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Indian shooter Arjun Babuta has expressed disappointment over the lack of support he has received from the Punjab government despite his remarkable achievements in the sport. Babuta, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in the men's 10m Air Rifle event at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, has been vocal about his expectations for job security and recognition from the state government.In an interview with ANI, Babuta revealed that he has not received any benefits from the Punjab government despite his success. He recalled a promise made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and then Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in 2022 to offer him a government job. However, Babuta said he has yet to receive a concrete response to his request."I have written a letter in this regard, but in reply, I was told to wait. It is very disappointing and I hope they will look into it as job security is very important. I hope they will acknowledge my efforts. I should be given a certain rank according to my achievements in sports," Babuta said.Babuta also criticized the Punjab government for its alleged neglect of sports in the state. He pointed out that while Chief Ministers of other states welcomed and celebrated shooters from their respective states who participated in the Olympics, the Punjab government failed to do so."Governments are changing, but the demand remains the same. The hope is slowly fading away. The Chief Ministers of different states cheered and met the shooters from their respective states who participated in the Olympics. But nothing was done by the Punjab CM and state Sports Minister for the shooters from the state. They didn't even welcome us at the airport," Babuta added.Babuta's comments highlight the challenges faced by athletes in India, particularly those from smaller states. Despite their achievements on the international stage, many athletes struggle to receive adequate support and recognition from their state governments.Despite the setbacks, Babuta remains determined to continue his shooting career. He has set his sights on the LA 28 Olympics and the Shooting World Cup. With his talent and dedication, Babuta has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.

Indian distance runner Parul Chaudhary narrowly missed her national record in the women's 5000m race at the Paris Olympics, finishing 24th overall. Despite her impressive performance, Chaudhary and fellow Indian Ankita Dhyani failed to qualify for the final round.Chaudhary, who holds the national record of 15 minutes 10.35 seconds, clocked 15:10.68 in heat number one, finishing 14th. Dhyani placed 20th and last in the same heat, finishing 40th overall.The qualification round was dominated by reigning Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, who topped the standings with a time of 14:57.56. Tokyo Games gold medallist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands followed closely behind with a time of 14:57.65. Current 5000m world record holder Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia finished fifth overall with a time of 14:57.84.Only the top eight finishers in each of the two heats advanced to the final round. Chaudhary, who had qualified for the 5000m race through world ranking quota, was unable to meet the direct entry time of 14:52.00. Dhyani also qualified through world ranking quota and made the cut at the last minute.Chaudhary's primary event at the Paris Olympics is the 3000m steeplechase, which she will compete in on Sunday. She had hoped to qualify for the 5000m final as well, but her narrow miss by one-third of a second proved costly.Despite the disappointment, Chaudhary's performance is a testament to her talent and determination. She remains a strong contender in the 3000m steeplechase and will be looking to make a mark in that event at the Paris Olympics.

Adriana Ruano Oliva's historic triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has etched her name into the annals of Guatemalan sports history. Her gold medal in the women's trap final marks the nation's first-ever Olympic gold and its second medal overall, following Jean Pierre Brol Cardenas's bronze in the men's trap event.Oliva's victory is particularly significant as she became the first Guatemalan woman to medal at the Olympics. Her score of 45 set a new Olympic record, and she stood on the podium amidst a sea of jubilant Guatemalan fans. Italy's Silvana Maria Stanco claimed the silver with a score of 40, while Penny Smith of Australia took the bronze.Oliva's journey to gold is a testament to her resilience and determination. Initially aspiring to be an Olympic gymnast, her career was cut short by a severe spinal injury in 2011. Following her doctor's advice, she took up shooting to remain in sports without aggravating her injury.In 2016, Oliva considered volunteering at the Rio Olympics. Inspired by watching her teammates compete, she decided to pursue shooting as a competitive sport. Her hard work and dedication paid off, culminating in her historic gold medal in Paris.Oliva's victory has not only brought glory to Guatemala but has also inspired a generation of sportspeople in the country. Her story of overcoming personal challenges and achieving her dreams serves as a beacon of hope and determination for all aspiring athletes.

The controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has taken a new turn with the emergence of a childhood picture that appears to confirm her female identity. Khelif, who won her first Olympic boxing bout on Thursday, has faced scrutiny over her gender, with the International Boxing Association (IBA) expressing concerns about her eligibility.According to multiple reports, Khelif was born a female and has always identified as one. The childhood picture, which has been widely shared on social media, shows her as a young girl. Khelif has participated in boxing in women's categories since she was a child, winning a silver medal at the 2022 IBA World Championship.However, last year at the women's world boxing championship in India, Khelif was banned due to apparent excessive testosterone levels. This decision was met with controversy, as Khelif had previously been cleared to compete in women's events.The IBA has condemned the IOC's decision to permit Khelif to participate in the Olympics, arguing that it is an "inconsistent application of eligibility criteria." The IBA maintains that based on previous evaluations, Khelif has "competitive advantages over other female competitors."Social media has been divided over the controversy, with many users expressing support for Khelif after her childhood picture surfaced. Critics have questioned the need for Khelif to provide proof of her childhood being spent as a girl and a woman.Khelif's case has highlighted the complex issue of transgender athletes in sports. The IBA's eligibility criteria, which prohibit athletes with XY chromosomes from competing in the women's category, have been criticized by some as discriminatory.The controversy is likely to continue as Khelif progresses through the Olympic tournament. Her next bout is scheduled for Saturday, and a victory would further fuel the debate over her eligibility.

India's historic Olympic archery journey came to a heart-wrenching end as Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara narrowly missed out on a bronze medal, losing 2-6 to the USA's Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison.The Indian duo made history by becoming the first archers to reach an Olympic medal match, but their dream of a podium finish was shattered in the bronze medal contest. The first set was a close affair, with the USA pair edging out India 38-37. Ankita's 7-pointer at the start of the set proved costly for India.The pressure mounted in the second set, and Ankita's first arrow was a low 7. Despite Casey's 8-pointer, Brady's double 10 gave the USA a commanding 4-0 lead. India fought back in the third set, with Dhiraj's 10, 9, and 9, 10 combination. Casey's weak link for the USA, shooting 7 and 8 in this set.However, in the decider, Ankita faltered again with a double 8. Dhiraj's 9 and 10 were not enough as Brady and Casey shot 10, 9, and 9, 9 to win the fourth set 37-35 and secure the bronze medal.Earlier in the day, Ankita and Dhiraj had made history by reaching the semi-finals, where they faced the two-time Olympic finalists from Korea. The Indian pair started strongly, taking the first set 36-38, but the Koreans fought back to win the second set 38-35.In the quarterfinal, India defeated Spain 38-37 38-38 36-37 37-36. Ankita and Dhiraj took the first set 38-37, but Spain tied the scores in the second set 38-all. India's 3-1 advantage was neutralized in the third set, but they held their nerves in the fourth set to win 37-36 and secure a semifinal spot.The Indian recurve mixed team had also performed admirably, rallying past Indonesia to enter the quarterfinals. Dhiraj and Ankita consistently shot 9s and 10s, with Ankita shooting 10s in her last three attempts to take the pair into the last eight stage.

Indian men's hockey team made history at the Tokyo Olympics by defeating Australia 3-2 in a thrilling Group B encounter on August 2, marking their first Olympic victory over the Aussies in 52 years.The match began with India dominating the proceedings, with Abhishek scoring a brilliant field goal in the first quarter. Captain Harmanpreet Singh followed suit with a penalty corner conversion, giving India a commanding 2-0 lead.Australia's Thomas Craig narrowed the margin with a beautiful goal, but Harmanpreet restored India's two-goal advantage in the 32nd minute, scoring his sixth goal of the Olympics.In the 55th minute, Australia's Govers scored through a penalty stroke, bringing the score to 3-2. The Aussies pressed hard for an equalizer, but goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh stood tall, making several crucial saves to preserve India's lead.India's victory was a testament to their determination and resilience. They played with passion and skill, overcoming a strong Australian team. The win not only ended a long drought but also boosted India's hopes of a medal at the Tokyo Games.

