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Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana's unique training regimen has been instrumental in their success in shooting. During each training session, they set a specific target score. If Manu fails to achieve it, she incurs a fine equivalent to the deficit in points. This fine is either donated or used to purchase items for distribution to people in need.Rana's coaching methods are unconventional and demanding. He pushes Manu to her limits, both technically and mentally. This approach has helped Manu regain her focus and love for shooting after a period of setbacks.After a bitter public fallout, Manu reached out to Rana, seeking his guidance once again. Rana's unwavering belief in her potential and his rigorous training methods have played a crucial role in Manu's redemption.In preparation for the Chateauroux competition, Rana subjected Manu to intense training in conditions that simulated the warm temperatures inside the ranges. This meticulous preparation paid off, as Manu secured a bronze medal.Rana's passion for the sport is matched by Manu's dedication. Their journey has been marked by challenges, but they have emerged stronger and more determined. Rana believes that Manu has the potential to push her limits even further and achieve greater success in the future.

South Sudan's historic Olympic debut in men's basketball was marred by an unfortunate glitch, but the team's resilience and determination shone through as they secured their first Olympic victory.Prior to the game against Puerto Rico, the wrong national anthem was played for South Sudan, a nation that emerged from civil war to gain independence in 2011. The error, which cut off the anthem after 20 seconds, left the Sudanese players and fans bewildered.However, the team's coach, Royal Ivey, an American, rallied his players, emphasizing the importance of national pride and the need to earn respect. The correct anthem was eventually played, and the South Sudanese players embraced, ready to face the challenge."It gave us fuel to the fire," said forward Nuni Omot. "We felt disrespected, but we have to continue to show the world what we're capable of."Despite the initial setback, South Sudan played with heart and determination, overcoming a 10-point deficit to secure a 90-79 victory. Omot praised the support from Puerto Rico's players and fans, who showed solidarity during the anthem mix-up."Respect to them," Omot said. "They want us to succeed, and they listened and waited for us. That's a testament to the type of people they are."Coach Ivey commended his players for their resilience and focus. "These guys wanted to play," he said. "They wanted to hear their anthem. We all make mistakes, but at the end of the day, these guys are brothers."South Sudan's victory marks a significant milestone for the young nation, showcasing their talent and determination on the world stage. The team's journey is a testament to the power of sports to unite and inspire.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony, a daring and unconventional spectacle, has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from some Catholic groups and French bishops. The ceremony, choreographed by theater director Thomas Jolly, featured scenes that were perceived as mocking Christianity, particularly a performance involving dancers, drag queens, and a DJ in poses reminiscent of the Last Supper.Paris 2024 organizers have expressed regret for any offense caused but have vehemently denied any intention to disrespect religious beliefs. Spokeswoman Anne Descamps emphasized that the ceremony aimed to promote tolerance and inclusivity, not to denigrate any faith.Jolly, the ceremony's director, has also defended his work, stating that it was inspired by pagan mythology and not by the Last Supper. He emphasized his commitment to creating a unifying and celebratory event that reflects France's Republican values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.Despite the controversy, the opening ceremony has been met with widespread praise. A poll commissioned by Paris 2024 revealed that the majority of French people viewed the ceremony positively. American broadcaster NBC reported that the procession was the most-watched start to an Olympics since London 2012, while German broadcaster ARD claimed it was the most-watched in 20 years.The ceremony also featured other striking moments, including the appearance of a woman holding a bloodied severed head, representing executed French queen Marie-Antoinette. Jolly clarified that the scene was not intended to glorify the guillotine but rather to highlight its historical significance.With around 700,000 spectators expected to attend events around Paris on Sunday, the second full day of the Games, the opening ceremony has set the stage for an unforgettable and thought-provoking Olympic experience.

