Former world champion and four-time Olympian Manavjit Singh Sandhu, in an exclusive interview with WION sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo, expressed his excitement about the upcoming Paris Olympics. Sandhu believes India should secure at least two medals in shooting.

Manavjit Sandhu: Indian shooters should win two medals in Paris

Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson has displayed unparalleled commitment to ensure his participation in the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024 edition. Dawson fractured the ring finger on his right hand and, hence, there were dark clouds over his participation. When he had two options to either wait for its healing, which could've taken time, or ampute the part of the finger. The player stunned one and all by choosing the second and most difficult option.

"I didn’t have much time to make the decision. I made the decision then I called my wife, and she said, 'I don’t want you to make a rash decision',” he told Australian broadcaster Seven Network.

"But I guess I had all the information I needed to make a decision for not only playing in Paris, but for life after and giving myself the best health."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/manchester-united-sign-french-teen-leny-yoro-on-a-five-year-contract-ahead-of-premier-league-2024-25-742222">Manchester United sign French teen Leny Yoro on a five-year contract ahead of Premier League 2024-25</a>

<h2>AUSSIE COACH IN AWE OF DAWSON</h2>

Coach Colin Batch reacted to Dawson's decision and said, "The best way of recovering from it was to just chop the end of the finger off. So that’s what he decided to do. It’s not something a coach can decide for a player."

He added, "Full marks to Matt. Obviously he’s really committed to playing in Paris. I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great."

The Australian team is gearing up for Paris Olympics 2024 where they will be desperate to go a step ahead after a silver medal finish in Tokyo 2020.&nbsp;

<h2>Australia Squad for Paris 2024</h2>

Goalkeepers: Andrew Charter

Defenders: Joshua Beltz, Matthew Dawson, Jake Harvie, Jeremy Hayward, Edward Ockenden, Corey Weyer

Midfielders: Flynn Oglivie, Lachlan Sharp, Jacob Whetton, Aran Zalewski (captain)

Forwards: Tim Brand, Thomas Craig, Blake Glovers, Tom Wickham, Ky Willott

Reserves: Johan Durst, Nathan Ephraums, Tim Howard

Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson has displayed unparalleled commitment to ensure his participation in the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024 edition. Dawson fractured the ring finger on his right hand and, hence, there were dark clouds over his participation.

Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson has displayed unparalleled commitment to ensure his participation in the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024 edition. Dawson fractured the ring finger on his right hand and, hence, there were dark clouds over his participation. When he had two options to either wait for its healing, which could've taken time, or ampute the part of the finger. The player stunned one and all by choosing the second and most difficult option. "I didn’t have much time to make the decision. I made the decision then I called my wife, and she said, 'I don’t want you to make a rash decision',” he told Australian broadcaster Seven Network. "But I guess I had all the information I needed to make a decision for not only playing in Paris, but for life after and giving myself the best health." Also read: Manchester United sign French teen Leny Yoro on a five-year contract ahead of Premier League 2024-25 AUSSIE COACH IN AWE OF DAWSON Coach Colin Batch reacted to Dawson's decision and said, "The best way of recovering from it was to just chop the end of the finger off. So that’s what he decided to do. It’s not something a coach can decide for a player." He added, "Full marks to Matt. Obviously he’s really committed to playing in Paris. I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great." The Australian team is gearing up for Paris Olympics 2024 where they will be desperate to go a step ahead after a silver medal finish in Tokyo 2020. Australia Squad for Paris 2024 Goalkeepers: Andrew Charter Defenders: Joshua Beltz, Matthew Dawson, Jake Harvie, Jeremy Hayward, Edward Ockenden, Corey Weyer Midfielders: Flynn Oglivie, Lachlan Sharp, Jacob Whetton, Aran Zalewski (captain) Forwards: Tim Brand, Thomas Craig, Blake Glovers, Tom Wickham, Ky Willott Reserves: Johan Durst, Nathan Ephraums, Tim Howard

UNBELIEVABLE! Australian hockey player Matt Dawson amputates part of finger to take part in Paris Olympics

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&nbsp;Indian Olympic Association released India's full schedule for Paris Olympics with just few days to go for its commencement.&nbsp;

<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" />

Courtesy: IOA

<h3>INDIAN CONTINGENT'S FULL SCHEDULE AT PARIS 2024 -</h3>

<table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			&nbsp;DATE
			</td>
			<td>
			&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; DISCIPLINE
			</td>
			<td>
			&nbsp;START TIME (IST)
			</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>Archery (Team Medal Matches)</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>Shooting (Medal Matches)</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>Archery (Team Medal Matches)</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>Swimming (Medal Matches)</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>Shooting (Medal Matches)</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>Shooting (Medal Matches)</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>
			11 PM 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>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>Shooting (Medal Matches)</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>Judo (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>13:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rowing (Medal Matches)</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>Tennis (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>15:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 3</td>
			<td>Archery (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Athletics (Shot Put Final)</td>
			<td>23:05</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Badminton (Medal Matches)</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>Rowing (Medal Matches)</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>Shooting (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>13:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>17:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tennis (Medal Matches)</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>Badminton (Medal Matches)</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>Equestrian (Final)</td>
			<td>13:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf (Medal Matches)</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>Shooting (Final)</td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>17:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 5</td>
			<td>Athletics (5k Final)</td>
			<td>22:34 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Badminton (Medal Matches)</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>Shooting (Final)</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>Athletics (Long Jump Final)</td>
			<td>13:50 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Boxing (Semi-Finals)</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>Sailing (Medal Matches)</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>Wrestling (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 7</td>
			<td>Athletics (3k Steeplechase Final)</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>Weightlifting (49 kg Final)</td>
			<td>23:00</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Wrestling (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 8</td>
			<td>Athletics (Javelin Throw Final)</td>
			<td>13:35 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf</td>
			<td>12:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (Medal Matches)</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>Boxing (Final)</td>
			<td>01:32 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Athletics (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>14:10 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf</td>
			<td>12:30</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Hockey (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>14:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Wrestling (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aug 10</td>
			<td>Boxing (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>01:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Athletics (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>22:20 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Golf (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>12:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Table Tennis (Medal Matches)</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>Boxing (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>01:00 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Wrestling (Medal Matches)</td>
			<td>14:30 Onwards</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

