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Kevin Sireau, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, has embarked on a new journey as India's first foreign cycling coach. Despite initially pursuing football and judo, Sireau's passion for cycling ignited when he discovered track cycling at the age of 12.In his maiden assignment with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Sireau guided India to six medals at the Asian Track Cycling Championships. He attributes his success to the robust cycling infrastructure in France, where talent identification and competition begin at an early age.Sireau believes that India has immense cycling potential and is working to overhaul the training system. He plans to decentralize training centers and identify each rider's core discipline. This approach aims to create a smaller, elite group of cyclists who can focus on specific events.Sireau emphasizes the importance of mentality in cycling. He looks for riders who exhibit confidence and determination on the track. He believes that a strong build is beneficial but that a fearless mindset is crucial for success.The CFI is taking cues from the French model and is planning to implement a similar systemic approach. They aim to identify and nurture young talent, providing them with the necessary support and training to excel at the international level.Sireau's expertise and experience will be invaluable in shaping India's cycling future. His focus on talent identification, performance-oriented training, and mental toughness will help India produce world-class cyclists.

Three-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen silenced the off-track noise surrounding his Red Bull team by setting the fastest lap in opening practice at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Verstappen topped the timesheets with a blistering lap of 1 minute and 29.659 seconds, edging out two-time former champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin by a mere 0.186 seconds. The Dutchman's Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, finished third, followed by Mercedes' George Russell and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.The session was marked by intense speculation surrounding the Christian Horner affair, which has cast a shadow over the Red Bull team. However, the focus shifted to the track as cars took to the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit.Many teams brought upgrades to the race, with Ferrari introducing their 2023 rear wing to capitalize on their straight-line speed. The track conditions were challenging, with air temperatures reaching 27 degrees Celsius and the track surface heating up to 42 degrees Celsius.Hamilton, who had previously expressed concerns about the Horner controversy and the FIA president's alleged interference in last year's championship, was the first driver to set a lap time. He was quickly followed by Leclerc, Perez, and Alonso, with Russell taking the early lead on hard tires.As the session progressed, Norris switched to soft tires and briefly topped the timesheets. However, Verstappen's dominance became evident when he joined the soft tire runners. On his first run, he set a blistering pace of 1:30.014, four-tenths clear of the competition.Russell briefly challenged Verstappen, but the reigning champion responded with an even faster lap of 1:29.659. Leclerc's attempt to challenge was hampered by an errant plastic bag that lodged in his car's front suspension.The session ended with Verstappen firmly in control, setting the stage for an intriguing qualifying session and race weekend.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has withdrawn its notice for selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament, scheduled for March 10-11. This decision came after the Delhi High Court intervened, stating that there cannot be two parallel trials.The court directed that the trials will proceed as per the WFI Ad Hoc Committee's February 9 circular, which called for wrestlers to participate in the same event on the same dates. All eligible candidates will be allowed to participate.The court's decision came in response to a plea filed by four wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart. The wrestlers challenged WFI's February 26 notice, claiming that the federation had deliberately issued it despite being barred by the Union Sports Ministry from conducting championships.The plea also stated that the ministry's January 7 notice, which restrained WFI from conducting competitions, was still in operation. The ministry had categorically stated that any championships organized by the former's suspended executive committee would be treated as unsanctioned and unrecognized.During the hearing, WFI's senior advocate Dayanan Krishnan initially argued that the United World Wrestling (UWW) would not recognize a team not sent by the elected WFI. However, he later withdrew the circular dated February 26, 2024, without prejudice to his rights and contentions.The court emphasized that there should be no parallel selection trials and that the trials should proceed as per the ad hoc committee's circular. The ad hoc committee is responsible for ensuring that all eligible athletes are permitted to participate.The wrestlers' plea also sought to declare WFI's December 21, 2023 elections as illegal. However, the court did not address this issue, as the wrestlers had not made the successful candidates as parties.The Union Sports Ministry suggested that both WFI and the ad hoc committee should put forth dual suggestions regarding the trials. The ministry's primary concern is that medalists should represent India under the national flag.

