How The Science Of Sleep Determines Athlete Performance
It is during the big stages like the Olympic Games and the World Cups that athletes compete in a field full of high-stress situations, where sleep makes all the difference. Be it a javelin thrower trying to make that one big throw of his or her life or a shooter attempting a crucial final shot, sleep disturbances can drastically hinder reaction times, decision-making processes and overall performance when Olympics are at stake. Sleep disruptions common among athletes Sleep disturbances are not an unknown commodity for athletes, particularly in events like the Olympics. Jet lag, pre-competition nerves, novel sleeping environments and the overall buzz within an Olympic Athletes’ Village housing more than 10,000 competitors can disrupt sleep. Now, say hello to the ‘Sleep Advisor’ Given the magnitude of these issues, a new concept was sought for the Indian contingent in the 2024 Paris Olympics: the ‘sleep advisor.’ Helping high-performance athletes optimize their sleep patterns helped to overcome potential hurdles toward winning performance. The Relevance of Sleep Training Sleep training’ was, therefore, a matter of paramount concern, and the guidance was well in advance of the games. This helped them adapt sleep habits in order to reduce effects related to time zones and stresses brought about by competitions. Hence, they can put up with disturbances and still regain good sleep patterns despite frequent travels and strenuous schedules. Remaining Competitive Sleep is a modality that should be in constant application with a view to gaining and sustaining a competitive edge. It helps athletes recover their bodies and minds to be prepared for any challenge that may come before them. This approach emphasizes the increasingly vital role that sleep optimization plays in the field of sports science for athletes desiring success at the highest levels of competition. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
LA28: Los Angeles Is Preparing to Host LA28 with a Legacy of Community Impact and Gender Equality.
After the glittering, star-studded closing ceremony at Paris Olympics 2024, the Olympic flag was finally passed to Los Angeles, the host city of the 2028 Olympic Games. However, the impact of the LA28 Games is already being felt across the city, with Los Angeles continuing to reap the benefits accruable from its sporting legacy, dating back to the 1984 Olympics. A Legacy of Accessibility to Youth The 1984 Olympic Games impacted Los Angeles long before the event started. Out of the surplus accrued from the 1984 Games, a foundation—the LA84 Foundation—was established, which has become very influential in local youths’ participation in sports, with a special focus on young girls and women. Their programs have reached over 3 million young people from the year 1984 to the year 2017, with female participation gladly standing at 42 percent. More recently, the PlayLA program allowed youth of all abilities and backgrounds to engage in sport activities at an affordable cost. This initiative was funded by the IOC and the LA28 Organizing Committee and developed by the LA City Recreation and Parks Department. To date, since 2018, it has given over 500,000 young people an opportunity, thus setting the tone for the upcoming Games with resonance in inclusivity and accessibility. Progress in Gender Equality It was the Games that did many firsts in terms of women in sport. Front and center were the first-ever ladies competing in the Olympic women’s marathon, artistic swimming, and rhythmic gymnastics, as well as totally new disciplines for both men and women like 3000 and 400m hurdles, road cycling, and shooting. The representation would be a then-record high of 23% females, setting the stage for future equality in sports. Fast-forward to Paris 2024, where the IOC nailed an exact 50:50 split between male and female athletes, further sealing the gains that began several decades ago in Los Angeles. The dedication to this gender equality continues to inspire the upcoming LA28 Games—the promise of a stage where athletic excellence knows no gender. Preserving Venue Legacy What organizers are touting with LA28 is sustainability and “radical reuse.” That means no new permanent venues will be built in Los Angeles for the games. Actually, 21 out of the 26 existing venues used during the 1984 Games are still operating today. This means that sports, cultural, and leisure activities at these locations can still be used by athletes and citizens alike. One of the most iconic venues is the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which has an Olympic legacy second to none—hosting the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 1932 and 1984 Games, besides track and field events. The Coliseum will have once again been one of the primary venues for the LA28 Games, continuing to grow its legendary status as an Olympic landmark. Social, Economic and Environmental Legacies Though its legacy extends down the playing field, the path-breaking new financial model of the Los Angeles 1984 Games was set through corporate sponsorships, which future Games followed. These Games set in motion a youth movement to spread Olympic values, fostered neighborhood volunteer engagement, and initiated city-wide environmental projects. More than 20,000 trees and bushes were planted in Los Angeles under clean-up initiatives, showing that there is some concern for the environment through the Games. It is in the process of building on this rich heritage, making sure that when the 2028 Games come, the spirit of the Olympics leaves a mark that will be remembered here in Los Angeles City, just like it happened 40 years ago. 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: 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
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
Paris 2024: A Triple Treat For India As Kusale Bags Bronze
Swapnil Kusale bagged a bronze in the men’s rifle 50m 3 position final—during the Paris Olympics 2024 at the Chateauroux Shooting Range on Thursday. As It Happened The 28-year-old marksman tallied 451.4 en route to the finish of four rounds of the elimination stage. Yukun Liu of China took the gold while Serhiy Kulish of Ukraine finished with the silver medal. Through most of the kneeling position series, he floated around in sixth place. A strong first two series in the prone position bumped him up to fourth place. Kusale had already claimed third position with a good gap, posting 51.4 and 50.4 in his two series at the standing rounds to give him a comfortable cushion going into the elimination round as the shots of 9.4 and 9.9 in the second and third shots were good enough for third place. Still, the gap to Kulish in second was too great to close from fourth spot as he had to settle for bronze. Read about Swapnil Kusale’s journey to the Paris Olympics 2024 here. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Swapnil Kusale: The Calm Marksman Inspired by MS Dhoni