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>

&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."

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."

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

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.

"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.

"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."

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>

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.

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 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

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.

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: <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>

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&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.

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

Stephen Curry admits playing on a stacked USA Olympic team where he is not expected to carry the offence like he does with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA is requiring a great deal of adjustment. The star point guard scored just three points in 22 minutes during USA's 98-92 win over Australia in a warm-up game in Abu Dhabi on Monday that saw the Americans almost blow a 20-point lead in the last 15 minutes.

Lakers center Anthony Davis came off the bench to lead the scoring for USA with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards was right behind him with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists.

"It's an adjustment, not just for me, for everybody," said Curry, who will be making his Olympics debut in Paris this summer. "Even how we're rotating the lineups right now, just because we're trying to get a feel for different combinations. "You're going five minutes at a time, then you sit. Hockey subs, that's different, how we're playing with the talent around, that's a different adjustment. "It's just a mindfulness of knowing where your shots might come and being ready for those."

Head coach Steve Kerr had said before the game he planned on testing out different starting lineups during these exhibition games and he did indeed tweak the first unit he used in last week's win over Canada, keeping LeBron James, Curry, and Joel Embiid but starting Edwards and Jayson Tatum instead of Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker.

Kevin Durant remains sidelined with a calf strain, while Davis, Booker, Holiday, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton served as the second unit that alternated with the starters throughout the game.

USA led by 20 points midway through the third quarter but the Aussies narrowed their deficit to just six points with five minutes left in the fourth. Back-to-back threes from Indiana Pacers' Haliburton briefly got the Americans back on track but the Boomers upped the pressure once again and got dangerously close to erasing the gap.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-india-bharat-hindustan-virat-kohlis-special-message-to-indian-athletes-watch-741158">Paris Olympics 2024: 'India, Bharat, Hindustan,' Virat Kohli's special message to Indian athletes | WATCH</a>

<h2>- Australia fight back -</h2>

Australia's Jock Landale, Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels all finished in the double digits and combined for 51 points. Kerr said Monday's game -– the second of five friendlies USA will play prior to the Olympics -– was a welcome warning against complacency and a reminder the team can't take their foot off the gas pedal after building big leads.

He is confident there is enough time for the group -– which is the most star-studded and most decorated to represent USA since the famous Dream Team of 1992 –- to iron out the kinks before their Olympics opener against Serbia in Lille on July 28. Kerr paid special tribute to Davis, who also found himself in an unfamiliar role on Monday, coming off the bench.

"He was amazing tonight, he's been fantastic those first 10 days or whatever we've been together," said Kerr. "Obviously we've got a lot of talent, every single guy is capable of starting and playing big minutes.

The strength of our team is our depth and we have to utilise that depth and put pressure on teams for 40 minutes, regardless of the combinations." Next up for USA is an exhibition clash on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi against Serbia, who will be led by reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Jokic and his Serbian teammates were in the stands and watched the first half of the USA-Australia game.

"They're a great team. They're in our pool in Paris and we're going to have to beat them when it counts in a couple of weeks but it'll be good to get a good feel for what we're going to face," said Curry of the 2023 World Cup silver medallists. "They have a very strong, big, physical team and we have to match that physicality and be able to play Team USA basketball. It would be good to get some film on it too."

Stephen Curry admits playing on a stacked USA Olympic team where he is not expected to carry the offence like he does with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA is requiring a great deal of adjustment.