Sports: A Catalyst for Friendship, Respect, and SolidarityOlympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra has emphasized the profound impact of sports beyond the realm of competition. At the Revsportz Trailblazers 2.0 conclave, Bindra, along with Italian shooter Niccolo Campriani and legendary Indian shuttler Pullela Gopichand, shared their insights on the transformative power of sports.Bindra highlighted the Olympic Value Education Program run by his foundation in Odisha. He cited the example of a mixed-team football tournament in schools, where the Olympic values had a significant impact. "As many as 63 of the 100 school teams were led by girls," Bindra said, demonstrating the program's success in promoting gender equality.He also shared an inspiring story of children modifying game rules to include a teammate with a disability. "It is such transformation that warms the heart," Bindra said. "Sport teaches you friendship, respect, and solidarity and can shape people while making them health conscious."Campriani, who retired from shooting alongside Bindra, spoke about their collaboration on the Refugee Project for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to society and make a meaningful impact. "To see refugee athletes start from scratch and compete in the Olympics was good," he said.Gopichand, renowned for his contributions to Indian badminton, emphasized the importance of physical literacy and participation in sports for all. "Sport should not be only for a select few and just about competition or winning," he said. "We need to have the larger perspective about the mind-body connect."The Trailblazers 2.0 conclave served as a platform for these sports icons to share their experiences and perspectives on the transformative power of sports. Their insights underscore the importance of sports in fostering friendship, respect, solidarity, and overall well-being.

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, expressed confidence in his preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. Speaking at the RevSportz Trailblazers Conclave 2.0 in Kolkata, Chopra emphasized that he is in peak condition and believes his best performances are yet to come."I am training hard and feeling good," said Chopra. "I feel I am yet to perform to the best of my abilities. I also get a feeling that this is the best prepared I have ever been. It will get better in the days to come."Chopra, who is one of India's top medal prospects for the Paris Games, acknowledged the intense competition he will face. "Competition will be tough. A young German has recently cleared 90m. And I will be defending my title. I enjoy this competition," he said.Olympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra, who also spoke at the conclave, stressed the importance of embracing pressure at the highest level. "There will be pressure. Nobody likes it. The point is, you have to accept it. An athlete has to learn to coexist with pressure and find out a way to work with it. That can come only with acceptance and adaptability."Cricket icon Sourav Ganguly emphasized the value of consistent effort and preparation. "It is like a board exam, for which you do not prepare for three days but for an entire year. It becomes part of your system. You are well prepared, then there is no panic. And this is no rocket science. You have to keep doing the same thing every day. Also, one has to switch off at times."Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwalla highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for athletes. "An athlete must feel secure that his requirements are taken care of so that he or she can concentrate on what they are doing. We give them that and expect them to do their best. It may or may not result in a medal. We have to work on creating bench strength as well," he said.Chopra's confidence and the support of his fellow athletes and administrators bode well for India's medal hopes at the Paris Olympics. The javelin thrower's determination to push himself further and his belief in his abilities suggest that he is poised to deliver another stellar performance on the world stage.

The Orlando Magic staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Washington Wizards 119-109 on Wednesday night, snapping the Wizards' 16-game losing streak.Trailing by 21 points in the second quarter, the Magic rallied behind Franz Wagner's 28 points and Paolo Banchero's 25 points. Orlando's defense held Washington to just 44 points in the second half, leading to the largest comeback of the season for the Magic.Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks held off a late surge from the Cleveland Cavaliers to secure a 112-101 victory. Saddiq Bey led the Hawks with 23 points, while Jarrett Allen paced the Cavaliers with 18 points and 19 rebounds.In Philadelphia, the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the 76ers 115-109. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a dominant performance with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks.The Los Angeles Clippers rallied from a 20-point deficit to edge out the Houston Rockets 122-116. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 28 points, while Alperen Sengun had a triple-double for the Rockets with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 14 assists.

