<p>India’s legendary shooter Abhinav Bindra is set to be awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic movement. Bindra, who clinched India’s first individual Olympic gold medal in 2008 during the Beijing Summer Games will receive the honour on August 10 during International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 142nd session. The news was confirmed on Monday (July 22) when India’s Union Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Mansukh Mandaviya announced it on his social media handle.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav_Bindra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Abhinav_Bindra</a> on being awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement!<br />
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His achievement fills us with pride and is truly well-deserved.<br />
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His name alone has inspired generations of shooters and Olympians. <a href="https://t.co/w8i6Ykr09X">pic.twitter.com/w8i6Ykr09X</a></p>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1815393692175233458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Abhinav Bindra to be honoured with Olympic Order</strong></h2>

<p>"Congratulations to Abhinav Bindra on being awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement! His achievement fills us with pride and is truly well-deserved. His name alone has inspired generations of shooters and Olympians," Mandaviya wrote on his social media handle.</p>

<p>Started in 1975, before the Montreal Summer Olympic Games, Bindra will become the first Indian to receive the prestigious award. Traditionally, the IOC awards the Olympic Order upon the chief national organiser(s) at the closing ceremony of each respective Olympic Games.</p>

<p>A legend in Indian sports, Bindra first rose to fame in 2002 when he clinched the gold medal in the Manchester Commonwealth Games which were then followed by success in 2006 and 2010 in 10m air rifle. The 2010 gold medal was special considering he was the Olympic champion and won it on his home turf when New Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games.</p>

<p>Bindra also won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games while pocketing silver and bronze medals during his Asian Games stint in 2010.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-2024-tour-de-france-winner-tadej-pogacar-pulls-out-citing-tiredness-743227">Paris Olympics 2024: Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar pulls out citing 'tiredness'</a></p>

<h2><strong>What is the Olympic Order Award?</strong></h2>

<p>The Olympic Order was founded in 1975. It is the highest award of the Olympic Movement. It is specifically awarded for distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement. Traditionally, the IOC awards the Olympic Order upon the chief national organiser(s) at the closing ceremony of each respective Olympic Games.</p>

<p>The Olympic Order was founded almost 50 years ago in May 1975 by the International Olympic Committee. It replaced the Olympic Diploma of Merit. The Olympic Order originally had three grades - gold, silver and bronze. But it was changed nine years later.</p>


India’s legendary shooter Abhinav Bindra is set to be awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic movement. Bindra, who clinched India’s first individual Olympic gold medal in 2008 during the Beijing Summer Games will receive the honour on August 10 during International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 142nd session.

India’s legendary shooter Abhinav Bindra is set to be awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic movement. Bindra, who clinched India’s first individual Olympic gold medal in 2008 during the Beijing Summer Games will receive the honour on August 10 during International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 142nd session. The news was confirmed on Monday (July 22) when India’s Union Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Mansukh Mandaviya announced it on his social media handle. Congratulations to @Abhinav_Bindra on being awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement! His achievement fills us with pride and is truly well-deserved. His name alone has inspired generations of shooters and Olympians. pic.twitter.com/w8i6Ykr09X — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 22, 2024 × Abhinav Bindra to be honoured with Olympic Order "Congratulations to Abhinav Bindra on being awarded the Olympic Order for outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement! His achievement fills us with pride and is truly well-deserved. His name alone has inspired generations of shooters and Olympians," Mandaviya wrote on his social media handle. Started in 1975, before the Montreal Summer Olympic Games, Bindra will become the first Indian to receive the prestigious award. Traditionally, the IOC awards the Olympic Order upon the chief national organiser(s) at the closing ceremony of each respective Olympic Games. A legend in Indian sports, Bindra first rose to fame in 2002 when he clinched the gold medal in the Manchester Commonwealth Games which were then followed by success in 2006 and 2010 in 10m air rifle. The 2010 gold medal was special considering he was the Olympic champion and won it on his home turf when New Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games. Bindra also won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games while pocketing silver and bronze medals during his Asian Games stint in 2010. ALSO READ | Paris Olympics 2024: Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar pulls out citing 'tiredness' What is the Olympic Order Award? The Olympic Order was founded in 1975. It is the highest award of the Olympic Movement. It is specifically awarded for distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement. Traditionally, the IOC awards the Olympic Order upon the chief national organiser(s) at the closing ceremony of each respective Olympic Games. The Olympic Order was founded almost 50 years ago in May 1975 by the International Olympic Committee. It replaced the Olympic Diploma of Merit. The Olympic Order originally had three grades - gold, silver and bronze. But it was changed nine years later.

Legendary Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra to be awarded with Olympic Order during the 142nd IOC session in Paris

The Olympic Games in Paris are back exactly 100 years later. The French capital first hosted the Olympic Games in 1900 and then for the second time in 1924. On July 26, Paris will become the second city after London to host the Olympics three times. The 2024 Games will feature a celebration of the centenary of the 1924 Olympics.

How the Olympics have changed between Paris 1924 & Paris 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics start on July 26. A total of 10,500 athletes representing 206 countries are competing in this year’s Summer Games. Here are some lesser-known facts about the Olympics.

2024 Paris Olympics explained

<p>Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar on Monday pulled out of the Paris Olympics citing "tiredness", his Slovenia team announced.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately Tadej Pogacar has cancelled his participation because of a state of extreme fatigue," Slovenian Olympic cycling coach Uros Murn said in a statement.</p>

<p>Pogacar won a third Tour de France title in Nice on Sunday. Victory also gave him the first Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double since Marco Pantani in 1998.</p>

<p>But the 25-year-old, a bronze medallist in the road race at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, had been angered by his girlfriend Urska Zigart not being selected for the Slovenian women's cycling team for the Paris Games.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-japan-withdraws-gymnast-shoko-miyata-from-summer-games-for-smoking-743178">Paris Olympics 2024: Japan withdraws gymnast Shoko Miyata from Summer Games for smoking</a></p>

<p>He said he was "angry" and "speechless" in a message posted on his Facebook account.</p>

<p>"I need a little rest after the Tour and I'm not sure what I'll be doing next," Pogacar had said on Sunday.</p>

<p>"And I want to relax and rest and spend some time with my girlfriend."</p>

<p>When asked about the Olympics on Sunday, he remained very evasive, preferring to mention his "dream" of one day wearing the rainbow jersey of world champion.</p>

<p>At the worlds in September in Zurich, the Slovenian is aiming for a triple of the world title, the Giro and Tour, only held by two men, Ireland's Stephen Roche and Belgian Eddy Merckx.</p>

<p>Pogacar will be replaced on the national team by Domen Novak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Once again Tadej, congratulations for Tour de France win!" Team Slovenia said.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: </strong>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar on Monday pulled out of the Paris Olympics citing "tiredness", his Slovenia team announced. "Unfortunately Tadej Pogacar has cancelled his participation because of a state of extreme fatigue," Slovenian Olympic cycling coach Uros Murn said in a statement.

Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar on Monday pulled out of the Paris Olympics citing "tiredness", his Slovenia team announced. "Unfortunately Tadej Pogacar has cancelled his participation because of a state of extreme fatigue," Slovenian Olympic cycling coach Uros Murn said in a statement. Pogacar won a third Tour de France title in Nice on Sunday. Victory also gave him the first Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double since Marco Pantani in 1998. But the 25-year-old, a bronze medallist in the road race at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, had been angered by his girlfriend Urska Zigart not being selected for the Slovenian women's cycling team for the Paris Games. ALSO READ | Paris Olympics 2024: Japan withdraws gymnast Shoko Miyata from Summer Games for smoking He said he was "angry" and "speechless" in a message posted on his Facebook account. "I need a little rest after the Tour and I'm not sure what I'll be doing next," Pogacar had said on Sunday. "And I want to relax and rest and spend some time with my girlfriend." When asked about the Olympics on Sunday, he remained very evasive, preferring to mention his "dream" of one day wearing the rainbow jersey of world champion. At the worlds in September in Zurich, the Slovenian is aiming for a triple of the world title, the Giro and Tour, only held by two men, Ireland's Stephen Roche and Belgian Eddy Merckx. Pogacar will be replaced on the national team by Domen Novak. "Once again Tadej, congratulations for Tour de France win!" Team Slovenia said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Paris Olympics 2024: Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar pulls out citing 'tiredness'

<p>As athletes are gathering to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the “anti-sex” bed is again in the limelight as players share what the cardboard bed actually looks like. Many athletes have actually tried to check the durability of these "anti-sex" beds and tried to understand how strong they are.</p>

<p>British diver and Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley on Monday (July 22) shared a glimpse of the controversial bed on TikTok, as he tested its capacity to withstand sexual activity.</p>

<p>“This is cardboard,” the diver said, as he filmed the bedpost and headboard. "As you can see, it’s like a box," he added.</p>

<p>He also shared the visuals of the mattress topper and a thin mattress on a cardboard base. “Then, we get our own Paris ’24 [comforter],” he said.</p>

<p>The 30-year-old also tested the stability of the bed by jumping up and down, and said, “As you can see, they’re pretty sturdy.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2024-paris-olympics-know-why-running-track-has-been-painted-purple-743188">2024 Paris Olympics: Know why running track has been painted purple</a></p>

<p>These "anti-sex" beds were also tested by Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan who recorded himself stomping, jumping and bouncing on the bed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Nope, they pass the test,” the athlete said, as the video ended. He added, “It’s fake! Fake news!”</p>

<p>Australian tennis players Daria Saville and Ellen Perez also checked the strength of the bed.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Irish gymnast&nbsp;Rhys McClenaghan also checked out the bed.&nbsp;"When I tested them last time, they withstood my testing. Maybe I wasn't rigorous enough..." he stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>“Anti-sex” beds takes centre stage in Olympics&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Olympians have been excited to check out the “anti-sex” beds which first appeared in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and received poor reviews from some athletes.</p>

<p>Team USA runner Paul Chelimo had then said that the selection of cardboard beds was “aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Paris goes high-tech for Olympics 2024</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/paris-goes-high-tech-for-olympics-2024-742516/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“Beds will be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports. I see no problem for distance runners, even 4 of us can do," he added.</p>

<p>Amid various rumours regarding the inclusion of the cardboard beds, Paris officials said to Reuters in May that they chose this material to “ensure minimal environmental impact and a second life for all equipment used during the short period of the Games.”</p>

<p>“It goes without saying that the quality of the furniture has been rigorously tested to ensure it is robust, comfortable and appropriate for all the athletes who will use it, and who span a very broad range of body types," the statement added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As athletes are gathering to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the “anti-sex” bed is again in the limelight as players share what the cardboard bed actually looks like.

