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Lieutenant Colonel Kabilan Sai Ashok, a 42-year-old Indian Army officer, has made history by becoming the youngest Indian referee at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Ashok's journey to this prestigious role is a testament to his unwavering commitment, exceptional skills, and the transformative power of the Indian Army.Ashok's military career began as a soldier, but his determination and talent propelled him to the officer rank. He served with distinction in the elite 9 Para (Special Forces) unit, where he participated in numerous counterterror missions in Jammu and Kashmir. His involvement in the 2016 surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir further solidified his reputation as a combat-hardened warrior.In a remarkable transition, Ashok left the Special Forces to join the Army's Physical Training Corps (APTC). His passion for boxing, honed during his time as an under-19 national champion, led him to become a highly respected referee and judge. Ashok's expertise earned him the distinction of being the only Indian referee to be fast-tracked from 2-star to the highest 3-star status in International Boxing Association (IBA) competitions.Ashok's selection as a referee for the Paris Olympics is a testament to his exceptional abilities and the Indian Army's commitment to excellence. He is one of the few Indians to have served as referees in Olympic history, and his appointment is a source of pride for the nation.Beyond his Olympic role, Ashok holds the presidency of the boxing committee of the International Military Sports Council. He also serves as a boxing administrator at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, where he mentors aspiring Olympians.Ashok's uniform proudly displays the para wings and the Balidan (sacrifice) badge, symbols of his service in the Special Forces and his unwavering dedication to his country. His journey from combat-hardened soldier to Olympic referee is an inspiration to all who aspire to achieve greatness through perseverance and passion.

Deepika Kumari's Olympic Dream Ends in Quarterfinals HeartbreakIndian archery veteran Deepika Kumari's hopes of an Olympic medal were dashed on Saturday as she suffered a disappointing 4-6 defeat to Korea's Suhyeon Nam in the women's individual event quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics.Kumari, who had qualified for the quarterfinals with a 6-4 victory over Germany's Michelle Kroppen earlier in the day, was unable to replicate her success against Nam, who had defeated her in straight sets in the semifinals of the Shanghai World Cup in April.The match was a closely contested affair, with both archers tied 4-4 after four sets. However, Nam's consistency proved to be the difference, as she claimed the fifth set to advance to the semifinals.Kumari, who has faced criticism for her below-par performance in the team event, struggled to find her rhythm throughout the match. Scores of six and seven in the second and fourth sets proved costly, as she was unable to maintain the pressure on Nam.The 30-year-old Indian began the match strongly, winning the first set 28-26. However, Nam responded with a 28-25 victory in the second set, leveling the scores. Kumari regained the lead in the third set with a 29-28 win, but Nam once again fought back to take the fourth set 27-29.In the decider, Kumari's hopes of a comeback were dashed as she scored 9, 9, and 9, while Nam produced scores of 10, 9, and 10 to seal the victory.Kumari's defeat marks the end of India's archery campaign at the Paris Olympics. The team had earlier been eliminated in the quarterfinals of the mixed team event, while Atanu Das and Pravin Jadhav failed to progress beyond the first round of the men's individual event.

Testosterone in Sports: A Controversial IssueTestosterone, a sex hormone produced by both men and women, has become a contentious topic in the world of sports. While men naturally produce significantly higher levels of testosterone, women can also have elevated levels due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.In sports, testosterone can enhance bone and muscle mass, making it a potential performance-enhancing substance. However, the extent to which it boosts performance remains a subject of debate. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) acknowledges that there is no scientific consensus on the matter.The issue gained prominence at the 2021 Tokyo Games with the participation of Laurel Hubbard, the first openly transgender woman to compete in an Olympic event. To qualify, she had to maintain testosterone levels below 10 nmol per liter for at least 12 months. Despite meeting the requirements, her participation drew criticism.In 2022, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was disqualified from the boxing world championships due to elevated testosterone levels. However, the International Boxing Association (IBA) has since stated that she did not undergo a testosterone examination but was subject to a separate test with confidential specifics.The IOC has taken responsibility for organizing boxing at the Paris Games due to governance issues at the IBA. IOC spokesman Mark Adams emphasized that all participants in the women's event comply with eligibility rules and that testosterone levels alone cannot determine eligibility.The controversy surrounding testosterone in sports highlights the complex interplay between biology, gender, and athletic performance. While it is essential to ensure fair competition, it is equally important to avoid discriminatory practices based on natural variations in hormone levels.

