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The bond between Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra, two javelin throwers from Pakistan and India respectively, transcends the realm of sporting rivalry. Their camaraderie has been evident both on and off the field, with their mothers expressing their love and support for both athletes.After their 1-2 finish in the Paris Olympics javelin throw final, social media was abuzz with stories of their friendship. Neeraj's mother, Saroj, had earlier stated that Arshad was like a son to her. Now, Arshad's mother has reciprocated those sentiments, saying she views Neeraj in the same way."He is also like my son. He is Nadeem's friend and also his brother. Wins and losses are part of the sport. May god bless him, may he win medals. They are like brothers, I've prayed for Neeraj too," Arshad's mother said in an interview.Saroj, too, expressed her joy at the success of both athletes. "We are very happy with the silver, the one who got gold is also our child and the one who got silver is also our child....all are athletes, all work hard," she said."Nadeem is also good, he plays well, there is no difference between Neeraj and Nadeem. We got gold and silver there is no difference for us," she added.The friendship between Chopra and Nadeem has been evident in their interactions off the field. Chopra has often supported Nadeem, lending him a helping hand on multiple occasions.This mutual respect and camaraderie between the two athletes is a testament to the power of sports to bridge divides and foster unity. It also highlights the importance of sportsmanship and the spirit of competition, where athletes can compete fiercely on the field but still maintain a bond of friendship and respect off it.

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal's Olympic journey ended in controversy and embarrassment for the country after she was caught facilitating her sister's entry into the athletes' village using her accreditation card. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in both Panghal and her sister being summoned by the police.Panghal, a world championship bronze medalist, was eliminated from the competition after losing her opening bout in the 53 kg freestyle category. Following her defeat, she allegedly gave her accreditation card to her younger sister, Nisha, and sent her to the Games Village to collect her belongings. However, Nisha was stopped by security personnel, leading to the involvement of the police.Panghal claimed that she was unwell and that the incident was a result of confusion. However, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) took a serious view of the matter and decided to fly Panghal and her support staff back home.The incident has cast a shadow over India's participation in the Olympics and raised questions about the conduct of its athletes. The IOA has promised to take disciplinary action against Panghal for violating the rules inside the athletes' village.In addition to the accreditation card incident, Panghal's support team, comprising coaches Bhagat Singh and Vikas, were also involved in a separate matter involving a Parisian taxi driver and the police. They allegedly refused to pay the cab fare and behaved inappropriately with the driver before retreating inside. The cab driver later reported the incident to the police.The controversies surrounding Panghal and her support staff have tarnished India's reputation at the Olympics and raised concerns about the behavior of its athletes. The IOA has a responsibility to ensure that its athletes adhere to the rules and regulations of the Games and to uphold the country's image on the international stage.

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has bid farewell to international hockey on a high note, helping India secure a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo. The 36-year-old goalkeeper announced his retirement before the Games, and his final match was a fitting tribute to his illustrious career.In a thrilling third-place play-off, India defeated Spain 2-1, with Sreejesh playing a pivotal role. He made several crucial saves throughout the match, including a penalty shootout stop that sealed the victory."This is the better way to finish an Olympic Games, with a medal," said Sreejesh after the match. "We are not going home empty-handed, that's a great thing."Sreejesh's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a mainstay in the team for over a decade, and his leadership and experience have been invaluable. He was part of the bronze-winning team in Tokyo in 2020, and his performance in Paris was equally impressive."The team did a wonderful job and made this game so beautiful," said Sreejesh. "Tokyo has a special place in my heart. That (bronze) gave us back the confidence that we can win medals (in Olympics)."Sreejesh's legacy as India's greatest goalkeeper is secure. He has played over 300 matches for his country, and his contributions have been immense. He has been a role model for young players and an inspiration to the entire nation.