The Paris La Defense Arena witnessed an electrifying night of swimming, with the Americans and Australians making their presence felt. The highly anticipated 400m freestyle race between Katie Ledecky, Ariarne Titmus, and Summer Mcintosh lived up to its billing.Titmus, the reigning Olympic champion, dominated the race from start to finish, leading every split and touching the wall in 3:57:49. Ledecky, the American swimming legend, finished third, while Mcintosh, the Canadian teenager, claimed silver.Titmus's victory marked another chapter in her growing rivalry with Ledecky. Since 2021, Titmus has been undefeated in the 400m freestyle final, including at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 World Championships.The rivalry between the two swimmers has pushed them to new heights, with both athletes shaving fractions of seconds off their respective timings. Mcintosh's emergence as a contender has added another layer of excitement to the competition.Despite her defeat, Ledecky remains a formidable force in swimming. She has won eight individual Olympic medals, tying her with Carl Lewis and Ray Ewry in the American honors list.After the race, Titmus expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete against Ledecky and Mcintosh. "Any time I get to race either of those girls, it's an amazing opportunity," she said. "They push me to be better and make me put my best foot forward."Ledecky also acknowledged the rivalry's positive impact. "It's fun racing the best in the world," she said. "It gets the best out of me, it gets the best out of them."The 400m freestyle race in Paris was a testament to the depth and talent in women's swimming. Titmus, Ledecky, and Mcintosh are all exceptional athletes who continue to inspire and push each other to new heights.

Yazan Al Bawwab, a 24-year-old Palestinian swimmer, made a powerful statement at the Paris Games by representing his homeland, despite its lack of basic amenities like food and water. His sole Olympic race, the 100 meters backstroke, lasted less than a minute, but his presence in the water carried a profound message.Al Bawwab, who pointed to the Palestinian flag on his chest after the race, emphasized the significance of representing a homeland that struggles for recognition. "France does not recognize Palestine. Yet here I am with a flag on my chest," he said. "I'm very, very happy... to raise my flag, to have time just for Palestine, a lane just for Palestine. I think this is my message of peace."Al Bawwab's journey to the Olympics was not without challenges. Born in Saudi Arabia to a homeless refugee father, he faced adversity from a young age. However, he drew inspiration from his father's resilience and the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza. "I look at people like my dad who came from nothing," he said. "I'm never complaining in the pool, I remember people in Gaza, people in Palestine that suffer properly."Despite the hostility he has faced from some quarters, Al Bawwab remains determined to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians. "A lot of people don't want us to be here. They don't want to see the flag. They don't want to hear my country's name," he said. "They don't want me to exist. They want me to leave. But I'm here."Al Bawwab's story highlights the challenges faced by Palestinian athletes, who often train in difficult conditions and risk their lives to compete. He mentioned the tragic loss of his Asian Games roommate and a young fan in Gaza, as well as the struggles of weightlifter Mohammad Hamada, who lost weight due to food shortages."We're trying to educate people about how to swim and teach... but there's a war going on," Al Bawwab said. "What are you supposed to do when there's a war? You can't talk to people."Al Bawwab's Olympic journey may have been brief, but his message of peace and resilience resonated far beyond the pool. He represented not only Palestine but also the countless athletes who overcome adversity to pursue their dreams.

Indian Women's Archery Team Suffers Quarterfinal Heartbreak at Paris OlympicsThe Indian women's archery team's Olympic dreams were shattered on Sunday as they succumbed to a disappointing 0-6 defeat against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics. The trio of Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Deepika Kumari failed to live up to expectations, delivering a lackluster performance that resulted in their elimination.In the first set, India lost 51-52, setting the tone for a challenging match. Ankita and Deepika struggled to find their rhythm, scoring below par. The second set proved equally disappointing, with India losing 49-54. The Dutch team, on the other hand, displayed remarkable consistency and precision, putting pressure on the Indian archers.The third and final set was a nail-biter, with both teams tied at 48-48. However, the Netherlands managed to pull ahead in the final arrows, securing a 53-48 victory and sealing India's fate.In archery, the highest score by a team in a set is awarded two set points, while a draw gets one set point each. India's inability to secure even a single set point highlighted their struggles throughout the match.The Indian team had entered the quarterfinals with high hopes after finishing fourth in the qualification round. However, their performance in the knockout stage fell well short of expectations. Ankita and Deepika, in particular, failed to deliver the kind of scores that were required to challenge the Dutch team.The defeat marks a disappointing end to India's archery campaign at the Paris Olympics. The team had hoped to build on their success at the previous Games, where they won a silver medal in the women's team event. However, their performance in Paris suggests that they need to reassess their strategies and training methods if they want to compete with the world's best.