Stephen Curry admits playing on a stacked USA Olympic team where he is not expected to carry the offence like he does with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA is requiring a great deal of adjustment. The star point guard scored just three points in 22 minutes during USA's 98-92 win over Australia in a warm-up game in Abu Dhabi on Monday that saw the Americans almost blow a 20-point lead in the last 15 minutes. Lakers center Anthony Davis came off the bench to lead the scoring for USA with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards was right behind him with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. "It's an adjustment, not just for me, for everybody," said Curry, who will be making his Olympics debut in Paris this summer. "Even how we're rotating the lineups right now, just because we're trying to get a feel for different combinations. "You're going five minutes at a time, then you sit. Hockey subs, that's different, how we're playing with the talent around, that's a different adjustment. "It's just a mindfulness of knowing where your shots might come and being ready for those." Head coach Steve Kerr had said before the game he planned on testing out different starting lineups during these exhibition games and he did indeed tweak the first unit he used in last week's win over Canada, keeping LeBron James, Curry, and Joel Embiid but starting Edwards and Jayson Tatum instead of Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker. Kevin Durant remains sidelined with a calf strain, while Davis, Booker, Holiday, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton served as the second unit that alternated with the starters throughout the game. USA led by 20 points midway through the third quarter but the Aussies narrowed their deficit to just six points with five minutes left in the fourth. Back-to-back threes from Indiana Pacers' Haliburton briefly got the Americans back on track but the Boomers upped the pressure once again and got dangerously close to erasing the gap. Also read: Paris Olympics 2024: 'India, Bharat, Hindustan,' Virat Kohli's special message to Indian athletes | WATCH - Australia fight back - Australia's Jock Landale, Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels all finished in the double digits and combined for 51 points. Kerr said Monday's game -– the second of five friendlies USA will play prior to the Olympics -– was a welcome warning against complacency and a reminder the team can't take their foot off the gas pedal after building big leads. He is confident there is enough time for the group -– which is the most star-studded and most decorated to represent USA since the famous Dream Team of 1992 –- to iron out the kinks before their Olympics opener against Serbia in Lille on July 28. Kerr paid special tribute to Davis, who also found himself in an unfamiliar role on Monday, coming off the bench. "He was amazing tonight, he's been fantastic those first 10 days or whatever we've been together," said Kerr. "Obviously we've got a lot of talent, every single guy is capable of starting and playing big minutes. The strength of our team is our depth and we have to utilise that depth and put pressure on teams for 40 minutes, regardless of the combinations." Next up for USA is an exhibition clash on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi against Serbia, who will be led by reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Jokic and his Serbian teammates were in the stands and watched the first half of the USA-Australia game. "They're a great team. They're in our pool in Paris and we're going to have to beat them when it counts in a couple of weeks but it'll be good to get a good feel for what we're going to face," said Curry of the 2023 World Cup silver medallists. "They have a very strong, big, physical team and we have to match that physicality and be able to play Team USA basketball. It would be good to get some film on it too."

Paris Olympics: Stephen Curry says playing for USA an 'adjustment' after warm-up win vs Australia

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:&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>

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."

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

Argentina have named Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi in their squad for the Olympic Games in Paris despite both players taking part in the ongoing Copa America in the United States. The 18-man Olympic squad is being coached by Javier Mascherano and the two-times gold medal winner called up 36-year-old Otamendi and 32-year-old goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli among his overage players.

Both Manchester City's Alvarez and Benfica's Otamendi have already played over 50 games this season for club and country. Along with Rulli, who is also in the Copa America squad, the trio are set to join Mascherano's squad after the tournament, where Argentina are in the quarter-finals.

World Cup winner and Argentina captain Lionel Messi had already ruled out playing at the&nbsp;Olympics, with the 37-year-old citing the need to manage his workload. The men's football tournament at the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;begins on July 24, just 10 days after the Copa America final. Argentina are grouped with Morocco, Iraq and Ukraine in the 16-team tournament.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/copa-america-2024-brazil-held-by-colombia-to-face-uruguay-in-quarter-final-737311">Copa America 2024: Brazil held by Colombia, to face Uruguay in quarter-final</a>

ARGENTINA SQUAD FOR&nbsp;OLYMPICS

Goalkeepers: Leandro Brey, Geronimo Rulli

Defenders: Marco Di Cesare, Julio Soler, Joaquin Garcia, Gonzalo Lujan, Nicolas Otamendi, Bruno Amione

Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernandez, Santiago Hezze, Cristian Medina, Kevin Zenon

Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Luciano Gondou, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri, Julian Alvarez, Lucas Beltran

Argentina have named Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi in their squad for the Olympic Games in Paris despite both players taking part in the ongoing Copa America in the United States.

Argentina have named Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi in their squad for the Olympic Games in Paris despite both players taking part in the ongoing Copa America in the United States. The 18-man Olympic squad is being coached by Javier Mascherano and the two-times gold medal winner called up 36-year-old Otamendi and 32-year-old goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli among his overage players. Both Manchester City's Alvarez and Benfica's Otamendi have already played over 50 games this season for club and country. Along with Rulli, who is also in the Copa America squad, the trio are set to join Mascherano's squad after the tournament, where Argentina are in the quarter-finals. World Cup winner and Argentina captain Lionel Messi had already ruled out playing at the Olympics, with the 37-year-old citing the need to manage his workload. The men's football tournament at the Olympics begins on July 24, just 10 days after the Copa America final. Argentina are grouped with Morocco, Iraq and Ukraine in the 16-team tournament. Also read: Copa America 2024: Brazil held by Colombia, to face Uruguay in quarter-final ARGENTINA SQUAD FOR OLYMPICS Goalkeepers: Leandro Brey, Geronimo Rulli Defenders: Marco Di Cesare, Julio Soler, Joaquin Garcia, Gonzalo Lujan, Nicolas Otamendi, Bruno Amione Midfielders: Ezequiel Fernandez, Santiago Hezze, Cristian Medina, Kevin Zenon Forwards: Giuliano Simeone, Luciano Gondou, Thiago Almada, Claudio Echeverri, Julian Alvarez, Lucas Beltran

Paris Olympics: Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi named in Argentina squad

World number two Carlos Alcaraz said he is looking forward to learning from the 22-times Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal when they pair up in the doubles at the Paris Olympics. Three-times Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, 21, will return to Roland Garros for the singles and doubles at the Games after being crowned French Open champion there earlier this month.