As athletes are gathering to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the “anti-sex” bed is again in the limelight as players share what the cardboard bed actually looks like. Many athletes have actually tried to check the durability of these "anti-sex" beds and tried to understand how strong they are. British diver and Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley on Monday (July 22) shared a glimpse of the controversial bed on TikTok, as he tested its capacity to withstand sexual activity. “This is cardboard,” the diver said, as he filmed the bedpost and headboard. "As you can see, it’s like a box," he added. He also shared the visuals of the mattress topper and a thin mattress on a cardboard base. “Then, we get our own Paris ’24 [comforter],” he said. The 30-year-old also tested the stability of the bed by jumping up and down, and said, “As you can see, they’re pretty sturdy.” Also Read: 2024 Paris Olympics: Know why running track has been painted purple These "anti-sex" beds were also tested by Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan who recorded himself stomping, jumping and bouncing on the bed. “Nope, they pass the test,” the athlete said, as the video ended. He added, “It’s fake! Fake news!” Australian tennis players Daria Saville and Ellen Perez also checked the strength of the bed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daria Saville (@daria_sav) × Irish gymnast Rhys McClenaghan also checked out the bed. "When I tested them last time, they withstood my testing. Maybe I wasn't rigorous enough..." he stated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rhys McClenaghan (@rhysmcc1) × “Anti-sex” beds takes centre stage in Olympics The Olympians have been excited to check out the “anti-sex” beds which first appeared in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and received poor reviews from some athletes. Team USA runner Paul Chelimo had then said that the selection of cardboard beds was “aimed at avoiding intimacy among athletes.” Watch: Paris goes high-tech for Olympics 2024 “Beds will be able to withstand the weight of a single person to avoid situations beyond sports. I see no problem for distance runners, even 4 of us can do," he added. Amid various rumours regarding the inclusion of the cardboard beds, Paris officials said to Reuters in May that they chose this material to “ensure minimal environmental impact and a second life for all equipment used during the short period of the Games.” “It goes without saying that the quality of the furniture has been rigorously tested to ensure it is robust, comfortable and appropriate for all the athletes who will use it, and who span a very broad range of body types," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Athletes check out 'anti-sex’ beds in 2024 Paris Olympics. Here's what their verdict is

<p>Japan's 19-year-old Shoko Miyata has been removed from the country's Paris Olympics 2024 participants list for smoking. The gymnast, set to take part in her first Olympic games, was sent home from the team's training camp at Monaco on Thursday (Jul 18).</p>

<p>It is to be noted that Japan Gymnastics Association has a ban against smoking for athletes. Miyata was sent home after the officials investigated the alleged smoking incident.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-hopes-tight-security-wont-spoil-olympics-2024-opening-ceremony-742945">Paris hopes tight security won’t spoil Olympics 2024 opening ceremony</a></p>

<p>"With her confirmation and after discussions on all sides, it has been decided that she will withdraw from the Olympics," said Japan Gymnastics Association secretary general Kenji Nishimura to reporters in Tokyo.</p>

<p>According to Nishimura, Miyata also looked exhausted at the training camp.</p>

<p>The gymnast's personal coach, Mutsumi Harada, meanwhile has said that Miyata was struggling to cope up with the 'pressure' of competing at her first Olympic games.</p>

<p>"She was spending her days really burdened with so much pressure. I would implore people to understand that," said the personal coach.</p>

<p>Miyata shot to fame with a bronze medal in the 2022 World Championships in Liverpool, England. The Olympics are set to start from July 26.</p>

<h2><strong>Seine fit for swimming</strong></h2>

<p>The River Seine has been clean enough to swim in for six of seven days tested ahead of the Olympic Games which get underway in a week, Paris city hall said on Friday (Jul 19).</p>

<p>The quality of the water met the required standards between July 10-16, two weeks before the open water events organised during the Olympics.</p>

<p>Weather permitting, the river will be the star of the opening ceremony of the Games on July 26 and will then host the triathlon and the swimming marathon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite improving water quality results since the end of June, suspense remains over whether these competitions can go ahead on the river through the French capital.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan's 19-year-old Shoko Miyata has been removed from the country's Paris Olympics 2024 participants list for smoking. The gymnast, set to take part in her first Olympic games, was sent home from the team's training camp at Monaco on Thursday (Jul 18).

Japan's 19-year-old Shoko Miyata has been removed from the country's Paris Olympics 2024 participants list for smoking. The gymnast, set to take part in her first Olympic games, was sent home from the team's training camp at Monaco on Thursday (Jul 18). It is to be noted that Japan Gymnastics Association has a ban against smoking for athletes. Miyata was sent home after the officials investigated the alleged smoking incident. Also Read: Paris hopes tight security won’t spoil Olympics 2024 opening ceremony "With her confirmation and after discussions on all sides, it has been decided that she will withdraw from the Olympics," said Japan Gymnastics Association secretary general Kenji Nishimura to reporters in Tokyo. According to Nishimura, Miyata also looked exhausted at the training camp. The gymnast's personal coach, Mutsumi Harada, meanwhile has said that Miyata was struggling to cope up with the 'pressure' of competing at her first Olympic games. "She was spending her days really burdened with so much pressure. I would implore people to understand that," said the personal coach. Miyata shot to fame with a bronze medal in the 2022 World Championships in Liverpool, England. The Olympics are set to start from July 26. Seine fit for swimming The River Seine has been clean enough to swim in for six of seven days tested ahead of the Olympic Games which get underway in a week, Paris city hall said on Friday (Jul 19). The quality of the water met the required standards between July 10-16, two weeks before the open water events organised during the Olympics. Weather permitting, the river will be the star of the opening ceremony of the Games on July 26 and will then host the triathlon and the swimming marathon. Despite improving water quality results since the end of June, suspense remains over whether these competitions can go ahead on the river through the French capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris Olympics 2024: Japan withdraws gymnast Shoko Miyata from Summer Games for smoking

Reigning Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra is once again going for gold at the Olympics. Chopra is part of a strong Indian contingent for Paris 2024, that will aim to improve on their tally of a record seven medals at the Tokyo Olympics. Chopra was speaking to WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Paris 2024 | Neeraj Chopra's advice for India's Paris-bound athletes | Olympic Champion on WION

<p>The River Seine has been clean enough to swim in for six of seven days tested ahead of the Olympic Games which get underway in a week, Paris city hall said on Friday.</p>

<p>The quality of the water met the required standards between July 10-16, two weeks before the open water events organised during the Olympics.</p>

<p>Weather permitting, the river will be the star of the opening ceremony of the Games on July 26 and will then host the triathlon and the swimming marathon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite improving water quality results since the end of June, suspense remains over whether these competitions can go ahead on the river through the French capital.</p>

<p>Although the river's E.Coli bacterial level was below the thresholds six days a week at the sampling point on the Alexandre-III bridge, results from three other Parisian sites are much more mixed.</p>

<p>"This week was marked by two significant episodes of rain, particularly upstream of Paris, which had an impact on water quality and flow," regional authorities said.</p>

<p>In the event of heavy rain, untreated sewage can be washed into the river.</p>

<p>A downpour on July 9 "impacted the water quality of the Seine", as did storms and rain overnight from July 11 to 12.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-unbelievable-australian-hockey-player-matt-dawson-amputates-part-of-finger-to-take-part-in-paris-olympics-742281">UNBELIEVABLE! Australian hockey player Matt Dawson amputates part of finger to take part in Paris Olympics</a></p>

<p>But in both cases, the water quality quickly recovered, in two or three days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo kept her promise and bathed in the Seine along with Paris-2024 chief organiser Tony Estanguet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A positive note for organisers is that the flow of the Seine, still unseasonally high which unfavourably impacts water quality, continues to decrease thanks to dry weather.</p>

<p>If the quality is below standards a 'Plan B' involves postponing the events for a few days or moving the marathon swimming to Vaires-sur-Marne, on the Marne river east of Paris.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The River Seine has been clean enough to swim in for six of seven days tested ahead of the Olympic Games which get underway in a week, Paris city hall said on Friday.

The River Seine has been clean enough to swim in for six of seven days tested ahead of the Olympic Games which get underway in a week, Paris city hall said on Friday. The quality of the water met the required standards between July 10-16, two weeks before the open water events organised during the Olympics. Weather permitting, the river will be the star of the opening ceremony of the Games on July 26 and will then host the triathlon and the swimming marathon. Despite improving water quality results since the end of June, suspense remains over whether these competitions can go ahead on the river through the French capital. Although the river's E.Coli bacterial level was below the thresholds six days a week at the sampling point on the Alexandre-III bridge, results from three other Parisian sites are much more mixed. "This week was marked by two significant episodes of rain, particularly upstream of Paris, which had an impact on water quality and flow," regional authorities said. In the event of heavy rain, untreated sewage can be washed into the river. A downpour on July 9 "impacted the water quality of the Seine", as did storms and rain overnight from July 11 to 12. ALSO READ | UNBELIEVABLE! Australian hockey player Matt Dawson amputates part of finger to take part in Paris Olympics But in both cases, the water quality quickly recovered, in two or three days. On Wednesday, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo kept her promise and bathed in the Seine along with Paris-2024 chief organiser Tony Estanguet. A positive note for organisers is that the flow of the Seine, still unseasonally high which unfavourably impacts water quality, continues to decrease thanks to dry weather. If the quality is below standards a 'Plan B' involves postponing the events for a few days or moving the marathon swimming to Vaires-sur-Marne, on the Marne river east of Paris. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Paris Olympics: Seine fit for swimming six of seven days according to test reports

Neeraj Chopra created history by winning the gold medal in the men's Javelin event at the Tokyo Olympics. Chopra shared his learnings from his first Olympics with Wion Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Neeraj Chopra: Olympic gold taught me how to deal with fame

India's first individual Olympic medalist, Abhinav Bindra, in an exclusive interview with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, expressed confidence that it is only a matter of time before India hosts the Olympics.

Abhinav Bindra: The Olympic games must have a lasting legacy | Exclusive Interview

<p>Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week.</p>

<p>The opening parade on July 26 that will see athletes sail down the river Seine led to the closure of central water-side residential districts to most vehicles from 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Thursday.</p>

<p>Traffic on surrounding boulevards was noticeably lighter than usual as many drivers stayed away, but locals and tourists found themselves blocked at checkpoints, particularly when trying to cross the river.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a real pain," cyclist Frank Groner, 52, told AFP after being turned away by police outside the La Samaritaine department store. "I read everything online and thought I'd understood. You can't cross anywhere!" &nbsp;</p>

<p>With the opening ceremony just eight days away, Paris is transforming itself as it prepares to welcome nearly nine million Olympics ticketholders.</p>

<p>Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the temporary sports stadiums at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides or the Place de la Concorde.</p>

<p>Advertising boards, new artwork and Olympics bunting are going up, while the creation of Olympic VIP traffic lanes this week are the latest change to the capital's gridlocked streets.</p>

<p>"The Olympics have brought us nothing but misery," taxi driver Rabah Ouanes, 53, complained on Thursday, saying traffic had been dreadful because of all the construction work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the run up to the Games, tourist numbers are much lower-than-usual and many Paris residents have headed off on holiday to avoid the disruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our clients are down by 50 percent," said Renaud, a senior waiter at the famed Deux Magots cafe in Saint-German-des-Pres, which is inside the new security perimeter set up on Thursday.</p>

<p>"Normally we have people queuing out the door," he told AFP, gesturing towards the numerous empty seats on the outdoor terrace.</p>

<h2>Super excited</h2>

<p>Elsewhere on Thursday, the first athletes arrived at the newly built Olympic Village in the Saint-Ouen northern suburb of the capital which urban planners are hoping to regenerate.</p>

<p>Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocs, the complex has been built as a showcase of innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials.</p>

<p>It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning, but Olympic delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes out of fear of high temperatures.</p>

<p>"We are super excited to check how it's looking," Australian hockey player Stephanie Kershaw told AFP as she waited to enter the village. "We can't wait to get started."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Members of the Argentinian, Brazilian and Kenyan delegations could be seen pushing luggage trolleys into the complex, while British and US athletes are also expected on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At full capacity, the village will host 14,500 people including 9,000 athletes.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-suryakumar-yadav-confirmed-as-new-t20i-captain-rohit-virat-to-play-in-odis-742120">India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs</a></p>

<h2><strong>Unprecedented ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>Securing the Paris Games remains the biggest priority for French authorities, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin insisting Wednesday that there was "no credible threat" against them at this stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opening ceremony has been giving senior police officers cold sweats ever since it was announced in 2021 because of the difficulty of protecting such a large, densely packed urban area.</p>

<p>Around 6,000-7,000 athletes are set to sail down the Seine on nearly a hundred barges and river boats.</p>

<p>It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people set to watch in person from stands, on the river banks and from the overlooking apartments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-tiered security perimeter installed on Thursday has restricted most vehicles from central areas.</p>

<p>Anyone wanting to enter the highest-security "grey zone" along both banks of the Seine, such as residents or tourists with hotel reservations in the area, needs a security pass in the form of a QR code.</p>

<p>River barriers blocking access to the Seine were installed and functioning on Thursday, while a vast no-fly zone will be put in place above the capital on the evening of the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The installation of tens of thousands of metal security barriers all along the route of the parade and around the temporary venues has also outraged some Parisians.</p>

<p>Martine Dubois, a 74-year-old living in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, said the Olympics were "a real inconvenience".</p>

<p>The metro stop she uses for work was one of 10 closed for security reasons on Thursday and the barriers "make you feel like you're living in a prison," she told AFP.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week.

