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Pakistan's Olympic history is synonymous with hockey glory, with all of its gold medals coming from the sport. The legendary Pakistani hockey team of the 1950s captured their first gold at the 1956 Melbourne Games, and their last medal at the grandest stage was also won by the hockey team at the 1992 Barcelona Games.However, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Pakistan's contingent arrived without a hockey team for the first time in history, marking a significant departure from their past Olympic successes. This absence has sparked a debate among Pakistani sports enthusiasts, particularly after a commentator's remarks during the opening ceremony."Pakistan is a country of over 240 million people, but only 7 athletes are competing at the Olympics," the commentator stated, drawing criticism from Pakistani fans who felt humiliated by the observation.Despite the absence of a hockey team, Pakistan's contingent of 18 athletes is determined to make an impact in Paris. Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem is considered the country's medal hope, having won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.In the 10m air pistol men's qualification, Joseph Gulfam finished 22nd, while Kishmala Talat placed 31st in the women's event. In the mixed team event, Talat and Gulfam secured the 14th spot. Swimmers Ahmed Durrani and Jehanara Nabi also failed to advance to the medal rounds.Pakistan's performance in Paris has raised questions about the state of sports in the country. The absence of a hockey team and the limited number of athletes competing have highlighted the challenges faced by Pakistani athletes in achieving international success.

Ukraine's Olga Kharlan, a fencing legend, has dedicated her bronze medal in the women's sabre event at the Paris Olympics to her war-torn country. Despite missing out on the individual gold she had set her sights on, Kharlan's bronze was a testament to her resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.Kharlan, 33, staged a remarkable comeback from an 11-5 deficit to defeat South Korea's Choi Se-bin in front of a crowd that included her mother, sister, and nephew. Her father, however, was unable to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.The bronze medal marked Ukraine's first at the Paris Olympics and was a poignant moment for Kharlan, who has been an outspoken critic of Russia's invasion of her country. She has repeatedly used her platform to condemn the war and call for peace."It's really special," said a beaming Kharlan after her victory. "It's like infinity. It's special for my country. It's for the people of Ukraine, for defenders (soldiers), for athletes who couldn't come here because they were killed by Russia."Kharlan's bronze medal was a culmination of her unwavering determination and the sacrifices she has made since the war began. She has rarely been home, and when she did return, she had to seek shelter from Russian airstrikes."I've been at home five times probably for one week," said Kharlan. "It's all the sacrifices. And all the news, all the tragic moments that we had when Russia bombed and killed people. We all take it. So that's why it's tough."Despite the challenges, Kharlan has remained focused on her sport and used it as a platform to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine. Her bronze medal is a symbol of hope and resilience, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.

Manu Bhaker's Olympic triumph has brought joy to India, but her coach, Jaspal Rana, faces a different reality. Despite his role in Manu's success, Rana has been struggling financially for the past three years, without a regular salary from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) or any other sporting body.Rana's plight stems from a fallout with Manu after her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where a pistol malfunction hindered her medal chances. However, the duo reconciled and worked together to achieve Manu's bronze medal in Paris.Rana's emotional outburst during an interview with RevSportz revealed the abuse he endured after Manu's Tokyo exit. He questioned the hypocrisy of those who now seek interviews with him after vilifying him.Despite his delight in Manu's Olympic success, Rana emphasized his financial struggles. He expressed his gratitude to PT Usha and Captain Ajay Narang for facilitating his accreditation for the Paris Games, but acknowledged the challenges he faced even with that.Rana's coaching approach with Manu involves subtle tweaks rather than imposing his views. He believes in empowering shooters with their own knowledge and skills.Rana's financial situation has taken a toll on him. He expressed his desire to find a job upon his return to India, highlighting the difficulties he has faced in the past three years.Rana's story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by coaches and support staff in the sporting world. While athletes receive the limelight, those who guide them often struggle to make ends meet.

