Paris 2024: Lakshya Sen to Face Lee Zii Jia for Bronze
Indian star badminton player Lakshya Sen will have the opportunity once again to win an Olympic medal at Paris Olympics 2024. After engaging in a nail-biter of a semifinal against the reigning Olympic champion and top seed Viktor Axelsen, Sen lost 20-22, 14-21, and now faces off in the bronze medal match against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia on Monday, 5th August 2024, at the Adidas Arena. Determined to Make History Even with this setback, Lakshya Sen remains keen to become the first-ever Indian men’s singles shuttler to win an Olympic badminton medal and only the third Indian overall to finish on the podium. His opponent in this event, Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia, also lost his semi-final encounter with the world champion, Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, in straight games 14-21, 15-21. Head-to-head Advantage Historically, Lakshya Sen has held sway over Lee Zii Jia with a 4-1 win-loss record between them. All matches between them have been riveting and tightly fought. Indeed, Sen went on to win their last fight in the All England Open 2024 quarterfinals in an intriguingly tightly contested match, 20-22, 21-16, 21-19. Recap of Their Last Five Meetings LAKSHYA SEN VS LEE ZII JIA- LAST FIVE MEETINGS Tournament Round Winner Score All England Open 2024 Quarterfinal Lakshya Sen 20-22, 21-16, 21-19 Indonesia Open 2023 Round of 32 Lakshya Sen 21-17, 21-13 Thomas Cup 2022 Quarterfinal Lee Zii Jia 21-23, 9-21 All England Open 2022 Semifinal Lakshya Sen 21-13, 12-21, 21-19 India International Series 2016 First Round Lakshya Sen 11-13, 11-3, 11-6, 11-6 1. India International Series (2016) Sen won that first ever clash on the junior circuit 4-0, though the format of the match was 11 points per set as opposed to the current norm. 2. All England Open 2022 Semi-Final Sen won an intense contest 21-13, 12-21, 21-19 to become the first Indian men’s singles player since Pullela Gopichand in 2001 to make it to the All England Open semi-finals. 3. Thomas Cup 2022 Quarter-Final He alone lost to Lee Zii Jia, Sen (21-23, 9-21), when he struggled with his form during the competition. 4. Indonesia Open 2023 Round of 32 Both players were struggling for form, but Sen won (21-17, 21-13). 5. All England Open 2024 Quarter-Final The exciting battle saw Sen pip Lee Zii Jia at the post (20-22, 21-16, 21-19). Looking Ahead to the Bronze Medal Match With a 4-1 head-to-head advantage over Sen, he will go into the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024 quite confidently. While Lee Zii Jia will come back hard at him and make it a great contest, the Indian shuttler will also draw confidence from the two previous victories against Lee and will come into the bronze medal match brimmed with confidence to script history for Indian badminton at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Djokovic Among Tennis Legends Reaching the Height Career Golden Slam
Novak Djokovic scripted history at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Sunday as he added another feather to his cap. The Siberian found and conquered the missing piece in his illustrious tennis career puzzle. Djokovic went on beating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz by 7-6[3], 7-6[2] in the final of Men’s Singles at the Paris Olympics 2024, achieving Career Golden Slam. This surely is a feat very few have achieved. Here’s a list of the tennis stars who have reached the height of a career golden slam. Steffi Graf In 1988, Steffi Graf became the first player ever to win both a golden slam and the Career Golden Slam—a feat accomplished when one player wins all four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold medal in their career. Only 19 at that time, Graf’s magnificent season was topped off by her unforgettable Wimbledon victory over Martina Navratilova, which proved that she was capable of performing on any surface. Andre Agassi In 1999, Andre Agassi finally won his first French Open title to achieve his Career Golden Slam set. The American took Olympic gold in Atlanta back in 1996. It showed he had battled hard through a frustrating few years of injuries and controversy to make it through, topped off by an amazing comeback win over Andriy Medvedev. Rafael Nadal In 2008, Rafael Nadal made history as he became the first player to join that prestigious club, all while being the youngest male in Open Era history to win a Career Golden Slam, and he did it at the age of 24. His win at the Beijing Olympics gave him Olympic gold to go with his 14 French Open titles, testament to his supremacy on clay but also his all-around ability to shine on other surfaces. Serena Williams Serena Williams is the only one who has managed to attain a Career Golden Slam in singles and doubles. She completed her Golden Slam in singles in 2012, but she had already swept all Grand Slam tournaments as early as 2003. With a final Olympic gold to London, to add to her 23 Grand Slams, her place among the greatest tennis players in history has been quite solidified. Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic sealed the Career Golden Slam with an Olympic gold at Paris 2024 to add to his record 24 Grand Slam titles. He did this at age 37, defeating the current world champion Carlos Alcaraz. His achievement justifies his position as one of the all-time greats in tennis. These five players, with each of their stories and careers almost like a resume from the heavens themselves, represent the best the game of tennis has to offer. In their dedication and talent, they have set new standards within the game that will be self-inspiring to young generations who seek the Career Golden Slam. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Novak Djokovic Strikes Gold in Men’s Singles
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic won the gold medal in the men’s singles at the Paris Olympics 2024 following his victory over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, 7-6[3], 7-6[2], in a pulsating final on Sunday, 04th July, 2024. The game was contested on Court Philippe Chatrier and ended up being an advertisement for Djokovic, who once again put on a truly impressive display of brio under pressure. Dramatic Battle and Triumph in Tiebreak The Paris Olympics 2024 Tennis – Men’s Singles Final was a rematch of their Wimbledon 2024 final, which Alcaraz had won. Djokovic showed good fighting spirit as he saved five breakpoints late in the first set before winning it in a tiebreak. He carried this momentum into the second set, where he would never drop his serve, finally claiming the win when a forehand winner sailed past Alcaraz out of reach during the second tiebreak. Celebrations and Emotional Moments It was clear to many that Djokovic was ecstatic, roaring up at the sky before falling to his knees at the center of the court. He then climbed into the stands to be embraced by his family and team. On the other side, Alcaraz, who had been seeking to add Olympic gold to his French Open and Wimbledon titles, was in tears as the match finally came to an end. Historic Achievement The win at Paris Olympics 2024 made Djokovic the fifth player, along the likes of Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams, who won all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in singles, therefore attaining a Career Golden Slam. It also meant he became the oldest man to win an Olympic singles gold since tennis returned to the Olympics in 1988. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Introducing the Baby Olympic Games
In a world where the Olympic Games have always been focused on the adults’ ability to perform, it is refreshing to hear about something new: the Baby Olympic Games! This endearing activity brings together a group of children below seven from all corners of the world who can uniquely represent their country in this kind of setting—revealing newly budding talents in a light and friendly atmosphere. Imagine this: a brilliant, multicolored arena filled with small, tiny athletes in their home country’s livery, with pride. Baby Olympic Games are not meant for competition but for fun, creativity, and camaraderie. The mini-sprints, pint-sized gymnastics—these games come with all varieties of events modeled after the capabilities and interests of little participants. Their objective is to participate, have fun, and enjoy sports from an early childhood. Events and Activities Events designed for the Baby Olympic Games are such that they are enjoyable for all babies. Events at the Baby Olympics include the “Toddler Dash,” where small citizens run through a very small stretch with parents cheering, and “Teddy Bear Javelin,” where children gently throw soft toys. These are two crowd-favorite games. There’s also an event called “Mini Gymnastics” in which children flex their flexibility and display balance on a soft mat, and another one called “Baby Swimming Relay,” where tiny swimmers paddle their way through shallow waters with floaties. One of the highlights of the games is the “Cultural Parade,” whereby young children are attired in various traditional regalia that define their cultural heritage. This parade becomes a beautiful event showing the diversity and unity that characterizes human cultures through the eyes of the world’s youngest citizens. The Spirit of the Games The Baby Olympic Games do not present any rules or competition pressure—only giggles, claps, and cheerful cheering. Every child will go home with a medal, a participation certificate, and a goodie