Nadal won Olympic singles gold in 2008 and a doubles gold in 2016. The 38-year-old will be playing at the Games for a third time.

"I didn’t expect to play doubles at the Olympic Games with Rafa," Alcaraz told reporters on Monday. "It is a unique moment for me but of course I am very happy about it. Let’s see how it’s going to be but it’s going to be a great time. "Honestly, I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow up as a player, to grow up as a person as well.

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"Of course it’s going to be my first Olympic Games. Everything is new for me, so I hope to learn a lot from him."

Nadal is skipping Wimbledon in July in order to prepare for the Olympics while Alcaraz returns to action at the Queen's Club Championships in London later on Tuesday before starting his title defence at Wimbledon next month. The Olympic&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;tournament runs from July 27 to Aug. 4.

World number two Carlos Alcaraz said he is looking forward to learning from the 22-times Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal when they pair up in the doubles at the Paris Olympics.

World number two Carlos Alcaraz said he is looking forward to learning from the 22-times Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal when they pair up in the doubles at the Paris Olympics. Three-times Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, 21, will return to Roland Garros for the singles and doubles at the Games after being crowned French Open champion there earlier this month. Nadal won Olympic singles gold in 2008 and a doubles gold in 2016. The 38-year-old will be playing at the Games for a third time. "I didn’t expect to play doubles at the Olympic Games with Rafa," Alcaraz told reporters on Monday. "It is a unique moment for me but of course I am very happy about it. Let’s see how it’s going to be but it’s going to be a great time. "Honestly, I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow up as a player, to grow up as a person as well. Also read: Tennis: India’s Sumit Nagal attains career-best ATP Ranking despite Perugia final loss "Of course it’s going to be my first Olympic Games. Everything is new for me, so I hope to learn a lot from him." Nadal is skipping Wimbledon in July in order to prepare for the Olympics while Alcaraz returns to action at the Queen's Club Championships in London later on Tuesday before starting his title defence at Wimbledon next month. The Olympic tennis tournament runs from July 27 to Aug. 4.

Olympics: Carlos Alcaraz hoping to learn from Rafael Nadal at Paris Games

Aditi Ashok's consistency over four rounds at the Tokyo Olympics nearly proved enough to clinch an unlikely podium spot, and the 26-year-old believes she needs to rediscover it if she hopes to go a step further and win a medal at this year's Paris Games. Ashok came fourth and missed out on a medal in Tokyo by a stroke after being in contention right to the finish. She has gone from strength to strength since then and had a promising 2023, recording five top-10 finishes on the LPGA circuit to rise to a year-end ranking of 42.

"I feel I've gotten better with all aspects of my game," Ashok said in an interview with Sports Authority of India (SAI) media. "2023 especially was a great year performance-wise and that's because I managed to pick up some distance in the off season last year. I would say winning a medal is pretty high up there in terms of career achievements..."

In 2024, Ashok's form has been more mixed, but with several events left on the calendar before the Aug. 7-10 women's Olympic&nbsp;golf&nbsp;tournament begins at Le&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;National, Ashok still has time to find her groove.

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"My results have been average. I have played good in streaks but not for all four days. I do feel I'm playing well so I'm looking forward to the summer events leading up to the Olympics...," Ashok said. "I'm looking at each event with the same importance and trying to do my best for all four days each week. That should get me in a good frame of mind and routine before the games and hopefully that will be enough at Paris."

Ashok will also be keen to bury the disappointment of missing out on a gold medal at last year's Asian Games, in which she lost a seven-shot lead in a final-day meltdown to finish second behind Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol.

"I think I played some of my best&nbsp;golf&nbsp;in Tokyo. I gained a lot of confidence I would say and not much learning," Ashok said. "With the Asian Games I played one of my worst rounds of the year on the final day. Which was after the best round of my life on the third day. So sometimes you fail and there's no reason as to why."

Aditi Ashok's consistency over four rounds at the Tokyo Olympics nearly proved enough to clinch an unlikely podium spot, and the 26-year-old believes she needs to rediscover it if she hopes to go a step further and win a medal at this year's Paris Games.

Aditi Ashok's consistency over four rounds at the Tokyo Olympics nearly proved enough to clinch an unlikely podium spot, and the 26-year-old believes she needs to rediscover it if she hopes to go a step further and win a medal at this year's Paris Games. Ashok came fourth and missed out on a medal in Tokyo by a stroke after being in contention right to the finish. She has gone from strength to strength since then and had a promising 2023, recording five top-10 finishes on the LPGA circuit to rise to a year-end ranking of 42. "I feel I've gotten better with all aspects of my game," Ashok said in an interview with Sports Authority of India (SAI) media. "2023 especially was a great year performance-wise and that's because I managed to pick up some distance in the off season last year. I would say winning a medal is pretty high up there in terms of career achievements..." In 2024, Ashok's form has been more mixed, but with several events left on the calendar before the Aug. 7-10 women's Olympic golf tournament begins at Le Golf National, Ashok still has time to find her groove. Also read: U.S. Championships: Gymnast queen Simone Biles wins record-extending ninth title "My results have been average. I have played good in streaks but not for all four days. I do feel I'm playing well so I'm looking forward to the summer events leading up to the Olympics...," Ashok said. "I'm looking at each event with the same importance and trying to do my best for all four days each week. That should get me in a good frame of mind and routine before the games and hopefully that will be enough at Paris." Ashok will also be keen to bury the disappointment of missing out on a gold medal at last year's Asian Games, in which she lost a seven-shot lead in a final-day meltdown to finish second behind Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol. "I think I played some of my best golf in Tokyo. I gained a lot of confidence I would say and not much learning," Ashok said. "With the Asian Games I played one of my worst rounds of the year on the final day. Which was after the best round of my life on the third day. So sometimes you fail and there's no reason as to why."

