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Cindy Djankeu Ngamba, a trailblazing athlete from the Refugee Olympic Team, has etched her name in history by becoming the first refugee to secure an Olympic medal. Her triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a pivotal moment for the team, which has previously achieved its highest ranking with two fifth-place finishes at the Tokyo Games.Ngamba's journey to the podium has been marked by resilience and determination. Born in Cameroon, she now resides in the UK, but her lack of a British passport prevents her from competing for Team GB. Despite facing challenges, including a near-deportation experience, Ngamba has persevered.Her sexuality has further complicated her battle for UK citizenship, as homosexuality is criminalized in Cameroon. However, Ngamba's unwavering spirit has propelled her forward. She received a scholarship from the IOC refugee team and became the first female boxer to represent the team at the Olympics.In the women's 75kg boxing semi-finals, Ngamba showcased her aggressive and tactical prowess. She dominated the first round against French contender Davina Michel, securing a commanding lead in the second. Despite being advised to play it safe in the final round, Ngamba maintained her dominance, earning perfect scores from all judges.Her victory has resonated deeply with refugees worldwide. "I want to say to refugees all around the world, [including] refugees who are not athletes around the world, keep on working, keep on believing in yourself, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to," Ngamba said.Ngamba's achievement is a testament to the power of human spirit and the transformative impact of sports. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity, reminding them that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

COVID-19 Surge Impacts Paris Olympics: Over 40 Athletes Test PositiveThe World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over a global resurgence of COVID-19 cases, highlighting the infection of over 40 athletes at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics. The WHO emphasized the need for countries to enhance their response systems as the virus continues to circulate.Prominent athletes have fallen victim to COVID-19 at the Games. British swimmer Adam Peaty tested positive after winning silver in the 100m breaststroke, while Australian medal hopeful Lani Pallister withdrew from the women's 1500m freestyle due to illness.Data from 84 countries indicates a steady rise in the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Wastewater surveillance suggests that the virus's circulation is significantly higher than reported, potentially two to 20 times more."This is concerning because the virus continues to evolve, posing a risk of more severe variants that could evade detection and medical interventions," said Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's epidemic and pandemic preparedness director.The high circulation of the virus is unusual for respiratory viruses, which typically experience seasonal surges. However, in recent months, many countries have witnessed COVID-19 spikes, including at the Olympics."It's not surprising that athletes are being infected, given the rampant circulation of the virus," Van Kerkhove added.The WHO urged countries to strengthen their surveillance, testing, and vaccination efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus. The organization also emphasized the importance of adhering to public health measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing.

Mark Chestnut, an avid Olympic enthusiast from the Midwest, has embarked on a unique journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With a cotton scarf adorned with hundreds of Olympic pins, Chestnut has made pin trading a central part of his Olympic experience.Chestnut has attended 12 Olympic Games, both summer and winter, and has amassed an impressive collection of pins. He eagerly anticipates the opportunity to expand his collection and engage in lively trades with fellow enthusiasts. "My favorite pins never come out," he says, referring to the pins around his neck. "They're all part of my trading collection."While Chestnut arrived in Paris in time for the opening ceremony, he opted to watch it on a big screen at a local bar. "Opening and closing ceremonies are much better on TV," he explains. "It's a waste of money to attend in person because you can't see much from a distance, and the tickets are expensive."Instead, Chestnut has immersed himself in the vibrant atmosphere of the national hospitality houses. He highly recommends the Czechia House, known for its lively parties and excellent beer. However, he advises against visiting the USA House due to its hefty entry fee and additional charges for food and drinks.Chestnut's Olympic experience extends beyond pin trading and national hospitality houses. He has also been actively participating in sports events, cheering on athletes from around the world. He believes that the true spirit of the Olympics lies in the camaraderie and shared passion for sportsmanship.

Dhara Rathi, a marketing executive from Mumbai, had a whirlwind experience in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Despite missing out on a volunteer opportunity due to a missed email, she immersed herself in the Olympic spirit and witnessed the opening ceremony firsthand.Rathi's journey to Paris was almost derailed by heavy rains in Mumbai, but a delayed flight allowed her to make it in time. While she wasn't attending the Olympics for the sports, she was eager to experience the atmosphere and connect with people.Despite her lack of interest in sports, Rathi found herself drawn to the fan park in Paris, where she witnessed the opening ceremony live. The crowd's enthusiasm and camaraderie impressed her, particularly the thunderous cheers for the Ukrainian team.Rathi's Paris itinerary included iconic landmarks like the Sacre Coeur and indulging in croissants, but she also embraced the Olympic revelry. She observed the excitement and joy of the crowd, noting the universal appeal of the Games.While Rathi may not be a sports enthusiast, she is proud of India's medal hopes and appreciates the unifying power of the Olympics. Her experience in Paris has given her a newfound appreciation for the spirit of the Games and the importance of human connection.

India's Olympic campaign in Paris 2024 got off to a flying start on Tuesday, with Neeraj Chopra and Vinesh Phogat securing impressive victories.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, qualified for the final with a mammoth throw of 89.34m on his first attempt. This was his second-best throw ever, behind only his 89.94m effort at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022.Vinesh Phogat, a three-time Olympian, registered two stunning wins in the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling category. She first defeated Japan's Yui Susaki, a five-time world champion, in a major upset. Phogat then overcame Ukraine's Oksana Vasylivna Livach in the quarterfinals to book her place in the semifinals.Phogat's victories were particularly significant given her recent struggles. She had been a vocal critic of the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh, and had faced backlash for her protests. She also suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, which ruled her out of the Asian Games.Chopra, who is also the reigning world champion, praised Phogat's performance, saying, "This is extraordinary. To beat Susaki is unreal. The effort she has put in shows. After what she has been through, I pray for her that she wins a medal."Phogat, who narrowly missed a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, will be aiming to make history in Paris. She is the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the semifinals of an Olympic Games.India's strong start to the Paris Olympics is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its athletes. Chopra and Phogat are both medal contenders, and their performances have raised hopes for a successful Games for India.