Thousands of French security forces locked down a six-kilometre (four-mile) stretch of central Paris on Thursday ahead of the hugely complex Olympics opening ceremony next week. The opening parade on July 26 that will see athletes sail down the river Seine led to the closure of central water-side residential districts to most vehicles from 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Thursday. Traffic on surrounding boulevards was noticeably lighter than usual as many drivers stayed away, but locals and tourists found themselves blocked at checkpoints, particularly when trying to cross the river. "It's a real pain," cyclist Frank Groner, 52, told AFP after being turned away by police outside the La Samaritaine department store. "I read everything online and thought I'd understood. You can't cross anywhere!" With the opening ceremony just eight days away, Paris is transforming itself as it prepares to welcome nearly nine million Olympics ticketholders. Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the temporary sports stadiums at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides or the Place de la Concorde. Advertising boards, new artwork and Olympics bunting are going up, while the creation of Olympic VIP traffic lanes this week are the latest change to the capital's gridlocked streets. "The Olympics have brought us nothing but misery," taxi driver Rabah Ouanes, 53, complained on Thursday, saying traffic had been dreadful because of all the construction work. In the run up to the Games, tourist numbers are much lower-than-usual and many Paris residents have headed off on holiday to avoid the disruption. "Our clients are down by 50 percent," said Renaud, a senior waiter at the famed Deux Magots cafe in Saint-German-des-Pres, which is inside the new security perimeter set up on Thursday. "Normally we have people queuing out the door," he told AFP, gesturing towards the numerous empty seats on the outdoor terrace. Super excited Elsewhere on Thursday, the first athletes arrived at the newly built Olympic Village in the Saint-Ouen northern suburb of the capital which urban planners are hoping to regenerate. Comprising 40 different low-rise housing blocs, the complex has been built as a showcase of innovative construction techniques using low-carbon concrete, water recycling and reclaimed building materials. It was also intended to be free of air-conditioning, but Olympic delegations have ordered around 2,500 portable cooling units for their athletes out of fear of high temperatures. "We are super excited to check how it's looking," Australian hockey player Stephanie Kershaw told AFP as she waited to enter the village. "We can't wait to get started." Members of the Argentinian, Brazilian and Kenyan delegations could be seen pushing luggage trolleys into the complex, while British and US athletes are also expected on Thursday. At full capacity, the village will host 14,500 people including 9,000 athletes. ALSO READ | India tour of Sri Lanka: Suryakumar Yadav confirmed as new T20I captain; Rohit, Virat to play in ODIs Unprecedented ceremony Securing the Paris Games remains the biggest priority for French authorities, with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin insisting Wednesday that there was "no credible threat" against them at this stage. The opening ceremony has been giving senior police officers cold sweats ever since it was announced in 2021 because of the difficulty of protecting such a large, densely packed urban area. Around 6,000-7,000 athletes are set to sail down the Seine on nearly a hundred barges and river boats. It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people set to watch in person from stands, on the river banks and from the overlooking apartments. The two-tiered security perimeter installed on Thursday has restricted most vehicles from central areas. Anyone wanting to enter the highest-security "grey zone" along both banks of the Seine, such as residents or tourists with hotel reservations in the area, needs a security pass in the form of a QR code. River barriers blocking access to the Seine were installed and functioning on Thursday, while a vast no-fly zone will be put in place above the capital on the evening of the ceremony. The installation of tens of thousands of metal security barriers all along the route of the parade and around the temporary venues has also outraged some Parisians. Martine Dubois, a 74-year-old living in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, said the Olympics were "a real inconvenience". The metro stop she uses for work was one of 10 closed for security reasons on Thursday and the barriers "make you feel like you're living in a prison," she told AFP. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Olympics 2024: Central Paris locks down as athletes arrive ahead of next week's opening ceremony

The much-awaited Paris Olympics is just 8 days away. Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal, in an exclusive interview with our Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, shares his excitement about the Summer Games, which he believes will be a visual spectacle in an iconic city. Watch in for more details!

Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra looks ahead to Paris 2024 | Exclusive Interview

Abhinav Bindra reflects on gold medal

<p>Paris Olympics 2024 edition is set to begin on July 26. The showpiece event is keenly-awaited after India's success in the previous edition, held in Tokyo three years back. In the Tokyo Games, the Indian contingent ended with the best-haul of seven medals. Thus, expectations are high this time around as the countrymen are hoping for a double of the 2020 edition's tally.</p>

<p>All eyes will be on javelin star Neeraj Chopra, shuttler PV Sindhu, Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and the hockey teams. The&nbsp;Indian Olympic Association released India's full schedule for Paris Olympics with just few days to go for its commencement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Paris 2024" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ea3c7d7-04a4-40a6-b351-0388530ec14e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-07-18%20080304.png" /></p>

<p><em>Courtesy: IOA</em></p>

<h3><b>INDIAN CONTINGENT'S FULL SCHEDULE AT PARIS 2024 -</b></h3>

<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><strong>&nbsp;DATE</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; DISCIPLINE</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>&nbsp;START TIME (IST)</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>July 25</td>
			<td>Archery (Ranking Round)</td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>July 26</td>
			<td>None</td>
			<td>None</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>July 27</td>
			<td>Badminton (Group Stage)</td>
			<td>12:50 PM Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rowing</td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Shooting</td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing (R32)</td>
			<td>19:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (India vs New Zealand)</td>
			<td>21:00</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis</td>
			<td>18:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tennis (R1)</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>July 28</td>
			<td><strong>Archery (Team Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13: 00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Badminton</td>
			<td>12:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing (R32)</td>
			<td>14:46 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rowing</td>
			<td>13:06 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Shooting (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:06 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Swimming</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis (R64)</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tennis (R1)</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>July 29</td>
			<td><strong>Archery (Team Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Badminton</td>
			<td>13:40 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (India vs Argentina)</td>
			<td>16:15</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rowing</td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Shooting</td>
			<td>12:45 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis (R32)</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tennis (R2)</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>July 30</td>
			<td><strong>Swimming (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>00:52 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Archery</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Badminton</td>
			<td>12:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Equestrian</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (India vs Ireland)</td>
			<td>16:45</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rowing</td>
			<td>13:40 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Shooting (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis (R32)</td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tennis (R2)</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>July 31</td>
			<td>Archery</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Badminton</td>
			<td>12:50 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing (R16)</td>
			<td>15:02 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Equestrian</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rowing</td>
			<td>13:24 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Shooting (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:24 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis (R32)</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tennis (3R)</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 1</td>
			<td>Archery</td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Athletics</td>
			<td>
			<p>11 PM Onwards</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Badminton</td>
			<td>12:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf</td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (India vs Belgium)</td>
			<td>13:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rowing</td>
			<td>13:20 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sailing</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Shooting (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tennis</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 2</td>
			<td>Archery</td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Athletics</td>
			<td>21:40 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Badminton (Semi-Finals)</td>
			<td>12:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing</td>
			<td>19:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf</td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (India vs Australia)</td>
			<td>16:45</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Judo (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Rowing (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sailing</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Shooting</td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis (Semi-Finals)</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Tennis (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 3</td>
			<td><strong>Archery (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Athletics (Shot Put Final)</strong></td>
			<td>23:05</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Badminton (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>12:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing</td>
			<td>19:32 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf</td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Rowing (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:12 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sailing</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Shooting (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Table Tennis (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>17:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Tennis (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>TBD</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 4</td>
			<td>Archery (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Athletics</td>
			<td>13:35 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Badminton (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>12:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing (QF/SF)</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Equestrian (Final)</strong></td>
			<td>13:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Golf (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>12:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (QF)</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sailing</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Shooting (Final)</strong></td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Table Tennis (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>17:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 5</td>
			<td><strong>Athletics (5k Final)</strong></td>
			<td>22:34 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Badminton (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:15 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sailing</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Shooting (Final)</strong></td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Wrestling</td>
			<td>18:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 6</td>
			<td><strong>Athletics (Long Jump Final)</strong></td>
			<td>13:50 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Boxing (Semi-Finals)</strong></td>
			<td>01:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (Semi-Finals)</td>
			<td>17:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Sailing (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis</td>
			<td>16:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Wrestling (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 7</td>
			<td><strong>Athletics (3k Steeplechase Final)</strong></td>
			<td>11:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing</td>
			<td>01:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf</td>
			<td>12:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sailing</td>
			<td>11:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Weightlifting (49 kg Final)</strong></td>
			<td>23:00</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Wrestling (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 8</td>
			<td><strong>Athletics (Javelin Throw Final)</strong></td>
			<td>13:35 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf</td>
			<td>12:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Hockey (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>17:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Wrestling</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 9</td>
			<td><strong>Boxing (Final)</strong></td>
			<td>01:32 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Athletics (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>14:10 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf</td>
			<td>12:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Hockey (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>14:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Wrestling (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 10</td>
			<td><strong>Boxing (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>01:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Athletics (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>22:20 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Golf (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Table Tennis (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Wrestling</td>
			<td>15:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 11</td>
			<td><strong>Boxing (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>01:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>Wrestling (Medal Matches)</strong></td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-2024-ioa-releases-list-of-117-athletes-and-140-support-staff-for-mega-event-741687">Paris Olympics 2024: IOA releases list of 117 athletes and 140 support staff for mega event</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;A letter from the ministry to the IOA President P.T. Usha after the&nbsp;release of list of 117 athletes and 140 support staff for the mega event in Paris read, "The permissible limit for the stay of support personnel in the Games Village against accreditation as per norms of the Paris Organising Committee for the 2024 Olympic Games is 67, including 11 IOA Contingent Officials, which includes five Medical Team Members."</p>

<p>It further added, "For catering to the requirements of the athletes, additional coaches and other support staff numbering 72 have been approved at cost to the Government and arrangements for their stay have been made in Hotels/in locations outside the Games Village."</p>


Paris Olympics 2024 edition is set to begin on July 26. The showpiece event is keenly-awaited after India's success in the previous edition, held in Tokyo three years back.