Abhinav Bindra Initiates Unique Tradition at Paris 2024 OlympicsIn a historic moment at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra became the first Indian to perform the "Red Baton" ritual, a new tradition that signals the commencement of events.The Red Baton, also known as the "brigadier," is a red baton that is tapped three times on the floor before the start of an event. The ritual originated in French theater in the 17th century, where it was used to signal the audience that the performance was about to begin and to maintain silence.In the context of the Olympics, the Red Baton ritual has been adopted as an honorary tradition. It is believed that the three taps represent the essential elements of performing arts: the actors, the spectators, and the story. Another theory suggests that the Holy Trinity is represented in the ritual, while a third belief states that the actor's key positions on stage are celebrated.Bindra was invited to perform the ritual at the Women's 10m Air Rifle final on July 29. As India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medalist, Bindra's presence added a special significance to the occasion.The ritual, however, did not bring luck to Indian shooter Ramita, who was eliminated in seventh place. Nonetheless, the Red Baton tradition has become a unique and memorable aspect of the Paris 2024 Olympics, adding a touch of history and symbolism to the proceedings.

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman from the country to win an Olympic medal in shooting. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Bhaker secured a bronze medal in the 10m Women's Individual Air Pistol event, marking a significant milestone for Indian sports.Bhaker's triumph is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. After experiencing a disappointing malfunction in her pistol at the Tokyo Olympics, she returned to the world stage with renewed focus and determination. Her performance in Paris not only brought glory to India but also inspired countless aspiring shooters across the nation.In the qualification round, Bhaker displayed her exceptional skills, finishing third to secure a place in the final. The final was a nail-biting affair, with Bhaker facing stiff competition from top shooters worldwide. However, she remained composed and focused, delivering a series of precise shots that ultimately earned her the bronze medal.Bhaker's victory has been met with widespread praise and recognition. In addition to the Eiffel Tower badge awarded to all medalists at the Paris Games, she has received accolades from the Indian government and sports authorities. Her achievement has also sparked a renewed interest in shooting among young Indians, who now see her as a role model and inspiration.Bhaker's success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing strength of Indian shooting. The country has produced several world-class shooters in recent years, and Bhaker's medal is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of these athletes and their coaches.As the Paris Olympics continue, Bhaker has the opportunity to add to her medal tally. She is scheduled to compete in the mixed team 10m Air Pistol event alongside her partner Sarabjot Singh. If they manage to secure a medal in this event, Bhaker will further cement her status as one of India's greatest shooters.

Former US President Donald Trump has vehemently criticized the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, labeling it a "disgrace." The ceremony has sparked outrage among some viewers, particularly over a scene that critics allege parodied Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting "The Last Supper."Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president in the upcoming November elections, expressed his disapproval during an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle." "I thought that the opening ceremony was a disgrace, actually. I thought it was a disgrace," he stated.The opening ceremony has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising its artistic vision and others condemning its perceived mockery of Christian imagery. The scene in question featured a group of transgender performers seated at a table, resembling the disciples in "The Last Supper."Trump's criticism has been echoed by other conservative figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. In a post on social media, Johnson denounced the ceremony as "shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world."The controversy surrounding the opening ceremony has highlighted the ongoing debate over the role of religion and cultural sensitivity in major sporting events. Some argue that the ceremony's portrayal of Christian imagery was disrespectful, while others defend it as a form of artistic expression.The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet commented on the controversy. However, the organization has previously stated that it is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion at the Olympic Games.The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked a heated debate over the intersection of art, religion, and cultural sensitivity. As the Games continue, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the overall atmosphere and perception of the event.

India's Medal Hopes and Schedule for Day 4 of Paris Olympics 2024On the fourth day of the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian fans will eagerly anticipate the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze medal match, where Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh will face South Korea. Trap shooter Prithviraj Tondaiman also has a chance at a medal if he qualifies for the final.The Indian hockey team will aim to bounce back from their previous loss when they take on Ireland in a Pool B match. Three top Indian boxers - Amit Panghal, Jaismine Lamboria, and Preeti Pawar - will also be in action.Archery:* Women's Individual: Ankita Bhakat and Bhajan Kaur will compete in the 1/32 Elimination Round.* Men's Individual: Dhiraj Bommadevara will participate in the 1/32 Elimination Round.Badminton:* Men's Doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will face Alfian Fajar and Muhammad Rian Ardianto of Indonesia in the group stage.* Women's Doubles: Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto will take on Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu of Australia in the group stage.Boxing:* Men's 51kg Round of 16: Amit Panghal will face Patrick Chinyemba of Zambia.* Women's 57kg Round of 32: Jaismine Lamboria will compete against Nesthy Petecio of the Philippines.* Women's 54kg Round of 16: Preeti Pawar will face Yeni Marcela Arias of Colombia.Equestrian:* Dressage Individual Grand Prix (Day 1): Anush Agarwalla will participate in the event.Hockey:* Men's Pool B Match: India will face Ireland in a crucial match.Rowing:* Men's Singles Sculls - Quarter-finals: Balraj Panwar will compete in the quarter-finals.Shooting:* Trap Men's Qualification (Day 2): Prithviraj Tondaiman will aim to qualify for the final.* Trap Men's Final (subject to qualification): Tondaiman will compete for a medal if he qualifies.* Trap Women's Qualification (Day 1): Shreyasi Singh and Rajeshwari Kumari will participate in the qualification round.

