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Indian para-rowers Narayana Konganapalle and Anita, who won a silver medal at the Asian Para Games, finished eighth overall in the PR3 mixed double sculls rowing event at the Paris Paralympics on Sunday.Making their Paralympic debut, the duo secured a timing of 8:16.96 seconds to finish second in Final B of their repechage event, which determined their final standings. Saige Happer and Todd Vogt of the USA topped the Final B race with a timing of 7:48.38s, while Mexico's Miguel Angel Nieto Carpio and Angeles Britani Gutierrez Vieyra came behind the Indians (8:28.23s).The Indian pair had to compete in the Final B classification race for 7th to 12th spot after finishing third in their heat on Saturday. They had finished the race with a timing of 7:54.33s, behind Ukraine (7:29.24s) and Great Britain (7:20.53s).Konganapalle, an Army sepoy, lost his left leg below the knee after stepping on a landmine while guarding the Indian borders in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2015. Anita lost her leg in a road accident when she was 18.The PR-3 category is meant for para-rowers with residual leg function that allows them to slide the seat during the rowing motion.Despite their valiant efforts, Konganapalle and Anita were unable to secure a medal at the Paralympics. However, their performance is a testament to their determination and resilience, and they will undoubtedly continue to inspire other para-athletes in India.

India's Ravi Rongali showcased an impressive performance in the men's F40 shot put final at the Paris Paralympics, securing a commendable fifth place. Rongali, who had previously earned a silver medal at the Asian Para Games in China, achieved a personal best of 10.63m. However, this was not sufficient to secure a podium finish in a highly competitive field.Portugal's Miguel Montero, the world record holder, claimed the gold medal with a throw of 11.21m. Mongolia's Battulga Tsegmid (11.09m) and Iraq's Garrah Tnaiash (11.03m) secured the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Russian Denis Gnezdilov, the reigning world para athletics champion, finished fourth with a throw of 10.80m.In the women's 1500m T11 race, India's Rakshita Raju faced disappointment in the opening round heats. Raju, 23, finished last out of four runners in Heat 3 with a timing of 5:29.92s. Only the top two runners from each heat qualified for the final.The T11 category is designated for athletes with visual impairments, including complete loss of vision or limited ability to perceive light. These athletes often run with guides.On Friday, Preethi Pal had made history by winning India's first athletics medal in a Paralympics track event. Pal secured a bronze medal in the women's T35 100m event with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. The T35 classification is for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis.

Boxing's Olympic future remains uncertain after the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) voted against joining the rival World Boxing (WB) association. The vote, held via secret ballot, saw 21 countries opt to continue with the suspended International Boxing Association (IBA), while 14 favored joining WB.The IOC has repeatedly threatened to exclude boxing from the 2028 Olympics if national federations continue to align with the IBA, which has been suspended due to governance and financial concerns. WB, a breakaway body, aims to gain IOC recognition and has 42 members, while the IBA has over 100 affiliated units.The ASBC's decision leaves the Olympic future of boxing hanging in the balance. However, Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh remains optimistic that WB will reach the 50-member mark required for provisional IOC recognition by year-end."India is taking all possible steps to ensure that boxing remains a part of the Olympic movement," Singh said. "It is clear that the IOC will not accept IBA as the international parent body for boxing."Despite the ASBC's vote, Singh believes that 14 Asian countries that voted in favor of joining WB will soon submit their applications. IBA, meanwhile, has criticized WB, claiming it lacks the resources and expertise to organize major events and support its members."World Boxing has no finances, expertise, and support to organize any proper major events, no means to support their members, and no intention to develop boxing," IBA said in a statement.IBA also urged national federations to reconsider leaving, warning that it could lead to a dead end. However, WB welcomed the support from the Asian body, stating that it reflects the IBA's hard work in boxing development worldwide.

