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India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has opened up about the intense pressure he faced during the javelin throw final at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite his best efforts, Chopra was unable to secure his second consecutive Olympic gold medal, as Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem claimed the top spot with a record-breaking throw.Nadeem's astonishing 92.97m effort in his second attempt set an insurmountable target for the rest of the field, including Chopra. The Indian athlete, who seemed visibly under pressure, managed only one legitimate throw – the silver-winning 89.45m in the second round.In a recent interview, Chopra admitted that Nadeem's giant throw had a significant impact on his mindset. "The first throw has a huge impact on an athlete's mentality. My first throw was good, but I fouled it. I was having some issues with the new track and tried to adjust to avoid another foul, but I failed. The competition was tough," Chopra said."After that, Nadeem had a great throw, and my second throw was also good. But then, as we often say, it's important to balance passion with composure. That day, I think I lost my composure. I was too emotional and angry, and I wanted to do better. But somewhere along the way, I lost sight of the technical aspects," he added.While Chopra was unable to defend his Olympic gold in Paris, he became the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win two successive Olympic medals. He had previously won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.Nadeem's record-breaking throw of 92.97m set a new benchmark in the sport of javelin throw. Chopra, who has consistently been one of the top performers in the world, will undoubtedly be determined to regain his Olympic title at the next Games.

Neeraj Chopra, India's star javelin thrower and Olympic medalist, has attributed his consistent performance and success to a positive mindset and unwavering self-belief. Speaking at an event in Haryana, Chopra emphasized the importance of believing in one's abilities and maintaining a positive outlook."In our minds, we should believe that we can do it. We should be positive, and it will work out. So, before stepping onto the field, we should believe that we will do well," Chopra said.This positive mindset is a crucial component of Chopra's preparation and performance. He undergoes rigorous mental and physical training to maintain his consistency and surpass the 85-meter mark."You have to continue training. Sometimes, the body will not permit it, but I think the mind is the most powerful thing. I push myself and remind myself that I have to complete my training as planned," Chopra explained.Chopra's approach highlights the importance of mental strength and determination in achieving athletic excellence. His ability to push through physical limitations and maintain a positive mindset has been key to his consistent performance and remarkable achievements on the global stage.In the recent Diamond League final, Chopra narrowly missed out on another title by just 1 centimeter, finishing second with a best throw of 87.86 meters. Despite the close defeat, Chopra's performance showcased his unwavering determination and mental fortitude.Chopra's journey to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He has set national records and achieved podium finishes in major international competitions, including the Olympics and the Diamond League.Chopra's success is a testament to the power of positive thinking, hard work, and unwavering self-belief. He serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a role model for all who strive for greatness.

Former champions Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) showcased their resilience and tactical prowess in a thrilling 3-2 victory over a formidable Army side in the semifinals of the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament.The match began with a cautious approach from both teams, with neither side able to break the deadlock in the first two quarters. However, the third quarter witnessed a surge in intensity as IOC's Aarman Qureshi broke the ice with a sliding push home off a pass from Gujinder Singh.IOC's momentum continued in the fourth quarter when Sumit Kumar converted a rebound from a penalty corner. Army, known for their tenacity, refused to surrender and Cyril Lugun's goal through a stroke ignited their fighting spirit.Army pressed relentlessly, earning three penalty corners in quick succession. However, IOC's defense held firm, denying them the equalizer. Gujinder Singh's stroke goal for IOC further dampened Army's hopes, but they refused to give up.In the dying minutes, Army earned another penalty corner and Cyril Lugun converted it to bring the score to 3-2. Despite their valiant efforts, Army could not find the equalizer, and IOC emerged victorious.In the other semifinal, defending champions Indian Railways outplayed Odisha 4-0, courtesy of a hat-trick by Joginder Singh. Yuvraj Walmiki scored the other goal for Railways, who will now face IOC in the final.

The Indian hockey team's recent Olympic success has dispelled the notion that they concede late goals, according to legendary hockey player Zafar Iqbal. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side has emerged as a formidable force in all aspects of the game, he believes.Iqbal, a gold medalist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and captain of the 1982 Asian Games silver-winning Indian team, is optimistic about the sport's resurgence in India following the bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris."The general impression before was that India is a team that concedes goals late in games, but that has changed now," Iqbal said. "We are one of the best teams in the world in all aspects."Iqbal recalls the immense popularity of hockey in his era, with events like the Nehru Gold Cup and Asian Games drawing large crowds. He hopes that the recent Olympic success will reignite the passion for the sport in the country.The upcoming India vs. Germany matches at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on October 23 and 24 have generated excitement among hockey enthusiasts. Iqbal believes that Germany is a tough opponent, but he is confident that the Indians will be motivated to perform well."The facilities are top-notch, and I am sure the game will be filled with riveting action," he added. "I would like to take this opportunity to invite hockey fans to turn up in numbers to support our team."Another hockey legend, Harbinder Singh, is equally upbeat about the return of big matches to the national capital. He recalls playing for the national team at Shivaji Stadium in 1972, where the stadium was packed to capacity."I believe a lot of fans will turn up to cheer for India and Germany as well," said Singh, a gold winner at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and bronze medalist at the 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Games. "They will be witnessing a high-level international match after a decade after all."With the matches against Olympic silver winners Germany, international hockey is returning to New Delhi after a decade. The last time India played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was during the Hockey World League Final Men's Round 4 in January 2014.Last year, Chennai hosted the Men's Asian Champions Trophy, while Ranchi organized the Women's Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier. In November 2024, Rajgir, a city in Bihar, will host the Women's Asian Champions Trophy.India's Olympic hockey medals are a testament to the country's rich history in the sport. The team clinched its first-ever Olympic gold medal in 1928, paving the way for many more triumphs in subsequent Olympics. Dhyan Chand emerged as the star with 15 goals.Singh believes that high-profile matches should be hosted at various venues across the country, giving people from all regions a chance to witness the team live in action and grow the following for the sport.

The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, has regained its familiar appearance after workers removed the Olympic rings that adorned it during the 2024 Summer Games. However, the debate over the rings' future continues, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo proposing their return as a tribute to the successful Olympics.The 30-tonne steel rings, installed in June, were removed in the early hours of Friday using multiple large cranes. They will be melted down and recycled. Hidalgo's proposal to erect new, lighter rings has sparked controversy, with descendants of the tower's designer, Gustave Eiffel, and conservation groups expressing opposition.Initially suggesting the rings be permanent, Hidalgo has since proposed they remain until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Deputy Paris Mayor Pierre Rabadan stated that the new rings, funded by the International Olympic Committee, would be less prominent than the originals.Some Parisians support the idea of replacing the rings, seeing them as a reminder of the city's Olympic triumph. However, others believe the tower should be preserved in its original form, free from advertising. Culture Minister Rachida Dati has also expressed concerns about the proposal's impact on the tower's historic status.Beyond the Olympic rings, Hidalgo aims to retain other symbols of the Games, such as the cauldron at the Louvre and statues of women in the Seine. However, conservation groups urge the city to prioritize maintenance of the Eiffel Tower, which has faced issues with disrepair.The removal of the Olympic rings marks a return to normalcy for the Eiffel Tower, but the debate over their future is far from over. Hidalgo's proposal to reinstall them as a tribute to the Olympics remains a contentious issue, balancing the desire to commemorate a historic event with the preservation of a beloved landmark.

India's sporting landscape remains dominated by cricket, leaving athletes from other disciplines struggling for recognition. Despite the recent rise of sports like hockey, badminton, and athletics, non-cricketing sportspersons continue to face obscurity, with only a few exceptions.Hockey midfielder Hardik Singh recently shared a disheartening incident that highlights the current state of affairs. At an airport, he and his teammates witnessed fans flocking to social media personality Dolly Chaiwala for selfies, while failing to recognize the hockey stars."I saw it with my own eyes," said Hardik. "People were getting themselves clicked with him and did not recognize us. We started looking at each other (feeling awkward)."This incident underscores the stark contrast between the fame enjoyed by cricketers and the relative anonymity of other athletes. Despite winning back-to-back Olympic bronze medals and the recent Asian Champions Trophy gold, India's hockey team continues to struggle for recognition."For an athlete, fame and money is one thing," said Hardik. "But when people are watching you and appreciating you, there is no bigger satisfaction than that."The lack of recognition for non-cricketing sportspersons has a detrimental impact on their motivation and morale. It also hinders the development of these sports in India, as young athletes may be discouraged from pursuing them due to the limited opportunities for fame and financial success.To address this issue, it is crucial to promote and celebrate the achievements of athletes from all sports. Media coverage, government support, and public awareness campaigns can play a vital role in raising the profile of non-cricketing sports and inspiring future generations of athletes.