Olympics: Indian golfer Aditi Ashok vows for consistency ahead of Paris Games

Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu went past top-seed Han Yae from China to qualify for the Malaysia Masters semifinals on Friday (May 24). Sindhu emerged on top of her Chinese opponent in the quarterfinal with a 21-13, 14-21, 21-12 win to make it to her maiden semifinals on the BWF tour in 2024. Given the 28-year-old has not been in great form of late, her progress into the last four bodes well in her preparations for Paris Olympics, in July-August.

Talking about her quarterfinal clash, Sindhu made a confident start with a lead in the opening game. While Han Yae made a strong comeback in the penultimate game, with a 21-14 win, Sindhu returned to her best in the final game to move ahead into the next round.

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Sindhu will now face the winner of the other quarterfinal between Singapore’s Putri Kusuma Wardani and Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the semifinals. Ranked No.15 in the world, Sindhu will be desperate to win the Malaysian Masters. She is looking to win her maiden BWF title since winning the Singapore Open back in 2022. Since then, form and injury concerns have led to her downfall. However, the Indian star is trying her best to return to her consistent best with Paris 2024 just two months away.

Sindhu won a silver in Rio Olympics in 2016 and followed it up with a bronze in Tokyo 2020. Will Paris Olympics prove to be her luckiest with a gold? Only time will tell...

Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu went past top-seed Han Yae from China to qualify for the Malaysia Masters semifinals on Friday (May 24). Sindhu emerged on top of her Chinese opponent in the quarterfinal with a 21-13, 14-21, 21-12 win to make it to her maiden semifinals on the BWF tour in 2024.

Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu went past top-seed Han Yae from China to qualify for the Malaysia Masters semifinals on Friday (May 24). Sindhu emerged on top of her Chinese opponent in the quarterfinal with a 21-13, 14-21, 21-12 win to make it to her maiden semifinals on the BWF tour in 2024. Given the 28-year-old has not been in great form of late, her progress into the last four bodes well in her preparations for Paris Olympics, in July-August. Talking about her quarterfinal clash, Sindhu made a confident start with a lead in the opening game. While Han Yae made a strong comeback in the penultimate game, with a 21-14 win, Sindhu returned to her best in the final game to move ahead into the next round. Also read: India head coach job: Jay Shah confirms BCCI have not approached any Australian cricketer for top post Sindhu will now face the winner of the other quarterfinal between Singapore’s Putri Kusuma Wardani and Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the semifinals. Ranked No.15 in the world, Sindhu will be desperate to win the Malaysian Masters. She is looking to win her maiden BWF title since winning the Singapore Open back in 2022. Since then, form and injury concerns have led to her downfall. However, the Indian star is trying her best to return to her consistent best with Paris 2024 just two months away. Sindhu won a silver in Rio Olympics in 2016 and followed it up with a bronze in Tokyo 2020. Will Paris Olympics prove to be her luckiest with a gold? Only time will tell...

PV Sindhu goes past top seed Han Yue to enter Malaysia Masters semifinals

Serbian long jumper&nbsp;Ivana&nbsp;Spanovic said she is hoping to finally secure an elusive Olympic gold medal at her fifth Games in Paris later this year and produce a fitting climax to the story of her career. Spanovic has had a few near misses on sport's biggest stage, claiming bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and finishing fourth at the Tokyo Games with a best effort of 6.91 metres.

The 34-year-old has been successful in every other major event she has competed in, winning gold at the World Championships, World Indoor Championships, European Championships, European Indoor Championships and Diamond League.

"Being a part of the Serbian Olympic team for the fifth time makes me extremely proud, and this Olympics should be, so to speak, perhaps the last test in that arena," Spanovic told Reuters. "Actually, not perhaps the last, but indeed the last test in the arena, but surely&nbsp;some of my highest ambitions of completing my entire story."

<h2>LONG JUMP AMENDMENT</h2>

Should Spanovic return for a sixth Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, she could find herself competing in a markedly different long jump event. Governing body World Athletics is set to trial an amendment which involves introducing a take-off zone where jumps would be measured from an athlete's take-off to landing position, getting rid of foul jumps to make the event more appealing to fans.

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The proposal has been met with criticism from some athletes, with Greek reigning Olympic and world outdoor champion Miltiadis Tentoglou saying he would quit the event if it is passed.

Spanovic said she was also not a fan of the proposal, adding: "Many things are changing, mostly because&nbsp;of TV shows, minutes, and attractions. While we support efforts to increase the sport's popularity, there are alternative ways (to do that).

"We are definitely not in favour of changing the fundamental beauty and value of a particular sport or discipline in that way, in my opinion, as there is no point. "The whole allure and fascination, rests in the fact that someone will set a world record or succeed or fail based on accuracy. I could have been an Olympic champion and a two-time or three-time world champion, but I had a minimal foul, so I wasn't."