Paris Olympics 2024 edition is set to begin on July 26. The showpiece event is keenly-awaited after India's success in the previous edition, held in Tokyo three years back. In the Tokyo Games, the Indian contingent ended with the best-haul of seven medals. Thus, expectations are high this time around as the countrymen are hoping for a double of the 2020 edition's tally. All eyes will be on javelin star Neeraj Chopra, shuttler PV Sindhu, Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and the hockey teams. The Indian Olympic Association released India's full schedule for Paris Olympics with just few days to go for its commencement. Courtesy: IOA INDIAN CONTINGENT'S FULL SCHEDULE AT PARIS 2024 - DATE DISCIPLINE START TIME (IST) July 25 Archery (Ranking Round) 13:00 Onwards July 26 None None July 27 Badminton (Group Stage) 12:50 PM Onwards Rowing 12:30 Onwards Shooting 12:30 Onwards Boxing (R32) 19:00 Onwards Hockey (India vs New Zealand) 21:00 Table Tennis 18:30 Onwards Tennis (R1) 15:30 Onwards July 28 Archery (Team Medal Matches) 13: 00 Onwards Badminton 12:00 Onwards Boxing (R32) 14:46 Onwards Rowing 13:06 Onwards Shooting (Medal Matches) 13:06 Onwards Swimming 14:30 Onwards Table Tennis (R64) 13:30 Onwards Tennis (R1) 15:30 Onwards July 29 Archery (Team Medal Matches) 13:00 Onwards Badminton 13:40 Onwards Hockey (India vs Argentina) 16:15 Rowing 13:00 Onwards Shooting 12:45 Onwards Table Tennis (R32) 13:30 Onwards Tennis (R2) July 30 Swimming (Medal Matches) 00:52 Onwards Archery 15:30 Onwards Badminton 12:00 Onwards Boxing 14:30 Onwards Equestrian 14:30 Onwards Hockey (India vs Ireland) 16:45 Rowing 13:40 Onwards Shooting (Medal Matches) 13:00 Onwards Table Tennis (R32) 13:00 Onwards Tennis (R2) 15:30 Onwards July 31 Archery 15:30 Onwards Badminton 12:50 Onwards Boxing (R16) 15:02 Onwards Equestrian 13:30 Onwards Rowing 13:24 Onwards Shooting (Medal Matches) 13:24 Onwards Table Tennis (R32) 13:30 Onwards Tennis (3R) 15:30 Onwards Aug 1 Archery 13:00 Onwards Athletics 11 PM Onwards Badminton 12:00 Onwards Boxing 14:30 Onwards Golf 12:30 Onwards Hockey (India vs Belgium) 13:30 Rowing 13:20 Onwards Sailing 15:30 Onwards Shooting (Medal Matches) 13:00 Onwards Table Tennis 13:30 Onwards Tennis 15:30 Onwards Aug 2 Archery 13:00 Onwards Athletics 21:40 Onwards Badminton (Semi-Finals) 12:00 Onwards Boxing 19:00 Onwards Golf 12:30 Onwards Hockey (India vs Australia) 16:45 Judo (Medal Matches) 13:30 Onwards Rowing (Medal Matches) 13:00 Onwards Sailing 15:30 Onwards Shooting 12:30 Onwards Table Tennis (Semi-Finals) 13:30 Onwards Tennis (Medal Matches) 15:30 Onwards Aug 3 Archery (Medal Matches) 13:00 Onwards Athletics (Shot Put Final) 23:05 Badminton (Medal Matches) 12:00 Onwards Boxing 19:32 Onwards Golf 12:30 Onwards Rowing (Medal Matches) 13:12 Onwards Sailing 15:30 Onwards Shooting (Medal Matches) 13:00 Onwards Table Tennis (Medal Matches) 17:00 Onwards Tennis (Medal Matches) TBD Aug 4 Archery (Medal Matches) 13:00 Onwards Athletics 13:35 Onwards Badminton (Medal Matches) 12:00 Onwards Boxing (QF/SF) 14:30 Onwards Equestrian (Final) 13:30 Golf (Medal Matches) 12:30 Hockey (QF) 13:30 Onwards Sailing 15:30 Onwards Shooting (Final) 12:30 Onwards Table Tennis (Medal Matches) 17:00 Onwards Aug 5 Athletics (5k Final) 22:34 Onwards Badminton (Medal Matches) 13:15 Onwards Sailing 15:30 Onwards Shooting (Final) 13:00 Onwards Table Tennis 13:30 Onwards Wrestling 18:30 Onwards Aug 6 Athletics (Long Jump Final) 13:50 Onwards Boxing (Semi-Finals) 01:00 Onwards Hockey (Semi-Finals) 17:30 Onwards Sailing (Medal Matches) 15:30 Onwards Table Tennis 16:00 Onwards Wrestling (Medal Matches) 14:30 Onwards Aug 7 Athletics (3k Steeplechase Final) 11:00 Onwards Boxing 01:00 Onwards Golf 12:30 Sailing 11:00 Onwards Table Tennis 13:30 Onwards Weightlifting (49 kg Final) 23:00 Wrestling (Medal Matches) 14:30 Onwards Aug 8 Athletics (Javelin Throw Final) 13:35 Onwards Golf 12:30 Hockey (Medal Matches) 17:30 Onwards Table Tennis 13:30 Onwards Wrestling 14:30 Onwards Aug 9 Boxing (Final) 01:32 Onwards Athletics (Medal Matches) 14:10 Onwards Golf 12:30 Hockey (Medal Matches) 14:00 Onwards Wrestling (Medal Matches) 14:30 Onwards Aug 10 Boxing (Medal Matches) 01:00 Onwards Athletics (Medal Matches) 22:20 Onwards Golf (Medal Matches) 12:30 Onwards Table Tennis (Medal Matches) 13:30 Onwards Wrestling 15:00 Onwards Aug 11 Boxing (Medal Matches) 01:00 Onwards Wrestling (Medal Matches) 14:30 Onwards Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: IOA releases list of 117 athletes and 140 support staff for mega event A letter from the ministry to the IOA President P.T. Usha after the release of list of 117 athletes and 140 support staff for the mega event in Paris read, "The permissible limit for the stay of support personnel in the Games Village against accreditation as per norms of the Paris Organising Committee for the 2024 Olympic Games is 67, including 11 IOA Contingent Officials, which includes five Medical Team Members." It further added, "For catering to the requirements of the athletes, additional coaches and other support staff numbering 72 have been approved at cost to the Government and arrangements for their stay have been made in Hotels/in locations outside the Games Village."

India's full schedule at Paris Olympics 2024: All you need to know

The Indian shooting contingent has fired blanks at the last two Olympics. However a record 21 Indian Shooters have qualified for the Paris games and there are high expectations once again for a medal. Anjum Moudgil who will be representing India in the 50 m rifle three position event and she spoke to WION's sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the strength of the Indian shooting contingent. Watch in for more details!

Olympic Games Paris 2024: Can shooters regain their perch?

<p>Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas said the Olympics holds a special significance to him due to its Greek origins, adding that he is hoping to realise his dream of winning an Olympic medal at this month's Paris Games. Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, have won three medals in&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;at the Olympics, all of which came in 1896 at the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens.</p>

<p>"Greece and the (Olympic) Games for sure fit like bread and butter together. It is something that has been a dream of mine since I started playing&nbsp;tennis," world number 12 Tsitsipas told Stats Perform in an interview published on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"Since I first picked up a&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;racket, I always wanted to be an athlete that gets to participate in something like that. And of course, to be aiming for a medal is something extraordinary. "So my dream keeps on evolving, keeps on existing, and my path towards that is slowly building up. For me the best redemption is walking away from the Games with a medal."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-indian-contingents-full-schedule-at-paris-olympics-2024-all-you-need-to-know-741861">India's full schedule at Paris Olympics 2024: All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>The&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;tournament at the Olympics will take place from July 27-Aug. 4 at Roland Garros, which also serves as the venue for the French Open.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas has enjoyed some success on the clay courts of Roland Garros in the past, making it to the French Open final in 2021 and reaching the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam in the past two editions.</p>

<p>"Getting a good preparation before the games start in August is something that I'm really looking forward to," Tsitsipas said. "I've had great success there a few years ago at the same stadium playing the finals of the Roland Garros.</p>

<p>"So coming back there with that confidence and that living in the backside of my mind allows me to strive and work towards the same end goal that I ended up pulling off this amazing run that I had a few years ago."</p>

<p>Tsitsipas will compete in the singles at the Olympics as well as the men's doubles alongside brother Petros.</p>


Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas said the Olympics holds a special significance to him due to its Greek origins, adding that he is hoping to realise his dream of winning an Olympic medal at this month's Paris Games.

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas said the Olympics holds a special significance to him due to its Greek origins, adding that he is hoping to realise his dream of winning an Olympic medal at this month's Paris Games. Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, have won three medals in tennis at the Olympics, all of which came in 1896 at the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens. "Greece and the (Olympic) Games for sure fit like bread and butter together. It is something that has been a dream of mine since I started playing tennis," world number 12 Tsitsipas told Stats Perform in an interview published on Wednesday. "Since I first picked up a tennis racket, I always wanted to be an athlete that gets to participate in something like that. And of course, to be aiming for a medal is something extraordinary. "So my dream keeps on evolving, keeps on existing, and my path towards that is slowly building up. For me the best redemption is walking away from the Games with a medal." Also read: India's full schedule at Paris Olympics 2024: All you need to know The tennis tournament at the Olympics will take place from July 27-Aug. 4 at Roland Garros, which also serves as the venue for the French Open. Tsitsipas has enjoyed some success on the clay courts of Roland Garros in the past, making it to the French Open final in 2021 and reaching the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam in the past two editions. "Getting a good preparation before the games start in August is something that I'm really looking forward to," Tsitsipas said. "I've had great success there a few years ago at the same stadium playing the finals of the Roland Garros. "So coming back there with that confidence and that living in the backside of my mind allows me to strive and work towards the same end goal that I ended up pulling off this amazing run that I had a few years ago." Tsitsipas will compete in the singles at the Olympics as well as the men's doubles alongside brother Petros.

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas keen on completing childhood dream at Paris Games

India's Anjum Modgil will compete at her second Olympics this month and will aim to put the disappointment of Tokyo 2020 behind her in Paris. She will participate in the 50m Rifle 3 position event. Moudgil spoke to Wion Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deon on her learnings from the Tokyo Olympics and her goals for Paris 2024.