bag. But the real prize will be the lifetime experience of participating in an international event and making new friends from all parts of the world. What the Baby Olympic Games can teach us Though the games are fun and light-hearted in nature, they still have a serious message to share. They encourage children to get active, socialize, and also have an interest in different cultures. Parents cheer their kids on in happy physical activity. This also sends out another good message: being active is not necessarily about winning, but rather learning the essentials of teamwork and sportsmanship at a tender age. Looking Ahead The proud parents are hoping that this initiative of the Baby Olympic Games will inspire more future generations of athletes. Who knows? A next Olympic champion might just be one of these tiny tots currently toddling their way through to their first race! In an age where competitive pressures can so often overshadow the very joy of sport itself, the Baby Olympic Games stand as a refreshing reminder that at the heart of sport lies play, joy, and connection. So here’s to the littlest Olympians: may they run, jump, and giggle their way into a future full of possibilities! The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: The “Lakshya” Is Set For Sen As He Becomes First Indian Man to Reach Badminton Singles Olympic Semifinals
Lakshya Sen has become the first male badminton player from India to make the Olympic Games semifinals in singles. The 22-year-old lad from Almora fought hard to win against Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen 19-21, 21-15, 21-12 at the Arena Porte de La Chapelle here on Friday. A Hard Fought Victory It was a hard-earned victory for Lakshya that clearly showed aggression and also told a tale of defensive skills. The opening game was won by Chou, who held Lakshya at the edge through his variety of pace and cleverly disguised trick shots. The never-give-up attitude was there as he continued to slog and hang in despite the loss in his opening game. Second Game: A Turning Point The second game turned out to be a turning point. At 7-7 came one of the most disputed moments of the match, as Chou drilled one drive that seemed to drop on the backline, but Lakshya challenged, and no review was shown on the big screen; with the umpire now awarding the point to Chou because of her personal monitor, leaving Lakshya frustrated. But his coach and former All England champion, Prakash Padukone, cheered him on from the sidelines, screaming, “Josh dikhao, josh dikhao.“ Reclaiming the Initiative A revitalized Lakshya clawed his way back into the contest, showing great endurance and agility. He pulled off a brilliant no-look retrieve at 11-all, leaving Chou in a manner of speaking, surprised as he erred. Thereafter, Lakshya took charge with Chou’s rising errors taking the second game. Youth and Energy Prove Decisive The final game was eventually sealed by the youthful energy of Lakshya. He wouldn’t allow the pressure on Chou to relent with sharp exchanges and quick movements, all finally reaping success for him. Reflecting on the game, Chou said, “Lakshya was too fast today.” The Way Forward Lakshya, with the words “The sky is the limit” tattooed down his neck, echoed his ambitions post-match. “Feels good to become the first Indian [male] to reach the Olympic semifinals. I’m happy. But I am also very tired. Need to rest before my next match,” he said, looking ahead at the next challenge already. His historic run continues with Lakshya Sen advancing into the semifinals, and the Indian fans are now looking toward his next match for more pathbreaking displays. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Novak Djokovic Set To Play His First Olympic Final
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic turned in a great performance to finally make an Olympic final, beating Lorenzo Musetti of Italy 6-4, 6-2 at Paris Olympics 2024 to set up a highly anticipated showdown for the gold medal. The Missing Piece: Olympic Gold With 24 Grand Slams under his belt, Djokovic is still wrestling to bring home that elusive Olympic Gold medal throughout his illustrious career. He still lacks a gold medal as the missing pinnacle of an otherwise exquisite set of achievements. Djokovic’s journey to the final made for a big milestone in the quest for the Paris Olympics 2024 glory. DJOKOVIC’S ROAD TO THE FINAL Round Opponent Score Winner 1st Round Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-0, 6-1 Djokovic 2nd Round Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6-1, 6-4 Djokovic 3rd Round Dominik Koepfer (GER) 7-5, 6-3 Djokovic Quarter Final Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6-3, 7-6 Djokovic Semi Final Lorenzo Musetti (ITL) 6-4, 6-2 Djokovic ALCARAZ’S ROAD TO THE FINAL Round Opponent Score Winner 1st Round Hady Habib (LEB) 6-3, 6-1 Alcaraz 2nd Round Tallon Griekspoor (NED) 6-1, 7-6 Alcaraz 3rd Round Roman Safiullin (AIN) 6-4, 6-2 Alcaraz Quarter Final Tommy Paul (USA) 6-3, 7-6 Alcaraz Semi Final Felix Auger Aliassime (CAN) 6-1, 6-1 Alcaraz Final Face-off with Carlos Alcaraz for the Gold Djokovic is set to meet Carlos Alcaraz, Spain’s rising star, in a Sunday blockbuster final. If one player in the draw has the same level of raw talent and youthful energy as Djokovic, it is Alcaraz, and he will provide a strong challenge to the experienced Serb. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: High Brand Value for Manu Bhaker as She Shines at Games
