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Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in athletics, is poised to make history at the Paris Olympics. After the disappointment of Vinesh Phogat's disqualification, Chopra will take the field on Thursday, August 11, aiming to become the first Indian athlete to win multiple individual gold medals at the Games.Chopra's qualifying throw of 89.34m, the second-best of his career, has set him up for a strong performance in the final. Despite a nagging adductor niggle, Chopra displayed his characteristic nonchalance, walking off the field after his single throw.The competition will be fierce, with two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and reigning Commonwealth Games champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan among the contenders. However, Chopra's season-leading mark and his ability to perform under pressure make him a formidable opponent.Chopra has carefully managed his events this season, competing in only three competitions. He has also tweaked his training regimen to enhance his power, working with strength and conditioning expert Spencer Mackay to improve his snatches and clean and jerks.The final will be contested under cooler, windier evening conditions, which Chopra acknowledges will present a different challenge. However, he remains confident in his ability to adapt and deliver a strong performance.If Chopra succeeds in defending his Olympic title, he will join an elite group of javelin throwers who have won back-to-back gold medals. He will also become only the fourth Indian to win multiple medals at the Games.Despite the pressure and expectations, Chopra remains focused on his goal. His unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a strong contender for gold in Paris.

The 1,500m race at the Paris Olympics witnessed a thrilling upset as Cole Hocker of the US snatched the gold medal from front-running favorites Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway and Josh Kerr of Great Britain.Ingebrigtsen, the defending Olympic champion, and Kerr, the reigning World Champion, had engaged in a bitter rivalry leading up to the race. Ingebrigtsen's aggressive tactics to exhaust Kerr proved ineffective as Hocker surged past them on the inside lane in the final stretch.Ingebrigtsen, known for his sub-3:27 time close to the Olympics, lacked the explosive finish to secure a podium finish. He was pipped to bronze by Yared Nuguse, the second US runner.The race was a testament to the unique nature of the 1,500m, requiring both endurance and tactical prowess. Ingebrigtsen's Olympic record of 3:28.32 set in Tokyo was broken by the top four finishers.Despite his disappointment, Ingebrigtsen qualified for the 5,000m final as the fastest. However, the drama of the 1,500m race added to the allure of the event, with 80,000 fans witnessing the intense rivalry.The 1,500m has a rich history of memorable rivalries. In 1980, Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett engaged in a thrilling battle, with Coe ultimately claiming victory. At the 2000 Sydney Games, Hicham El Guerrouj was upset by Noah Ngeny in a close finish.Hocker's victory in Paris marked a new chapter in the annals of the 1,500m, proving that even the most formidable rivals can be overcome with a well-executed strategy and a determined spirit.

Weight Management in Wrestling: A Delicate BalanceIn the world of wrestling, athletes must navigate a precarious path between maintaining their weight below a specific threshold and preserving the energy necessary for competition. This delicate balance was highlighted in the recent disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Games.The Weight Cut ProcessPrior to weigh-ins, wrestlers undergo a calculated "weight cut" to fit into their preferred weight category. This involves shedding excess weight through a combination of methods, including:* Hydration Management: Athletes reduce fluid intake to minimize water weight.* Sauna Use: Spending time in a sauna induces sweating, leading to temporary weight loss.* Aerobic Activity: Exercise increases sweating and fluid loss.* Starvation: Limiting food intake can also contribute to weight loss.Replenishment and RecoveryAfter weigh-ins, wrestlers replenish fluids and nutrients to prevent dehydration and restore energy levels. However, excessive replenishment can lead to weight gain.Muscle Mass PreservationWhile wrestlers aim to shed fat and fluid, they must also preserve muscle mass, which is crucial for performance. Concurrent strength training can help prevent muscle loss.Individual FactorsThe optimal weight category and weight management strategies vary based on individual factors such as age, body measurements, and training regimen. As athletes age, maintaining a lower weight category becomes more challenging.Consequences of Excessive Weight LossRapid weight loss can have adverse effects, including:* Dehydration* Electrolyte imbalance* Reduced muscle mass* Delayed recovery* Diminished physical performancePhogat's CaseIn Phogat's case, a combination of factors contributed to her disqualification. She competed in a weight category below her natural weight, underwent an excessive weight cut, and failed to replenish adequately after weigh-ins.ConclusionWeight management in wrestling is a complex and demanding process that requires careful planning and supervision by sports science specialists. Athletes must strike a delicate balance between shedding excess weight and preserving the energy and muscle mass necessary for optimal performance.