Paris-bound Anjum Moudgil looks ahead to the Olympics

<p>India is all set&nbsp;to strike gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics as 21 shooters will compete for 27 medals in the French Capital. One of the medal aspirants for India is 22-year-old Manu Bhaker who will compete in three disciplines. While India will look to end its 12-year wait for an Olympic medal in shooting, Manu can script history by becoming the first woman to record the feat when she takes to the shooting ranges in Paris. She spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale and reflected on her preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old will compete in three disciplines – 10m pistol, 25m pistol and 25m pistol team event. If she can shoot from point-blank range, Manu will script history and secure India’s fifth medal in shooting in its rich history.</p>

<h2><strong>Question: How is the morale in the camp, what colour of the medal and how many are you bringing back to India?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Answer: </strong>The morale has been high in the camp, here we are focusing on how we can get the right things at the right place. Our main focus has been on our strengths, where we lack and where we can still improve. Speaking of the medal, nothing is guaranteed yet, but anything can happen so my focus will be on giving my best and clinching glory by striking a medal at the Paris Olympics.</p>

<h2><strong>Question: You struck gold in the 25 metres&nbsp;at the World Championships last year in Baku, are you expecting to repeat the same feat?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Answer: </strong>Yes, I have been working hard to get the medals for India because you observed last year, I achieved a lot of success at the International Championships and Asian Championships. But the Olympics will be a different challenge for me and I am looking forward to it eagerly having waited for three years, so I want to give my best shot.</p>

<h2><strong>Question: You clinched two gold medals at the Youth Olympics in 2018 including gold, so will&nbsp;history repeat?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Answer: </strong>Yes, I remember that as I also was the flag bearer for India. This is technically my third Olympics and I am desperate to add to those gold and silver medals I clinched back in 2018. The motivation is there to repeat the feat, but I know I have to punch above my weight to get to the next level.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/suryakumar-yadav-set-to-become-indias-t20i-captain-instead-of-hardik-pandya-for-sri-lanka-tour-741531">Suryakumar Yadav set to become India's T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya for Sri Lanka tour</a></p>

<h2><strong>Question: Competing in multiple disciplines in 10-metre&nbsp;and 25-metre, is there an added pressure on you before the games?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Answer: </strong>Honestly, it has been tough competing in multiple disciplines but again as I mentioned I have been doing it for the last 7-8 years, so it is not that difficult now. However, I have to be prepared both physically and mentally since I will be competing on nine consecutive days in three different events. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Question: You could script history by becoming the first female to win a medal at the Olympics in shooting, so is that an added incentive for you?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Answer: </strong>To be honest, I would really love to claim that feat, but it is just not me but everyone who is travelling to Paris for the Olympics deserves to win a medal. In sports, you are not jealous of anyone or you are not trying to compete with each other but you are trying to get the best out of the other person. Winning on a personal note will be great but I wish we return with tons of medals with other Indian fellow mates during the Paris Olympics.</p>


India is all set to strike gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics as 21 shooters will compete for 27 medals in the French Capital. One of the medal aspirants for India is 22-year-old Manu Bhaker who will compete in three disciplines.

India is all set to strike gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics as 21 shooters will compete for 27 medals in the French Capital. One of the medal aspirants for India is 22-year-old Manu Bhaker who will compete in three disciplines. While India will look to end its 12-year wait for an Olympic medal in shooting, Manu can script history by becoming the first woman to record the feat when she takes to the shooting ranges in Paris. She spoke exclusively to WION’s Aditya Pimpale and reflected on her preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 22-year-old will compete in three disciplines – 10m pistol, 25m pistol and 25m pistol team event. If she can shoot from point-blank range, Manu will script history and secure India’s fifth medal in shooting in its rich history. Question: How is the morale in the camp, what colour of the medal and how many are you bringing back to India? Answer: The morale has been high in the camp, here we are focusing on how we can get the right things at the right place. Our main focus has been on our strengths, where we lack and where we can still improve. Speaking of the medal, nothing is guaranteed yet, but anything can happen so my focus will be on giving my best and clinching glory by striking a medal at the Paris Olympics. Question: You struck gold in the 25 metres at the World Championships last year in Baku, are you expecting to repeat the same feat? Answer: Yes, I have been working hard to get the medals for India because you observed last year, I achieved a lot of success at the International Championships and Asian Championships. But the Olympics will be a different challenge for me and I am looking forward to it eagerly having waited for three years, so I want to give my best shot. Question: You clinched two gold medals at the Youth Olympics in 2018 including gold, so will history repeat? Answer: Yes, I remember that as I also was the flag bearer for India. This is technically my third Olympics and I am desperate to add to those gold and silver medals I clinched back in 2018. The motivation is there to repeat the feat, but I know I have to punch above my weight to get to the next level. ALSO READ | Suryakumar Yadav set to become India's T20I captain instead of Hardik Pandya for Sri Lanka tour Question: Competing in multiple disciplines in 10-metre and 25-metre, is there an added pressure on you before the games? Answer: Honestly, it has been tough competing in multiple disciplines but again as I mentioned I have been doing it for the last 7-8 years, so it is not that difficult now. However, I have to be prepared both physically and mentally since I will be competing on nine consecutive days in three different events. Question: You could script history by becoming the first female to win a medal at the Olympics in shooting, so is that an added incentive for you? Answer: To be honest, I would really love to claim that feat, but it is just not me but everyone who is travelling to Paris for the Olympics deserves to win a medal. In sports, you are not jealous of anyone or you are not trying to compete with each other but you are trying to get the best out of the other person. Winning on a personal note will be great but I wish we return with tons of medals with other Indian fellow mates during the Paris Olympics.

EXCLUSIVE: Manu Bhaker gets ready to end India's 12-year wait for shooting medal at Paris Olympics

<p>The Indian contingent for&nbsp;Paris Olympics 2024 has been approved by the sports ministry. As many as 117 athletes will be travelling to Paris for the showpiece event, which kicks off on July 26. In addition, the athletes will be accompanied by 140 support staff and officials. Among the support staff, 72 personnel have been granted government funding to cater to the needs of the participating sportspersons. Among the list, a notable absentee was shot putter Abha Kathua, who gained&nbsp;qualification for&nbsp;Paris Olympics through&nbsp;world ranking quota.</p>

<p>A letter from the ministry to the Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha read, "The permissible limit for the stay of support personnel in the Games Village against accreditation as per norms of the Paris Organising Committee for the 2024 Olympic Games is 67, including 11 1OA Contingent Officials, which includes five Medical Team Members."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-french-charity-warns-athletes-of-air-pollution-at-olympic-village-741513">Paris Olympics 2024: French charity warns athletes of 'air pollution' at Olympic village</a></strong></p>

<p>It further added, "For catering to the requirements of the athletes, additional coaches and other support staff numbering 72 have been approved at cost to the Government and arrangements for their stay have been made in Hotels/in locations outside the Games Village."</p>

<p>All eyes will be on the likes of javelin star Neeraj Chopra, badminton superstars PV Sindhu, Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, weightlifting queen Mirabai Chanu, the hockey teams, etc. to bring glory to the country.</p>

<p>Notably, Tokyo Olympics, in 2020, was a highly-successful campaign for Team&nbsp;India. A 119-member contingent&nbsp;returned with the best-ever haul of seven medals. The whole country will be hoping for the Indian contingent to double their tally this time around.</p>


The Indian contingent for Paris Olympics 2024 has been approved by the sports ministry. As many as 117 athletes will be travelling to Paris for the showpiece event, which kicks off on July 26.

The Indian contingent for Paris Olympics 2024 has been approved by the sports ministry. As many as 117 athletes will be travelling to Paris for the showpiece event, which kicks off on July 26. In addition, the athletes will be accompanied by 140 support staff and officials. Among the support staff, 72 personnel have been granted government funding to cater to the needs of the participating sportspersons. Among the list, a notable absentee was shot putter Abha Kathua, who gained qualification for Paris Olympics through world ranking quota. A letter from the ministry to the Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha read, "The permissible limit for the stay of support personnel in the Games Village against accreditation as per norms of the Paris Organising Committee for the 2024 Olympic Games is 67, including 11 1OA Contingent Officials, which includes five Medical Team Members." Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: French charity warns athletes of 'air pollution' at Olympic village It further added, "For catering to the requirements of the athletes, additional coaches and other support staff numbering 72 have been approved at cost to the Government and arrangements for their stay have been made in Hotels/in locations outside the Games Village." All eyes will be on the likes of javelin star Neeraj Chopra, badminton superstars PV Sindhu, Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, weightlifting queen Mirabai Chanu, the hockey teams, etc. to bring glory to the country. Notably, Tokyo Olympics, in 2020, was a highly-successful campaign for Team India. A 119-member contingent returned with the best-ever haul of seven medals. The whole country will be hoping for the Indian contingent to double their tally this time around.

Paris Olympics 2024: IOA releases list of 117 athletes and 140 support staff for mega event

<p>Tokyo badminton gold medallist Viktor Axelsen is not resting on his laurels ahead of the Paris Olympics but the Dane is being careful not to overdo it in training having reached the age of 30. With nine Olympic medals, Denmark has for years been a top contender in badminton. Two of those medals have been gold - one bagged in men's singles three years ago by Axelsen.</p>

<p>Axelsen told Reuters that people tended to underestimate the physical intensity of the sport but that he was looking for a bit more balance in his training regime heading to Paris. "It has been more of a challenge this time around, making sure that I time my training in the right way and don't overdo it," Axelsen, who towers over his rivals at nearly 2 metres tall, said. "While before the Tokyo Olympics, I could just push in training and I recovered a little bit faster than I'm doing now. "I've turned 30 as well and I think that makes a big difference. In your 30s, you really have to make sure that you do everything you can in order to recover."</p>

<p>Axelsen said he had recovered well from rolling his right ankle during a match against Taiwan's Lin Chun-Yi at the Singapore Open in late May, an injury that forced him to withdraw from the semi-finals of that tournament.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-palestine-athletes-asked-to-take-resistance-to-summer-games-740831">Paris Olympics 2024: Palestine athletes asked to take 'resistance' to Summer Games</a></strong></p>

<p>The main threats to his bid to emulate Lin Dan in 2008 and 2012 by retaining the men's singles title are China's Shi Yuqi and Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia but also his compatriot Anders Antonsen, the fourth seed.</p>

<p>"An all-Denmark final would obviously be absolutely amazing," Axelsen said. "But, let's see - there are obviously a lot of strong contenders. "There's a big bunch of players in the top 15 who can who can make a run for it," Axelsen said. "We are closer in level -- the difference in level of play is not how it was in Tokyo."</p>


Tokyo badminton gold medallist Viktor Axelsen is not resting on his laurels ahead of the Paris Olympics but the Dane is being careful not to overdo it in training having reached the age of 30.

Tokyo badminton gold medallist Viktor Axelsen is not resting on his laurels ahead of the Paris Olympics but the Dane is being careful not to overdo it in training having reached the age of 30. With nine Olympic medals, Denmark has for years been a top contender in badminton. Two of those medals have been gold - one bagged in men's singles three years ago by Axelsen. Axelsen told Reuters that people tended to underestimate the physical intensity of the sport but that he was looking for a bit more balance in his training regime heading to Paris. "It has been more of a challenge this time around, making sure that I time my training in the right way and don't overdo it," Axelsen, who towers over his rivals at nearly 2 metres tall, said. "While before the Tokyo Olympics, I could just push in training and I recovered a little bit faster than I'm doing now. "I've turned 30 as well and I think that makes a big difference. In your 30s, you really have to make sure that you do everything you can in order to recover." Axelsen said he had recovered well from rolling his right ankle during a match against Taiwan's Lin Chun-Yi at the Singapore Open in late May, an injury that forced him to withdraw from the semi-finals of that tournament. Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: Palestine athletes asked to take 'resistance' to Summer Games The main threats to his bid to emulate Lin Dan in 2008 and 2012 by retaining the men's singles title are China's Shi Yuqi and Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia but also his compatriot Anders Antonsen, the fourth seed. "An all-Denmark final would obviously be absolutely amazing," Axelsen said. "But, let's see - there are obviously a lot of strong contenders. "There's a big bunch of players in the top 15 who can who can make a run for it," Axelsen said. "We are closer in level -- the difference in level of play is not how it was in Tokyo."