Simone Biles, the legendary gymnast, has made a triumphant return to the Olympics in Paris, overcoming a minor calf injury to post the top score in the all-around competition. This performance marks a stark contrast to her experience in Tokyo three years ago, where she withdrew from multiple finals due to mental health concerns.Biles' injury occurred during her warm-up on floor exercise, causing her to limp noticeably throughout the afternoon. However, she refused to let it hinder her performance, proving that she is not the same gymnast she was in 2021.Despite the injury, Biles showcased her exceptional skills, posting the highest scores on floor and vault. She also adjusted her uneven bars routine to avoid aggravating her calf, demonstrating her adaptability and resilience.The Americans, led by Biles, are now well-positioned to win the team final on Tuesday and the individual all-around on Thursday. They are determined to redeem themselves after finishing second to Russia in Tokyo.Biles' return to the Olympics has generated immense excitement and attention. The stands were filled with celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, and Ariana Grande, eager to witness the greatness of the most decorated gymnast of all time.Biles' performance in Paris is a testament to her unwavering determination and her ability to overcome adversity. She has proven that she is still a force to be reckoned with and that she is ready to write a different ending to her Olympic story.

Indian shooter Ramita Jindal has secured a spot in the final of the women's 10m air rifle event at the ongoing Paris Olympics, while her compatriot Elavenil Valarivan faced disappointment once again.Jindal, who started the event strongly, finished in fifth place with a score of 631.5. She will compete in the final on Monday, aiming to add to India's medal tally. Valarivan, who had been a medal contender, suffered a setback and failed to qualify for the final.In the first series, Jindal began with a dominant 10.5 and followed it up with a perfect 10.9. Valarivan also started well with a 10.6 and 10.7. However, Jindal's performance dipped in the first series, and she slipped out of the top 20. Valarivan, on the other hand, finished the first series with a score of 105.8 and remained within the top five.In the second series, Jindal continued to hit the region of 10 and moved up to eighth spot. Valarivan maintained consistency and stayed inside the top five. As the event progressed, Jindal gradually made her comeback, while Valarivan struggled in her final shots.Jindal struck 10.4 and accumulated 105.7 points in the final to move past Oceanne Muller and book her place in the final. Valarivan, who had been in contention for a medal, faltered in her final shots and missed out on a place in the top eight.Earlier, on the opening day of the Olympics, Valarivan and Sandeep Singh had tasted defeat in the 10m air rifle mixed team qualification event. Only four teams out of 28 qualified for the knockout stages, and the Indian duo finished in 12th place with 626.3 points.

Indian Athletes Face Uniform Disappointment at Paris GamesAs the Indian contingent embarks on its quest for medals at the Paris Games, a disheartening issue has emerged off the field. Several athletes have expressed disappointment over the quality of dresses and attires provided for them.Former badminton star Jwala Gutta took to social media to voice her concerns, criticizing the designer responsible for the uniforms. She highlighted the poor fit of the blouses, the lack of pre-draped sarees for those unfamiliar with wearing them, and the unflattering color and print."I had huge expectations from the designer, but only met disappointment," Gutta wrote. "It was a work of absolute mediocrity and looked shabby."The uniforms, designed by Tarun Tahiliani, were intended to reflect a modern Indian ethos with ikat-inspired prints and Banarasi brocade. However, the athletes and fans alike have expressed dissatisfaction with the final product.The women's sarees, made of viscose crepe, feature a high-neck blouse and digital printed saffron and green-hued panels. The men's kurta-bundi set is crafted from lightweight moss cotton with similar tricolour detailing.Despite the designer's efforts to incorporate Indian cultural elements, the uniforms have failed to impress. The poor fit and unflattering design have raised concerns about the comfort and confidence of the athletes.This issue highlights the importance of prioritizing the needs of athletes in all aspects of their preparation. While aesthetics are important, the functionality and comfort of uniforms should be paramount.The Indian contingent has already begun its medal hunt, with several athletes advancing to medal rounds. However, the uniform controversy has cast a shadow over their efforts. It is crucial that the authorities address these concerns promptly to ensure that the athletes can focus on their performances without distractions.