With less than a week until bagging two medals in the finals at the Paris Olympics 2024 and still on the verge of her third final, Manu Bhaker’s surging popularity gets a lot of eyeballs from big brands. Having already won two bronzes in the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events and the strong chance of a third medal coming in the 25m air pistol, Bhaker’s market price has gone up exponentially. Endorsement Fee Surge The endorsement fees for Manu Bhaker were earlier INR 20-25 lakh. With the recent successes, the amount increased dramatically, which can be noted to as high as INR 1.5 crore presently. This steep hike thus mirrors the increasing recognition and commercial potential accruing to her successes. Rise in Interest from Brands The management team of Manu Bhaker has been deluged with endorsement offers, with about 40 inquiries within less than a week. While the focus has shifted to long-term endorsement deals, there are openings also for short-term digital engagements. Commercial Success Manu Bhaker’s exceptional performances at Paris Olympics 2024 has not only added to her stature in the sporting world but also elevated her as a major commercial asset, placing her among some of the other top athletes who have made a difference in the game and beyond. As Manu Bhaker gears up for another the final showdown at Paris 2024, there’s a speculation that her brand value is going to shoot up more and more in the times ahead. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
INSCA Launches “Return to Sport/Play” Program in Partial Collaboration with Ki Squad Pvt Ltd.
The Indian National Strength And Conditioning Association (INSCA) has come up with a unique initiative—the “Return to Sport/Play” program, in partial partnership with Ki Squad Pvt Ltd. The workshop is set to be held from 26th to 28th of September, 2024 at Anju Bobby Sports Foundation, Bangalore (Bengaluru). This will detail out a comprehensive rehabilitation pathway for athletes till they overcome musculoskeletal injuries and regain optimal form and function. It is musculoskeletal injuries that most often affect an athlete’s performance and as a result, their training and competitive potential. The “Return to Sport/Play” program is oriented to restore athletes’ strength, flexibility, endurance and power through a properly designed set of interventions and exercises. It seeks to help an athlete return to sporting activities in a safe and effective way and maybe even support the realization of great performances at national and international levels. Thus, one of the main components of this program is goal setting. After the initial assessment, a detailed analysis of the needs of the athlete is done, and the athlete is guided through the process of coming up with a realistic time line with specified performance goals for return. This will ensure that each such rehabilitation program for athletes is distinctly very different, considering their individual requirements and goals. It shall be a series of workshops emphasizing the basics and advanced practices in the field of sports rehabilitation. Participants will thus attend comprehensive sessions led by renowned professionals of the industry with practical hands-on training for directly applicative cases in real life. Also, this program will further give valuable networking opportunities through which attendees get a chance to connect with fellow peers and industry leaders. The partnership between INSCA and Ki Squad Pvt Ltd. is one such major step in rehabilitation in sports, aimed at arming the athletes and helping them rise above injuries and work towards excellence in their respective sports. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Breakdancing Set to Make Olympic Debut