Spanovic also weighed in on World Athletics' decision to award $50,000 each to the gold medallists at the Paris Games, saying it could be a boon to self-funded athletes. "I believe it is a nice kind of reward (and a way)&nbsp;to recognise the hard work and dedication of the athletes, teams, and individuals who invest all of their resources to achieving that common goal," she added.

Serbian long jumper Ivana Spanovic said she is hoping to finally secure an elusive Olympic gold medal at her fifth Games in Paris later this year and produce a fitting climax to the story of her career.

Serbian long jumper Ivana Spanovic said she is hoping to finally secure an elusive Olympic gold medal at her fifth Games in Paris later this year and produce a fitting climax to the story of her career. Spanovic has had a few near misses on sport's biggest stage, claiming bronze at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and finishing fourth at the Tokyo Games with a best effort of 6.91 metres. The 34-year-old has been successful in every other major event she has competed in, winning gold at the World Championships, World Indoor Championships, European Championships, European Indoor Championships and Diamond League. "Being a part of the Serbian Olympic team for the fifth time makes me extremely proud, and this Olympics should be, so to speak, perhaps the last test in that arena," Spanovic told Reuters. "Actually, not perhaps the last, but indeed the last test in the arena, but surely some of my highest ambitions of completing my entire story." LONG JUMP AMENDMENT Should Spanovic return for a sixth Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, she could find herself competing in a markedly different long jump event. Governing body World Athletics is set to trial an amendment which involves introducing a take-off zone where jumps would be measured from an athlete's take-off to landing position, getting rid of foul jumps to make the event more appealing to fans. Also read: Copa America 2024: Teams to be allowed concussion substitutions The proposal has been met with criticism from some athletes, with Greek reigning Olympic and world outdoor champion Miltiadis Tentoglou saying he would quit the event if it is passed. Spanovic said she was also not a fan of the proposal, adding: "Many things are changing, mostly because of TV shows, minutes, and attractions. While we support efforts to increase the sport's popularity, there are alternative ways (to do that). "We are definitely not in favour of changing the fundamental beauty and value of a particular sport or discipline in that way, in my opinion, as there is no point. "The whole allure and fascination, rests in the fact that someone will set a world record or succeed or fail based on accuracy. I could have been an Olympic champion and a two-time or three-time world champion, but I had a minimal foul, so I wasn't." Spanovic also weighed in on World Athletics' decision to award $50,000 each to the gold medallists at the Paris Games, saying it could be a boon to self-funded athletes. "I believe it is a nice kind of reward (and a way) to recognise the hard work and dedication of the athletes, teams, and individuals who invest all of their resources to achieving that common goal," she added.

Olympics: Serbian long jumper Ivana Spanovic hoping to ‘complete her story’ at Paris 2024

India's Neeraj Chopra is surely eyeing to join javelin's elite 90-metre club but will happily settle for a shorter throw in the forthcoming Paris Olympics if it proves enough for him to retain his title at the mega event, stated his coach. The mega event kicks off in July 26 in France and all eyes are on the 26-year-old to win hearts once again with a memorable performance. Neeraj rose to fame in Tokyo 2020 by winning the&nbsp;gold medal in men's javelin event (India's first Olympic gold medal in athletics) with an impressive 87.58 metre throw. Since then, he has climbed up the ladder constantly but the elusive 90-metre mark evades him.

Following his Tokyo blitz, Neeraj became the world champion and even registered a personal best (PB) distance of 89.94 metre at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022. However, he has been continuously&nbsp;asked about the 90-m mark. Nonetheless, his coach&nbsp;Klaus Bartonietz has affirmed that retaining his Olympic title remains Neeraj's top priority.&nbsp;

<h2>'The mark increases almost every year, but the medal stays'</h2>

Bartonietz told Reuters -- after the Doha Diamond League this weekend -- "A medal is more important than a mark. The mark increases almost every year, but the medal stays. Nobody asks Neeraj how far his throw reached in Tokyo. It was 87.58 and it was enough. If it's 85 metres and still gets you an Olympic gold, you should be okay with it."

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It is to be noted that the 90 metre-mark has been surpassed a total of 125 times by 24 athletes since javelin was redesigned in 1986. Nonetheless, only three of those throws came during the Olympics.

Bartonietz said, "I'd be happy if Neeraj can produce his PB in Paris. It should be enough. It's one thing to throw 90 metres, and a totally different thing to do it in the most important competition in a four-year cycle."

Meanwhile, Neeraj kicked off his 2024 season with a second-place finish at the Diamond League in Doha on Friday (May 10),&nbsp;falling short&nbsp;of Jakub Vadlejch's winning throw of 88.38m by&nbsp;two centimetres.&nbsp;

India's Neeraj Chopra is surely eyeing to join javelin's elite 90-metre club but will happily settle for a shorter throw in the forthcoming Paris Olympics if it proves enough for him to retain his title at the mega event, stated his coach.

