New Delhi: Day 5 of the Paris Paralympics 2024 was a standout day for India, with athletes delivering exceptional performances and securing a total of eight medals. This surge has brought India’s overall tally to 15 medals, placing the nation in 15th position in the medal standings.

Sumit Antil Shines with Record-Breaking Javelin Throw
Indian javelin thrower Sumit Antil continued his dominance from the Tokyo Paralympics by clinching gold once again. Antil set two new Paralympic records on this day, with a throw of 69.11 meters on his first attempt and then a further 70.59 meters, showcasing his impressive skill and consistency.

Nitesh Kumar Secures Gold in a Thrilling Badminton Final
Nitesh Kumar delivered an exhilarating performance in the men’s singles SL3 category, overcoming Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in a hard-fought final. The match ended with a nail-biting score of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21, as Kumar demonstrated remarkable resilience and precision.

Bronze for Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi in Archery
In archery, Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi bounced back from earlier disappointments to win bronze in the mixed compound open event. The Indian pair narrowly defeated Italy 156-155, highlighting their skill and determination.

Yogesh Kathuniya Claims Silver in Discus Throw
Yogesh Kathuniya added another silver medal to his collection with a throw of 42.22 meters in the men’s discus throw (F56 category). Despite a strong performance, Kathuniya fell short of Brazil’s Claudiney Batista Dos Santos, who set a new Paralympic record.

Suhas Yathiraj and Thulasimathi Murugesan Earn Silver Medals
In badminton, Suhas Yathiraj and Thulasimathi Murugesan both achieved silver medals in their respective categories. Yathiraj faced a tough match against France’s Lucas Mazur, while Murugesan was defeated by China’s Yang Qiuxia.

Additional Bronze Medals in Badminton
India’s medal tally was further enhanced by Manisha Ramadass and Nithya Sre Sivan, who earned bronze medals in the women’s SU5 and SH6 badminton events, respectively.

India’s remarkable achievements on Day 5 underscore the nation’s growing prowess in Paralympic sports and continue to inspire on the global stage.

New Delhi: The Paris Olympics concluded with a breathtaking finish as the United States narrowly claimed the top position on the medal table. Over two weeks of intense competition across 32 sports, the final day proved to be the most dramatic, with the USA edging out China by a single gold medal, 40 to 39.

As the Games approached their final day, the race for supremacy was incredibly tight. The USA and China were tied with 40 gold medals each, setting up a suspenseful finish. China initially extended their lead with Li Wenwen winning gold in the women’s +81kg weightlifting, pushing their total to 40 golds.

However, hope for the USA came from an unexpected source. Cyclist Jennifer Valente, the reigning Olympic champion in the omnium, delivered a crucial gold medal, closing the gap to just one gold medal behind China. The final event, women’s basketball, would decide the ultimate winner.

The USA’s women’s basketball team, dominant in the sport since 1996, faced host nation France in a nail-biting final. In a game that was decided by a single point, the USA emerged victorious with a 67-66 win, securing their eighth consecutive gold medal in the event.

This final victory brought the USA level with China in the gold medal count, but the Americans topped the standings due to their higher number of silver medals. The USA ended with 40 golds, 44 silvers, and 42 bronzes for a total of 126 medals. China, with 40 golds, 27 silvers, and 24 bronzes, accumulated a total of 91 medals. Japan, Australia, and host France completed the top five, with 20, 18, and 16 golds respectively.

India concluded their Olympic campaign with a silver and five bronze medals, placing them 71st overall. The final hopes for an additional medal rest on the appeal of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling gold medal bout due to being slightly overweight. The decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is awaited and could potentially add another silver to India’s tally.

The Paris Olympics showcased a thrilling array of athletic achievements and competitive spirit, with the USA emerging as the leading nation in a dramatic finish.

USA Clinches Top Spot with a Dramatic Victory

New Delhi: The United States emerged as the champion of the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing the top position with a dramatic finish. The US team achieved 40 gold medals, tying with China but surpassing them due to a higher count of silver medals. This victory reinforces the USA’s dominance in the global sporting arena, as they became the only country to win over 100 Olympic medals in 2024.

The crucial moment came in one of the most thrilling finals in Olympic history. The US women’s basketball team edged out France with a narrow 67-66 win to capture the gold medal. This win marked their eighth consecutive Olympic gold, solidifying the USA’s leadership on the medal table. This last-minute triumph was significant, as the USA had narrowly defeated China by a single gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

China Finishes Strong, but Just Short

China, which led the medal standings for several days, finished closely behind the USA with 40 golds, 27 silvers, and 23 bronzes. Despite their remarkable performance, the higher number of silver medals earned by the US determined the final ranking.

