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Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin throw, is poised to make history once again as he prepares for the men's javelin final at the Paris Olympics 2024. The reigning Olympic champion, Chopra, made a resounding statement in the qualification round with a monstrous throw of 89.34m, topping the field with ease.However, the road to defending his title will be far from straightforward. The competition in Paris is fierce, with nine throwers surpassing the automatic qualification mark of 84m, compared to just six in Tokyo. Five of these elite athletes, including Chopra, qualified for the final with their first throws, indicating the depth of talent in the field.Chopra, now 26, is no stranger to the global stage, having competed for over eight years. He is aware of the challenges that lie ahead and is determined to etch his name in Olympic history. If he manages to secure gold, he will become only the fifth man in Olympic javelin throw history to successfully defend his title.The Indian star has the potential to become the most decorated Indian Olympian in individual sports. Currently, he is tied with shuttler PV Sindhu, wrestler Sushil Kumar, and shooter Manu Bhaker, who have each won two Olympic medals. A medal of any color in Paris would elevate Chopra to the pinnacle of Indian Olympic history.The men's javelin final is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2024, at 11:55 pm IST. The event will be broadcast live on Sports 18 and streamed online on Jio Cinema. Indian fans will be eagerly awaiting Chopra's performance as he aims to bring glory to the nation and cement his legacy as one of the greatest javelin throwers of all time.

Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the Indian contingent and fans alike. The wrestler, who had emerged as a beacon of hope after her impressive performance on Tuesday, was found to be 100 grams over the 50kg weight limit during the weigh-in on Wednesday.Phogat, who normally competes in the 53kg category, had been forced to grapple in the 50kg weight class to qualify for the Olympics. She had overcome formidable opponents to reach the final, sparking immense pride and joy among Indians.However, the mood turned sour when news of her disqualification broke. Fans expressed heartbreak, dejection, and anger, while the Indian hockey team's loss to Germany in the semifinals added to the disappointment.Phogat's disqualification has raised questions about the risks involved in extreme weight cutting. Dr. Manoj Jain, a consultant for general surgery, explained that a person's body weight can fluctuate by 0.5 to 1 kg throughout a typical week. Phogat's nutritionist had planned for her to consume 1.5kg of food and liquids to ensure enough energy for her three duels on Tuesday.Despite following the normal weight cut procedure, Phogat was still 100 grams too heavy. Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the chief medical officer, revealed that Phogat had spent the previous night cycling and jogging to lose the 2kg she had gained after her Tuesday's weight check and three bouts.Phogat's disqualification has sparked a debate about the need for stricter regulations regarding weight cutting. Some experts believe that the practice can be dangerous and should be discouraged, while others argue that it is a necessary evil in competitive sports.Despite the setback, Phogat's fighting spirit and determination have inspired many. Fans and fellow athletes alike have expressed their support and belief that she will bounce back stronger.

The inaugural Olympic marathon race walk mixed relay witnessed a thrilling victory for Spain's Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez, who claimed the gold medal. The event marked the debut of the mixed relay at the Paris Olympics 2024, replacing the 50 km race walk. Ecuador and Australia secured the silver and bronze medals, respectively.However, the race was marred by allegations of rule violations, with viewers claiming that some athletes lifted their feet off the ground during the walk. "Not convinced these competitors in the walk race aren't cheating. Looks very much to me like they're jogging," commented user Wullie M. Sports journalist Rob Williams expressed his frustration, stating, "Nothing infuriates me more than race walk cheaters."According to the race walking rules, one foot of the athlete must remain in contact with the ground at all times, visible to the human eye. Additionally, the knee of the advanced leg must not bend, and the leg must straighten as the body passes over it. Race walkers are closely monitored and can be penalized for bending their knees during the race.India's hopes for a strong performance in the event were dashed when their team, consisting of Suraj Panwar and Priyanka Goswami, failed to finish the final. The team received multiple warnings during the race, ultimately leading to their disqualification. This setback marked a disappointment for the Indian athletics contingent, which had high expectations for the event.