Paris Olympics 2024: Viktor Axelsen keen to get balance right before badminton title defence

<p>USA men's basketball team head coach Steve Kerr has downplayed Kevin Durant's calf injury that has kept the triple Olympic gold medallist from training with the group ahead of the Paris Games.</p>

<p>Team USA touched down in Abu Dhabi on Friday ahead of two scheduled exhibition games against Australia (July 15) and Serbia (July 17) as they ramp up their preparations for the Olympics.</p>

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<p>Durant, who suffered a calf strain two weeks ago, was present at Saturday's session at the New York University Abu Dhabi campus but once again did not join his teammates in practice.</p>

<p>Kerr remains unconcerned, though, and says they have not discussed any contingency plans to replace the Phoenix Suns forward on the roster.</p>

<p>"He won't practise with the team today, he'll continue to do individual work," Kerr told reporters in the UAE capital on Saturday.</p>

<p>"I know there's still a couple of weeks before we have to make a decision roster-wise, so we're just taking it day by day."</p>

<p>"It's not something we've even discussed at this point," Kerr said when asked about a back-up plan. "Because we feel good that he's going to be okay, it's just day to day."</p>

<h2>- 'True leader' -</h2>

<p>USA Basketball have put together a 'super-team' for these &nbsp;Olympic Games that includes LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Durant, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, and recently-crowned NBA champions Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics.</p>

<p>But they have already had to make a replacement in the squad, bringing in a third Celtic, Derrick White, to take the spot of Kawhi Leonard, who left training camp last Wednesday in Las Vegas.</p>

<p>The Americans are playing five friendly games in the build-up to Paris, the first of which saw them defeat Canada 86-72 on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p>

<p>Joel Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, fouled out midway through the third quarter but Kerr is certain the Philadelphia 76ers centre will be up for the task of guarding all the bigs they come up against at the Olympics.</p>

<p>"Joel will be fine. He's going to get into the rhythm and the flow," he assured. "It always takes big guys a little bit longer to get into flow in training."</p>

<p>James is playing under Kerr for the first time in his career and described the Golden State Warriors coach as a "true leader and true student of the game".</p>

<p>Chasing a third Olympic gold medal and fourth overall, James, 39, is the oldest player on the roster.</p>

<p>Donning a USA jersey for the first time in 12 years, James is keen to share his experience with the younger players on the team, especially knowing that this will be his final Games.</p>

<p>"It's always a responsibility that you should hold with honour and being able to give back to the younger generation because they have to keep going when we're done," said James.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So it's definitely a responsibility for myself, KD, and Steph to be able to just show them the ropes."</p>

<p>Boasting their most star-studded squad since the fabled 1992 'Dream Team', USA are gunning for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal and 17th men's title at the Games overall.</p>

<p>After completing their exhibition games schedule in Abu Dhabi and London, the Americans will kick off their Olympics title defence against their Group C rivals Serbia in Lille on July 28 before facing South Sudan on July 31 and Puerto Rico on August 3.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)</em></p>


USA men's basketball team head coach Steve Kerr has downplayed Kevin Durant's calf injury that has kept the triple Olympic gold medallist from training with the group ahead of the Paris Games.

USA men's basketball team head coach Steve Kerr has downplayed Kevin Durant's calf injury that has kept the triple Olympic gold medallist from training with the group ahead of the Paris Games. Team USA touched down in Abu Dhabi on Friday ahead of two scheduled exhibition games against Australia (July 15) and Serbia (July 17) as they ramp up their preparations for the Olympics. Also Read: Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker calls out Serena Williams for ESPY roast Durant, who suffered a calf strain two weeks ago, was present at Saturday's session at the New York University Abu Dhabi campus but once again did not join his teammates in practice. Kerr remains unconcerned, though, and says they have not discussed any contingency plans to replace the Phoenix Suns forward on the roster. "He won't practise with the team today, he'll continue to do individual work," Kerr told reporters in the UAE capital on Saturday. "I know there's still a couple of weeks before we have to make a decision roster-wise, so we're just taking it day by day." "It's not something we've even discussed at this point," Kerr said when asked about a back-up plan. "Because we feel good that he's going to be okay, it's just day to day." - 'True leader' - USA Basketball have put together a 'super-team' for these Olympic Games that includes LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Durant, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, and recently-crowned NBA champions Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics. But they have already had to make a replacement in the squad, bringing in a third Celtic, Derrick White, to take the spot of Kawhi Leonard, who left training camp last Wednesday in Las Vegas. The Americans are playing five friendly games in the build-up to Paris, the first of which saw them defeat Canada 86-72 on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Joel Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP, fouled out midway through the third quarter but Kerr is certain the Philadelphia 76ers centre will be up for the task of guarding all the bigs they come up against at the Olympics. "Joel will be fine. He's going to get into the rhythm and the flow," he assured. "It always takes big guys a little bit longer to get into flow in training." James is playing under Kerr for the first time in his career and described the Golden State Warriors coach as a "true leader and true student of the game". Chasing a third Olympic gold medal and fourth overall, James, 39, is the oldest player on the roster. Donning a USA jersey for the first time in 12 years, James is keen to share his experience with the younger players on the team, especially knowing that this will be his final Games. "It's always a responsibility that you should hold with honour and being able to give back to the younger generation because they have to keep going when we're done," said James. "So it's definitely a responsibility for myself, KD, and Steph to be able to just show them the ropes." Boasting their most star-studded squad since the fabled 1992 'Dream Team', USA are gunning for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal and 17th men's title at the Games overall. After completing their exhibition games schedule in Abu Dhabi and London, the Americans will kick off their Olympics title defence against their Group C rivals Serbia in Lille on July 28 before facing South Sudan on July 31 and Puerto Rico on August 3. (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Paris Olympics 2024: Coach Kerr confident of Durant 'going to be okay' as Team USA chase 17th basketball gold

<p>Organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games have announced the venues for 19 more sports, including open water events to be held in Long Beach and golf at storied Riviera Country Club.</p>

<p>Friday's announcement follows the revelation in June that the SoFi Stadium, the futuristic $5 billion home of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, would host swimming while athletics, shifted to the second week of the Games, will be held at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum -- host of athletics in both the 1932 and 1984 Olympics.</p>

<p>"We're very proud to bring the Games to many of our vibrant and diverse communities," LA28 chief athlete officer Janet Evans said Friday as seven sports were announced for Long Beach and four placed at Dignity Health Sports Park in suburban Carson.</p>

<p>"The venues in these cities are world-class."</p>

<p>Long Beach will host open-water swimming and the triathlon at Alamitos Beach, along with sailing off Belmont Shore.</p>

<p>Rowing, as in the 1932 Games, and&nbsp;sprint canoeing were confirmed for the city's "marine stadium" at Lake Perris, some 100 kilometres to the east.</p>

<p>Water polo will join artistic swimming in a temporary pool at the Long Beach convention centre hub.</p>

<p>Riviera, tucked into the hills of Pacific Palisades northwest of downtown LA, was a natural choice to host golf.</p>

<p>It plays home to the PGA Tour's Genesis Open, now hosted by Tiger Woods, every year and has also staged the US Open and PGA Championship.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-charged-up-and-well-prepared-dani-olmo-on-spains-buildup-to-euro-final-against-england-740305">‘We are charged up and well prepared' - Dani Olmo on Spain’s buildup to Euro Final against England</a></p>

<p>The Los Angeles Convention Center -- next door to the downtown Crypto.com Arena where gymnastics will be held -- will get fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo and wrestling.</p>

<p>Weightlifting will be held at the nearby Peacock Theater while badminton will be at the University of Southern California's Galen Center.</p>

<p>The Carson Sports Center, where Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy is based, will host a variety of sports including tennis, rugby sevens, field hockey and track cycling at the velodrome that opened in 2004 and hosted the UCI track cycling world championships in 2005.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: </strong>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games have announced the venues for 19 more sports, including open water events to be held in Long Beach and golf at storied Riviera Country Club.

Organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games have announced the venues for 19 more sports, including open water events to be held in Long Beach and golf at storied Riviera Country Club. Friday's announcement follows the revelation in June that the SoFi Stadium, the futuristic $5 billion home of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, would host swimming while athletics, shifted to the second week of the Games, will be held at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum -- host of athletics in both the 1932 and 1984 Olympics. "We're very proud to bring the Games to many of our vibrant and diverse communities," LA28 chief athlete officer Janet Evans said Friday as seven sports were announced for Long Beach and four placed at Dignity Health Sports Park in suburban Carson. "The venues in these cities are world-class." Long Beach will host open-water swimming and the triathlon at Alamitos Beach, along with sailing off Belmont Shore. Rowing, as in the 1932 Games, and sprint canoeing were confirmed for the city's "marine stadium" at Lake Perris, some 100 kilometres to the east. Water polo will join artistic swimming in a temporary pool at the Long Beach convention centre hub. Riviera, tucked into the hills of Pacific Palisades northwest of downtown LA, was a natural choice to host golf. It plays home to the PGA Tour's Genesis Open, now hosted by Tiger Woods, every year and has also staged the US Open and PGA Championship. ALSO READ | ‘We are charged up and well prepared' - Dani Olmo on Spain’s buildup to Euro Final against England The Los Angeles Convention Center -- next door to the downtown Crypto.com Arena where gymnastics will be held -- will get fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo and wrestling. Weightlifting will be held at the nearby Peacock Theater while badminton will be at the University of Southern California's Galen Center. The Carson Sports Center, where Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy is based, will host a variety of sports including tennis, rugby sevens, field hockey and track cycling at the velodrome that opened in 2004 and hosted the UCI track cycling world championships in 2005. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Olympics: Los Angeles 2028 organisers announce 19 more sports venues

<p>Australia will be sending their largest ever team of track and field athletes to an overseas&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in Paris later this month with the 75-strong squad taking the overall delegation of competitors to a final 460. The overall delegation is the second largest for a Games since Australia hosted in Sydney, 16 athletes fewer than represented the country and won 17 gold medals at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;three years ago.</p>

<p>"The athletics team is the largest of any sport and they will contribute greatly to the positive environment of the broader team," Chef de Mission Anna Meares said in a statement. "Today's announcement finalises our Australian Olympic team at 460 athletes -- I am so excited for Australians to see this team represent them with pride and determination in under three weeks' time."</p>

<p>World champion pole vaulter Nina Kennedy and two Tokyo bronze medallists, decathlete Ash Moloney and javelin thrower Kelsey-Lee Barber, headline the track and field squad to which 55 athletes were added on Monday.</p>

<p>"I have a very clear definition of what success means to me, and that is being able to walk away from the Olympic final knowing I've done everything I possibly could have," said Kennedy. "If that wins a gold medal, amazing, and if it doesn't then I can walk away with no regrets."</p>

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<p>Barber will form part of three-strong entry for the women's javelin with Mackenzie Little, who won bronze at last year's world championships, and 41-year-old Kathryn Mitchell, who will be appearing at her fourth Games.</p>

<p>Australia will send men's and women's 4x100 metres relay squads to Paris for the first time since the 2000 Games on home soil in Sydney and compete in 39 of the 48 athletics events. The women's sprint relay team will feature Torrie Lewis, the teenager who beat Sha'carri Richardson and the rest of a strong field to win the 200m on her Diamond League debut in Xiamen.</p>

<p>"After having such an amazing year getting the official selection is just a relief," the 19-year-old said. "I've always thought I could make an individual event, but actually getting the call is so exciting."</p>


Australia will be sending their largest ever team of track and field athletes to an overseas Olympics in Paris later this month with the 75-strong squad taking the overall delegation of competitors to a final 460.

