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The Indian Hockey Team's triumphant return to Delhi Airport on Tuesday was a testament to their remarkable achievement at the Paris Olympics. After securing a hard-fought bronze medal, the team was greeted by a jubilant crowd eager to celebrate their success.The first group of players arrived on Saturday, while the remaining members, who had stayed for the closing ceremony, touched down on Tuesday. Among those who arrived today were PR Sreejesh, Abhishek Nain, Amit Rohidas, and Sanjay.Team member Sumit Valmiki expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, "It feels great. Entire India is sending us its love...You can see the atmosphere across the country...Love us more, we will perform even better. Sreejesh gave his best throughout the tournament. We won Bronze due to him..."The closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics took place on Sunday night, with India finishing in 71st place on the medals tally. The United States of America topped the standings with 126 medals.India's bronze medal victory was secured by a 2-1 triumph over Spain in a thrilling match at the Yves du Manoir Stadium. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace, while PR Sreejesh's exceptional saves kept Spain at bay.Under the guidance of coach Craig Fulton, India created history by winning back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics. Singh emerged as the tournament's leading goal-scorer with 10 goals in eight matches.The victory marked India's first consecutive bronze hockey medals in 52 years, since the 1972 Munich Games. Sreejesh, who played his last game for India, was overcome with emotion as the team celebrated this momentous occasion.

Manu Bhaker's Father Addresses Marriage Speculation with Neeraj ChopraA viral video of Manu Bhaker's mother, Sumedha Bhaker, meeting Neeraj Chopra sparked a frenzy of speculation online, with many suggesting that she was inquiring about Chopra's suitability as a potential match for her daughter. However, Manu Bhaker's father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, has dismissed these rumors, stating that his daughter is "still too young" for marriage.In an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Ram Kishan Bhaker said, "Manu is still very young. She is not even of marriageable age. Not even thinking about it right now." He also clarified that the viral video was simply a friendly interaction between his wife and Chopra, whom she considers like a son.Neeraj Chopra's uncle also addressed the speculation, saying, "Just as Neeraj brought the medal, the entire country got to know about it. Similarly, when he marries, then everyone will know."Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra are both from Haryana and have achieved remarkable success in their respective sports. Bhaker is the most successful Indian woman shooter in history, while Chopra is the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic title in athletics.At the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympics, Bhaker clinched a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian woman shooter to stand on the Olympic podium. Chopra, the Tokyo 2020 champion, won a silver medal in the javelin throw, despite managing only one valid throw.Despite their achievements and the speculation surrounding their personal lives, both Bhaker and Chopra remain focused on their careers. Bhaker is determined to continue her success in shooting, while Chopra is aiming to defend his Olympic title in Paris 2024.

Breakdancing, a vibrant and energetic dance form, made its debut at the Paris Olympics 2024, introducing the world to a new generation of talented athletes. Among them, B-Girl India, an 18-year-old Dutch sensation, emerged as a standout performer.Despite her moniker, B-Girl India has no direct connection to the South Asian country. Her real name is India Sardjoe, and she hails from The Hague, Netherlands. Her father is from Suriname, while her mother is Dutch.Sardjoe's journey to breakdancing began with football, but her passion for hip-hop and breakdancing eventually led her to switch paths. Her talent quickly became evident, and she soon earned the nickname B-Girl India, a nod to her first name.At the Paris Olympics, Sardjoe made history as the first breakdancer to win a battle at the Games. She defeated Afghan breakdancer Manizha Talash in a play-off, securing her place in the main group stage.However, Sardjoe's Olympic dream ended in heartbreak as she lost in the bronze medal match. The disappointment was compounded by the news that breakdancing will not be included in the LA 2028 Olympic Games.Despite the setback, Sardjoe remains a rising star in the breakdancing world. Her impressive achievements include a gold medal at the 2022 European Breaking Championship and the 2023 European Games.Sardjoe's success is a testament to her dedication, talent, and the growing popularity of breakdancing. As the dance form continues to gain recognition and acceptance, B-Girl India is poised to become one of its most iconic figures.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan, once confined to hockey, has found a new battleground in javelin throw. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India's Neeraj Chopra emerged victorious, while Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem missed out on a medal. However, in Paris 2024, the tables turned.Nadeem shattered the Olympic record to claim gold, while Chopra, despite an impressive throw of 89.45m, could only manage silver. To surpass Nadeem's throw, Chopra would have needed to break his own personal best and cross the 90m mark, a feat he has yet to achieve.Despite the disappointment, Chopra's performance was lauded by Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. Bindra acknowledged the immense pressure on Chopra, who was expected to deliver gold. "He performed admirably," Bindra said. "A lot of expectations were on him. It's not easy to be in that spot, but he delivered."Bindra also highlighted the challenges of performing at the Olympics. "The Olympics is a very, very hard platform to perform at," he said. "There's external expectations, and you also have internal expectations, that just doesn't allow you to let go."Athletes need a certain level of freedom to perform at their best, but that is often difficult to achieve at the Olympics. "Performance sometimes is almost artistic in nature," Bindra explained. "That's where you almost have to allow it to happen. And the ability to let go is very difficult."Despite the challenges, Chopra's silver medal is a testament to his talent and determination. He has proven himself to be a formidable competitor, and the rivalry with Nadeem is sure to continue in the years to come.

Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif returned to a hero's welcome in Algeria on Monday, alongside fellow medalists Kaylia Nemour and Djamel Sedjati. Khelif, who faced a gender controversy during the Olympics, expressed her triumph as a victory for Algerian women.Khelif's journey to the women's 66kg title was marked by controversy. The International Boxing Association (IBA), led by Umar Kremlev, had previously disqualified Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting from its world championships, claiming tests showed "these are men." However, the IBA had allowed both boxers to compete in Tokyo three years ago.Addressing the "relentless campaign" against her, Khelif thanked the Algerian people for their support. "I wanted to show the strength of performance and the presence of women in general, and Algerian women in particular," she said.Khelif's victory is seen as a symbol of resilience and a testament to the strength of Algerian women. "Algerian women are an example and a model for the whole world," she declared. "Thanks to God, we have restored Algeria's honor and flown the Algerian flag in Paris, which is the most important thing."The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took over the boxing competition in Paris after losing patience with the IBA. The IBA's actions have raised concerns about the organization's commitment to fairness and equality in boxing.Khelif's triumph and the controversy surrounding it have sparked a wider discussion about gender equality in sports. Her victory serves as an inspiration to women and girls around the world, demonstrating that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Neeraj Chopra's silver medal at the Paris Olympics has sparked a crucial introspection for Indian sports. While the accomplishment is commendable, it raises questions about the willingness of other athletes to push their limits and endure the discomfort necessary for Olympic glory.Chopra's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of improvement serve as a stark contrast to the complacency that seems to have settled in among many Indian athletes. The comfort of playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) for footballers, for instance, has hindered their growth and prevented them from seeking challenges abroad.This complacency extends to other sports as well. Athletes often opt for short training stints abroad, believing they can quickly absorb the necessary knowledge. However, true progress requires sustained immersion in a competitive environment.Leon Marchand's journey to Olympic success exemplifies this. Despite his impressive talent, he sought guidance from Bob Bowman, the legendary coach who mentored Michael Phelps. Marchand's willingness to leave his comfort zone and embrace a rigorous training regimen paid off handsomely.Indian athletes need to develop a sense of accountability and learn to withstand pressure. They must take ownership of their training and seek out opportunities for improvement. Prakash Padukone's criticism of the badminton contingent's inability to handle pressure highlights the need for mental fortitude.Noah Lyles' transformation after his bronze medal in Tokyo is another testament to the importance of constant improvement. He worked tirelessly to revamp his technique and strengthen his body, ultimately earning gold in the 100m and bronze in the 200m.Even Olympic legends like Usain Bolt and Ryan Crouser continue to train relentlessly after their victories. Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, was known for his meticulous experimentation and unwavering pursuit of perfection.The current generation of Indian athletes may be fearless, but they need to develop the edge that separates champions from the rest. This requires a willingness to embrace discomfort, seek out challenges, and constantly strive for improvement. Only then can India truly achieve its Olympic potential.