In what will be a milestone event for the sport, breakdancing is due to make its Olympic debut at the Paris Olympics 2024. This will be in celebration of perhaps the most important milestone reached by a dance style born in the Bronx yet, which is now set to shine on the widest stage of them all. From the Streets to the Olympics Out of the 1970s block parties in New York, breakdancing, or simply “breaking,” was born—a distillation of the streets in toto filled with the energy of DJ-led nights. In very little time, it had become one of the most distinctive elements of African American culture. By the 1980s, it would have people all over the globe getting into gangs like the New York City Breakers and the Rock Steady Crew. This rise continued into the 1990s, culminating in its historic addition to the Olympics. The Road to Paris The Olympic journey began in 2018, with an amazing premiere at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. The overwhelmingly exceptional response and sky-high viewer ratings absolutely guaranteed its place in the lineup for Paris 2024. This is the first time a dance sport has ever made the lineup of the Olympic Games. A Shift in Olympic Tradition Including breakdancing is a radical move for an organization that has traditionally been wedded to well-established and very traditional sports clubs. The community-driven, informal structure upon which breakdancing is based is quite radical and also different from the model taken by the Olympics. Yet, this move has generally been received with a huge degree of enthusiasm as well as skepticism. Competition Details and Schedule The breakdancing battles will be held for two days in a row at different times at Paris Olympics 2024. Competitions start on August 9, 2024 at 4–6 pm with women’s events for the qualifications and 8–10 pm for the final rounds with men’s competitions following a day later on August 10, 2024 at the same time for qualifications and final rounds. Looking Ahead Having breakdance in the Olympics is like merging athleticism with artistry, and it brings in a sense of new excitement for the Games. Surely, breakdancing will leave an indelible mark on the Paris Olympics 2024 and authenticate the fact that it really deserves to be on the Olympic stage. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Indian Athletes Gear Up for a Crucial Day 7
Day 7 will look for a rejuvenated performance in athletics by Indian athletes after Day 6 turned out to be a mixed bag at the Paris Olympics 2024. The hopes of the nation were lifted by Swapnil Kusale, who secured the third medal for India on Day 6, but it also marked the exit of some key athletes. Star athletes like PV Sindhu, Nikhat Zareen, and dynamic badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty bowed out of the competition. Manu Bhaker Leads India’s Charge As Day 7 of the Paris Olympics 2024 unfurls, India’s contingent looks ahead for impactful performances by their representatives, led by none other than shooting sensation Manu Bhaker. Bhaker, who has so far claimed two medals in the ongoing games, will feature in the 25m pistol qualification, trying to push one more medal home. Also check Manu Bhaker’s journey to redemption here. High Stakes in Hockey and Badminton The Indian men’s hockey team is all geared up for a mighty Australian side in the Pool B match, which has been one of the most highly-anticipated encounters. This match will be critical to the advancement of India in this event and will surely create immense anticipation for the followers for a strong performance by the squad. Attention will now shift to Lakshya Sen, who faces a stiff challenge in the men’s singles quarterfinal contest against Chou Tien Chen. Sen’s form and never-say-die attitude will be put on trial as he strives to move further ahead. Archery Mixed Team and Sailing Events The archery mixed team event will have Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat in the 1/8 Eliminations. Though the duo has a stiff competition against them, good run to the end lies with a possible medal at stake. Balraj Panwar will feature in sailing’s Final D of the men’s single sculls, which, in effect, is a classification race. Though this is not a medal race, Panwar will look to finish strong. Other Indian Athletes in Action Other Indian athletes in action include Tulika Mann, the judoka woman and sailors Nethra Kumanan and Vishnu Saravanan. Slightly later in the evening, athletics fans will also be keenly watching out for shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor and 5000m runner Parul Chaudhary, who are scheduled to compete in their respective events. Where to Watch: Live Streaming and Broadcast Details Fans in India can catch all the action from the Paris Olympics 2024 live on the JioCinema app and website, and it’s absolutely free. The events are also broadcast on the Sports18 TV channels, so that one does not miss a single moment of the action. With India looking to improve upon its medal count, Day 7 at the Paris Olympics 2024 is again going to be one of hope, resolve and competitive spirit. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye