Page 9 - Olympics

Medal or not, hope people never forget Vinesh's efforts for India: Neeraj

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is keeping his fingers crossed for wrestler Vinesh Phogat as she awaits a verdict on her appeal against disqualification from the Games but at the same time, he is also hoping that "people don't forget what she did for the country" if the decision is not in her favour. Vinesh was found 100gm overweight before her 50kg category final on Wednesday and she has appealed against her disqualification in the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport here. A decision on the appeal is expected to be delivered by 9.30pm IST. Chopra, who claimed his second successive Olympic medal -- a silver to follow up on the gold in Tokyo --, said he wants the medal around Vinesh's neck for one simple reason -- "people shouldn't forget her." "If she gets the medal, it would be very good. If things had not panned out the way they did, she would have had the medal. I hope she gets it because if you don't have it around your neck, that thing stays in your heart,"

Paris Olympics 2024 HIGHLIGHTS Day 15: China win women's TT Gold medal match; Reetika loses in QF

India's Reetika Hooda lost her QF bout in the women's 76kg freestyle wrestling event. Hooda will still be hoping to take bronze via the repechage round. Check all live updates here.

Your life is inspirational: PM to Olympic medal winning grappler Sehrawat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded wrestler Aman Sehrawat for winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and said his life is inspirational for others. Congratulating the 21-year-old athlete over the phone, he noted that Sehrawat was the youngest of the Indian medal-winners in this Olympic games, and said his feat will continue to bring the country joy for a long time. "Your life is inspirational for the people of the country," the prime minister said. Modi noted that Sehrawat lost his parents at a young age and has devoted himself to wrestling. Sehrawat conveyed his thanks to the prime minister for all the facilities given to him and expressed confidence about winning the gold medal in the next Olympic games. Sehrawat won bronze by defeating Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz in the men's 57kg freestyle category at the Paris Olympic Games on Friday. The U-23 world champion was the lone Indian male wrestler to qualify for the Paris Games and he did not disappoint, winning

'Sreejesh is a legend, an inspiration to the next-gen,' say teammates

Just-retired India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh is a legend of the game and will inspire the next generation of hockey players in the country, said his teammates on Saturday, after returning from Paris Olympics with a second successive bronze medal. Eight-time Olympic champions India clinched a bronze medal in Paris, beating Spain 2-1 in the play-off match. The last of India's Olympic hockey golds came in 1980. "Sreejesh is the best person, a legend, and India calls him the 'Great Wall', amazing, that is all I can say he played his best hockey, and he has contributed to the country by playing hockey, and the standard he has set as a goalkeeper, it will inspire the next generation," forward Lalit Upadhyay said during a felicitation ceremony here. "I would like to thank the entire country because of the overwhelming support you have given to hockey, like the last time but even more so now, hockey is still in the hearts of people, they continue to love the sport and continue to support." La

Meet Nacer Zorgani, vision-impaired Para judo athlete with a special talent

The crowd at Roland Garros, the legendary home of French tennis now hosting Olympic boxing, erupted in applause as Nacer Zorgani's deep, resonant voice filled the venue. Ladies and gentlemen, in the red corner, representing France Billal Bennama! he announced in French, his words reverberating through the stands. The 20,000 spectators hung on his every word, unaware that the man captivating them with his powerful baritone couldn't see one of them, because he was acutely vision-impaired. It wasn't until the fourth semifinal match Thursday night -- when Zorgani stood up from his seat and felt his way with a white cane -- that some realized. As he and his volunteer guide, Laureline Jeunemaitre, made their way to the restroom, heads turned, and whispers filled the air. He's tall, he's big, and he carries a walking stick. You can't help but notice him, remarked spectator Florian Warth. But, when he got back to his seat and started speaking to the crowd, I realized he was speaking to u

Italy breaks Africa's dominance in 10,000 m podium, wins silver in Paris

For three straight Olympics, nobody born outside of Africa had even come close to finishing on the podium in the women's 10,000 meters. Italy's Nadia Battocletti ended that streak Friday night at the Paris Games, claiming silver in an event that had come to be dominated by Kenyans, Ethiopians and runners from those countries representing other nations. Battocletti first served notice of her potential when she swept the 5,000 and the 10,000 at a home European Championships in June. But, there were no Africans in Rome. During the 5,000 at these Games, when Battocletti finished fourth, the Africans realized how competitive she was. Battocletti crossed fourth in that race, then was upgraded to bronze when Kenya's Faith Kipyegon was disqualified for trading elbows with Gudaf Tsegay before Kipyegon had her bronze restored on appeal. After the 5,000, they started greeting me, appreciating me. I received lots of compliments from the Kenyan and Ethiopian girls, Battocletti said. I imagine

