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Eldoret, Kenya, renowned as the "home of champions" for its illustrious athletic history, recently found itself in an embarrassing predicament after unveiling statues intended to honor its sporting and agricultural heritage. However, these statues, meant to symbolize the town's pride in its athletic achievements, instead sparked widespread mockery and criticism on social media.The backlash was so intense that authorities were forced to remove the statues under the cover of darkness the night before Eldoret's city status ceremony. Many who had found the statues "embarrassing" and "substandard" approved of the removal. As of now, it remains unclear whether the statues will be replaced or forgotten.The statues, representing male and female athletes, were installed at critical roundabouts ahead of Eldoret's official designation as a city. However, locals and online commentators quickly derided the artworks for their poor craftsmanship, with many claiming they "bore little resemblance" to the athletes they were supposed to honor.One statue speculated to represent world-record-holding 1500 m runner Faith Kipyegon was particularly mocked for its unrecognizable and exaggerated features. "It is a reflection of our collective mediocrity as a country," one critic remarked.Another, thought to be of marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, was similarly criticized and labeled a "joke" by viewers. "Whoever did this will not see heaven," an 'X' user said.Another user added, "This is shoddy and lousy, to say the least. We can do better than this."This controversy unfolded just as Eldoret was celebrating its elevation to city status, a milestone marked by a ceremony attended by President William Ruto. The same day, the President honored Kenyan athletes who had excelled at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kenya had been the highest-ranked African nation at the Olympics, with 11 medals, including four golds.Faith Kipyegon made history by winning the 1,500m event in a new Olympic record time and also secured a silver medal in the 5,000m race. Unfortunately, Kipchoge could not finish the marathon due to a back injury.The removal of the statues has sparked a debate about the importance of public art and the need for quality control in such projects. It has also raised questions about the role of local authorities in promoting and preserving the town's heritage.

The Delhi High Court has reinstated the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad hoc committee to oversee the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The decision came in response to a plea filed by renowned wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian.The court's interim order overturned the IOA's dissolution of the ad hoc committee, which was formed after the WFI's elections in December 2023. The court held that the IOA's decision was incompatible with the Union Sports Ministry's suspension of the WFI following the elections.Justice Sachin Datta rejected the petitioners' request to appoint a retired high court or Supreme Court judge as the WFI administrator. Instead, the court allowed the IOA to reconstitute the ad hoc committee with eminent sportspersons or experts who have experience in dealing with international federations.The wrestlers had protested at Jantar Mantar last year, demanding the arrest of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. They subsequently filed a petition in the high court to annul the WFI elections.The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, for allegedly violating its constitution. The IOA then formed an ad hoc committee to manage the WFI's affairs. However, the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted the suspension in February, prompting the IOA to dissolve its ad hoc committee on March 18.The court ruled that the UWW's lifting of the ban was unrelated to the Sports Ministry's suspension order and the formation of the ad hoc committee. It also stated that the Sports Ministry should not have adopted a passive approach that undermined its own orders.The court emphasized that the ad hoc committee will continue to manage the WFI's affairs until the Sports Ministry's suspension order is reviewed or recalled. It also noted that the Paris Olympic Games are over, and there is no reason for the ministry to delay a decision on the suspension order.

Nike's Innovation and Design Leaders Showcase the Art of Victory at the OlympicsDuring the recent Olympics, Nike's top executives, Chief Innovation Officer John Hoke and Chief Design Officer Martin Lotti, opened up about the brand's innovative spirit and the inspiration behind its iconic Air technology. At the Centre Pompidou in Paris, they guided a group of content creators and influencers through the brand's "Art of Victory" exhibit, highlighting the connection between art and athletic performance.Hoke emphasized the importance of collaboration with top athletes, explaining that Nike designs shoes in conjunction with them to meet their specific needs and goals. These features eventually trickle down to shoes available to the public. Lotti, a Swiss native who has worked with Nike in Oregon for 27 years, considers himself a global citizen and believes that the brand's work extends beyond shoes to include all aspects of athletic apparel.The "Art of Victory" exhibit showcased 13 future designs, but Lotti revealed that Nike works with approximately 13,000 athletes, whose input is invaluable. The brand's focus on innovation extends beyond footwear, encompassing everything an athlete wears to enhance performance.