Hailing from Kambalwadi village near Kolhapur in Maharashtra, Swapnil Kusale started competing at the international level back in 2012 and finally made his Olympic debut at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 29-year-old shooter hopes to emulate another cricket icon, M S Dhoni, who happened to be a former railway ticket collector. Inspired by Dhoni Kusale, working with Central Railways since 2015, has always been an admirer of former India captain Dhoni because of his calmness and patience, which are two very important virtues for cricket and shooting alike. “I don’t follow anyone specific in the shooting world. Outside of that, I admire Dhoni for the person that he is. My sport requires me to be as calm and patient as he is on the field. I also relate to his story as I am a ticket collector like he was,” Kusale shared. One could see his admiration for Dhoni’s life story as he has watched the biopic of the World Cup-winning cricketer numerous times. Family Support and Local Roots Kusale draws strength from more than just his admiration for Dhoni. His father and brother work as teachers in a district school, and his mother is the sarpanch of Kambalwadi village. It is this strong family foundation that has contributed heavily to his rise through the ranks to the Olympics. An Aim to Win Olympic Medals In a tight qualification, Kusale finished seventh and only ahead of his Czech rivals through counting inner 10s – he scored 38 to their 36. Afterwards Kusale explained his strategy for the event: “Every shot is a new shot. I was just trying to be patient. The whole match I had the same mindset. Just shoot with patience. At the back of the mind, you are thinking about your scores but it is better if you don’t.“ Coach’s Confidence and Peers’ Motivation National coach Manoj Kumar Ohlyan sounded quite confident about Kusale’s prospects in the finals, saying, “He is in a good frame of mind. We are hoping for the best. We just want him to perform the way he did today. He was patient. He is good technically and physically.“ She also took inspiration from fellow shooter Manu Bhaker, who had enjoyed unprecedented success at the Games. “It has been a great experience so far. I love shooting and I am glad that I have been able to do it for so long. Seeing Manu do well gives us a lot of confidence. If she can do it, we can do it too,” Kusale said. Keeping cool, his Dhoni-like patient calm will be equally important as he waits for a final placing, hopefully inside the top three, that will catapult him into the ranks of Indian sport’s high achievers. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Manika Batra; The Face of Indian Table Tennis
Manika Batra has made history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the round of 16 in the singles competition at Paris Olympics 2024. The 29-year-old, known for her impressive skills and determination, showcased a dominant performance by defeating France’s higher-ranked Prithika Pavade 4-0. In a match filled with excitement, Manika clinched victory with game scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7. Her opponent, the 19-year-old Pavade, has Indian roots, as her parents originally hailed from Puducherry before moving to France in 2003. Her Journey Manika Batra’s story began in Delhi, where she grew up as the youngest of three siblings. Her love for table tennis was sparked at the young age of four, influenced by her elder sister Anchal and brother Sahil, who also played the sport. Recognizing her talent early on, she began training under coach Sandeep Gupta at Hans Raj Model School after winning a state-level under-8 tournament. Her career quickly took off, with a silver medal in the under-21 category at the 2011 Chile Open marking the start of her international journey. Manika represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2014 Asian Games, reaching the quarterfinals in both events. Her standout performance at the 2015 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, where she won silver in the women’s team and doubles events and bronze in singles. The Golden Moment One of the most defining moments of Manika’s career came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. Leading India to a historic gold medal in the women’s team event, she helped the team defeat the previously dominant Singapore squad. Manika also brought home India’s first-ever silver medal in women’s doubles and a historic gold in singles, earning a total of four medals. Her success continued with a team gold at the 2019 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, solidifying her place as one of India’s top table tennis players. Looking Forward Reaching the round of 16 at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a new high for Manika, surpassing her previous record at the Tokyo Games, where she was the first Indian women’s table tennis player to reach the round of 32 in singles. Achanta Sharath Kamal had also reached the same stage in the men’s singles at Tokyo. Currently ranked 28th in the world, Manika Batra has been making waves in the world of sports. In 2021, she won the WTT Contender Budapest mixed doubles and the WTT Contender Lasko women’s doubles. She competed in the inaugural WTT Grand Smash event in Singapore in 2022, reaching a career-high ranking of world number four in women’s doubles alongside Archana Girish Kamath. As Manika Batra sets her sights on the upcoming games at Paris Olympics 2024, the entire nation is proudly cheering her. Her dedication, skill and perseverance make her a formidable contender and a proud representative of Indian table tennis in front of the world. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: India Shines Bright at the Opening Ceremony
The Indian contingent made a spectacular entrance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024, setting a vibrant tone for the Games. Grand Parade Through Paris The grand Parade of Nations, held along the scenic Seine River, saw the Indian athletes and officials parade through the heart of Paris. The delegation, comprising 78 members across 12 disciplines, captivated the audience with their enthusiasm and commitment to excellence. Flagbearers Leading the parade were star shuttler PV Sindhu and veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal, who had the honor of serving as India’s flag bearers. This historic moment marked the first time athletes from their respective sports took on this prestigious role at the Olympics. Sindhu and Kamal’s participation not only highlighted their personal achievements but also underscored India’s rich sporting legacy. Iconic Parisian Backdrop The parade route, lined with iconic Parisian landmarks, offered a breathtaking backdrop for the event. The boats carrying the athletes passed by the restored Cathedral of Notre Dame, which had been devastated by a fire five years ago, and the renowned Louvre Museum. The route also included several Games venues, adding to the excitement. Spectacular Entertainment Spectators were treated to lively dance and music performances on the bridges along the parade route. Over two lakh free tickets were distributed, with an additional one lakh tickets sold, drawing enthusiastic crowds to various spots to witness the festivities. The grand opening ceremony set the stage for what promises to be an exciting Paris Olympics 2024, with India’s athletes ready to strike gold. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