India's Neeraj Chopra is surely eyeing to join javelin's elite 90-metre club but will happily settle for a shorter throw in the forthcoming Paris Olympics if it proves enough for him to retain his title at the mega event, stated his coach. The mega event kicks off in July 26 in France and all eyes are on the 26-year-old to win hearts once again with a memorable performance. Neeraj rose to fame in Tokyo 2020 by winning the gold medal in men's javelin event (India's first Olympic gold medal in athletics) with an impressive 87.58 metre throw. Since then, he has climbed up the ladder constantly but the elusive 90-metre mark evades him. Following his Tokyo blitz, Neeraj became the world champion and even registered a personal best (PB) distance of 89.94 metre at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022. However, he has been continuously asked about the 90-m mark. Nonetheless, his coach Klaus Bartonietz has affirmed that retaining his Olympic title remains Neeraj's top priority. 'The mark increases almost every year, but the medal stays' Bartonietz told Reuters -- after the Doha Diamond League this weekend -- "A medal is more important than a mark. The mark increases almost every year, but the medal stays. Nobody asks Neeraj how far his throw reached in Tokyo. It was 87.58 and it was enough. If it's 85 metres and still gets you an Olympic gold, you should be okay with it." Also read: Javelin king Neeraj Chopra fell two centimeters shy of first spot finish in Doha Diamond League - Watch Video It is to be noted that the 90 metre-mark has been surpassed a total of 125 times by 24 athletes since javelin was redesigned in 1986. Nonetheless, only three of those throws came during the Olympics. Bartonietz said, "I'd be happy if Neeraj can produce his PB in Paris. It should be enough. It's one thing to throw 90 metres, and a totally different thing to do it in the most important competition in a four-year cycle." Meanwhile, Neeraj kicked off his 2024 season with a second-place finish at the Diamond League in Doha on Friday (May 10), falling short of Jakub Vadlejch's winning throw of 88.38m by two centimetres.

Paris 2024 gold more important than 90m throw for Neeraj Chopra, says javelin star’s coach

Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for the Doha Diamond League, on Friday (May 10). However, his focus remains on the big prize -- i.e. the forthcoming Paris Olympics Games. The mega event will kick off on July 26 and all eyes will be on Neeraj to replicate his Tokyo 2020 heroics, where he rose to fame and became a household name with a gold medal in the men's javelin event.

As he continues to prepare for Paris 2024, Neeraj opined that the key to success for Indian athletes in the showpiece event, in July-August, will be maintaining their self-belief. It is to be noted that the European athletes had won 15 of the last 16 gold medals in the men's javelin event before Neeraj scripted history with a throw of 87.58 metres at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Thus, he became the first Asian man to clinch an Olympic javelin title. This time around, he will have to cope with the pressure to match his past success. However,&nbsp;Neeraj feels self-belief will be vital for his success, as well as for the entire Indian contingent&nbsp;in Paris.

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<h2>'Anything is possible in Paris'</h2>

In an interview with Sports Authority of India (SAI) media, Neeraj said, "There was a time when I wasn't even sure of qualifying for the world championships, but see how times have changed." 
&nbsp; 
"In Budapest last year, we had three Indians (out of the top six) in the finals and that's made us believe we're no less than the Europeans, who have dominated world javelin for so long. We have to take this Budapest belief forward and in Paris anything is possible."

The 26-year-old will be joined by compatriot Kishore Jena in Paris, while DP Manu also has a chance of qualifying for this year's Olympics.&nbsp;

Thus, India has seen a rise in the number of javelin stars ever since Neeraj's Tokyo feat, proving that the belief and confidence among Indian athletes to conquer any sport is&nbsp;on the rise.

Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for the Doha Diamond League, on Friday (May 10). However, his focus remains on the big prize -- i.e. the forthcoming Paris Olympics Games.

Neeraj Chopra is gearing up for the Doha Diamond League, on Friday (May 10). However, his focus remains on the big prize -- i.e. the forthcoming Paris Olympics Games. The mega event will kick off on July 26 and all eyes will be on Neeraj to replicate his Tokyo 2020 heroics, where he rose to fame and became a household name with a gold medal in the men's javelin event. As he continues to prepare for Paris 2024, Neeraj opined that the key to success for Indian athletes in the showpiece event, in July-August, will be maintaining their self-belief. It is to be noted that the European athletes had won 15 of the last 16 gold medals in the men's javelin event before Neeraj scripted history with a throw of 87.58 metres at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Thus, he became the first Asian man to clinch an Olympic javelin title. This time around, he will have to cope with the pressure to match his past success. However, Neeraj feels self-belief will be vital for his success, as well as for the entire Indian contingent in Paris. Also read: Rafael Nadal survives scare from Belgium qualifier Zizou Bergs to pass Italian Open first round 'Anything is possible in Paris' In an interview with Sports Authority of India (SAI) media, Neeraj said, "There was a time when I wasn't even sure of qualifying for the world championships, but see how times have changed." "In Budapest last year, we had three Indians (out of the top six) in the finals and that's made us believe we're no less than the Europeans, who have dominated world javelin for so long. We have to take this Budapest belief forward and in Paris anything is possible." The 26-year-old will be joined by compatriot Kishore Jena in Paris, while DP Manu also has a chance of qualifying for this year's Olympics. Thus, India has seen a rise in the number of javelin stars ever since Neeraj's Tokyo feat, proving that the belief and confidence among Indian athletes to conquer any sport is on the rise.