Indian shooters Avani Lekhara and Sidhartha Babu faced a setback at the Paralympic Games in Chateauroux on Sunday, failing to qualify for the final of the mixed 10m air rifle prone (SH1) event.Lekhara, who had made history by winning a gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, struggled to replicate her form in this unfamiliar event. Despite a strong start, she finished with a total score of 632.8, placing 11th overall. Babu, on the other hand, ended in 28th position with a score of 628.3.Lekhara's sequence of scores included 105.7, 106.0, 104.1, 106.0, 104.8, and 106.2. Babu's scores were 104.6, 103.8, 105.7, 104.9, 103.6, and 105.7.The SH1 classification allows athletes to hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position. Lekhara, who had become the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals, had defended her title in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event with a world record score on Friday.Despite their disappointment in the mixed 10m air rifle prone event, Lekhara and Babu remain hopeful for success in their upcoming events. Lekhara will compete in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event, while Babu will participate in the men's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.

India's archery campaign at the Paris Paralympics 2024 suffered a setback on Saturday as Sarita Kumari's impressive run ended in the quarterfinals, while Sheetal Devi, known for her remarkable feat of drawing arrows with her toes, bowed out in the last-16 of the compound women's open category.Sarita, the ninth seed from Faridabad, had displayed dominance in the first and second rounds. However, her dream run was halted by top-seed Oznur Cure Girdi of Korea in the last eight. Girdi, who had shattered the world record in the qualifying round with a score of 704 out of a maximum 720 points, showcased her prowess by shooting three perfect 10s in the second end, securing a five-point lead.Despite Sarita's efforts to match Girdi's 30 in the third end and a perfect fourth end, the Turkish archer maintained her lead, ultimately wrapping up the match with a 29 in the fifth end.Sheetal, who had also surpassed the previous world record of 698 by shooting 703, endured a setback in the second end, where she shot a 7-point red ring. This allowed Tokyo silver medalist Mariana Zuniga of Chile to gain an advantage, eventually defeating Sheetal 137-138 in the pre-quarters.Despite Sheetal's early elimination, Sarita had earlier showcased her dominance by defeating Italy's Eleonora Sarti 141-135 in a one-sided pre-quarterfinal match. Sarita, who had won a team silver medal at the Asian Para Games last year, dropped just one point in the first end, securing a four-point lead. She maintained her control throughout the match, sealing the victory with two solid ends.In the open class, archers shoot from a sitting position at a distance of 50m at an 80cm five-ring target made up of the 10-6 point bands.

Jonnie Peacock's journey to Paralympic stardom is a testament to resilience and the unwavering support of his mother, Linda. Diagnosed with meningitis at age five, Peacock faced the possibility of losing his life. However, thanks to the quick thinking of his mother and the skill of surgeon Per Hall, he survived, albeit with the amputation of his lower right leg.Initially, Peacock struggled to accept his new reality, blaming his mother for his amputation. But with time, their bond grew stronger, and Linda became an integral part of his recovery and athletic pursuits. She ferried him to countless events and training sessions, instilling in him the resilience that would fuel his Paralympic success.Peacock's Paralympic debut in London 2012 was a triumph, as he claimed the 100m title at just 19 years old. He repeated the feat in Rio four years later, but a bronze medal in Tokyo 2021 left him hungry for more.Now, at 31, Peacock is determined to reclaim his 100m crown in Paris. He believes his experience and the pressure of competing in a packed stadium will give him an edge over his rivals.Peacock's success extends beyond the track. He is a role model for countless young people, promoting the Tackle Meningitis campaign and raising awareness about the devastating effects of the disease. He credits his mother for his positive outlook and the unwavering support that has shaped his life.

Tragedy has struck the hockey world as Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed in a bicycle accident on Thursday night in New Jersey. The 31-year-old Gaudreau, known affectionately as "Johnny Hockey," and his 29-year-old brother were struck by a vehicle in Oldmans Township, approximately 50 miles from Trenton.The driver of the car, a 43-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The Gaudreau brothers were reportedly returning home for their sister's wedding on Friday.Gaudreau's death has sent shockwaves through the NHL. Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his profound sadness, stating that Gaudreau's "infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey.'"Gaudreau, a native of New Jersey, played his first nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022. He represented Team USA in world championships and was known for his electrifying play and infectious personality.The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss of Gaudreau, who they described as "not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.""He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him," the statement read.The Calgary Flames also paid tribute to their former player, stating that "Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary."Gaudreau's death is a tragic loss for the hockey community and beyond. His infectious spirit and exceptional talent will be deeply missed.

Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to make history as he joins Mercedes in Formula One next season, replacing the legendary Lewis Hamilton. The 18-year-old from Bologna has had a remarkable youth career, winning multiple championships and showcasing exceptional talent.Antonelli's journey to Formula One began in 2022, when he dominated the Italian and German Formula 4 championships. He continued his winning streak in 2023, claiming the Middle East and European regional Formula championships. This season, he skipped Formula 3 and jumped straight into Formula 2, where he has impressed despite a slow start.Antonelli's breakthrough came at the Silverstone sprint race in July, where he secured his first victory. He followed this up with a win in the main race in Budapest two weeks later. Currently, he sits seventh in the championship with four rounds remaining.Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff expressed his excitement about the partnership between Antonelli and George Russell, another product of the team's junior program. "Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth, and raw speed," Wolff said. "We are confident that George and Kimi will bring a winning combination to the team."Antonelli's move to Mercedes is a testament to his exceptional talent and the team's belief in his potential. He will replace Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari after this season. The young Italian will have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history and contribute to Mercedes' continued success.

India's Schedule at Paris Paralympics 2024: Saturday, August 31India's Paralympic contingent will continue their quest for glory on Saturday, August 31, with a packed schedule of events. Among the highlights will be the performance of armless archer Sheetal Devi, who has already made a strong impression in the women's individual compound open event.Morning Session:* 12:00 PM: Para badminton - Mandeep Kaur vs Celine Aureline Vinot (Australia) - Women's Singles SL3 Group B (Group Stage)* 1:00 PM: Para shooting - Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar - R1 Men's 10m Air Rifle SH1 Standing (Qualification)* 1:20 PM: Para badminton - Nitish Kumar vs Mongkhon Bunsun (Thailand) - Men's Singles SL3 Group A (Group Stage)* 1:30 PM: Para cycling - Jyoti Gaderiya - Women's 500m Time Trial C1-C3 (Qualification)* 1:49 PM: Para cycling - Arshad Shaik - Men's 1000m Time Trial C1-C3 (Qualification)* 2:00 PM: Para badminton - Manoj Sarkar vs Ynag Jianyuan (China) - Men's Singles SL3 Group A (Group Stage)Afternoon Session:* 2:40 PM: Para rowing - Anita/Narayana - PR 3 Mixed Doubles Sculls (Repechage)* 2:40 PM: Para badminton - Sukant Kadam vs Siripong Teamarrom (Thailand) - Men's Singles SL4 Group B (Group Stage)* 3:20 PM: Para badminton - Tarun Dhillon vs Lucas Mazur (France) - Men's Singles SL4 Group D (Group Stage)* 3:30 PM: Para shooting - Rubina Francis - P2 Women's 10m Air Pistol SH1 (Qualification)* 3:45 PM: Para shooting - Subject to Qualification - R1 Men's 10m Air Rifle SH1 Standing (Finals)* 4:00 PM: Para badminton - Manisha Ramadas vs Yang Qiu Xia (China) - Women's Singles SU5 Group C (Group Stage)Evening Session:* 5:05 PM: Para cycling - Subject to Qualification - Women's 500m Time Trial C1-C3 (Finals)* 5:32 PM: Para cycling - Subject to Qualification - Men's 1000m Time Trial C1-C3 (Finals)* 6:15 PM: Para shooting - Subject to Qualification - P2 Women's 10m Air Pistol SH1 (Finals)* 7.00 PM: Para archery - Sarita vs Eleonara Sarti (Italy) - Women's Individual Compound Open (Round of 16)* 8:59 PM: Para archery - Sheetal Devi vs Mariana Zuniga (Chile) - Women's Individual Compound Open (Round of 16)* 9:16 PM: Para archery - Subject to Qualification - Women's Individual Compound Open (Quarterfinals)* 10:24 PM: Para archery - Subject to Qualification - Women's Individual Compound Open (Semifinals)* 10:30 PM: Para athletics - Parveen Kumar - Men's Javelin F57 (Finals)* 11:13 PM: Para archery - Subject to Qualification - Women's Individual Compound Open (Bronze Medal Match)* 11:30 PM: Para archery - Subject to Qualification - Women's Individual Compound Open (Finals)