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The 2024 Paris Olympics embraced sustainability and legacy by utilizing temporary sports facilities and redistributing them to underprivileged areas. The iconic swimming pool where Leon Marchand triumphed with four gold medals is being dismantled and relocated to Sevran, a suburb with limited aquatic facilities. The pool will be renamed the "Leon Marchand Pool" and will be funded by the Paris 2024 organizing committee, while the local council will cover operational costs.Another training pool from the Defense Arena will be divided in half, with one part forming a new 25-meter pool in Bagnolet. The Seine-Saint-Denis region, which received the majority of Games-related infrastructure investments, will benefit from these facilities.Temporary stadiums erected at historic locations are also being dismantled. The BMX park from Place de la Concorde has been relocated to Cluses for a future world event, while the sand from the Eiffel Tower beach volleyball court has been donated to a sports center in Marville. Marville is also expected to receive one of the skate parks, while the other will be sent to Montpellier.The mountain-biking track near Elancourt is being converted into a multi-purpose facility for riders and walkers. Sports expert Pierre Rondeau praised the redistribution of infrastructure, noting that Paris has ample facilities while other areas can benefit from these resources.The Paris Games' legacy extends beyond temporary facilities. The new aquatics center in Seine-Saint-Denis is one of only three permanent venues built for the Olympics. The Games have also spurred investments in sports infrastructure throughout France, with 80% of public spending allocated to the Seine-Saint-Denis region.

PR Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has been nominated for the prestigious FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year Award 2024. This recognition comes after his stellar performance at the recent Paris Olympics, where he played a pivotal role in India's bronze-medal winning campaign.Sreejesh, who retired from international hockey after the Olympics, made crucial saves throughout the tournament, particularly during India's intense quarterfinal clash against Great Britain. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Sreejesh's calm demeanor and critical saves in the penalty shootout helped India secure a 4-2 victory and a place in the semifinals."Every save I made in that tournament was not just about me; it was about the entire team and our country's support," said Sreejesh. "Being nominated for this award is a reflection of our collective spirit and the incredible journey we've had together."Sreejesh's nomination is a testament to his exceptional skill and resilience. Often referred to as the "Great Wall of Indian Hockey," he has been a cornerstone of the Indian team for over a decade. In his final international tournament, he displayed his unwavering determination and leadership, inspiring his teammates and reinforcing his status as one of the world's finest goalkeepers.Throughout his 18-year international career, Sreejesh has represented India in over 300 matches and at four Olympic Games. He has been adorned with multiple awards, including the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021 and 2022, the Arjuna Award, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, and the World Games Athlete of the Year."This nomination isn't just mine; it's for every individual who has supported me and Indian hockey over the years," said Sreejesh. "It's been an incredible ride, and I'm proud to have played my part in our team's success."Sreejesh's nomination is a fitting tribute to his illustrious career and his unwavering dedication to Indian hockey. It serves as an inspiration to future generations of athletes, demonstrating that hard work, passion, and teamwork can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Hockey: Selvam Karthi's Brace Earns Central Secretariat a Draw Against Hockey OdishaIn a thrilling encounter at the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament, India discard Selvam Karthi scored a brace to help Central Secretariat salvage a 2-2 draw against Hockey Odisha on Thursday, September 19, 2024.The match started with Hockey Odisha taking an early lead through Prasad Kujur's goal in the first quarter. Central Secretariat responded with a series of attacks but failed to convert any of their chances. However, Karthi, a former international, came to the rescue in the third quarter with a stinging backhander that equalized the score.Hockey Odisha regained the lead through Sudeep Minz's corner conversion, but Karthi once again proved his worth with a powerful backhander on the run, securing a share of the spoils for Central Secretariat.In the second match of the day, former champion BPCL edged out Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu (HUTN) 2-1. Vishwas Girish and Tejas Chavan scored for BPCL, while B. P. Somanna netted the lone goal for HUTN.

Navdeep Singh, India's Paralympic gold medalist in javelin throw, shared his inspiring journey at the NDTV Yuva Conclave. Having faced relentless taunts for his dwarfism, Navdeep's triumph at the Paris Paralympics 2024 is a testament to his unwavering spirit.During the final, Navdeep's 47.32-meter throw surprised even himself. "I didn't believe I would get that distance," he admitted. "My target was 45m."Navdeep's gold medal was India's seventh at the Paris Paralympics and 16th in its Paralympic history. But for the athlete, it held a profound significance.Growing up in Haryana's Panipat district, Navdeep endured cruel taunts of "Bauna" (dwarf). His height of four feet four inches made him an easy target for ridicule.Undeterred, Navdeep found solace in sports. He began practicing javelin throw at the age of 15 and quickly showed promise. His determination and hard work paid off when he won gold at the 2018 Asian Para Games.Navdeep's success is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiration for other specially-abled athletes. It demonstrates that with resilience and determination, anything is possible.India's record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympics, with 29 medals including 7 golds, is a testament to the growing strength of the country's para-sports program. Navdeep Singh's gold medal is a shining example of the indomitable spirit that drives these athletes to achieve greatness.