India’s 71st Place and Key Performance

India ended up in 71st place on the medal table, a disappointing result with only six medals and no golds. Neeraj Chopra’s silver in the men’s javelin throw on August 8 was India’s highlight. The overall performance reflects the challenges faced by Indian athletes at this year’s Games.

Pakistan’s Return and Notable Achievement

Pakistan made a significant comeback to the Olympic rankings after a 32-year absence, finishing in 62nd place. Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal in the men’s javelin throw was a standout achievement for the country.

Japan and France Deliver Strong Performances

Japan secured third place with 20 gold medals, demonstrating a solid performance across various sports. Host nation France, despite a strong showing, finished fifth with 16 golds and a total of 64 medals. Great Britain, which began the Games strongly, fell to seventh place by the end of the competition.

Individual Highlights and Records

In individual achievements, French swimmer Leon Marchand stood out with four gold medals and one bronze, the only athlete to win four or more golds at the Paris Games. Ten athletes, including US gymnast Simone Biles, won three gold medals each. China’s Zhang Yufei earned the highest number of individual medals with one silver and five bronze.

Changing Dynamics in Global Sports Power

The Paris 2024 Olympics not only celebrated outstanding athletic performances but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of global sports power. With the USA and China competing closely for dominance and new contenders emerging, the future of international athletics promises to be both exciting and competitive.

New Delhi: At the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, double bronze medalist Manu Bhaker and bronze-winning Indian men’s hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh had the distinct honor of carrying the Indian flag. Bhaker, 22, described the moment as the “honor of a lifetime” on the social media platform X, expressing her pride in representing India alongside Sreejesh. “Proud to be India’s flag-bearer alongside one of the nation’s true sporting heroes @16Sreejesh! Jai Hind,” she tweeted.

Sreejesh, who concluded his remarkable 18-year career at the Olympics, considered this role as the “cherry on the cake” of his illustrious journey. He posted a picture with Bhaker, both proudly holding the Indian tricolor.

Bhaker won bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol event and the mixed team 10m air pistol event with Sarbjot Singh. She narrowly missed out on a third medal, finishing fourth in the women’s 25m air rifle event.

The Indian men’s hockey team, led by Sreejesh, clinched back-to-back bronze medals in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. India’s overall performance saw them place 71st in the medal standings, securing one silver and five bronze medals. Neeraj Chopra’s 89.45-meter throw earned India its only silver medal, while shooters Swapnil Kusale and Aman Sehrwat contributed additional bronze medals.

The United States topped the medal table with 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze medals. China followed closely with 40 gold medals but fewer silvers and bronzes.

New Delhi: In a thrilling showdown, the Indian men’s hockey team secured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 by defeating Spain 2-1. This victory marks a significant milestone, as it is the team’s second consecutive Olympic medal, a rare achievement last seen in 1972.

Harmanpreet Singh Shines Bright

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh was the standout performer, scoring both of India’s goals. His first goal came in the 30th minute, leveling the score after Spain had initially taken the lead with a penalty stroke from Marc Miralles. Singh then struck again in the 33rd minute with a brilliant dragflick, ensuring India’s podium finish.

A Memorable Farewell for PR Sreejesh

The match also held special significance as it was the farewell game for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. In a heartfelt moment, Sreejesh was carried on the shoulders of Harmanpreet Singh during the team’s victory lap. Sreejesh, who has been a key figure for Indian hockey, played a crucial role in the bronze medal win, including making essential saves in the final moments.

Match Recap

The game was intensely contested from start to finish. Spain took the lead with a penalty stroke in the second quarter, but India fought back strongly. Harmanpreet Singh’s goals in the second and third quarters were crucial, and the team’s defense held firm under pressure. Despite several late attempts by Spain to equalize, including multiple penalty corners, India’s defense, led by Sreejesh, proved resilient.

Recognition and Rewards

Hockey India has announced substantial rewards for the bronze-winning team, with each player receiving ₹15 lakh and the support staff receiving ₹7.5 lakh as a token of appreciation for their exceptional performance.

Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, praised the team’s achievement and Sreejesh’s contributions. “Winning back-to-back Olympic medals is a remarkable feat and reflects the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage,” he said.

Looking Ahead

The Indian hockey team’s success at the Paris Olympics is not just a moment of national pride but also a benchmark for future competitions. Their performance has reignited interest in hockey across India and sets the stage for future successes in international tournaments.

New Delhi: In a close contest at the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian weightlifter Saikom Mirabai Chanu narrowly missed a podium finish, ending up in fourth place in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event. Chanu achieved a combined lift of 199kg, just shy of securing a medal.

In a heartfelt message shared by the Indian Olympic Association, Chanu expressed her disappointment, saying, “I gave my all to win a medal for my country but fell short today. It’s part of the sport—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I will work harder and strive to perform better in future competitions.”