India's performance at the Paris Olympics, while marked by some notable achievements, also highlighted the need for a comprehensive system to foster sporting excellence. Despite Manu Bhaker's medals and Neeraj Chopra's silver, India's overall medal tally of six (including four bronze) fell short of expectations.The post-Games analysis has focused on the failure to win more medals, but it is crucial to examine the methods available in India to ensure sporting success. A clear pathway and system must be established to identify, nurture, and develop young athletes.Australia's national swimming squad provides a model for such a system. They establish relationships with clubs and states, identifying talent early and providing them with specialized training and support. They focus on stroke-specific development and seek athletes with a competitive mindset.India's lack of a comprehensive system was evident in the case of Vinesh Phogat, whose weight management issues marred her Olympic hopes. The absence of accountability and responsibility for such failures is a major concern.The boxing federation also faced challenges due to coaching issues, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in sports administration.While national camps and exposure trips are important, they are not sufficient. Athletes like Jeswin Aldrin and Shaili Singh have struggled despite their talent, indicating a lack of options for athletes to seek alternative coaching or training environments.The Indian men's hockey team's bronze medal demonstrated the importance of fitness, discipline, and teamwork. However, India needs to develop systems that consistently produce champions to make bidding for the 2036 Olympics meaningful.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a bittersweet experience for Indian athletes. While the country's six-medal haul marks its second-best performance at the Games, several events have left a lasting impact beyond the podium.One notable aspect was the string of fourth-place finishes for Indian athletes. From wrestler Vinesh Phogat's heartbreaking disqualification to the women's hockey team's narrow miss, these near-misses have highlighted the country's growing competitiveness on the global stage.However, the post-Olympic period has also brought challenges for some athletes. Rani Rampal, who captained the women's hockey team to a historic fourth-place finish in Tokyo, has shared her insights on the emotional rollercoaster that follows the Games.In a message originally penned by New Zealand hockey player Brooke Neal, Rampal emphasized the lack of preparation for the post-Olympic void. Athletes often experience a sense of emptiness and confusion after the intense bubble of competition."You've just competed at the world's biggest sporting event and yet, this is one of the lowest times you've ever felt," Neal wrote. "You weren't prepared for life to continue as if nothing happened."Rampal's own experience since Tokyo has been marked by adversity. She has fallen out of favor with the head coach and has struggled to regain her place in the national team.Despite the challenges, Rampal remains optimistic about the future of Indian sports. She believes that the country's athletes are capable of achieving even greater heights in the years to come.

Raj Kumar Pal's Olympic bronze medal has brought immense joy and recognition to his humble village of Karampur in Uttar Pradesh. The 26-year-old hockey player's journey to the podium has been marked by adversity, determination, and the unwavering support of his family and mentors.Growing up in a mud house, Raj Kumar's family faced financial hardship after his father's untimely demise. Hockey, which had been a passion for the three brothers, took a backseat as they struggled to make ends meet. However, Raj Kumar's talent and dedication caught the attention of Tej Bahadur Singh, owner of the Karampur hockey academy.Tej Bahadur provided financial support to the Pal family for two years, enabling Raj Kumar to pursue his hockey dreams. With the support of his brothers, who secured jobs in the Army and Railways, Raj Kumar was able to focus solely on his game.In 2012, Raj Kumar was selected for the Sports Authority of India's Regional Centre in Lucknow. His impressive performances in domestic tournaments caught the eye of former Hockey India high performance director David John, who selected him for the senior national development camp in 2017.Despite not making the Tokyo Olympics squad, Raj Kumar remained determined to improve his game. He identified his weaknesses and worked tirelessly to address them. His efforts paid off when he was selected for the Paris Olympics over more experienced seniors.In Paris, Raj Kumar played a crucial role in India's bronze medal victory. His attacking instincts, fitness, and stick work earned him a place in the starting lineup alongside Shamsher Singh and Gurjant Singh. He was particularly impressive in the quarter-final against Great Britain, scoring the winning goal in the shootout.Raj Kumar's Olympic medal is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the support of his family and mentors. It is a source of pride for his village and an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.