The Indian hockey team, despite falling short of their gold medal aspirations, will strive to replicate their Tokyo 2020 performance and secure a medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Led by Harmanpreet Singh, the team has showcased exceptional dominance throughout their campaign, defeating Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. They narrowly lost to Belgium in the quarterfinals but triumphed over Great Britain in a thrilling penalty shootout to reach the semifinals.In the semifinals, India faced reigning world champions Germany. Despite the absence of key defender Amit Rohidas due to a controversial red card, the team played with determination and matched the Germans' intensity. However, they ultimately fell behind in the final six minutes of the match.A medal at the Paris Olympics would provide a significant boost to India's campaign, which has been marked by misfortune and several fourth-place finishes. The team's last Olympic medal came on August 1, 1980, and all eyes will be on them to break the drought and provide a fitting farewell to veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty's response to wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 has sparked controversy online. Murty's remarks, which downplayed the significance of Phogat's disqualification, were met with criticism from many netizens."It happens. What to do. It is part of the game. I feel sorry about it. That's all I can tell you," Murty told news agency PTI outside parliament on Wednesday.Phogat, 29, was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight ahead of her 50kg category gold medal bout in the Olympics on Wednesday. The setback sent shockwaves in India, filling her fans and supporters with anger and angst.Murty's response was met with a barrage of criticism on social media, with many users accusing her of being insensitive and dismissive of Phogat's disappointment."Simplicity at its finest," X user Ujyant Ramesh said sarcastically, taking a dig at Sudha Murty's public persona of simplicity."Billions of Indians are heartbroken today because of disqualification of Vinesh. But this statement is like rubbing salt over it," another user, with the handle named Amockxi FC, said."You protest. Can't keep quiet," one user said.However, some users defended Murty's remarks, arguing that she was simply stating the facts."Sudha Murty ji is absolutely right. If we words pinch you, then it's your problem. She is telling the truth in a practical way," he said.Phogat announced her decision of retirement on social media, seeking forgiveness from everyone who supported her.Last year, Murty, who is the wife of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy, faced backlash on the internet for her statements on her food preferences and saying that she carries a spoon with her."I am adventurous in my work, not in my food. I am in fact scared. I am a pure vegetarian, I don’t even eat eggs, or garlic. What I am scared of is, is that the same spoon will be used for both, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. It weighs on my mind a lot! Hence when we go out, I only search for veg restaurants. Or, I carry one bag full of eatables. I carry ready-to-eat stuff, that you have to just heat in water, I carry poha," Sudha Murty had said in an the interview with YouTube interview “Khaane Mein Kya Hai”.

Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali etched his name in Olympic history by successfully defending his 3000m steeplechase title at the Paris Olympics 2024. His victory marked a remarkable achievement, making him only the third Arab athlete to win double gold at the Summer Games.El Bakkali's triumph was hard-fought, as he faced stiff competition from American Kenneth Rooks and Kenyan Abraham Kibiwot. However, the Moroccan runner displayed his resilience and determination, clocking a time of 8min 06.05sec to secure the gold medal. Rooks and Kibiwot finished with silver and bronze, respectively.The race was marred by a worrying incident involving Ethiopian world record holder Lamecha Girma. Girma suffered a severe fall at a hurdle, leaving him prone on the track. He was eventually stretchered off and taken to the hospital, but thankfully, he did not require surgery.El Bakkali's victory was particularly significant as he overcame a challenging year marked by injuries. He credited his teammate Mohamed Tindouft for helping him break the Ethiopian team's tactics during the race."I was suffering from an injury, but I was able to overcome it," said El Bakkali. "The race was not easy. There was an Ethiopian plan, but thank God my compatriot Tindouft helped me."El Bakkali's second Olympic gold places him among the elite Arab athletes who have achieved double victories at the Summer Games. He joins Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj and Tunisian swimmer Oussama Mellouli in this exclusive club.While El Bakkali celebrated his triumph, concerns lingered over Girma's condition. The Ethiopian runner's fall raised questions about the safety of the steeplechase event and the need for improved safety measures.