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is gearing up for its 11th season, with the auction set to take place on August 15 and 16. Ahead of the auction, franchises have retained a total of 88 players, including key stars like Asian Games gold medallists Pawan Sehrawat and Pardeep Narwal.The retained players include a core group of experienced and talented individuals. Dabang Delhi K.C. has retained the raider duo of Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar, while Puneri Paltan has held on to season 10's most valuable player award winner Aslam Inamdar. Jaipur Pink Panthers have retained their star raider Arjun Deshwal.The non-retained players include Maninder Singh, Fazel Atrachali, and Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh. These players will be available for selection in the auction.For the auction, the domestic and overseas players will be divided into four categories: A, B, C, and D. The players will be further sub-divided as 'All-Rounders', 'Defenders', and 'Raiders' within each category.The base prices for each of the categories are:* Category A: Rs 30 Lakh* Category B: Rs 20 Lakh* Category C: Rs 13 Lakh* Category D: Rs 9 LakhThe player pool will consist of 500 players. The total salary purse available to each franchise for its squad is Rs 5 crore.The auction is expected to be highly competitive, with franchises looking to build stronger units for the upcoming season. The availability of star players like Sehrawat and Narwal will add further excitement to the proceedings.

India's Illustrious Hockey Legacy at the Olympics: A Journey of Triumph and GloryIndia's hockey team has etched an indelible mark in the annals of Olympic history, boasting an unparalleled record of eight gold and three bronze medals. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the nation's enduring passion for the sport and the exceptional talent of its players.The golden era of Indian hockey began in 1928 at the Amsterdam Olympics, where the team secured its first gold medal. This triumph was followed by an unprecedented streak of six consecutive golds, spanning from 1932 to 1956. During this period, India dominated the sport, showcasing an unmatched combination of skill, speed, and teamwork.Among the legendary players who graced the Indian hockey team during this golden era was Dhyan Chand, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. Known for his exceptional stickwork and prolific goal-scoring ability, Chand was instrumental in India's Olympic success. Sir Donald Bradman, the legendary Australian cricketer, famously remarked, "You score goals like runs in cricket!"In 1960, India's reign as Olympic champions came to an end, but the team continued to perform admirably, winning bronze medals in 1968, 1972, and 1980. However, the nation's hockey fortunes declined in subsequent decades, with the team failing to win a medal since 1980.Despite the recent setbacks, India's hockey legacy remains a source of immense pride and inspiration. The team's past achievements serve as a reminder of the nation's sporting prowess and the potential for future success. As India prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024, the hope is that the team can rediscover its former glory and add to its illustrious Olympic legacy.

Indian quarter-miler Kiran Pahal's Olympic journey came to an end on Tuesday as she finished sixth in heat 1 of the women's 400m repechage round at the Paris 2024 Olympics, failing to secure a place in the semi-finals.Pahal clocked 52.59s in the repechage round, a time slower than her 52.51s finish in the first round. The 24-year-old's hopes of advancing were dashed as only the top athletes in each heat, along with the two best in repechage overall, progressed to the next stage.The Paris 2024 Olympics introduced a repechage round for all individual track events from 200m to 1500m (including hurdles). This new format, covering six different distances in both men's and women's races, consists of four rounds instead of the usual three.In the repechage format, athletes who fail to qualify by placing in round one heats are given a second chance to reach the semi-finals by competing in repechage heats. This system replaces the previous one, where athletes advanced based on fastest times, known as 'lucky losers,' in addition to the top placings in the heats.Pahal had punched her ticket to Paris in the women's 400m during the Inter-State Athletics in June. She clocked a blistering 50.92 seconds, surpassing the Paris Olympic Games qualification time of 50.95.Pahal's performance has made her the second-fastest Indian female 400m runner of all time, behind Hima Das, who holds the national record of 50.79 seconds set in 2018.Pahal's qualification for the Olympics marks a significant milestone for Indian athletics, as she is the first Indian female quarter-miler to qualify for the Games after an eight-year gap since Nirmal Sheoran (Haryana) qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, has effortlessly qualified for the javelin throw final at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. With a season's best throw of 89.34 meters in his first attempt, Chopra sent a clear message to his rivals.The qualification standard was set at 84.00 meters, and Chopra's throw was well above that mark. The other Indian in the fray, Kishore Jena, could not make the final, with his best attempt being 80.73 meters.The final promises to be a thrilling affair, with Chopra's Czech rival Jakub Valdech, who has a personal best of 99.88 meters, also in the mix. Valdech, like Chopra, needed only one throw to qualify, registering a distance of 85.63 meters. Germany's Julian Weber also impressed with an 87.78-meter attempt.Chopra's ability to perform at his peak during major events sets him apart. He is a rare Indian athlete who is a favorite for gold in a track and field event. Pakistan's Nadeem Arshad and Grenada's Anderson Peters also qualified automatically with season's best throws of 86.59 meters and 88.63 meters, respectively.The qualification round was of exceptional quality, with five of the finalists posting their season's best throws. India's qualification comes after a disappointing day at the Games, with Lakshya Sen missing out on a bronze medal in badminton, the mixed skeet shooters team losing a bronze medal playoff, and wrestler Nisha Dahiya suffering an injury and losing her quarterfinal bout.