Olympic Glory Beckons for Richardson, Biles, and More on Penultimate DayThe penultimate day of the Paris Olympics promises thrilling action across multiple disciplines, with stars like Sha'Carri Richardson, Simone Biles, and Katie Ledecky vying for gold.Richardson's Quest for 100m GloryFlamboyant American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, the reigning world champion and fastest woman in the world this year, is poised to make history in the women's 100m final on Saturday. Aiming to become the first American since Gail Devers in 1996 to win Olympic gold in the event, Richardson cruised through her heat in 10.94sec. Her main rival, Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred, will pose a significant challenge, but Richardson remains the favorite.Biles Eyes Third Gold in VaultAfter her tumultuous experience in Tokyo, Simone Biles has already secured two gold medals in Paris. The 27-year-old gymnast now sets her sights on the vault final, where she will once again face defending champion Rebeca Andrade. Biles acknowledges the formidable competition from the Brazilian but remains determined to add to her medal count.Gender Controversy in BoxingTwo boxers, Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting and Algeria's Imane Khelif, have found themselves at the center of a gender controversy. Both fighters were disqualified from the 2023 world championships for failing to meet "eligibility criteria" but have been cleared to compete in Paris by the IOC. This decision has sparked outrage among some athletes, including Hungarian boxer Anna Luca Hamori, who will face Khelif.Ledecky Targets 800m Freestyle GoldAmerican swimming sensation Katie Ledecky, now the most decorated US woman Olympian, seeks to add 800m freestyle gold to her 1500m title. Australia's Ariarne Titmus will be her primary challenger, while Canadian breakout star Summer McIntosh aims for her third gold of the Games in the women's 200m medley.Zheng Qinwen's Historic Tennis BidRising Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen has a chance to make history for her country in the women's singles final. She faces Croatia's Donna Vekic on the same court where Li Na became China's first Grand Slam champion 13 years ago. Zheng's victory would mark a significant milestone for Chinese tennis.

Fifteen years ago, Malay Desai, a college student, never imagined himself capturing the iconic moments of Rafael Nadal's potential last match at Roland Garros. Today, as a 38-year-old Mumbai-based content creator, he finds himself at the heart of the Paris Olympics, leading a team of five to produce captivating content for the official Olympic channels and social media.Desai's journey into the sports content industry was serendipitous. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for sports, he stumbled upon an opportunity to create content for the Olympics. Since then, he has been preparing diligently for this moment, working tirelessly since January to ensure the delivery of exceptional content.As part of his role, Desai has witnessed the electrifying atmosphere of the hockey matches, the precision and power of boxing, and the finesse of badminton. He has also had the privilege of capturing the historic moment when Nadal and his doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz lost their match."I was so close to the hockey action that volunteers warned us about the potential danger of flying balls," Desai recalls. "It was an exhilarating experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to witness these incredible events firsthand."Desai's team is responsible for creating reels and videos that showcase the highlights of the Olympics, capturing the emotions, triumphs, and challenges of the athletes. Their content is tailored specifically for Indian audiences, providing them with an immersive and engaging experience.Beyond content creation, Desai also produces a daily show, where he shares his insights and analysis of the Games. He has the unique responsibility of selecting the content that makes it to the official Olympics feed and social media handles in India."It's an honor to be able to share these moments with the Indian audience," Desai says. "We want to bring the spirit of the Olympics to every corner of our country."After the Games conclude, Desai plans to take a well-deserved break with his family, exploring the cultural landmarks of Paris. He hopes to visit the Centre Pompidou and stroll through the charming La Marais neighborhood.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has sparked controversy by awarding $50,000 to Italian boxer Angela Carini after she withdrew from her Olympic bout against Algerian Imane Khelif. The incident has reignited the debate over gender eligibility in sports.Carini's withdrawal came after just 46 seconds of the welterweight round-of-16 match, as she was overwhelmed by Khelif's aggressive punches. The IBA, which was stripped of its international recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year, also announced that Carini's federation and coach would each receive $25,000.The controversy stems from the IBA's eligibility rules, which prohibit athletes with male XY chromosomes from competing in women's events. Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting were cleared to compete in Paris despite failing the IBA's eligibility rules at the 2023 World Championships.IBA President Umar Kremlev defended the decision to award Carini prize money, stating that he was "not indifferent to such situations" and that the IBA would "protect each boxer." He also questioned why "they kill women's boxing" and emphasized that only eligible athletes should compete for safety reasons.Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni weighed in on the controversy, noting that Carini faced a boxer with physical advantages, making it "not a fight between equals." The incident has led to increased scrutiny of the IBA's eligibility rules, which are based on those from the Tokyo Games in 2021 and cannot be altered during the ongoing competition.However, not everyone agrees with the criticism. WBC women's world featherweight champion Skye Nicolson defended Khelif and Lin, arguing that they had been competing as women throughout their careers. She suggested that Carini's withdrawal could have been a "publicity stunt."The controversy over gender eligibility in sports is likely to continue, as the IBA's rules are based on scientific evidence that suggests that athletes with male XY chromosomes have a physical advantage over those with female XX chromosomes. The IOC has stated that it will review the IBA's eligibility rules after the Paris Olympics.