Mumbai Olympics 2024: Comedian Viraj Gehlani's Hilarious Take on India's Financial CapitalComedian Viraj Gehlani has taken the internet by storm with his hilarious take on the Olympics, set not in Paris but in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. In a series of five events, Gehlani captures the essence of India's financial capital with humor and wit, highlighting the everyday challenges and quirks that an average Mumbaikar faces.In the first event, "1.2 Meter Splash Dodge," Gehlani showcases his agility as he expertly dodges water splashes from a passing car, a common occurrence during Mumbai's monsoon season. He emerges victorious, earning a gold medal for his quick reflexes.Next up is the "Vada Pav Eating Contest," where Gehlani indulges in the iconic street snack of Mumbai. With a confident bite into a chili, he demonstrates the perfect combination that makes vada pav a beloved delicacy. Gehlani's enthusiasm and love for the dish earn him another gold medal.The third event, "Puddle Jumping," tests Gehlani's ability to navigate the city's infamous puddles. With a graceful leap, he clears a giant puddle, leaving his competitors behind and securing another gold medal.The fourth event, "Mumbai Local Window Seat Grab," is a true test of survival in the city's crowded public transport system. Gehlani battles his way through a sea of commuters, ultimately securing a coveted window seat, earning him yet another gold medal.However, in the final event, "Autorickshaw Catching," Gehlani faces defeat. Despite his valiant efforts, another competitor manages to grab the three-wheeler before him, leaving Gehlani to rue his missed opportunity.Gehlani's video has garnered immense popularity, with over 5.6 million views and 2.73 lakh likes on Instagram. It has also caught the attention of celebrities and influencers, including Amazon Music and former Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who has been at the center of an Olympic gender eligibility controversy, will compete for gold in Paris on Friday. The boxing competition has been overshadowed by a dispute over whether Khelif and Taiwanese fighter Lin Yu-ting should be allowed to compete in the women's category.Khelif and Lin were disqualified from last year's world championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) after failing unspecified gender eligibility tests. However, they were cleared to compete in Paris by the International Olympic Committee, which is running the boxing competition in the French capital.The 25-year-old Khelif and Lin both fought at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago without controversy. On Friday, Khelif will face China's Yang Liu in the 66kg final, while Lin will compete in a different weight category on Saturday.The penultimate evening of track and field action features the men's and women's 4x100m relays, the men's 400m hurdles, the women's 400m, and the final event of the heptathlon, the 800m.US sprint star Noah Lyles, who won the 100m earlier this week, could only manage bronze in his favored 200m on Thursday. Minutes after the race, won by Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, Lyles revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19. The American later posted on social media that his Games were likely over.In Friday's women's 10,000m final, Dutch runner Sifan Hassan will attempt to defend her crown after coming up short in her bid for a historic long-distance treble. Defending champion and world record-holder Karsten Warholm is favored to defend his title in the men's 400m hurdles.In football, Thierry Henry's France will take on Spain in the men's final at the Parc des Princes. Henry, one of France's all-time great players, has led his country to the brink of their second football gold, 40 years after they won the title in Los Angeles.Spain came from behind to beat Morocco 2-1 in their semi-final in Marseille, giving them confidence that they can handle the pressure in the French capital.In diving, China is targeting gold in the women's 3m springboard as they close in on a clean sweep in Paris, with victories in all six events so far. Defending champions the Netherlands will take on China in the women's hockey final, chasing their fourth title in five Games.History will be made when the first Olympic medals are won in the breaking competition staged at La Concorde.

BBC Host Corrected Live on Air for Misgendering Non-Binary Athlete Raven SaundersAt the Paris Olympics 2024, BBC commentator Steve Backley repeatedly misgendered American shot putter Raven Saunders, who identifies as non-binary and uses the pronouns "they/them." During the women's shot put qualifying round, Backley referred to Saunders as "her" and "she."Backley's co-host, Jazmin Sawyers, promptly corrected him live on air, stating that Saunders is non-binary and wearing a mask. The incident sparked a heated debate on social media, with some questioning why a non-binary athlete was competing in a women's sport.Saunders, 28, won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics and is known for their distinctive Hulk alter-ego, complete with green and purple hair and a face-obscuring mask. Their appearance at the Paris Games has reignited the ongoing discussion about gender identity in sports.The controversy surrounding Saunders' participation highlights the complex and evolving nature of gender identity. While some argue that non-binary athletes should not compete in gender-segregated sports, others believe that inclusivity and respect for individual identities should prevail.The incident also raises questions about the role of commentators in ensuring accurate and respectful coverage of athletes. Backley's misgendering of Saunders underscores the importance of sensitivity and awareness when discussing gender-diverse individuals.The debate over gender identity in sports is likely to continue as more non-binary and transgender athletes come to the forefront. The Paris Olympics 2024 has become a platform for these important conversations, challenging traditional notions of gender and promoting inclusivity in the sporting world.

