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Sangram Singh, India's pioneering male wrestler and former ambassador of the Wrestling Federation of India, is embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career. On September 21, he will step into the octagon at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, to face Ali Raza Nasir of Pakistan.This momentous occasion marks Singh's transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts (MMA), a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport. Singh envisions a future where Indian athletes excel on the global MMA stage and have ample opportunities to develop their careers."My journey from wrestling to MMA isn't just for me," Singh said. "I hope to build the sport in India and pave the way for our young fighters to compete internationally. I want to inspire them to believe that with hard work and determination, they too can achieve greatness."Singh's foray into MMA is not merely a personal pursuit but also a strategic move to elevate the sport in India. He believes that MMA has the potential to revolutionize combat sports, including boxing and wrestling."As a sportsman, it's essential to stay abreast of the latest trends in the sport," Singh explained. "MMA is gaining immense popularity worldwide, and I see it having a significant impact on the entire combat sports landscape."Singh's impressive wrestling credentials have earned him accolades both nationally and internationally. His transition to MMA is expected to further enhance the stature of Indian athletes in the global combat sports community.Growing up, Singh was inspired by his brother's wrestling prowess. Despite being diagnosed with arthritis, he overcame adversity to become a world-renowned wrestler. In 2012, he was crowned the World's Best Professional Wrestler, and he also triumphed in the 2015 and 2016 Commonwealth Heavyweight Championships.Throughout his career, Singh has been a role model and motivator for countless young people. His success in wrestling and his subsequent transition to MMA demonstrate his unwavering determination and his commitment to promoting combat sports in India.

India's Paralympic contingent is poised to make history at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, with a packed schedule of events on September 4th. The day promises to be filled with thrilling competitions and medal-winning opportunities for the Indian athletes.In table tennis, Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist Bhavina Patel will take center stage in the women's singles class 4 quarter-finals. She will face a formidable opponent in Zhou Ying of China, but Patel's determination and skill make her a strong contender for a podium finish.The men's shot put F46 event will witness a trio of Indian athletes vying for glory. Mohd Yasser, Rohit Kumar, and Sachin Sarjerao Khilari will all be in action, aiming to secure a place on the medal stand. In the women's shot put F46, Amisha Rawat will represent India and strive to add to the country's medal tally.Powerlifting will also be a key focus for India, with Parmjeet Kumar competing in the men's 49kg category and Sakina Khatun in the women's 45kg category. Both athletes have proven their mettle in previous competitions and will be looking to make their mark in Paris.Archery will see Harvinder Singh take on Tseng Lung-hui of Taiwan in the men's recurve pre-quarterfinal. Singh's precision and focus will be crucial as he aims to advance to the next round.Cycling will also feature Indian representation, with Arshad Shaik competing in the men's C2 Individual Road Time Trial and Jyoti Gaderiya in the women's C1-3 Individual Road Time Trial. Both athletes will be determined to showcase their endurance and speed on the cycling track.In shooting, Nihal Singh and Rudransh Khandelwal will participate in the mixed 50m pistol SH1 qualification and final, aiming to secure a spot on the podium.The day's schedule also includes the men's club throw F51, where Dharambir, Pranav Soorma, and Amit Kumar Saroha will represent India. In the women's 100m T12 heat, Simran will be looking to qualify for the next round.With such a diverse and talented contingent, India has a strong chance of achieving its best-ever medal tally at the Paralympics. The athletes' dedication, determination, and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly inspire the nation and bring glory to the country.

The Paris Paralympics 2024 has showcased the indomitable spirit of athletes who have overcome adversity to achieve greatness. Among them is Deepthi Jeevanji, an Indian para-athlete who has defied challenges to become a beacon of inspiration.Born with intellectual disability, Deepthi faced taunts and discrimination from her community. However, her unwavering determination and the unwavering support of her family propelled her to pursue her passion for athletics.In 2023, Deepthi made history by winning India's first gold medal at the World Athletics Para Championship in Kobe, Japan. Her triumph was a testament to her resilience and the power of belief.At the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024, Deepthi continued her remarkable journey by securing a bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 final. She crossed the finish line in 55.82 seconds, adding another chapter to her inspiring story.Deepthi's success is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of hope for countless individuals with disabilities. Her journey demonstrates that with determination and support, anything is possible.Her parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, have been instrumental in Deepthi's success. Despite facing financial challenges, they have always encouraged their daughter to pursue her dreams."Seeing her become the world champion in a far-off country proves that she is indeed a special girl," said Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi. "She has always given us joy, and this medal will also mean a lot to us."Deepthi's story is a reminder that disability does not define an individual's potential. With the right support and opportunities, people with disabilities can achieve extraordinary things.