The Thrill and Danger of India's Maut ka Kuan: A Cultural Icon on the Brink of ExtinctionHanumankind's "Big Dawgs" music video has thrust the iconic Maut ka Kuan, or Well of Death, into the global spotlight. This daring stunt arena, where motorcyclists and car drivers perform gravity-defying feats without helmets, has been a staple of Indian fairs and carnivals for decades.The Well of Death originated in the West as the "motordrome" and has since found its home in rural India. Stuntmen spend years training under masters, honing their skills on handmade wooden cylinders that reach heights of 60 feet.One of the most remarkable aspects of the Maut ka Kuan is the presence of female riders like Radha. Despite initial skepticism, she proved her mettle and became a crowd favorite. Her story highlights the courage and determination of these performers.The adrenaline-pumping spectacle of the Well of Death has also inspired musicians. Django Django's "WOR" music video captured the lives of riders at a carnival in Allahabad, exploring the psychological toll of risking their lives for entertainment.However, the future of the Maut ka Kuan is uncertain. Many states have banned the sport due to safety concerns and declining interest. The lack of operational wells, inadequate safety regulations, and a dwindling audience are contributing to its demise.Despite the availability of thrilling content on OTT platforms, there is still a niche audience that appreciates the live spectacle of the Well of Death. However, the number of performers and venues is dwindling, and it is only a matter of time before this cultural icon becomes extinct.

At just 14 years of age, Dhinidhi Desinghu has become the youngest Indian swimmer to compete at the Olympics. Hailing from Bengaluru, she represented India in the 200m freestyle event at the Paris 2024 Summer Games.Despite finishing 23rd out of 31 competitors with a time of 2:06.96, Desinghu's Olympic debut was a memorable experience. "Just getting a chance to be here with all these amazing athletes is such an amazing opportunity," she said. "I am just really happy I got a chance to be swimming at such an amazing venue at the Olympics."Desinghu's journey to the Olympics has been marked by impressive achievements at the national level. She has also represented India at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and the World Aquatics Championships in Doha earlier this year.Despite her young age, Desinghu has shown remarkable resilience and determination. She used to experience nervousness before competitions, but has overcome this challenge to become a formidable competitor.After completing her events in Paris, Desinghu attended a meet and greet at India House, where she interacted with fans and shared her Olympic experience. Her shy demeanor and youthful enthusiasm made her a popular figure among the audience.Desinghu's Olympic debut is a testament to her talent and hard work. She is an inspiration to young athletes across India, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving dreams.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification: WFI President Demands Action Against Coaches and Support StaffIndia's wrestling contingent in Paris has come under fire after Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics due to weight gain. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has urged the central government to take strict action against those responsible for the incident.Phogat was disqualified hours before her gold medal bout against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States after she was found overweight from the permissible limit of 50kg. Singh believes it was the responsibility of Phogat's coaches and support staff to ensure she was within the weight limit."I don't think Vinesh is at fault here. She was performing wonderfully, and the entire responsibility here is of her coach and the supporting staff. A probe should be done to see how her weight increased. I urge the central government to take strict action against them," Singh told PTI.Singh revealed that he had requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and United World Wrestling (UWW) to allow Phogat some relaxation, but his request was denied. "The entire country was expecting a gold medal but she was disqualified due to her weight. I hope God will give her strength, and the entire nation is with her," he added.According to reports, Phogat gained a couple of kilos by Tuesday night. Her coaches and support staff took desperate measures to reduce her weight, including skipping, jogging, cycling, and even cutting her hair. However, nothing worked, and she was still found 100gm overweight.In international wrestling competitions, wrestlers must pass a weigh-in process at the start of the day. In non-medal matches, athletes are given 30 minutes to weigh in multiple times. However, if they are found to be even 1gm overweight, they are disqualified.Phogat had passed the weigh-in process on Tuesday and was allowed to participate in her bouts. She registered historic wins against Yui Susaki of Japan and Oksana Livach of Ukraine. However, she failed the weigh-in on Wednesday and was disqualified, nullifying all her previous results.The WFI president's demand for action against Phogat's coaches and support staff highlights the importance of proper weight management in wrestling. The incident serves as a reminder that athletes and their teams must adhere to the strict weight regulations to avoid disqualification and disappointment.

