atlanta's only runs came on an RBI single by Ozzie Albies in the eighth and a throwing error by Muñoz that allowed Jarred Kelenic to score.With the win, the Mariners improved to 11-3 in their last 14 games and have won five straight series. They remain atop the AL West standings, while the Braves dropped consecutive games for the first time this season.

The Miami Marlins staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Colorado Rockies 7-6 in 10 innings on Tuesday night, making the Rockies the first team since 1900 to trail in each of their first 29 games.Trailing 5-0 after the first inning, the Marlins rallied with five runs in the ninth to tie the game. In the 10th, Ryan McMahon gave the Rockies a 6-5 lead, but the Marlins responded with two runs to secure the victory.Dane Myers drove in the game-winning run with a single to right field, scoring Bryan De La Cruz. The throw home was off-target, allowing De La Cruz to slide in safely.The Rockies' historic losing streak continued, as they became the second team in MLB history to trail in each of their first 29 games. The only other team to accomplish this feat was the 1910 St. Louis Browns.Despite the early deficit, the Marlins never gave up. They chipped away at the Rockies' lead, scoring two runs in the third and one in the fifth. In the ninth, they loaded the bases with no outs and forced in three runs to tie the game.The Marlins' bullpen played a crucial role in the victory. Tanner Scott allowed McMahon's RBI double in the 10th, but Jalen Beeks gave up the game-winning hit to Myers.Jordan Beck, a 23-year-old outfield prospect, made his major league debut for the Marlins and went 2 for 4 with a single in his first at-bat.The Marlins snapped a seven-game losing streak with the victory, while the Rockies extended their losing streak to 10 games.

The Kansas City Royals snapped their three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night, thanks to a strong performance from starting pitcher Cole Ragans and a two-run home run from Michael Massey.Ragans, a left-hander, allowed just one run on four hits over 6 2/3 innings, striking out nine batters. He left the game due to cramping in his left calf, but the Royals bullpen held the Blue Jays scoreless over the final 2 1/3 innings.Massey's home run came in the second inning off Blue Jays starter José Berríos, giving the Royals an early 2-0 lead. Berríos pitched well, allowing only two runs on five hits over seven innings, but he took the loss after Ragans outdueled him.Bobby Witt Jr. also contributed to the Royals' victory, reaching base three times and driving in a run. Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI double in the eighth inning to extend the Royals' lead to 4-1.The Blue Jays managed just one run on six hits against the Royals' pitching staff. Bo Bichette drove in Toronto's lone run with a two-out RBI single in the sixth inning.With the win, the Royals improved to 17-11 in April, their most victories in a month since going 17-9 in June 2017. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, fell to 13-15 on the season.

The Edmonton Oilers have showcased their versatility in the NHL playoffs, securing victories with both high-scoring and low-scoring performances. In their latest triumph, they defied expectations by winning Game 4 against the Los Angeles Kings with a mere 13 shots on net, with only one finding the back of the net.This victory highlights the Oilers' adaptability, as they previously tallied a combined 13 goals in the first two games of the series. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm emphasized the team's ability to play different styles, stating, "Having in our portfolio that we can play a lot of different games is going to be huge here coming down the stretch."With a 3-1 series lead, the Oilers will aim to eliminate the Kings in Game 5 on Wednesday night. Los Angeles has struggled in the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2012, losing their last four series.Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars and reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights are locked in a tight battle, with the series tied 2-2. The road team has won every game so far, with the Stars claiming both games in Vegas after losing twice at home.Stars coach Pete DeBoer expressed confidence in his team's performance, saying, "I don't think we've played a poor game yet." The Stars will have home-ice advantage for the remainder of the series, which could prove crucial.In Game 4, Ty Dellandrea scored the game-winning goal for the Stars, despite being a healthy scratch in the previous two home games. He also played a key role in last year's Western Conference Final against Vegas, scoring twice in Game 5.The Kings and Oilers will face off in Edmonton on Wednesday night, with the Oilers looking to advance to the second round. The Golden Knights and Stars will also play Game 5 in Dallas, with the series poised for an exciting conclusion.

T.J. Oshie's future with the Washington Capitals hangs in the balance due to persistent back issues. The 37-year-old winger played through a broken left hand in the playoffs but acknowledged that he needs a solution to his chronic back problems before committing to another season.Oshie's back injuries limited him to 52 games during the regular season, and he has often been unable to move when his back gives out. He expressed his desire to play next season but emphasized the need for a guarantee that his back will not be a hindrance.General manager Brian MacLellan stated that the team will support Oshie's decision and does not have a deadline for an answer. Oshie's presence or absence would significantly impact the Capitals' offseason plans, as his $5.75 million salary space could be used to fill a major void.Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goal record continues. Despite a slow start to the season, Ovechkin finished with 31 goals and is now 42 away from Gretzky's mark. MacLellan hopes to add offensive support for Ovechkin through trades and free agency.The Capitals also face questions in goal. Charlie Lindgren emerged as the No. 1 goalie, starting 48 games and outperforming his contract. He is eligible for a major raise, while Darcy Kuemper, who signed a five-year deal after winning the Cup with Colorado, is expected to bounce back next season.