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling icon, has announced her retirement from the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Her sister, Geeta Phogat, a renowned wrestler herself, paid tribute to Vinesh's remarkable career, expressing gratitude for her contributions to the sport and her role as an inspiration for countless women.Vinesh's decision to retire came after her disqualification from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024 due to exceeding the weight limit. The news sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting community, as Vinesh had been a medal contender.Throughout her illustrious career, Vinesh achieved numerous accolades, including two World Championships bronze medals, an Asian Games gold and bronze, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals. Her unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence made her a formidable opponent on the mat.Geeta Phogat, in her heartfelt message, acknowledged Vinesh's unwavering passion and struggle, which she believes will be remembered for generations to come. She hailed Vinesh as a role model for young girls, inspiring them to break barriers and pursue their dreams.Vinesh's disqualification was a bitter end to an otherwise stellar career. However, her legacy extends far beyond medals and trophies. She has been a trailblazer for women in wrestling, proving that they can compete at the highest level and achieve success.Despite the disappointment of her disqualification, Vinesh has shown resilience and determination. She has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to overturn the decision and secure the silver medal. The verdict is expected on Thursday morning.Vinesh Phogat's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian wrestling. Her contributions to the sport have been immense, and she will be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and empower women to pursue their dreams.

Artistic swimming, also known as synchronized swimming, is a captivating sport that combines athleticism, artistry, and precision. At the recent Paris Olympics 2024, the USA artistic swimming team showcased their exceptional skills with a mesmerizing performance set to Michael Jackson's iconic song "Smooth Criminal."The team's routine featured intricate choreography, synchronized movements, and an underwater moonwalk, paying homage to the legendary singer and dancer. Their performance went viral on social media, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide.Artistic swimming requires athletes to perform acrobatic maneuvers in water while maintaining perfect synchronization with their teammates. They are judged on their execution, synchronicity, difficulty, music interpretation, and choreography.Traditionally a women's sport, artistic swimming has recently introduced mixed duet events, allowing male swimmers to participate. The sport has been an Olympic discipline since 1984, with Russia dominating recent competitions.At the Paris Olympics, the USA team placed fourth in the technical routine team event, finishing behind China, Spain, and Japan. The technical routine emphasizes precision and synchronization, while the upcoming free routine will showcase the teams' creativity and artistic expression.Artistic swimming is a demanding sport that requires years of training and dedication. Athletes must possess exceptional flexibility, strength, endurance, and musicality. They spend countless hours practicing in the pool, perfecting their routines and striving for flawless execution.The sport's unique blend of athleticism and artistry makes it a captivating spectacle for spectators. The combination of graceful movements, synchronized formations, and the rhythm of the music creates a mesmerizing experience that leaves audiences in awe.

India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra has begun his Olympic title defense with a resounding performance in the qualification round at the ongoing Paris Olympics. Chopra's opening throw of 89.34m was his season best and just shy of his personal best (89.94m), securing him a direct entry into the final.Chopra's impressive throw in Group B was the second best of his career and showcased his remarkable fitness despite battling an adductor niggle in the lead-up to the Games. The 26-year-old reigning world champion topped the qualification round, which combined Group A and B, with his monstrous throw.Two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada finished second in Group B with a throw of 88.63m, while Julian Weber of Germany, who won Group A with 87.76m, was third overall. Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan also qualified for the finals with a throw of 86.59m in Group B.Chopra's performance has sparked excitement among Indian fans, with cricketer Rishabh Pant making a bold promise on social media. Pant pledged to give Rs 1,00,089 to a lucky winner who likes and comments on his post if Neeraj wins gold on Thursday.Other Indian celebrities, including a parody account of star batter Virat Kohli, have also promised to reward fans if Chopra secures the gold medal. These gestures reflect the immense support and admiration for Chopra, who is widely regarded as one of India's greatest athletes.Chopra's qualification performance is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. As he prepares for the men's javelin throw final on Thursday, the nation will be rooting for him to repeat his historic gold medal victory from the Tokyo Olympics.