Australia will be sending their largest ever team of track and field athletes to an overseas Olympics in Paris later this month with the 75-strong squad taking the overall delegation of competitors to a final 460. The overall delegation is the second largest for a Games since Australia hosted in Sydney, 16 athletes fewer than represented the country and won 17 gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. "The athletics team is the largest of any sport and they will contribute greatly to the positive environment of the broader team," Chef de Mission Anna Meares said in a statement. "Today's announcement finalises our Australian Olympic team at 460 athletes -- I am so excited for Australians to see this team represent them with pride and determination in under three weeks' time." World champion pole vaulter Nina Kennedy and two Tokyo bronze medallists, decathlete Ash Moloney and javelin thrower Kelsey-Lee Barber, headline the track and field squad to which 55 athletes were added on Monday. "I have a very clear definition of what success means to me, and that is being able to walk away from the Olympic final knowing I've done everything I possibly could have," said Kennedy. "If that wins a gold medal, amazing, and if it doesn't then I can walk away with no regrets." Also read: Two Moroccan footballers from Ittihad Tanger goes missing at sea, confirms club official Barber will form part of three-strong entry for the women's javelin with Mackenzie Little, who won bronze at last year's world championships, and 41-year-old Kathryn Mitchell, who will be appearing at her fourth Games. Australia will send men's and women's 4x100 metres relay squads to Paris for the first time since the 2000 Games on home soil in Sydney and compete in 39 of the 48 athletics events. The women's sprint relay team will feature Torrie Lewis, the teenager who beat Sha'carri Richardson and the rest of a strong field to win the 200m on her Diamond League debut in Xiamen. "After having such an amazing year getting the official selection is just a relief," the 19-year-old said. "I've always thought I could make an individual event, but actually getting the call is so exciting."

Paris Olympics: Athletics squad takes Australia's team up to 460

Ahead of the forthcoming Paris OIympics, which kicks off on July 26, here is a look at the medal winners from the Indian contingent from the previous edition, held in Tokyo in 2021.

Paris Olympics 2024: India's medal winners in Tokyo 2020

<p>India's sports administrators would be "lobbying" hard during the upcoming Paris Olympics to brighten the country's chances of hosting the 2036 Games where they will push for the inclusion of indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho and kabaddi if their ambitious bid is successful.</p>

<p>The Sports Authority of India's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) presented its detailed report on the measures needed for a successful bid to new sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday.</p>

<p>"We met the new Sports Minister yesterday and handed him the report. The minister said he would need a few days to go through it. But he asked us to prepare another report on how sports can be a career option in the country, how to build interest among youth, how to bring private players into sports," a senior member of the MOC told PTI on conditions of anonymity.</p>

<p>"We are way ahead in preparing for the Olympic bid which will take place after Paris. But we will have to do a lot of lobbying with IOC during the Paris Games and we are completely prepared," the member added.</p>

<p>The inclusion of host country preferences will be a discussion for much later as the hosting rights of the Games have not been finalised. The decision is likely only after the International Olympic Committee has a new President after elections next year.</p>

<p>If India's bid succeeds at all, the proposed events will first have to be introduced as demonstration events in the 2032 Brisbane Games before getting a final go-ahead.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-semis-spot-on-the-line-as-england-south-africa-battle-in-clash-of-heavyweights-733867">T20 World Cup: Semis spot on the line as England-South Africa battle in clash of heavyweights</a></p>

<p>During the International Olympic Committee (IOC's) Congress in Mumbai last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed India's ambition to host the Games in 2036, stating that the administration would "leave no stone unturned" in bringing the showpiece to the country for the first time.</p>

<p>The MOC member said that while the inclusion of these sports would help in enhancing India's medals tally in the 2036 Olympics, but the road ahead is not easy as the country will have to extend all possible support in building the base for these disciplines to a minimum number of participating nations.</p>

<p>"The sports ministry asked the MOC to prepare a detailed report about our readiness for 2036 Olympics, including identifying new sporting disciplines which a host nation can pitch for, how to control doping menace, bringing more accountability in the working of the national federations and identifying private entities who are interested in investing in sports," the member told PTI.</p>


India's sports administrators would be "lobbying" hard during the upcoming Paris Olympics to brighten the country's chances of hosting the 2036 Games where they will push for the inclusion of indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho and kabaddi if their ambitious bid is successful.

India's sports administrators would be "lobbying" hard during the upcoming Paris Olympics to brighten the country's chances of hosting the 2036 Games where they will push for the inclusion of indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho and kabaddi if their ambitious bid is successful. The Sports Authority of India's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) presented its detailed report on the measures needed for a successful bid to new sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday. "We met the new Sports Minister yesterday and handed him the report. The minister said he would need a few days to go through it. But he asked us to prepare another report on how sports can be a career option in the country, how to build interest among youth, how to bring private players into sports," a senior member of the MOC told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "We are way ahead in preparing for the Olympic bid which will take place after Paris. But we will have to do a lot of lobbying with IOC during the Paris Games and we are completely prepared," the member added. The inclusion of host country preferences will be a discussion for much later as the hosting rights of the Games have not been finalised. The decision is likely only after the International Olympic Committee has a new President after elections next year. If India's bid succeeds at all, the proposed events will first have to be introduced as demonstration events in the 2032 Brisbane Games before getting a final go-ahead. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Semis spot on the line as England-South Africa battle in clash of heavyweights During the International Olympic Committee (IOC's) Congress in Mumbai last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed India's ambition to host the Games in 2036, stating that the administration would "leave no stone unturned" in bringing the showpiece to the country for the first time. The MOC member said that while the inclusion of these sports would help in enhancing India's medals tally in the 2036 Olympics, but the road ahead is not easy as the country will have to extend all possible support in building the base for these disciplines to a minimum number of participating nations. "The sports ministry asked the MOC to prepare a detailed report about our readiness for 2036 Olympics, including identifying new sporting disciplines which a host nation can pitch for, how to control doping menace, bringing more accountability in the working of the national federations and identifying private entities who are interested in investing in sports," the member told PTI.

India push for yoga, kabaddi, kho-kho to be included in 2036 Olympics

<p>India's Olympic and world champion javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra snared his maiden gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games on Tuesday (June 18), returning to action in style after being laid low for a month due to a niggle.</p>

<p>Chopra, who claimed the silver here in 2022, produced the winning effort of 85.97m in his third attempt to lead the field for a major part of the competition, which also featured 19-year-old German prodigy Max Dehning who is the youngest member of the 90m club.</p>

<p>Home favourite Toni Keranen claimed the silver medal with a best throw of 84.19m, while his compatriot and last edition's gold-medallist Oliver Helander took the third spot with 83.96m.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old Chopra came into this event following a second-place finish in the Doha Diamond League and a gold in the Federation Cup in Bubaneswar last month.</p>

<p>After these two events, Chopra took a break after feeling "something" in his adductor (a group of muscles located on inner thighs).</p>


India's Olympic and world champion javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra snared his maiden gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games on Tuesday (June 18), returning to action in style after being laid low for a month due to a niggle.

India's Olympic and world champion javelin throw star Neeraj Chopra snared his maiden gold medal at the Paavo Nurmi Games on Tuesday (June 18), returning to action in style after being laid low for a month due to a niggle. Chopra, who claimed the silver here in 2022, produced the winning effort of 85.97m in his third attempt to lead the field for a major part of the competition, which also featured 19-year-old German prodigy Max Dehning who is the youngest member of the 90m club. Home favourite Toni Keranen claimed the silver medal with a best throw of 84.19m, while his compatriot and last edition's gold-medallist Oliver Helander took the third spot with 83.96m. The 26-year-old Chopra came into this event following a second-place finish in the Doha Diamond League and a gold in the Federation Cup in Bubaneswar last month. After these two events, Chopra took a break after feeling "something" in his adductor (a group of muscles located on inner thighs).

Paavo Nurmi Games 2024: Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra wins maiden gold

<p>Spain's Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will team up to play doubles at this year's Olympic Games in Paris, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) said on Wednesday (Jun 12).</p>

<p>Nadal won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, but the Paris Games will be Alcaraz's first as he returns to Roland Garros where he was crowned&nbsp;French Open champion&nbsp;on Sunday.</p>

<p>Nadal's participation was up in the air with the 14-times French Open champion still not at his best following injuries but national team coach David Ferrer said the 38-year-old would team up with 21-year-old Alcaraz.</p>

<p>"One pair, which I think everyone knows and was hoping for is Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal and the second pair is yet to be decided, it hasn't been 100 per cent confirmed yet," Ferrer told reporters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-rafael-nadal-bows-out-of-french-open-in-his-potential-last-dance-zverev-outclasses-the-spaniard-726045"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Rafael Nadal bows out of French Open in potential ‘last dance’ as Zverev outclasses the Spaniard</strong></a></p>

<p>"We'll wait a bit before announcing that. But Rafa and Carlos will be playing together in Paris," said&nbsp;Ferrer.</p>

<p>The other players selected are Pablo Carreno Busta and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina while Marcel Granollers, who is ranked world number two in doubles, is also in the squad.</p>

<p>The Paris Olympics run from July 26-Aug 11.</p>


Spain's Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will team up to play doubles at this year's Olympic Games in Paris, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) said on Wednesday (Jun 12).

Spain's Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will team up to play doubles at this year's Olympic Games in Paris, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) said on Wednesday (Jun 12). Nadal won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, but the Paris Games will be Alcaraz's first as he returns to Roland Garros where he was crowned French Open champion on Sunday. Nadal's participation was up in the air with the 14-times French Open champion still not at his best following injuries but national team coach David Ferrer said the 38-year-old would team up with 21-year-old Alcaraz. "One pair, which I think everyone knows and was hoping for is Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal and the second pair is yet to be decided, it hasn't been 100 per cent confirmed yet," Ferrer told reporters. Also read | Rafael Nadal bows out of French Open in potential ‘last dance’ as Zverev outclasses the Spaniard "We'll wait a bit before announcing that. But Rafa and Carlos will be playing together in Paris," said Ferrer. The other players selected are Pablo Carreno Busta and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina while Marcel Granollers, who is ranked world number two in doubles, is also in the squad. The Paris Olympics run from July 26-Aug 11.

Dream team! Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to pair up in doubles at Paris Olympics

<p>Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), India's premier table tennis league, distinguished for its ability to attract top-tier international talents and facilitate the rapid advancement of Indian paddlers, is gearing up for an exciting new season in Chennai from August 22 to September 7 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.</p>

<p>The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has been a&nbsp;gamechanger&nbsp;for Indian table tennis since its inception in 2017. It will be an eight-team league for the first time providing a platform for young Indian paddlers to exhibit their talent alongside the world's elite players. This significant expansion aims to elevate the standard of competition and foster the growth of emerging talent within the sport.</p>

<p>"The introduction of additional teams will infuse a heightened level of competition, strategically coinciding with the post-Paris Games period to capitalize on the prevailing Olympic fervour nationwide. Moreover, the decision to host the league in Chennai pays tribute to the city's esteemed sporting heritage, which has produced numerous legendary paddlers, but also reinforces our commitment to honouring its illustrious legacy,” expressed Niraj Bajaj, co-promoter of UTT.</p>

<p>The escalating popularity of table tennis, bolstered by notable Indian achievements, has catalysed the league's expansion into new territories. Embracing this momentum, the league proudly announces the inclusion of two esteemed franchises: the Ahmedabad SG Pipers and the Jaipur Patriots. This marks an exhilarating new phase commencing with the 2024 edition of the league.</p>

<p>"The core mission behind UTT's inception was to enhance the stature of table tennis in India, providing our players with a platform to compete against the world's best and propel Indian table tennis to unprecedented heights. Recent historic victories by our Indian players against Chinese opponents and the National men’s and women’s teams qualifying for the Olympics through the world team rankings underscore this mission,” emphasised Vita Dani, Chairperson of UTT.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-hardik-pandya-arrives-in-new-york-to-join-team-india-amid-divorce-rumours-with-natasa-stankovic-726578">T20 World Cup: Hardik Pandya arrives in New York to join Team India amid divorce rumours with wife Nataša</a></p>

