The Dutch Olympic Committee is facing criticism for including convicted rapist Steven van de Velde on their beach volleyball team for the Paris Olympics. While the committee has taken steps to mitigate the impact of his participation, including moving him to alternative accommodation and restricting media access, women’s advocacy groups have expressed dismay over the decision, arguing that it prioritizes sporting prowess over criminal justice.
Israeli athletes participating in the Paris Olympics have received death threats, prompting the Israeli government to deploy armed agents for their protection. The threats, reminiscent of the Munich Olympics massacre in 1972, have raised serious security concerns.
Jaden Pariat and Abhay Mohan continued their dominant performances in the MRF Formula 2000 and MRF Formula 1600 categories, respectively, at the third round of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship. Other notable performances include Biren Pithawalla’s triple win in the Indian Touring Cars category, and Diana Pundole’s championship lead in the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios) class despite not winning any races.
Rafael Nadal’s search for his first title since the 2022 French Open came to an end in Bastad, Sweden, as he suffered a straight-sets defeat to Nuno Borges in the Nordea Open final. The seventh-seeded Borges dominated the match, winning 6-3, 6-2 against the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who was awarded a wildcard entry into the tournament.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pledged its support to Indian athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics by donating Rs. 8.5 Crores to the Indian Olympic Association. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced the donation on social media, expressing pride in supporting the nation’s Olympic hopefuls.
Matteo Berrettini showcased his dominance, securing his second title of the season with a swift 6-3, 6-1 victory over Quentin Halys in the Swiss Open final. The Italian star added the ninth title to his career, celebrating his return to form in a place that holds special significance for him.
The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature two new sports, breaking (breakdancing) and kayak cross, making their Olympic debut. Breaking, the first dance sport in the Summer Olympics, will see 16 B-boys and 16 B-girls compete in one-on-one battles. Kayak cross, a new event in canoe slalom, replaces the K-1 200-meter sprint races and features four athletes racing head-to-head in a challenging course. The event will also see an updated format for sport climbing, with separate bouldering and lead events alongside a speed event.
Indian golfers Vani Kapoor, Tvesa Malik, and Ridhima Dilawari failed to make the cut at the Dutch Ladies Open, the last Ladies European Tour event before the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, Swiss star Kim Metraux extended her lead to five strokes after a 5-under 67, putting her in prime position for her first LET victory.
A. Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra will lead India’s men’s and women’s table tennis teams respectively in their first-ever Olympic team event participation at the Paris Olympics. The TTFI selection committee has chosen a six-member squad for the event, featuring experienced veterans and promising young talents.
India has a strong contingent of four experienced golfers, including two men and two women, set to compete at the upcoming Olympics. Led by Aditi Ashok, aiming to improve on her fourth-place finish in Tokyo, the team boasts a wealth of experience and talent, hoping to make their mark on the world stage.