Carlos Rodón's struggles continued on Wednesday as he surrendered two more homers in the New York Yankees' 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The AL batting champion, Yandy Díaz, greeted Rodón with a first-pitch homer, while Richie Palocios launched a two-run drive off his final offering. Rodón's outing ended after 3+ innings, allowing three runs on five hits.Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Rodón's lackluster fastball velocity, but praised his performance between the first and last pitches. Rodón's injury-plagued 2023 season saw him post a 3-8 record with a 6.85 ERA. He is now in the second year of a six-year, $162 million contract.Rodón expressed his frustration with his inability to stay healthy, emphasizing that he is a formidable pitcher when fit. His recent simulated game resulted in four homers allowed to Yankees minor leaguers, while his other spring training start yielded a solo homer.Alex Verdugo returned to the Yankees lineup after recovering from a bruised leg, but struck out in all three at-bats. Reliever Tommy Kahnle, hampered by a shoulder injury, indicated that he may not be ready for opening day and could start rehab games in the first week of the regular season.Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani continued his impressive spring training performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 2 for 2 with a walk against the Chicago White Sox. The Japanese star has recorded seven RBIs in 12 at-bats so far.Lucas Giolito of the Boston Red Sox will seek a second opinion on his ailing right elbow in Alabama. Manager Alex Cora revealed that Giolito will consult with Dr. Jeffrey R. Dugas to explore treatment options, including surgery.Cody Bellinger made his spring training debut for the Chicago Cubs, drawing a walk in three plate appearances. Eddie Rosario has agreed to a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals, pending a physical exam.Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays is focused on staying healthy after two injury-marred seasons. Dylan Crews, the Nationals' No. 2 overall pick, hit his first spring training homer against the Miami Marlins. Adolis García homered in his first Cactus League appearance for the Texas Rangers.

Gary Vaynerchuk's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to his unwavering determination and unconventional approach. From his humble beginnings as an immigrant from the Soviet Union, Vaynerchuk's entrepreneurial spirit manifested at an early age.Vaynerchuk's success stems from his unwavering belief in self-love and acceptance, instilled in him by his mother. Despite his family's financial struggles, he was taught that happiness is not contingent on material wealth. This early realization became a driving force in his pursuit of success.Vaynerchuk's unconventional path to business success is evident in his disregard for societal norms. He embraced casual attire and profanity in his public speaking engagements, defying industry expectations. His unwavering belief in his own values allowed him to stand firm against criticism.Vaynerchuk's bond with tennis star Nick Kyrgios is rooted in their shared audacity and curiosity. Both have challenged conventions in their respective fields, with Kyrgios's unconventional playing style and Vaynerchuk's disruptive business practices.Vaynerchuk emphasizes the importance of defining work-life balance on an individual basis. He believes that fulfillment lies in prioritizing one's own needs and desires over societal expectations. By auditing relationships and releasing what no longer serves them, individuals can create a life that aligns with their true selves.Vaynerchuk's message resonates with entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to forge their own paths. His emphasis on self-belief, unconventional thinking, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment provides a roadmap for success in both business and life.

The 2024 Candidates Tournament, a prestigious chess event organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), is scheduled to take place in Toronto from April 3 to 23. However, the tournament's location remains uncertain due to visa issues affecting several participants.Five Indian players have received visa approvals for the tournament: Praggnanandhaa R, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, and Gukesh D in the Open category, and Vaishali Rameshbabu and Koneru Humpy in the Women's category. However, three players and an official from other countries are still awaiting their visas.Vladimir Drkulec, president of the Chess Federation of Canada, confirmed that all Indian participants have received their visas and will be able to participate in the tournament. However, he emphasized that the tournament will be moved to Spain if all players from other countries do not receive their visas by Friday."We are down to ten visas still needing approval. There are no Indians on that list," Drkulec said. "But it won't do any good if we don't get all the players approved from other countries as the tournament will move to Spain."FIDE has issued an urgent appeal to Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, to resolve the visa issue. FIDE director general Emil Sutovsky has stated that the tournament will not be postponed or players replaced due to visa issues.This will be the first time the Candidates Tournament, which has been held for nearly 70 years, will be held in North America. The tournament features 16 of the world's top chess players, including Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World Champion.