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: Historic All-Indian Clash in Badminton Knockout Stage
The Paris Olympics 2024 knockout is now set for an exciting all-Indian clash between Lakshya Sen and H.S. Prannoy in what had already been a landmark moment for badminton in India. Lakshya Sen, though, stole the limelight of that round by defeating the third seed and medal contender Jonatan Christie of Indonesia during the group stages in a display of his scorching talent. Prannoy, however, had to fight a difficult path to victory over Le Duc Phat of Vietnam in three intense games. Road to the Quarterfinals It is not about a patriotic battle; one of these players will advance to the quarterfinals to face the winner of the possible encounter between the fifth seed, Kodai Naraoka, and the 12th seed, Chou Tien Chen. Lakshya and Prannoy are both standing in contention to create history by picking up India’s first-ever men’s badminton medal at the Olympics, providing an added layer of intrigue to their showdown. Represented India in Other Disciplines The round of 16 is not only reserved for men’s singles in the representation from India. There is also a representation in women’s singles through seasoned P.V. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, and in men’s doubles through Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, a dynamic duo that made it through the group stages. Head-to-Head Record Date Tournament Player 1 Player 2 Winner Tue 1/17/2023 India Open 2023 HS Prannoy Lakshya Sen Lakshya Sen Wed 1/11/2023 Malaysia Open 2023 HS Prannoy Lakshya Sen HS Prannoy Thu 10/20/2022 Denmark Open 2022 HS Prannoy Lakshya Sen Lakshya Sen Thu 8/25/2022 World Championships 2022 HS Prannoy Lakshya Sen HS Prannoy Wed 6/15/2022 Indonesia Open 2022 HS Prannoy Lakshya Sen HS Prannoy Fri 3/11/2022 German Open 2022 HS Prannoy Lakshya Sen Lakshya Sen Fri 1/14/2022 India Open HS Prannoy Lakshya Sen Lakshya Sen Now, coming to the head-to-head record, Lakshya Sen is marginally ahead of H.S. Prannoy with a record of 4-3. Their last battle was at the India Open in January 2023, when Lakshya dominated and won comprehensively 21-14, 21-15. In this match, two stalwarts will face off against each other, and both will come up with their best performance in the court. 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: 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
Paris 2024: Why Was A Hat Chosen As The Mascot?
The Paris Olympics 2024 mascots, at first glance appearing as red triangles with arms, are actually Phrygian caps — an enduring symbol of freedom in French history. Announced in 2022, these mascots carry the mission of demonstrating to the world that sport has the power to transform lives and deserves a central role in society. Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris Olympics 2024, emphasized that the mascots embody the vision of the Games, representing ideals rather than animals. The Phrygian cap, a familiar symbol seen on French stamps and town hall pediments, represents liberty and the French identity and spirit. Named “The Phryges” and pronounced “free-jes,” these mascots aim to encourage people to get active. Historical Significance of the Phrygian Cap The Phrygian cap’s origins trace back to present-day Turkey as early as 800 B.C., where it was a mark of free men in classical Greece, worn by freed slaves. In France, the red peaked hat became a significant symbol during the French Revolution of 1789 and is seen on busts of Marianne, the embodiment of the French Republic. Workers constructing landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower also wore these hats. The Phrygian cap has also influenced American history, appearing in images from the American Revolution and early 19th-century American art and coins. The Olympic and Paralympic Phryge The Olympic Phryge is depicted as a thoughtful and astute strategist, reflecting the spirit of Olympic athletes who measure various parameters to achieve their goals. With a sharp mind and modest demeanor, the Olympic Phryge will lead the movement of those who take part in sports, inspiring activity and determination across France. The Paralympic version of the mascot features a running prosthetic, symbolizing fearlessness and a passion for blazing trails. Regardless of the sport, she is always eager to compete and play. A Tradition of Olympic Mascots Olympic mascots, acting as ambassadors of the Olympic spirit, have been a tradition since the 1968 Winter Games in Grenoble, France. The first mascot, Shuss, was a little man on skis, designed in just one night. The 1972 Munich Games featured Waldi, a dachshund, the first mascot in the history of the Summer Games. Since then, mascots such as Schneemandl the snowman, Amik the beaver, Sam the eagle, Hodori the tiger, and Bing Dwen Dwen have embodied the spirit and values of the Games. These mascots not only give a concrete form to the Olympic spirit but also promote the history and culture of the host city, creating a festive atmosphere for the event. Read more about the Olympic mascots over the years here. As Paris prepares for the 2024 Games, the Phryges stand ready to inspire and lead, embodying the ideals of freedom, activity, and the enduring spirit of the Olympics. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye