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: 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
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
Paris 2024: The Overall Leading Medal Holders At The Games
The Paris Olympics 2024 has so far been a celebration of extraordinary talent and human spirit, having athletes from around the world as they compete for the ultimate glory. The same is the case with every edition of Olympics. Among these incredible individuals, one name shines brighter than the rest: Michael Phelps. This American swimmer is often referred to as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) when it comes to Olympic achievements. Michael Phelps: The Greatest of All Time Michael Phelps’ story is one of relentless dedication and unmatched success. Over the course of five Olympic Games, starting from the 2000 Sydney Olympics and then in the 2016 Rio Games, Phelps amassed a jaw-dropping 28 Olympic medals. This record-breaking collection includes 23 gold, three silver, and two bronze medals, making him the most decorated Olympian in history. His crowning moment came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he astonishingly won eight gold medals, setting the record for the most golds won at a single Summer Games. Larisa Latynina Phelps isn’t the only legend in Olympic history. Among female athletes, the former Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina stands tall. Competing in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics, Latynina won a total of 18 medals, including nine golds, five silvers, and four bronzes. Her achievements set the gold standard in gymnastics and remained unmatched until Phelps surpassed her record. Other Olympians And Their Records Other remarkable Olympians include Soviet gymnast Nikolay Andrianov, who earned 15 medals across three Games, and three athletes tied with 13 medals each: Soviet gymnast Boris Shakhlin, Italian fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti, and Japanese gymnast Takashi Ono. These athletes have left an indelible mark on the history of the Olympics. The United States: A Dominant Force The United States leads the pack with an impressive total of over 3,000 Olympic medals, including 1,179 golds. The U.S. is followed by the Soviet Union with 1,204 medals (473 golds) and Germany with 1,058 medals (342 golds). 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: Sarabjot Singh’s Journey To The Podium
Sarabjot Singh has marked a remarkable milestone in Indian sports by clinching a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Partnering with Manu Bhaker, Singh played a crucial role in securing India’s second medal at Paris 2024, overcoming earlier setbacks to achieve his dream. The Indian duo displayed exceptional skill and composure at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre, defeating South Korea 16-10 in the final. Sarabjot Singh contributed by scoring 110.2 points out of India’s total of 261.3. His performance included pivotal shots of 10.2 and 10.5 that ensured India’s victory. From Humble Beginnings to Olympic Stardom Sarabjot Singh hails from Dheen village in Ambala, Haryana, where his father Jatinder Singh works as a farmer and his mother Hardeep Kaur is a homemaker. His introduction to shooting came during his childhood at a summer camp, where he was captivated by the sight of children using air guns. Though initially aspiring to be a footballer, Singh’s passion shifted to shooting after this experience. In 2014, at the age of 13, Singh expressed his desire to pursue shooting to his father. Despite concerns about the sport’s cost, Singh’s persistent efforts convinced his family to support his decision. His early foray into shooting was marked by a silver medal in his debut district-level tournament, which set the stage for his future successes. Rise to Prominence Singh’s ascent in the shooting world began in earnest when he joined the AR Shooting Academy in Ambala Cantt, training under coach Abhishek Rana. His dedication quickly paid off as he won gold medals at the 2019 Junior World Championship and achieved significant success in subsequent competitions. Singh secured the Asian Games team gold and mixed team silver in 2023 and an individual bronze at the 2023 Asian Championships, which earned him a quota place for the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite his impressive track record, Singh faced a heart-wrenching moment at the Paris Games when he missed out on the final of the men’s 10m pistol event by a narrow margin, finishing ninth with a score of 577-16x. The deciding factor was a single inner 10, highlighting the intense competition and precision required in Olympic shooting. A Triumphant Redemption Sarabjot Singh’s Olympic journey took a triumphant turn with the bronze medal win in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event. His contribution was crucial as he and Manu Bhaker maintained their lead throughout the match, eventually securing a comfortable victory. Singh was awarded with his first Olympic medal. Click here to know more on how the game went. Manu Bhaker, who had previously won a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event, became the first Indian to win multiple medals at a single Olympic Games. Sarabjot Singh’s achievement places him among the elite shooters to have represented India on this prestigious stage. Sarabjot Singh’s journey from a young boy with a dream to an Olympic medalist serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Prize Money To Be Received By Medal Winners
The Paris Olympics 2024 has taken the world by storm. The contestants and the teams are in a rush for gold. The coaches have been on the edge of their seats. The fans have been in anticipation, backing their countries to bag gold. Excitement Builds for Paris 2024 As the world gathers for the Paris Olympics 2024, there’s an electric buzz in the air. Athletes, coaches, and fans are all on edge, hoping for moments of triumph. For Indian athletes, this isn’t just about chasing sporting glory; it’s also about the chance to transform their lives financially. The impact of winning an Olympic medal can be especially profound for athletes from smaller nations and less developed economies. Rewards for Tokyo 2020 Team India Medalists Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal in javelin throw not only made history but also earned him a whopping Rs 6 crore from the Haryana government. Indian medalists received various accolades and financial support from their state governments, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and private companies. Mirabai Chanu, who won silver in weightlifting, was awarded Rs 1 crore by Manipur, while Ravi Kumar Dahiya received Rs 4 crore from Haryana for his silver in wrestling. PV Sindhu and Lovlina Borgohain, who both won bronze, were also rewarded handsomely by their states, Telangana and Assam respectively. Bajrang Punia, another bronze medalist, received Rs 25 lakh from Haryana. Also read about Indian athletes and their net worth here. Support from Central and Private Entities In addition to these state rewards, the central government also pitched in, offering Rs 75 lakh for gold, Rs 50 lakh for silver, and Rs 30 lakh for bronze. The IOA matched these efforts, giving Rs 75 lakh for gold, Rs 40 lakh for silver and Rs 25 lakh for bronze. The BCCI recognized Neeraj Chopra’s achievement with Rs 1 crore and other medalists received decent amounts too. Ed-tech firm BYJU’S added to the joy, gifting Rs 2 crore to Neeraj and Rs 1 crore to other medalists. Anticipated Rewards for Paris 2024 Medalists As the Paris Olympics 2024 have begun, Indian athletes are hopeful for even greater rewards. The IOA has upped the ante, promising Rs 1 crore for gold medalists, Rs 75 lakh for silver, and Rs 50 lakh for bronze, in addition to what the Indian government will provide. However, specific state rewards are still awaited. International Cash Prizes and Organizers’ Recognition On the international front, the World Athletics and International Boxing Association have announced generous cash prizes of USD 50,000 (Rs 42 lakh) and USD 100,000 (Rs 84 lakh) for gold medalists in track and field and boxing, respectively. While the World Athletics has pioneered offering prize money, other sporting federations have yet to declare similar rewards. Despite the financial windfalls, the most immediate and visible prize for the athletes is still the medals themselves and the bouquet they receive on the podium. As team India athletes compete for their moment of glory, the Paris Olympics 2024 is set to be a celebration of not just athletic excellence but also life-changing rewards. 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