The gold medal was claimed by China’s Hou Zhihui with a lift of 206kg, while Romania’s Mihaela Valentina Cambei took silver with 205kg. Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao won the bronze with a lift of 200kg.

So far, India has earned three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, all in shooting events.

New Delhi: The Indian men’s hockey team is all set to battle Spain for the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on August 8. Here’s a quick overview to get you ready for the game. Field hockey involves scoring the most goals within 60 minutes, divided into four 15-minute quarters.

The match begins with a toss to determine which team starts with the ball and chooses their side of the field. The team winning the toss will initiate play with a pushback from the center. Both teams then vie for control of the ball and aim to score. Fouls can occur during the game, with more severe penalties if committed within the Dee (the shooting circle).

Following their narrow 2-3 loss to Germany in the semifinals, Indian coach Craig Fulton is focused on rallying his players for the bronze medal match. The team is determined to overcome the setback and replicate their Tokyo 2021 performance, where they won bronze after a semifinal defeat.

This time, the mood is different; the team is dealing with the regret of missing out on the gold medal final. Fulton emphasized the importance of moving forward. “Nothing comes easy at the Olympics. We’ll recover, prepare, and be ready for the next match,” he said.

With a clear focus on clinching the bronze medal, the Indian team is prepared to give their best against Spain and secure a medal for their nation.

New Delhi: In a historic yet heart-wrenching moment for Indian archery, Ankita Bhakat and Dhiraj Bommadevara narrowly fell short of securing the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in the sport at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian mixed team endured a tough 2-6 defeat against the American duo of Casey Kaufhold and Brady Ellison in the bronze medal match held on Friday.

Bhakat and Bommadevara’s journey to this monumental occasion was nothing short of spectacular. They made history by becoming the first Indian archers to reach an Olympic medal match. Their path to the medal round included a dramatic semifinal battle against the experienced South Korean team of Siheye Lim and Wo Jin Kim. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, the Indian pair was unable to sustain their advantage, ultimately losing the match in a hard-fought contest.

In the bronze medal match, the American team took the lead by winning the opening set 38-37. Bhakat struggled in the second set, which allowed the Americans to build a commanding 4-0 lead. Although the Indian team made a valiant effort to rebound in the third set, with Bommadevara delivering strong performances, the deficit proved too significant to overcome. Bhakat’s continued difficulties in the final set permitted the Americans to clinch the bronze with a 37-35 win.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on a medal, Bhakat and Bommadevara’s fourth-place finish is a groundbreaking achievement for Indian archery. Their performance throughout the tournament demonstrated their exceptional skill and dedication. By reaching the semifinals and consistently scoring high, they have set a new benchmark for Indian archery.

The narrow miss of the bronze medal highlights the slim margin between success and disappointment at the highest level of competition. However, the experience and insights gained from this campaign are expected to significantly benefit Indian archery in future international events. Bhakat and Bommadevara’s journey, filled with both triumph and heartache, stands as a testament to their resilience and the growing prominence of Indian archery on the global stage.

New Delhi: PV Sindhu, a distinguished two-time Olympic medallist, has smoothly advanced to the pre-quarterfinals in the women’s singles badminton event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. On Wednesday, the 29-year-old Sindhu showcased her dominance by defeating Estonia’s Kristin Kuuba in straight games, 21-5, 21-10, thereby securing the top position in her group.

Sindhu, ranked 10th, had previously won her opening match against Maldives’ Fathimath Abdul Razzaq with a commanding score of 21-9, 21-6. With these victories, Sindhu topped Group M, finishing the group stage undefeated.

Under the tournament format, the winner from each of the 16 groups advances to the Round of 16. Sindhu’s performance against Kuuba highlighted the significant gap in skill and ranking between the players. Kuuba, ranked 73rd globally, struggled to match the prowess of the 13th-seeded Sindhu.

Sindhu took just 14 minutes to win the first game. Despite Kuuba putting up a tougher fight in the second game, including a brief lead at 2-0, Sindhu quickly regained control. Even though there were a few extended rallies, Sindhu’s superior experience and skill ensured her victory and progression to the next round.

Previously, Sindhu has secured a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze at the Tokyo Games. Her strong performance at Paris further enhances her impressive Olympic legacy.

In sports such as shooting and wrestling, national federations determine which athletes will compete based on quotas earned. For example, if an athlete secures a quota in women’s 53kg freestyle wrestling, the Wrestling Federation of India will decide the final contender through trials if necessary.

During a recent meeting with Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, newly appointed Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s support for India’s Olympic hopefuls. He expressed confidence that 120 Indian athletes will qualify for the Paris Games, reflecting optimism and readiness within the contingent.