Indian Athletes Receive Portable ACs to Combat Paris HeatIndian athletes competing at the Paris Olympic Games have been provided with 40 portable air conditioners by the country's sports ministry to alleviate the discomfort caused by soaring temperatures and inadequate cooling in their rooms at the Olympic Village.The decision to provide the ACs was made after discussions with the Indian Olympic Association and the French Embassy in India. The ministry recognized the challenges faced by athletes due to the extreme heat and humidity in Paris, which have been exacerbated by the organizers' decision to minimize air conditioning to reduce the event's carbon footprint.Temperatures in Paris and Chateauroux, the two main Olympic venues, have reached uncomfortable levels, with reports indicating that they have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius on some days. During the men's 50m rifle 3-positions event, all eight finalists, including India's bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale, were visibly sweating profusely at the Chateauroux shooting range.Prior to the Games, several contingents expressed concerns about the weather conditions in Paris, prompting the USA contingent to bring their own portable air conditioners. Other countries have reportedly followed suit, and India has now joined the bandwagon.The portable ACs provided by the Indian sports ministry are plug-and-play units that have been distributed to athletes in their rooms at the Olympic Village. The ministry expects that the ACs will provide a more comfortable living environment and facilitate better rest, which is crucial for optimal performance.The decision to provide the ACs was made on Friday, and the cost is being borne by the ministry. The move has been welcomed by athletes, who have expressed their gratitude for the support and the improved living conditions.

From the depths of Afghanistan's oppressive regime, Fariba Hashimi and her sister Yulduz emerged as beacons of resilience and determination. Their journey, marked by secret cycling races and the indomitable spirit to defy societal norms, culminated in their escape from the Taliban and the pursuit of their Olympic dreams.Growing up in Faryab, a province under Taliban rule, Fariba and Yulduz faced constant fear and restrictions. Despite the ban on women's sports, their passion for cycling ignited when they stumbled upon an advertisement for a race. With borrowed bicycles and concealed identities, they triumphed, finishing one-two.Their secret training sessions, hidden from their parents and the watchful eyes of the Taliban, became a testament to their unwavering resolve. However, Yulduz's attack for engaging in a "boys' activity" served as a stark reminder of the dangers they faced.The Taliban's takeover in 2021 shattered their hopes of pursuing their passion freely. With their lives in peril, they fled Afghanistan with the help of former Italian world champion cyclist Alessandra Cappellotto.Upon arriving in Italy, Fariba experienced a stark contrast to her former life. She found love, support, and most importantly, freedom. Her travels to other Muslim countries revealed the stark disparity in women's rights and opportunities.Determined to use her platform, Fariba aims to amplify the voices of the 20 million women in Afghanistan who are denied basic freedoms. She believes that the Paris Games will provide a global stage to advocate for their rights and aspirations.Despite the Taliban's replacement of Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) continues to recognize the Afghan officials living in exile. Hafizullah Wali Rahimi, President of the AOC, remains hopeful that international pressure will lead to positive changes.Mohammad Farid Naseem, Fariba and Yulduz's coach, remains steadfast in his support for Afghan women in sports. He believes that their participation in the Olympics will inspire others to defy societal barriers.The IOC has played a crucial role in supporting Afghan athletes, facilitating their evacuation and maintaining dialogue with Afghan sports authorities to overturn the restrictions on women's sports.As Fariba prepares to compete under the Afghan flag in the Paris Games, she carries the message of resistance and the unwavering fight for rights. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and defy the odds.

Indian rower Balraj Panwar's Olympic debut came to an end with a fifth-place finish in the men's singles sculls final D at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Panwar clocked 7:02.37 to rank fifth in the classification event, finishing 23rd overall.Panwar's journey to the Olympics was marked by determination and perseverance. Despite taking up rowing only four years ago, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning a Paris 2024 quota by winning a bronze medal at the Asian and Oceanian Rowing Olympic Qualification Regatta in April 2023.At the Games, Panwar displayed his resilience and skill. He finished fourth in the first heat and second in the second repechage rounds, showcasing his ability to adapt and compete at the highest level. However, his medal hopes were dashed in the quarterfinals, where he finished fifth with a time of 7:05.10.Despite not reaching the podium, Panwar's performance is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He narrowly missed out on India's best finish in rowing at the Olympics, which currently belongs to the men's lightweight double sculls duo of Arjun Lal Jat and Arvind Singh, who finished 11th at Tokyo 2020.Panwar's journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes. His rapid rise in the sport demonstrates that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. As India continues to develop its rowing program, Panwar's performance serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of rowers.