For most teams, the Olympics is a meticulously planned four-year cycle, from player selection to training regimens and target setting. However, for the Indian men's hockey team, Craig Fulton had just five months to prepare them for the Olympic qualifiers. Now, as the team prepares to take the field for their opening game on Sunday, Fulton will have been in charge for exactly 15 months.For the Indian team, this is nothing new. The team and the sport have witnessed a revolving door of coaches and playing styles over the years, leading to a remarkable adaptability among the players.In a candid conversation, Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh, the duo responsible for India's hockey fortunes in Paris, shared their insights:Partnership and Communication:"He's like a big brother," says Harmanpreet about Fulton. "We have open discussions on every situation with the team. The trust is very high."Fulton echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of trust in building a strong partnership. "Once you have that, you can be honest and then you can move mountains."Team Environment and Expectations:"The expectation is through the roof," says Fulton. "But we have a good environment and a good staff."Harmanpreet adds, "We are very close to what we want to achieve in major tournaments."Leadership and Growth:As captain, Harmanpreet has embraced his responsibilities. "I think the big change is you have more responsibilities and need to talk more, be a good communicator and guide the team."He has also experienced personal growth. "I have become a father so patience levels have skyrocketed! But seriously, as a senior player and with growing maturity, you learn to handle different situations and play smartly."Team Composition and Strategy:Fulton explains the team's selection process. "What strengths we have in the squad, what do we need for who we playing against, how do we play our best hockey?"He believes the team's chemistry and balance in attack and defense are key to their success.Rankings and Pressure:"Rankings are there for periods of time," says Fulton. "Right now, we are seventh, but we don't want to be there."Harmanpreet acknowledges the pressure but remains focused. "The responsibility to score is there but it is not a pressure. We have variations that we have not revealed."Medal Hopes and Legacy:"It'll be a reward for the process that we've put in place," says Fulton about the possibility of a medal.Harmanpreet adds, "It will be everything for me. More importantly, I want to bring back the time when people thronged to watch hockey matches and loved the game – a medal will be key to reach more people and revive the game more than ever before."

Australia's swimming dominance stems from a meticulously designed talent pipeline that identifies and nurtures young swimmers from a young age. With a population of just 27 million, Australia faces stiff competition from swimming powerhouses like the United States and China. To overcome this challenge, the country has implemented a comprehensive system that ensures a steady flow of world-class swimmers.The Australian swimming structure revolves around eight high-performance centers, known as performance hubs, located across different states. These hubs collaborate with swimming clubs and state talent leagues to identify promising young swimmers. National youth technical leads work closely with coaches at these clubs to monitor and develop young talent.At around age 13-14 for girls and 14-15 for boys, swimmers are invited to participate in national event camps. These camps focus on stroke-specific development and provide young swimmers with access to expert coaching and training facilities. The goal is to identify and nurture swimmers with exceptional talent and competitive intelligence.The Australian system also emphasizes multi-sport development, recognizing that early specialization can hinder long-term success. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in other sports to develop their overall athleticism and competitive spirit.As swimmers progress through the system, they are supported by a network of highly skilled coaches. Australia boasts some of the world's best coaches, who work collaboratively with the national team to ensure that swimmers receive the highest level of training and support.The success of Australia's swimming pipeline was evident at the Tokyo Olympics, where the country won nine gold medals, finishing second only to the United States. At the Paris Olympics, Australia has already matched the United States with two gold medals.The Australian swimming structure is a testament to the country's commitment to excellence in the sport. By investing in talent identification, stroke-specific development, and a collaborative coaching network, Australia has created a system that consistently produces world-class swimmers.