India's Olympic javelin star Neeraj Chopra has set his sights on a podium finish at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, aiming to add to his impressive medal collection. After a successful season that saw him secure a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and a second-place finish at the Diamond League finale in Brussels, Chopra is determined to continue his winning streak.Despite battling an adductor muscle niggle throughout the year, Chopra remains optimistic about his fitness. He plans to consult with doctors to determine the best course of action for his injury, but assures that he will be fully fit for the upcoming season.Chopra's focus is not only on his physical health but also on refining his technique. He acknowledges the need for improvement and will work closely with his renowned German biomechanics expert, Klaus Bartonietz, to enhance his performance.Reflecting on India's Olympic performance, Chopra expressed satisfaction with the overall medal count but noted the potential for further improvement. He highlighted the numerous fourth-place finishes and believes that with continued effort, India can achieve even greater success in future Olympic Games.Chopra's ultimate goal is to break the 90m mark, a feat he has come close to achieving in the past. He remains determined to surpass his personal best and establish himself as one of the world's top javelin throwers.

Pickleball, the rapidly growing sport, is making its way to the silver screen with the upcoming comedy "The Dink." Former tennis world No. 1 Andy Roddick will make his big screen debut in the film, which stars Jake Johnson as a washed-up tennis pro forced to play pickleball to save a club in crisis.The film, produced by Ben Stiller's Red Hour Films, also features Mary Steenburgen and Ed Harris in supporting roles. Josh Greenbaum will direct the film, with Rivulet Films also producing. Filming is set to begin in Los Angeles this November.The news of "The Dink" has raised questions about whether it will have the same impact on pickleball as the Zendaya-led "Challengers" had on tennis this year. After the release of "Challengers," searches for "adult tennis lessons" increased by 245% worldwide, and the film generated award show buzz.Pickleball, already the fastest growing sport in the USA, is expected to gain even more popularity as "The Dink" introduces the sport to a wider audience. The film's release is likely to spark a surge in interest in pickleball, similar to the "tenniscore" trend that emerged after "Challengers."With its accessible gameplay and social nature, pickleball has attracted a diverse range of players, including celebrities like Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Brady. The sport's popularity has led to the construction of new courts and the formation of leagues and tournaments across the country."The Dink" is poised to further fuel the pickleball craze by showcasing the sport's humor, competitiveness, and inclusivity. The film's star-studded cast and the involvement of experienced producers like Ben Stiller suggest that "The Dink" has the potential to become a cultural phenomenon and introduce pickleball to a new generation of fans.

Indian Oil, Railways Secure Semifinal Berths in MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup HockeyIndian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Indian Railways, the defending champions, have secured their places in the semifinals of the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament.IOC, despite fielding a weakened team due to viral fever affecting four key players, managed to draw 5-5 with NCOE, Bhopal in a Pool-B contest. The former champion remains the leader in its group.Meanwhile, Indian Railways displayed their dominance in Pool-A, thrashing Tamil Nadu 5-0. The defending champion will face Odisha in the semifinals, while IOC will take on Army.IOC's Draw with NCOEIOC's decision to rest its key players was evident in their performance on the field. The team struggled to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. NCOE took advantage of this and scored through Sadiq Mohd., Pawan Kumar Jaat (2), Faraz Md., and Parmod.However, IOC showed resilience and managed to equalize each time. Roshan Minz, Affan Yousuf, Talwinder Singh, Sumit Kumar, and Manpreet scored for the former champion.Railways' Dominant VictoryIn contrast to IOC's struggles, Indian Railways played with authority against Tamil Nadu. Pardeep Singh and Aditya Singh scored early goals to give Railways a comfortable lead. Shivam Anan, Affan Yousuf, and Pardeep Singh added to the tally in the second half.Tamil Nadu failed to create any significant chances and was unable to penetrate Railways' defense.Semifinal MatchupsThe semifinals will be held on Saturday, September 28. Indian Railways will face Odisha, while IOC will take on Army. The winners of these matches will advance to the final on Sunday, September 29.