Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha stressed the importance of a strong defense for India’s success at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He highlighted the team’s vulnerability to penalty corners and urged for a team-oriented defensive approach. Rasquinha believes India’s chances of winning the tournament depend heavily on the performance of goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh and captain Harmanpreet Singh.
The fight against doping at the Paris Olympics is already underway, with the International Testing Agency (ITA) gearing up to test thousands of athletes. The agency is using a variety of methods, including targeted testing, biological passports, and whistleblowers, to ensure a fair competition. The focus is on athletes who are most likely to be doping, and those who have shown unexpected performance gains. The ITA is working closely with national anti-doping agencies, international federations, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ensure the integrity of the Games.
Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Palestine has selected six athletes to compete in the Paris Olympics. The athletes will represent Palestine in boxing, judo, swimming, shooting and taekwondo. The selection comes despite the devastating impact of the conflict on Palestinian sports, with many athletes forced to flee and training facilities destroyed.
Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, shared his advice for athletes competing in the upcoming Paris Games, emphasizing the importance of staying in the moment and maintaining a flexible mindset. He also expressed confidence in India’s athletes, praising their consistent performance and dedication. Other athletes, including Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Kishore Kumar Jena, expressed their own aspirations and shared insights into their preparation for the Games.
Simone Biles is making a triumphant return to the Olympics, aiming to reclaim her title as the undisputed queen of gymnastics. After prioritizing her mental health and personal life, Biles is ready to compete with newfound strength and maturity, while navigating the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a global icon. The U.S. team, with a roster of experienced veterans, is poised to dominate, facing off against a weakened international field.
Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu is determined to win her third Olympic medal in Paris, aiming to improve on her previous silver and bronze. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, mental strength, and smart play, drawing on experience from her past Olympics. Sindhu is currently training in Germany, preparing for the challenges of the new game, with a focus on reducing unforced errors and playing freely.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is hoping for a last-minute Paris Olympics qualification in the mixed 4x400m relay event. They have invited Sri Lanka and Maldives to the National Inter-State Championships to help the Indian team break the national record and secure a spot in Paris. The Indian team needs to clock a time under 3:11.87 to qualify. Other notable news includes Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s possible participation in the championships despite injury and Neeraj Chopra’s absence due to the Paris Diamond League.
Tulika Maan, a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, has secured a continental quota for the Paris Olympics in the +78 kg category. Despite facing an injury in 2022, she fought her way back to qualify and is now aiming for at least a bronze medal, with her eyes set on the gold.
Hockey India has selected a 16-member men’s hockey team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, featuring a mix of experienced players and exciting debutants. Led by Harmanpreet Singh and vice-captain Hardik Singh, the team aims to add to India’s impressive Olympic medal haul in the sport.
After a year of strategic planning and consistent performance, India’s men and women archery teams have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics after a 12-year absence. This achievement comes through a combined effort of individual and team performances in various international events, including the World Cup Stages and Asian Games, where they accumulated crucial ranking points.