Manu Bhaker, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy, may not have returned from the Paris Olympics 2024 with a third medal, but she etched her name in history as India's first dual medal winner at a single edition of the Games.After securing two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol and mixed team events, Bhaker was poised to complete a hat-trick in the women's 25m air pistol. However, she narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing fourth in the final.Despite the disappointment, Bhaker's performance was met with an outpouring of support from the Indian public. She had previously urged them not to be disheartened if she failed to win a third medal, and her wish was granted."I got really nervous in the last shot. I was trying to keep calm, but it was not enough. Fourth place is not a very good place," Bhaker said after the event.Despite the setback, Bhaker remained optimistic. "Already looking forward to the next one," she declared.During her time in Paris, Bhaker achieved several historic firsts for India. She opened the country's medal account with her bronze in the 10m air pistol, becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting in 12 years.Her second bronze, in the mixed team event, further cemented her status as a rising star. In just 72 hours, Bhaker had become a national icon.With her exceptional talent and unwavering determination, Bhaker represents a bright future for Indian shooting. She expressed gratitude to all those who supported her journey, including the Ministry of Sports, SAI, Prime Minister Modi, her coach, and her family."I hope we come up with a better result next time," Bhaker said, reflecting on her experience in Paris.

Martha Stewart's 83rd birthday celebration at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games took an unexpected turn when she was surprised by two unlikely guests: Snoop Dogg and Cookie Monster. The pair hijacked Martha's interview with Hollywood Access, bringing with them a whimsical cone-shaped cake made of multi-coloured macarons."Oh, Cookie Monster, you're so sweet," Martha exclaimed, picking out a macaron for herself. The trio then proceeded to groove to Snoop's hit song "Drop It Like It's Hot."The friendship between Snoop and Martha dates back to 2008, when Snoop joined the chef on her iconic The Martha Stewart Show to make mashed potatoes. Since then, they have collaborated on numerous projects, including the 2015 Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber and the celebrity cooking show Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party.In a humorous NBC video, Martha rated Snoop's Olympic outfits, from his gold suit to his Ralph Lauren jacket. Snoop has expressed his admiration for Martha, calling her his "homegirl" and acknowledging their "special bond."Snoop and Cookie Monster are part of the NBC team covering the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, along with guest Martha. "It's been so much fun in Paris. This has been the most exciting Olympics," Martha said about the Games.The surprise visit by Snoop and Cookie Monster added a touch of whimsy and fun to Martha's birthday celebration, showcasing the enduring friendship between the unlikely duo.

The United States shattered the world record in the heats of the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics on Friday, setting a blistering pace that sent shockwaves through the competition. The quartet of Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon, and Kaylyn Brown clocked an astonishing 3min 07.41sec, obliterating the previous best of 3:08.80 set by the US at the World Championships in Budapest last year.Vernon Norwood, the lead-off runner, emphasized the importance of executing flawless hand-offs. "We wanted to come out here and execute good hand-offs," Norwood said. "We set the tone for the rest of the United States with that world record."Shamier Little, the second leg, echoed Norwood's sentiments. "We have a really good group of guys and gals," Little said. "I'm just really excited, first of all for our record, and that's only in the prelim, so it's only up from here."Bryce Deadmon, the third leg, described the electrifying atmosphere at the Stade de France, where a sell-out crowd of 69,000 cheered them on. "It was completely different compared to Tokyo in 2021 just for the simple fact that we have fans out here," Deadmon said. "I was running down the curve and I was like, 'Ah damn, it's kind of loud in here.' It's a great experience. I'm excited to see what the rest of the Games are going to bring."Kaylyn Brown, the anchor leg, brought the baton home in record-breaking fashion. "It was an amazing feeling," Brown said. "I knew I had to give it my all for the team, and I'm so proud of what we accomplished today."The US team's world record performance not only set a new benchmark but also inspired other nations to push their limits. France, Belgium, and Jamaica all set national records in the same heat, finishing in second, third, and fourth places, respectively. Britain won the second heat in another national record time of 3:10.61, ahead of the Netherlands and Italy.The mixed relay, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo, has quickly become a fan favorite. Poland won gold in Tokyo, followed by the Dominican Republic and the US. The final of the mixed 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics is scheduled for Saturday at 1855 GMT.