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, is fighting for her life in a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe burns in a horrific incident of gender-based violence. According to police reports, her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly doused her with petrol and set her ablaze on Sunday afternoon.The incident occurred at Cheptegei's home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, while she and her children were attending church. Marangach reportedly snuck into the house and carried out the attack. Neighbors rushed to the scene and rescued the couple, who were then taken to Kitale County Referral Hospital with multiple burns.Cheptegei's condition is critical, with facial burns and bandages. She has been transferred to the intensive care unit at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Marangach also sustained injuries in the incident.The police report indicates that Cheptegei and Marangach were a couple with a history of domestic disputes. Local media reports suggest that Cheptegei had purchased land and built a house in Trans-Nzoia, near the Ugandan border.Cheptegei, a long-distance runner, represented Uganda in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th. The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed its shock and sadness over the incident, stating that Cheptegei had suffered severe injuries.The assault on Cheptegei highlights the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence in Kenya. A report by the Kenyan Bureau of National Statistics found that 34% of women in the country have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Married women are particularly vulnerable, with 41% reporting incidents compared to 20% of unmarried women.This incident follows the tragic deaths of other Kenyan athletes in recent years. In 2021, record-breaking runner Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten. Her estranged husband is currently on trial for her murder. In 2020, Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua was found dead in Iten.The attack on Cheptegei has sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence and protect women from harm.

Pooja Jatyan, India's World Para Championship silver medalist, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the recurve women's open archery competition at the Paris Paralympics. The 27-year-old defeated Yagmur Sengul of Turkey in straight sets on Tuesday.Jatyan, who received a bye into the pre-quarters after finishing in the top nine in the ranking round, won 6-0. She will face Tokyo Paralympics bronze medalist Wu Chunyan of China in the quarterfinals later in the day. Chunyan, the second seed, defeated Oyun-Erdene Buyanjargal of Mongolia in her pre-quarterfinal match.Jatyan dominated the first set, hitting three 9s in a row. She continued her strong performance in the second set, scoring 26 points to her opponent's 22. Sengul put up some resistance in the third set, hitting two 9s and an 8, but Jatyan remained calm and edged out the Turkish archer by one point to seal the win.Jatyan's journey to the Paralympics has been marked by resilience and determination. In 1997, when she was just two months old, a high fever and a wrong injection due to medical negligence resulted in polio in her left leg. Despite this setback, Jatyan embraced archery in her childhood and has gone on to achieve great success.In 2023, Jatyan won a silver medal in the Women's Team event at the Asian Para Championship. She continued her success in 2024, securing a silver medal at the 8th Fazza Para Archery World Ranking Tournament and claiming gold medals in both the Women's Team and Mixed Team events at the Para Archery European Cup 2nd Leg.In the recurve open category, archers shoot from a standing position at a distance of 70m at a 122cm target made up of 10 concentric circles scoring from 10 points down to 1 point from the center outwards.

Pakistan Hockey Coach Roelant Oltmans Departs Amid Contract DisputeRoelant Oltmans, the head coach of the Pakistan hockey team, has abruptly ended his association with the side due to a lack of a long-term contract. Oltmans, who joined the team earlier this year, was scheduled to accompany them to China for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. However, he withdrew at the last moment, citing the absence of a proper contract.According to sources within the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Oltmans has expressed his desire for a long-term contract that would provide him with stability and security. The PHF, however, has been offering him only "event-to-event" contracts due to financial constraints.Oltmans' departure has left the PHF in a difficult position, as the team is set to compete in the Asian Champions Trophy from September 8 to 17. The PHF has been struggling with financial issues for some time, and the Pakistan Sports Board has refused to release funds for the team's travel and expenses.To make matters worse, captain Ammad Butt has reportedly had disagreements with the two local coaches who are accompanying the team to China. The PHF has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with many questioning the lack of a long-term plan for the team.Oltmans' departure is a significant blow to Pakistan's hockey ambitions. The Dutchman has a wealth of experience, having previously served as the High Performance Director and head coach of the Indian hockey team. His absence will be felt as Pakistan looks to rebuild its team and regain its former glory.