Letsile Tebogo's historic triumph in the men's 200m at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, marked a significant moment for Botswana and African sprinting. The 21-year-old became the first African to win the Olympic 200m title, leaving behind American favorite Noah Lyles, who settled for bronze after revealing he had tested positive for COVID-19.Tebogo's victory was a testament to his determination and resilience. He had stopped training for a month after the tragic loss of his mother in May, but he carried her memory with him on the track, wearing spikes that bore her date of birth. His African record time of 19.47 seconds placed him fifth on the all-time list.In the women's 400m hurdles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone produced a stunning performance, smashing her own world record with a time of 50.37 seconds. The American left Dutch rival Femke Bol in her wake, securing her second consecutive Olympic title.Other notable performances included Grant Holloway's gold medal in the 110m hurdles, Tara Davis-Woodhall's victory in the women's long jump, and Arshad Nadeem's Olympic record throw of 92.97m in the men's javelin, earning Pakistan its first individual gold medal at a Summer Games.Tebogo's triumph and McLaughlin-Levrone's world record highlight the exceptional talent and determination of athletes from around the globe. Their performances inspire future generations and demonstrate the power of sport to unite and uplift.

The Paris Olympic Games 2024 have concluded, with India securing a total of 5 medals: 4 bronze and 1 silver. Despite surpassing Pakistan in medal count, India finds itself ranked lower due to the International Olympic Committee's ranking system, which prioritizes gold medals.India's medal hopes rested heavily on javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who had emerged as a gold medal contender after wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification. However, Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem shattered those hopes, claiming the gold medal and setting a new Olympic record. This victory propelled Pakistan ahead of India in the overall medals tally.As of Day 13, Pakistan stood at 53rd in the standings with a single gold medal, while India occupied 64th place with one silver and four bronze. The ranking discrepancy stems from the IOC's system, which places greater value on gold medals. Silver and bronze medals are only considered in the event of a tie in gold medal count.Arshad's triumph marked Pakistan's first individual Olympic gold medal in four decades. Prior to this, the nation had only won gold medals in field hockey, with three victories in 1960, 1968, and 1984. Pakistan's Olympic medal history also includes two individual bronze medals in wrestling (1960) and boxing (1988). The country's last Olympic medal was a bronze in field hockey at the 1992 Barcelona Games.India's medal haul in Paris included a silver in weightlifting by Mirabai Chanu and bronze medals in wrestling (Bajrang Punia), boxing (Lovlina Borgohain), badminton (PV Sindhu), and hockey (men's team). While these medals represent a commendable achievement, India's lower ranking highlights the importance of gold medals in the Olympic ranking system.

The United States men's basketball team faced their toughest challenge yet in the Tokyo Olympics, overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91 in a thrilling semifinal matchup. The victory keeps the Americans' hopes alive for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry led the charge for the United States, pouring in 36 points, including five three-pointers. LeBron James, the all-time NBA scoring leader, contributed a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.Serbia, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, gave the Americans a run for their money. Jokic finished with 17 points and 11 assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 20 points.The Serbians dominated the first half, leading by as many as 17 points in the second quarter. However, the United States chipped away at the deficit in the third quarter, thanks to back-to-back three-pointers from Curry and Jrue Holiday.In the fourth quarter, Curry hit a crucial three-pointer to give the United States their first lead since the first quarter. James followed with a driving layup, and Curry added a steal and a basket to push the lead to five.Serbia fought back, but the United States held on for the victory.In the other semifinal, France defeated reigning World Cup champions Germany 73-69. Guerschon Yabusele led France's scoring with 17 points, while Isaia Cordinier added 16. NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama contributed 11 points and seven rebounds.Dennis Schroder scored 18 points for Germany, but Wagner was the only other player in double figures.France will face the United States in the gold medal game on Saturday, a rematch of the Tokyo Olympics final.