Vinesh Phogat, India's trailblazing wrestler, made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. However, her triumph was short-lived as she was disqualified from the gold-medal bout on Wednesday due to being overweight.Phogat was scheduled to face American Sarah Hildebrand in the women's 50kg final at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. However, during the weigh-in, she was found to be a few grams over the 50kg limit.The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement expressing regret over Phogat's disqualification. "Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the statement read.Phogat's disqualification is a major setback for India's Olympic hopes. She was one of the country's top medal contenders and her absence from the final will be a significant blow.The Indian team has requested privacy for Phogat at this time. "It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," the IOA statement said.Phogat's disqualification highlights the importance of weight management in wrestling. Wrestlers must adhere to strict weight limits in order to compete in their respective weight classes.Phogat's journey to the Olympic final was an inspiring one. She overcame numerous challenges, including injuries and personal setbacks, to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her disqualification is a reminder that even the most talented athletes can face adversity.Despite the disappointment, Phogat's performance at the Olympics has been a source of pride for India. She has inspired countless young girls and women to pursue their dreams in wrestling.

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vaulter, has once again etched his name in the annals of sports history by breaking the world record for the ninth time. At the Stade de France in Paris, Duplantis soared over a height of 6.25 meters, surpassing his previous record of 6.24 meters set in April this year.Duplantis's journey to the top began in his backyard in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he grew up with a pole vault pit. Coached by his father, Greg, a former pole vaulter, and his mother, Helena, a former heptathlete, Duplantis developed a deep passion for the sport.In Tokyo three years ago, Duplantis won the Olympic gold medal, but his ambitions extended far beyond that. He sought to push the boundaries of human potential and shatter his own world records.On Monday night in Paris, Duplantis faced a formidable field of competitors, but he remained unfazed. He cleared 6.00 meters on his first attempt, securing the Olympic gold medal. With the gold already in his grasp, Duplantis set his sights on the world record.In his third and final attempt, Duplantis unleashed his explosive speed and planted the pole in the vault box with precision. He launched himself into the air, his body soaring upwards. The pole flexed and bent as he ascended, propelling him over the crossbar.As he landed on the foam mat, Duplantis erupted in celebration, knowing he had achieved the impossible once again. He had broken the world record for the ninth time, cementing his status as the greatest pole vaulter of all time.Duplantis's victory was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to his unwavering determination and the power of human ambition. He has shown the world that anything is possible if you dare to dream big and work relentlessly towards your goals.

Star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker made a triumphant return to India on Wednesday, greeted by a jubilant crowd of supporters and family members at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Bhaker's historic feat of winning two medals at the Tokyo Olympics, a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol and another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, has etched her name in the annals of Indian sporting history.The Air India flight carrying Bhaker and her coach, Jaspal Rana, touched down at around 9:20am, an hour behind schedule. Despite the early morning drizzle, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport hours before her arrival, eager to witness the return of their Olympic hero.As Bhaker emerged from the airport exit, she was greeted with a thunderous applause, bouquets, garlands, and the rhythmic beats of dhol. Flower petals were showered upon her and Rana as they made their way through the crowd, which was managed by a significant police presence.Among those present to welcome Bhaker were her parents, Ram Kishan and Sumedha, as well as sports enthusiasts and officials from her home states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Rana's father, Narayan Singh Rana, a former Uttarakhand Sports Minister, expressed his pride in his son and Bhaker's achievements."It is a matter of pride for us that a daughter of India is coming back after creating history by winning two medals in an Olympics. It has never happened before. She is only 22 years old," said Rana.Bhaker's historic feat has drawn comparisons to British-Indian athlete Norman Pritchard, who won two silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles at the 1900 Olympics. However, Bhaker's achievement is particularly significant as it came in the post-Independence era.Before leaving for India, Bhaker had expressed her anticipation for a grand welcome, and she was not disappointed. The crowd celebrated her feat with song and dance, holding banners with photos of Bhaker and Rana.Bhaker is scheduled to meet with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the afternoon. She will then return to Paris on Saturday to participate in the closing ceremony of the Olympics, where she will be one of India's flag-bearers.