India's ace shooter Avani Lekhara, who made history by winning a gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle SH1 event at the Tokyo Paralympics, has once again entered the final of a shooting event at the ongoing Games. On Tuesday, Lekhara finished seventh in the qualification round of the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition, securing a spot in the final.Lekhara shot a total of 1159 across the three stages of kneeling, prone, and standing. She started strongly in the kneeling stage, scoring 392, but faced some challenges in the prone stage, scoring 382. However, she recovered in the standing stage, shooting 385, including a series of 96 and 97, to move up to seventh place.Mona Agarwal, the other Indian shooter in the field, finished 13th in the qualification round with a total score of 1147. She shot 386 in the kneeling stage, 380 in the prone stage, and 381 in the standing stage.The top eight shooters from the qualification round advanced to the final, which will be held on Wednesday. Lekhara will be aiming to add another medal to her tally after her historic gold medal in the 10m air rifle SH1 event.Lekhara's success in shooting is a testament to her determination and resilience. She was paralyzed waist-down in a car accident at the age of 11, but she did not let that setback define her. She took up shooting as a hobby and quickly discovered her talent for the sport.Lekhara's achievements have inspired countless people around the world. She is a role model for athletes with disabilities and a symbol of hope and possibility.

Pakistani wrestler Ali Asad has been stripped of his bronze medal from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The Pakistan Wrestling Federation confirmed the four-year ban and medal revocation following an investigation by the International Testing Agency (ITA).Asad's positive test was confirmed by the ITA, prompting the ruling this week. The wrestler waived his right to a hearing and failed to respond to the allegations within the stipulated deadline.This incident adds to a growing list of doping bans faced by Pakistani athletes in recent years. In May 2023, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) imposed four-year bans on four Pakistani weightlifters for anti-doping violations. Abdur Rehman, Sharjeel Butt, Ghulam Mustafa, and Farhan Amjad were suspended for refusing to provide samples to the ITA in November 2021.Despite appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), the suspensions were upheld. Top weightlifters Olympian Talha Talib and Abu Bakar Ghani also received two-year bans for using banned substances. Talib, who placed fifth in the Tokyo Olympics, remains banned until February 2025.The Pakistan Wrestling Federation and the IWF have expressed concern over the increasing number of doping cases involving Pakistani athletes. They have emphasized the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations and promoting clean sport.The use of performance-enhancing drugs not only violates the principles of fair play but also poses significant health risks to athletes. The authorities are committed to combating doping and ensuring the integrity of sports competitions.

Sumit Antil, India's history-making javelin thrower, has overcome adversity to defend his Paralympic title in the F64 category. Carrying a back injury for over a year, Antil's path to glory was paved with sacrifices and sleepless nights.On the advice of his physiotherapist, Antil reluctantly gave up his beloved sweets and shed 12 kilograms in two months. This sacrifice paid off as he clinched gold with a record throw of 70.59m, surpassing his previous Paralympic best of 68.55m.Antil's back injury, sustained in 2023, has been a constant challenge. He has relied on painkillers and precautions to protect his back during training and competitions. After his return to India, his first priority will be to address this injury.Antil's coach, Arun Kumar, has played a pivotal role in his success. Kumar has meticulously planned Antil's schedule and provided unwavering support. Antil also credits CrossFit workouts and sprints for his improved performance.Despite the pressure and expectations, Antil has remained humble and focused. He acknowledges the support of his team and the responsibility that comes with his success.Antil's journey to the Paralympics began in 2015 after a tractor accident led to the amputation of his left leg below the knee. Undeterred, he found his passion in javelin and has since become a champion in the F64 category, designated for athletes with lower limb impairments.