Verdict on Vinesh Phogat's silver medal at Paris Olympics by 9:30 pm today

The ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will give its decision on the appeal filed by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat against her disqualification from the Olympic finals by 6pm local time (9.30pm IST) on Saturday. The hearing on the matter concluded here on Friday after it accepted Vinesh's appeal against her ouster for being 100gm overweight on the morning of her final against eventual gold-winner Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of USA. "By application of Article 18 of the CAS Arbitration Rules form the Olympic Games, the President of the CAS Ad Hoc Division extends the time limit for the Panel to give a decision until 10 August 2024 at 18h00 (Paris time)," a statement from the CAS said. This was after the ad-hoc division, set up especially for dispute resolution during the Olympics, said that a decision can be expected before the end of the Paris Games on Sunday. After the hearing, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had insisted that it was hopeful of a "positive .

Just like Noah Lyles, Olympians with Covid continue to compete in Paris

Many hoped the Paris Olympics would be the post-COVID Games. Instead they seem to be the who cares about COVID Games. Noah Lyles won a bronze with the virus in front of tens of thousands of spectators, and dozens of other athletes at the Games have tested positive. But organizers have only issued health recommendations, and no restrictions, allowing athletes to compete if they wish and are able to. This comes in sharp contrast with the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, which had to be delayed by a year because of the pandemic and were held under intense COVID-19 regulations and no fans allowed at any events. Six months later, the Winter Games in Beijing had even stricter protocols because of China's zero-tolerance policy. In Paris, the Olympics recall pre-COVID-19 times. French people have revived the double-cheeked greeting embrace la bise. Fans joyfully reach out at venues to slap athletes' hands. Masks are rarely seen in crowds of supporters, and people from across the world came to Fran

Olympics: Brazil beat Canada in women's beach volleyball final to win gold

Not even a tense tte--tte in the gold medal game could spoil the vibe at Paris' biggest beach party. Canada's Brandie Wilkerson and Brazil's Ana Patrcia got into a finger-pointing shouting match across the net in the tiebreaking third set of the beach volleyball final of the Paris Olympics on Friday night. The referee tried to keep the peace, but it was the Eiffel Tower Stadium DJ who cooled tempers on the sand by playing John Lennon's Imagine over the PA system. The players laughed and clapped. The crowd applauded and sang along. Wilkerson was shown a yellow card. The top-ranked Brazilians left with the gold medal. Were competitors and we are fighting for the same thing: There's only one gold medal, Wilkerson said during a post-match news conference in which the two laughed and jokingly put up their fists as if they were going to brawl it out. Immediately after the game, it's all love and respect," she said. "We bring out the best in each other, and I'm honored to play against t

Olympics: How Aman Sehrawat slashed 4.6 kgs to avoid Vinesh Phogat's fate

With Vinesh Phogat's disappointing disqualification in the back of his mind, Aman left no stone unturned in order to cut his weight within the permissible limits of his category.

Indian hockey team returns home from Paris Olympics amid much fanfare

The Olympic bronze medal winning Indian men's hockey team including captain Harmanpreet Singh arrived from Paris here on Saturday morning. The Indian team extended its record medal haul to 13 with a 2-1 victory over Spain in the third place match in Paris on Thursday. However, not all members of the bronze medal winning team made their way back home as a few vital cogs remained in the French capital for the closing ceremony of the Games. India's Wall', goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was named as the joint flag bearer for the closing ceremony along with Paris Games' double medallist Manu Bhaker and remained in Paris. Along with Sreejesh, Amit Rohidas, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Sanjay are slated to return after the closing ceremony. Harmanpreet and team members were greeted with garlands and celebratory dhol as they made their way out of the arrivals at the Indira Gandhi Airport in the morning. "We have received all the support, and all our requirements were fulfilled. I

Paris Olympics 2024: India schedule on August 10, live time and streaming

India at Olympics: Reetika Hooda to Aditi Ashok- check India's schedule, live match timings on Day 15 of the Olympics 2024

PM Modi, Sehwag hail Aman Sehrawat for winning bronze medal in Olympics

Wrestler Aman Sehrawat overcoming adversity to stand on the podium on Friday touched an emotional chord with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BCCI secretary Jay Shah and former cricketer Virender Sehwag as they led the tributes to the 21-year-old, who won a bronze medal to take India's tally at the Paris Olympics to six. The 21-year-old 57kg free-style grappler, who was raised by his grandfather after he lost his parents as a child, defeated Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz in a high-intensity third-place contest to become India's youngest medallist at the Olympics. Before him, celebrated shuttler P V Sindhu held the title of being India's youngest Olympic podium finisher after she claimed a silver in the 2016 Games at the age of 21 years, one month and 14 days. PM Modi lauded Aman's tenacity, saying, "More pride thanks to our wrestlers! Congratulations to Aman Sehrawat for winning the Bronze Medal in the Men's Freestyle 57kg at the Paris Olympics. His dedication and perseverance are clearly

Olympics 2024: Wrestler Aman Sehrawat wins Bronze in 57kg freestyle event

Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat wins his bronze medal bout to win India's fifth bronze and sixth overall medal at Paris 2024

Paris Olympics 2024 Highlights: Aman Sehrawat wins bronze; Indian medal tally- Silver 1, Bronze 5

The Indian women's 4x400m relay team finished last in their heats while the men's team finished 5th in theirs with a season best finish. Check all updates from day 14 of the Paris Olympics 2024 here.

PR Sreejesh is set to take up India junior coach role after retirement

The 'Great Wall of Indian Hockey' PR Sreejesh will soon be seen in a new role following his retirement from the sport, with Hockey India set to announce him as the coach of the junior national team. Sreejesh, 36, brought the curtain down on his illustrious goalkeeping career following India's victory over Spain in the bronze-medal match on Thursday. Sreejesh, whose glorious 18-year-long career saw India clinch two Olympic bronze medals (2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris), is regarded as the best-ever hockey goalkeeper the country has produced. "Yes, we will appoint Sreejesh as the men's junior team coach (under-21) in a few days. We have discussed this with him and there is no one better than him to guide and nurture the youngsters," Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey told PTI from Paris. "He has extraordinary capabilities, which he showed in Paris against Britain. Not just that, he will also be guiding the younger generations of goalkeepers," added Tirkey. Hockey India also wants Sreeje

Olympics: Sport climbers hail decision to split events, award extra medal

The sport climbing competition is coming to a close at the Paris Games with athletes celebrating the decision to separate the speed discipline from boulder and lead. The sport made its Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago and awarded only one medal each for the men and women, combining the results from all three disciplines in an unpopular decision. It was like having a sprinter only competing in the decathlon, said Austrian climber Jakob Schubert, a lead and boulder specialist. It's almost like different sports, he added. The decision was just really beneficial for everyone, Schubert said. These disciplines are just not really connected. So I think it really made sense. And I think every athlete was happy. While the speed discipline is more about power and explosiveness a mix of climbing and athletics," as Schubert noted the lead and boulder are more about technique and problem solving. In speed, climbers have to go up a 15-meter (49-foot) wall as fast as possible while compe

Olympics 2024: Egyptian wrestler arrested on sexual assault charges

An Egyptian Olympic wrestler was arrested in Paris on sexual assault charges, French prosecutors said on Friday. A 26-year-old athlete was detained early on Friday after allegedly groping a woman outside a Paris cafe, according to a statement from the Paris prosecutor's office. The office did not name the wrestler but said he was born in Egypt and was in Paris to compete in the Olympics. The Egyptian wrestling federation did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Olympics: Sreejesh joins Bhaker as India's flag-bearer in closing ceremony

Celebrated hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will join star shooter Manu Bhaker as the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games here on Sunday, a fitting honour and recognition for his contributions to the team. Before homing in on Sreejesh, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha spoke with Neeraj Chopra, and she said even the superstar javelin thrower wanted to see the retiring legend as flag-bearer. Chopra claimed a silver here to become the first Indian track and field athlete to win two Olympic medals. He won a historic gold in the Tokyo edition three years ago. "I spoke with Neeraj Chopra and appreciate the spontaneity and grace with which he agreed that Sreejesh should be the flag-bearer at the Closing Ceremony," Usha said in a statement. "He told me 'Ma'am, even if you had not asked me, I would have suggested Sree bhai's name'. It is reflective of the immense respect Neeraj has for Sreejesh and his contribution to Indian sport," s

Olympics 2024: India's men and women relay teams fail to qualify for finals

The Indian men's 4x400m relay team failed to live up to expectations as it finished 10th overall in the heat race to miss a final round spot in the Paris Olympics here on Friday. The Indian quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Muhammed Ajmal, Amoj Jacob and Rajesh Ramesh clocked a season's best of 3 minutes and 0.58 seconds but that was enough only for a seventh-place finish in heat number 2 and 10th overall out of 16 teams. The top three teams in each of the two heats and the next two fastest across the two heats advance to the final. Botswana (2:57.76), Great Britain (2:58.88) and USA (2:59.15) were the top three while Japan was fourth with a time of 2:59.48. India holds the Asian record of 2:59.05 which it had clocked during the 2023 Budapest World Championships where the team was briefly running along side the formidable USA. The Athletics Federation of India had pinned a lot of hope on the men's 4x400m relay team to make it to the final round, but it failed to do so ultimately.