Manu Bhaker, India's double Olympic medalist in shooting, is taking a well-deserved three-month break to recover from a bruised shooting hand. However, this break is not a vacation for the 22-year-old. She will continue her daily routines, including yoga and waking up at 6 am, and pursue her hobbies, such as horse riding, skating, Bharatnatyam, and violin practice.Bhaker's shooting hand has been injured for the past eight months due to repeated pistol recoils during training. The break is necessary for her hand to heal fully. Despite the injury, Bhaker remains optimistic and plans to make the most of her time off."Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again," said Bhaker, who was a karate kid in her teens before switching to shooting. "I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that (martial arts). Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies."Bhaker's hobbies include horse riding, skating, fitness, Bharatnatyam, and violin. She is particularly excited about horse riding, which she has been learning for some time. However, her coach, Jaspal Rana, has expressed disapproval of this hobby, citing safety concerns."Skating and horse riding are something she should not be doing and she'll be responsible for whatever happens," said Rana. "Who rides a horse thinking that they will fall?"Bhaker is determined to pursue her hobbies responsibly and has assured Rana that she will be careful. She is also looking forward to skydiving and scuba diving, which she has been waiting to do for a long time.Rana emphasized that the break is essential for Bhaker's recovery. "This (pointing to her injured hand) is the reason we are making her rest for three months. Because this (injury) has been for the last eight months and it has not healed till now," said Rana.Bhaker will not compete in the ISSF World Cup Final in October or the national championships and camps that will follow. She will focus on her recovery and return to shooting in three months.

Joévin Burnel, a lifelong Parisian, has witnessed the Eiffel Tower countless times. Yet, the iconic structure continues to captivate him, especially during the Olympic Games. As a spectator experience volunteer at the Stade de Tour Eiffel, Burnel has spent countless hours at the venue, marveling at the beach volleyball matches and the breathtaking sunsets."It's magical," Burnel enthuses. "This is the best sports venue in the world, and it's right in my city." Despite not playing beach volleyball himself, Burnel is captivated by its fast-paced action and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the temporary stadium.Burnel's Olympic experience has been enriched by the success of French swimmer Leon Marchand. However, he expresses a tinge of regret at not having collected any Olympic pins. "Everyone in the media tribune has so many pins," he says, pointing to his empty lanyard.Despite the long hours and physical demands of his volunteer role, Burnel remains enthusiastic. "I'm tired, but I'm happy," he says. "This has been an incredible experience."Burnel's passion for the Olympics and his love for Paris are evident in his dedication to providing a memorable experience for spectators. He believes that the Stade de Tour Eiffel is a testament to the city's ability to host world-class sporting events.As the Olympic Games draw to a close, Burnel reflects on the unforgettable moments he has shared at the Eiffel Tower. The magic of the structure, the excitement of the beach volleyball matches, and the camaraderie among volunteers have created memories that will last a lifetime.

The Paris 2024 Olympics, a spectacle of athleticism and sporting excellence, also witnessed a flurry of peculiar and amusing inquiries directed at the event's customer care service. While most queries were reasonable and straightforward, some stood out for their eccentricity and unexpected nature.One such inquiry came from a self-proclaimed composer who offered a "very popular and quality hymn" for the Olympics. Another request, more specific in its nature, asked if any Olympic volunteers could sing Chinese love songs or revolutionary tunes from the Cultural Revolution era.Among the more perplexing questions was a request for a boiled egg recipe, dubbed "Olympic eggs." A table tennis enthusiast also came forward with an idea for presenting a table tennis table, suggesting a potential contribution to the event's visual setup.In a bold musical request, someone expressed their desire to perform a duet with world-renowned singer Céline Dion at the Olympics' Opening Ceremony. Love was in the air for one spectator who attended a beach volleyball session, hoping to reconnect with a person they met but whose identity remained unknown.One of the funniest requests came from a fan enamored with the Olympic mascot Phryge and swimmer Léon Marchand. The fan expressed their admiration for Phryge and requested an autograph from Marchand, despite not having social media accounts.These bizarre queries, while not directly related to the sporting events, added a touch of humor and unexpectedness to the Paris 2024 Olympics. They showcased the diverse and sometimes quirky nature of human curiosity and the unique experiences that can arise during such grand sporting events.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set his sights on hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India. In his Independence Day speech, he called upon Indian athletes to provide their insights and recommendations for the smooth hosting of the quadrennial extravaganza.The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has already initiated discussions with the Future Host Commission (FHC) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The FHC is responsible for evaluating potential host cities and making recommendations to the IOC Executive Board.PM Modi invited the entire Indian contingent from the Paris Olympics to join him for Independence Day celebrations at his residence in New Delhi. He emphasized the importance of their input, stating, "India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. In this regard, the input from athletes who have played in previous Olympics is very important."He urged the athletes to share their observations and experiences from previous Games, highlighting the need to document their insights and share them with the government. "We want to document this and share it with the government so that we don't miss out on any small details in the preparation for 2036," he said.PM Modi referred to the Indian contingent as an integral part of his "2036 team" and asked the sports ministry to draft a document and thoroughly consider player comments and suggestions. "In this way, you are an important part of my 2036 team, helping us host an Olympics like no other in the world," he added.He also encouraged the athletes to provide suggestions on how to improve Indian sports further. "Your feedback and suggestions are very important because it's your responsibility to guide those who will represent the country in the future," he said.The IOC's host selection process is rigorous and involves a detailed evaluation of potential host cities. The FHC engages in a dialogue with interested National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which progresses from a continuous dialogue to a targeted dialogue with selected NOCs.Once the FHC completes its evaluation, the IOC Executive Board holds an election to award the hosting rights for the Olympic Games.

Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as B-girl Raygun, has faced intense backlash following her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite her participation in the debut of breakdancing at the Games, Gunn failed to win any matches, leading to a wave of criticism and negative attention online.In an Instagram video, Gunn expressed her surprise and disappointment at the hate she received, stating that it has been emotionally devastating. Despite her best efforts in preparing for the competition, Gunn was criticized for her performance, which some viewers found lacking."I really appreciate the positivity, and I'm glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives. That's what I hoped. I didn’t realize that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has, frankly, been pretty devastating," Gunn said. "But I went out there, and I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave my all, truly."Gunn also addressed the widespread allegations and misinformation circulating online, including claims that she and her husband manipulated the selection process to secure her spot on the Australian Olympic team. These accusations have fueled public outrage, leading to a petition on Change.org demanding an apology from Gunn and other officials.The petition garnered over 54,000 signatures before being removed for spreading misinformation. In response, Gunn urged people to refer to the official statements from the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and other relevant bodies, which confirmed that her selection was conducted transparently and fairly.Gunn requested privacy for herself, her family, and the broader Australian breakdancing community, as the controversy deeply affected them. Despite the adverse reactions, Gunn said she is proud of participating in the Olympics and the opportunity to represent Australia in the sport's inaugural event."I'd really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community, and the broader street dance community. Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this. So I ask you to please respect their privacy," she said.AOC chief executive Matt Carroll also condemned the false allegations against Gunn, calling the petition misleading and defamatory."It is disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way," Carroll said in a statement. "It amounts to bullying and harassment and is defamatory. We are demanding that it be removed from the site immediately. No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way."Gunn said she plans to take some time off to recover from the emotional toll of the ordeal and hopes that the media will respect her privacy during this period.

Arshad Nadeem's historic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics has not only brought immense pride to Pakistan but also sparked a hilarious exchange between the Olympic champion and his father-in-law.Nadeem, who hails from the rural area of Khanewal in Punjab, was surprised to learn that his father-in-law, Muhammad Nawaz, would be gifting him a buffalo as a token of honor. In Pakistan's rural communities, receiving a buffalo is considered a significant gesture of appreciation.However, Nadeem had a humorous reaction to the news. "She was the one who told me and I said buffalo?" Nadeem said on ARY News. "He could have given me five acres of land. But then I said ok fine, he gave me a buffalo, that is also nice," he said while laughing.Nadeem's wife, who was unaware of the gift until she heard it through the media, also expressed her amusement. "She learned about it through some interviews, and she came and told me about it. I said, ' A buffalo? By God's grace, he is so rich, and he gave a buffalo?'" said Nadeem.Beyond the humorous anecdotes, Nadeem's gold medal is a testament to his exceptional athleticism and resilience. He is the first Pakistani to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual event and the first from the country since their men's hockey team in 1984 to win any gold medal at the Games.Nadeem's victory was particularly remarkable considering that he was managing an injury throughout the Olympics. "Just five minutes before I had to go to the call room, I felt a pain. I told my coach. And he said, ‘kuch nahi hota, tu sher hai (there will be no issues, you are a lion,'” Nadeem revealed.Despite the pain, Nadeem started the men's javelin final with a foul throw, but his second attempt was a monster 92.97m attempt that was well over the previous Olympic record of 90.57m. It virtually assured him gold, and while Indian defending champion Neeraj Chopra threw his season's best of 89.45m, no one was able to cross 90m on the night.Nadeem finished off his series of six throws with a final 91.79m attempt, which itself was more than the previous Olympic record. His performance is a testament to his determination and the unwavering support of his family and coaches.