Indian weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu has etched his name in the history books by securing a remarkable gold medal in both the junior and senior categories of the men's 81kg event at the Commonwealth Championships in Suva, Fiji. The 19-year-old prodigy showcased an exceptional performance, lifting a total of 326kg (147kg snatch + 179kg clean and jerk).Babu's triumph was not just limited to the gold medal; he also set a new Commonwealth record in the clean and jerk for the 81kg junior category. Additionally, he shattered the junior national records in snatch, clean and jerk, and total weight sections.Compatriot Sairaj Pardeshi also made his mark by claiming the youth gold in the same category while finishing second in the junior section behind Babu. In the men's 89kg event, Lalruatfela secured the silver medal with a best effort of 301kg (135kg snatch + 166kg clean and jerk). Hrudananda Das, lifting 299kg (129kg snatch + 170kg clean and jerk), clinched the silver medal in the youth category and the bronze in the junior section.Babu's remarkable achievement is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination. He has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired aspiring weightlifters across the nation. His performance serves as a reminder that with perseverance and belief, anything is possible.

Jugraj Singh's remarkable journey from selling flags to becoming a hockey hero is a testament to his unwavering determination and the transformative power of sports. Born into a humble family in Punjab, Jugraj's childhood was marked by financial struggles. His father, a porter, worked tirelessly to support the family, while Jugraj supplemented their income by selling tricolour flags and water bottles at the Attari-Wagah border.Despite the challenges, Jugraj harbored a passion for hockey. His talent was spotted by coach Navjit Singh, who recognized his potential and began training him on the grass field at Government Senior Secondary School. Jugraj's exceptional physical strength, honed by years of lifting heavy loads, proved to be an asset on the field.With unwavering dedication, Jugraj balanced his hockey training with his part-time job. He would practice diligently in the morning and afternoon before heading out to sell flags to tourists. Despite the long hours, he remained committed to his dream of becoming a professional hockey player.In 2009, Jugraj's hard work paid off when he joined the Baba Uttam Singh National Hockey Academy in Khadoor Sahib. Over the next four years, he honed his skills and participated in the Nehru Cup competitions. His performances caught the attention of the Indian selectors, and in 2021, he made his debut for the senior Indian men's hockey team in the FIH Hockey Pro League.Jugraj's crowning moment came in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy final against China. With the match locked at 0-0 in the final minutes, Jugraj emerged as the unlikely hero. In the 51st minute, he found the back of the net, securing a record-extending fifth title for India.Jugraj's journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. It demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and the support of mentors, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. His story is a reminder that sports has the power to transform lives and create opportunities for those who dare to dream.

French swimming sensation Leon Marchand has become a national icon after his record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics. His unprecedented feat of winning all four of his individual races has catapulted him to stardom, but it has also brought unexpected challenges.Marchand's newfound fame has forced him to adjust his lifestyle. "I'm going to lose a little freedom and spontaneity because I can't go out to restaurants like I used to anymore," he said. "I need to organize myself a little more. I can't do my shopping alone. I wear a cap and glasses. I try to hide a little."Despite the occasional inconvenience, Marchand is grateful for the recognition he has received. "When people do stop me in the street, it's to say 'thank you'. That's kind and I take it to my heart," he said.Marchand's success has also had a positive impact on France as a whole. "France has changed and I hope it will last," he said. "Sport is something quite special. It conveys an emotion that you can't have anywhere else and the French realized this. We must continue to celebrate athletes, try to put more resources into infrastructure, more sport in schools."Marchand's Olympic triumph has not only transformed his own life but has also inspired a wave of optimism in his country. His story is a testament to the power of sport to unite and uplift a nation.

In the ongoing 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, the Indian women's team continued their impressive run with a 3-1 victory over second-seeded Georgia, while the men's team defeated China 2.5-1.5.Grandmaster R Vaishali and Vantika Agrawal led the charge for the women's team, securing crucial wins against Lela Javakhishvili and Bella Khotenashvili, respectively. Despite a draw by D Harika and a loss by Divya Deshmukh, Vantika's remarkable time management skills sealed India's seventh consecutive victory.The Indian women now boast an impressive 14 points out of a possible 14, extending their lead to two points over Poland, Kazakhstan, and France.In the open section, World Championship challenger D Gukesh led the Indian men to victory over China. Playing with the white pieces, Gukesh navigated a Closed Sicilian to a drawn endgame but remained focused to exploit a mistake by Chinese top board Wei Yi.Despite speculation of a potential clash between Gukesh and Ding Liren, the reigning world champion was rested by the Chinese team. R Praggnanandhaa drew quickly as black against Yangyi Yu, while P Harikrishna's efforts against Wang Yue resulted in an equal rook and pawns endgame.Arjun Erigaise's aggressive play against Bu Xiangzhi was met with a clever piece sacrifice, forcing a draw through repetition.With four rounds remaining, the Indian men have maintained a perfect score, matching their female counterparts. Iran is the closest pursuer with 13 points, followed by Serbia, Hungary, Armenia, and defending champions Uzbekistan with 12 points each.In the next round, the Indian men will face Iran, while the women will take on Poland.

Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight world champion, was briefly detained at a Polish airport after an incident involving his traveling companion. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Krakow airport as Usyk and his companion attempted to board a flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.According to Ryanair, the airline operating the flight, Usyk's companion was denied boarding due to disruptive behavior. Usyk, who was not denied boarding, chose not to board the flight in solidarity with his companion.Airport police were called to assist after the two men became upset and refused to leave the departure gate. Usyk was handcuffed as a precautionary measure, but was not detained.Usyk later tweeted that the incident was a "misunderstanding" that was quickly resolved. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that he was "disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion."The incident has sparked controversy, with some questioning the treatment of Usyk, who is a national hero in Ukraine. However, airport officials have defended their actions, stating that they were following standard procedures.Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles, is considered one of the greatest boxers of his generation. He is expected to face Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch in the near future.