<p>Goa Challengers secured victory over former champions, Chennai Lions, in the preceding year, thus entering the league as defending champions for UTT 2024. Joining them are Dabang Delhi TTC, U Mumba TT, Puneri Paltan, Bengaluru Smashers and the two new franchisees. Each team will maintain a roster of six players, including two foreign players, as they all contend for the coveted title this season.</p>

<p>The format has undergone a slight alteration with the inclusion of eight teams, that will now be divided into two groups of four teams each. Each franchisee will continue to compete in five ties during the league stage, facing all other teams within their respective group once, alongside two randomly selected teams from the opposing group, determined through a draw.</p>


Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), India's premier table tennis league, distinguished for its ability to attract top-tier international talents and facilitate the rapid advancement of Indian paddlers, is gearing up for an exciting new season in Chennai from August 22 to September 7 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), India's premier table tennis league, distinguished for its ability to attract top-tier international talents and facilitate the rapid advancement of Indian paddlers, is gearing up for an exciting new season in Chennai from August 22 to September 7 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has been a gamechanger for Indian table tennis since its inception in 2017. It will be an eight-team league for the first time providing a platform for young Indian paddlers to exhibit their talent alongside the world's elite players. This significant expansion aims to elevate the standard of competition and foster the growth of emerging talent within the sport. "The introduction of additional teams will infuse a heightened level of competition, strategically coinciding with the post-Paris Games period to capitalize on the prevailing Olympic fervour nationwide. Moreover, the decision to host the league in Chennai pays tribute to the city's esteemed sporting heritage, which has produced numerous legendary paddlers, but also reinforces our commitment to honouring its illustrious legacy,” expressed Niraj Bajaj, co-promoter of UTT. The escalating popularity of table tennis, bolstered by notable Indian achievements, has catalysed the league's expansion into new territories. Embracing this momentum, the league proudly announces the inclusion of two esteemed franchises: the Ahmedabad SG Pipers and the Jaipur Patriots. This marks an exhilarating new phase commencing with the 2024 edition of the league. "The core mission behind UTT's inception was to enhance the stature of table tennis in India, providing our players with a platform to compete against the world's best and propel Indian table tennis to unprecedented heights. Recent historic victories by our Indian players against Chinese opponents and the National men’s and women’s teams qualifying for the Olympics through the world team rankings underscore this mission,” emphasised Vita Dani, Chairperson of UTT. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Hardik Pandya arrives in New York to join Team India amid divorce rumours with wife Nataša Goa Challengers secured victory over former champions, Chennai Lions, in the preceding year, thus entering the league as defending champions for UTT 2024. Joining them are Dabang Delhi TTC, U Mumba TT, Puneri Paltan, Bengaluru Smashers and the two new franchisees. Each team will maintain a roster of six players, including two foreign players, as they all contend for the coveted title this season. The format has undergone a slight alteration with the inclusion of eight teams, that will now be divided into two groups of four teams each. Each franchisee will continue to compete in five ties during the league stage, facing all other teams within their respective group once, alongside two randomly selected teams from the opposing group, determined through a draw.

Ultimate Table Tennis 2024: Eight teams to compete in latest season starting from 22 August in Chennai

<p>State-of-the-art security using artificial intelligence is being deployed at the Cannes Film Festival in a test for potential applications at the Paris Olympics two months later.&nbsp;Some 40,000 attendees -- and some of the world's biggest movie stars -- fly into the Cote d'Azur for the festival from Tuesday to May 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local authorities say they are using 17 experimental cameras equipped with AI technology that are supposed to "identify events or behaviours deemed suspicious" and help detect abandoned packages, weapons and people in distress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Cannes town hall has been asking to implement them since 2019 but has only been given permission thanks to changes in surveillance laws introduced for the Olympics that kick off in Paris in July, according to Mayor David Lisnard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said the town already had the "densest video protection network in France", with 884 cameras, one for every 84 residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cannes also has 462 emergency call buttons spread across public spaces and buildings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were concerns that mobilisation for the Olympics would deprive the festival of police resources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Paris authorities say they are sending some 400 security forces in addition to the 200 officers and 66 surveillance agents already in Cannes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The festival has a further 400 security guards around the main venue, the Palais des Festivals -- not to mention the many private security agents employed at all the beach, villa and yacht parties.</p>


State-of-the-art security using artificial intelligence is being deployed at the Cannes Film Festival in a test for potential applications at the Paris Olympics two months later.

State-of-the-art security using artificial intelligence is being deployed at the Cannes Film Festival in a test for potential applications at the Paris Olympics two months later. Some 40,000 attendees -- and some of the world's biggest movie stars -- fly into the Cote d'Azur for the festival from Tuesday to May 25. Local authorities say they are using 17 experimental cameras equipped with AI technology that are supposed to "identify events or behaviours deemed suspicious" and help detect abandoned packages, weapons and people in distress. The Cannes town hall has been asking to implement them since 2019 but has only been given permission thanks to changes in surveillance laws introduced for the Olympics that kick off in Paris in July, according to Mayor David Lisnard. He said the town already had the "densest video protection network in France", with 884 cameras, one for every 84 residents. Cannes also has 462 emergency call buttons spread across public spaces and buildings. There were concerns that mobilisation for the Olympics would deprive the festival of police resources. But Paris authorities say they are sending some 400 security forces in addition to the 200 officers and 66 surveillance agents already in Cannes. The festival has a further 400 security guards around the main venue, the Palais des Festivals -- not to mention the many private security agents employed at all the beach, villa and yacht parties.

AI cameras tested in Cannes ahead of Olympics

<p>Japan's two-times figure skating world champion and three-times Olympic medallist Shoma Uno said on Thursday he is retiring from competition. Uno, 26, won a second consecutive world title last year despite suffering an ankle injury.</p>

<p>"My skating life started when I was five, and I am very grateful that I was able to continue for 21 years and lead a fantastic life in competition," the Nagoya native wrote on Instagram.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japanese-baseball-star-shohei-ohtanis-ex-interpreter-agrees-to-plead-guilty-to-bank-fraud-719515">MLB: Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter agrees to plead guilty to bank fraud</a></strong></p>

<p>Uno, who was born prematurely weighing just 900 grams, was the world's first skater to successfully land a quadruple flip in competition. He claimed the men's singles bronze medal at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing.</p>


Japan's two-times figure skating world champion and three-times Olympic medallist Shoma Uno said on Thursday he is retiring from competition. Uno, 26, won a second consecutive world title last year despite suffering an ankle injury.

Japan's two-times figure skating world champion and three-times Olympic medallist Shoma Uno said on Thursday he is retiring from competition. Uno, 26, won a second consecutive world title last year despite suffering an ankle injury. "My skating life started when I was five, and I am very grateful that I was able to continue for 21 years and lead a fantastic life in competition," the Nagoya native wrote on Instagram. Also read: MLB: Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter agrees to plead guilty to bank fraud Uno, who was born prematurely weighing just 900 grams, was the world's first skater to successfully land a quadruple flip in competition. He claimed the men's singles bronze medal at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Figure skating: Japan's two-time world champion Shoma Uno announces retirement

<p>The Olympic flame, lit last month in Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Olympics, will be reaching French soil&nbsp;at Marseille's Old Port on Wednesday (May 8), amid heightened security. The torch arrives 79 days before the Paris 2024 Games opening ceremony and presents the first biggest security challenge to the French authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many as 150,000 people are expected to welcome the Olympics flame, according to a <em>Reuters </em>report. Fireworks and a free concert will form part of the programme which will be broadcast live on French TV. Keeping in mind the large public presence, 6,000 law enforcement officers have been pressed into service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Four-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer Florent Manaudou will have the honour of being the first torch bearer during the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's something we've been waiting for a very long time," chief organiser Tony Estanguet said Monday, referring to the 100 years since Paris last staged the Games. &nbsp;"The Games are coming home."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympic-2024-world-athletics-announces-50000-prize-money-to-gold-medalists-at-upcoming-games-709805" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Paris Olympic 2024: World Athletics announces $50,000 prize money to gold medallists at upcoming games</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Flame lit in Greece</strong></h2>

<p>The torch for the 2024 Paris Olympics was lit on April 16, marking the final&nbsp;stretch of the preparations for the Games.&nbsp;The choreographed ceremony was inspired by the traditions and values of ancient Greece.</p>

<p>Actresses dressed as ancient priestesses entered the stadium, accompanying the head priestess to the Temple of Hera where religious ceremonies were undertaken and the flame lit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Greek actress Mary Mina played the part of the head priestess and lit the torch using a backup flame instead of a parabolic mirror due to cloudy skies, for the start of a relay in Greece and France.</p>

<p>The ceremony took place after French President Emmanuel Macron said backup plans were in place to relocate the opening ceremony in case of increased terror threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If we think there are risks, depending on our analysis of the context, we have fallback scenarios. There are plans B and C and we are preparing them in parallel," said Macron in a television interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’ll be analysing the situation in real-time and preparing a ceremony that would be limited to Trocadéro, where we wouldn’t use the whole of the Seine, or even a ceremony that would bring the public to the Stade de France, which is what has been done traditionally,” Macron added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisers have planned a 'world first' opening ceremony, scheduled for July 26, when over 300,000 people are expected to watch an armada of boats carrying national teams down the Seine River.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Olympic flame, lit last month in Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Olympics, will be reaching French soil at Marseille's Old Port on Wednesday (May 8), amid heightened security.

The Olympic flame, lit last month in Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Olympics, will be reaching French soil at Marseille's Old Port on Wednesday (May 8), amid heightened security. The torch arrives 79 days before the Paris 2024 Games opening ceremony and presents the first biggest security challenge to the French authorities. As many as 150,000 people are expected to welcome the Olympics flame, according to a Reuters report. Fireworks and a free concert will form part of the programme which will be broadcast live on French TV. Keeping in mind the large public presence, 6,000 law enforcement officers have been pressed into service. Four-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer Florent Manaudou will have the honour of being the first torch bearer during the event. "It's something we've been waiting for a very long time," chief organiser Tony Estanguet said Monday, referring to the 100 years since Paris last staged the Games. "The Games are coming home." Also read | Paris Olympic 2024: World Athletics announces $50,000 prize money to gold medallists at upcoming games Flame lit in Greece The torch for the 2024 Paris Olympics was lit on April 16, marking the final stretch of the preparations for the Games. The choreographed ceremony was inspired by the traditions and values of ancient Greece. Actresses dressed as ancient priestesses entered the stadium, accompanying the head priestess to the Temple of Hera where religious ceremonies were undertaken and the flame lit. Greek actress Mary Mina played the part of the head priestess and lit the torch using a backup flame instead of a parabolic mirror due to cloudy skies, for the start of a relay in Greece and France. The ceremony took place after French President Emmanuel Macron said backup plans were in place to relocate the opening ceremony in case of increased terror threats. “If we think there are risks, depending on our analysis of the context, we have fallback scenarios. There are plans B and C and we are preparing them in parallel," said Macron in a television interview. “We’ll be analysing the situation in real-time and preparing a ceremony that would be limited to Trocadéro, where we wouldn’t use the whole of the Seine, or even a ceremony that would bring the public to the Stade de France, which is what has been done traditionally,” Macron added. The organisers have planned a 'world first' opening ceremony, scheduled for July 26, when over 300,000 people are expected to watch an armada of boats carrying national teams down the Seine River. (With inputs from agencies)

Olympics flame to arrive in France amid heightened security measures

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