Paris 2024: Neeraj Chopra says belief key to success for Indian athletes in Olympics

Olympic 400 metres freestyle champion Ahmed Hafnaoui will miss the Paris Games, Africa Aquatics (AA) said on Tuesday. The continental governing body said on its website the 21-year-old Tunisian had confirmed Tunisian media reports that he would not swim at the July 26-Aug. 11 Games.

AA's report said Hafnaoui had declined to resume training in the United States where he was previously based but did not provide details. The Tunisian Olympic Committee and national swimming federation did not provide immediate comment to Reuters.

A representative of Hafnaoui also did not provide immediate comment. Hafnaoui had trained in California late last year under former U.S. team head coach Mark Schubert, who runs an elite distance swimming programme in Orange County. However, he told reporters at the World Championships in Doha in February that he had returned home to Tunisia, citing a visa issue.

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In 2021 at the age of 18, Hafnaoui stunned the world by winning the 400m freestyle gold from lane eight at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics after being the slowest qualifier in the final.

He claimed the 800m and 1,500m freestyle titles at last year's World Championships in Fukuoka and was runnerup in the 400m behind Australia's Sam Short.

However, he failed to reach the final in all three events at the last World Championships in Doha in February.

Olympic 400 metres freestyle champion Ahmed Hafnaoui will miss the Paris Games, Africa Aquatics (AA) said on Tuesday. The continental governing body said on its website the 21-year-old Tunisian had confirmed Tunisian media reports that he would not swim at the July 26-Aug.

Olympic 400 metres freestyle champion Ahmed Hafnaoui will miss the Paris Games, Africa Aquatics (AA) said on Tuesday. The continental governing body said on its website the 21-year-old Tunisian had confirmed Tunisian media reports that he would not swim at the July 26-Aug. 11 Games. AA's report said Hafnaoui had declined to resume training in the United States where he was previously based but did not provide details. The Tunisian Olympic Committee and national swimming federation did not provide immediate comment to Reuters. A representative of Hafnaoui also did not provide immediate comment. Hafnaoui had trained in California late last year under former U.S. team head coach Mark Schubert, who runs an elite distance swimming programme in Orange County. However, he told reporters at the World Championships in Doha in February that he had returned home to Tunisia, citing a visa issue. Also read: Four-time winner Tiger Woods set for return to golf at PGA Championship In 2021 at the age of 18, Hafnaoui stunned the world by winning the 400m freestyle gold from lane eight at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics after being the slowest qualifier in the final. He claimed the 800m and 1,500m freestyle titles at last year's World Championships in Fukuoka and was runnerup in the 400m behind Australia's Sam Short. However, he failed to reach the final in all three events at the last World Championships in Doha in February.

Swimming: Olympic champion Ahmed Hafnaoui to miss Paris Games

Paris 2024 Olympics is just a few months away. The organisers are leaving no stone unturned to make sure the athletes have a fruitful time in the village. Despite no air conditioning at the athletes' village, organisers say that they have ensured that the comfort of the athletes is&nbsp;met in the forthcoming mega event. Notably, the village will be officially unveiled, ahead of schedule, by President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (Feb 29).

Temperatures are expected to rise once again in the European summer, but there will be no air conditioning in the athletes' rooms at Paris 2024. However, a cooling system will be used instead of an air-conditioner.&nbsp;

"We designed these buildings so that they would be comfortable places to live in in the summer, in 2024 and later on, and we don't need air conditioning in these buildings because we oriented the facades so that they wouldn't get too much sun during the summer, and the facades, the insulation is really efficient," Yann Krysinski, who is in charge of the delivery of venues and infrastructure at Paris 2024, told Reuters.

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"We also are providing naturally cool water that we're getting from underground to cool the air of these apartments. So you will not need air conditioning in the summer here."

Following the Games, around 6,000 people will reside in the neighbourhood, which comprises the suburban areas of Saint Ouen, Saint Denis and L'Ile Saint Denis.

The Paris Olympics, which will comprise a plethora of big names from the world of sports, is set to kick off on July 26 and will end on Aug 11.

Paris 2024 Olympics is just a few months away. The organisers are leaving no stone unturned to make sure the athletes have a fruitful time in the village. Despite no air conditioning at the athletes' village, organisers say that they have ensured that the comfort of the athletes is met in the forthcoming mega event.

Paris 2024 Olympics is just a few months away. The organisers are leaving no stone unturned to make sure the athletes have a fruitful time in the village. Despite no air conditioning at the athletes' village, organisers say that they have ensured that the comfort of the athletes is met in the forthcoming mega event. Notably, the village will be officially unveiled, ahead of schedule, by President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (Feb 29). Temperatures are expected to rise once again in the European summer, but there will be no air conditioning in the athletes' rooms at Paris 2024. However, a cooling system will be used instead of an air-conditioner. "We designed these buildings so that they would be comfortable places to live in in the summer, in 2024 and later on, and we don't need air conditioning in these buildings because we oriented the facades so that they wouldn't get too much sun during the summer, and the facades, the insulation is really efficient," Yann Krysinski, who is in charge of the delivery of venues and infrastructure at Paris 2024, told Reuters. Also read: Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo handed one-match suspension for obscene gesture in Saudi league tie "We also are providing naturally cool water that we're getting from underground to cool the air of these apartments. So you will not need air conditioning in the summer here." Following the Games, around 6,000 people will reside in the neighbourhood, which comprises the suburban areas of Saint Ouen, Saint Denis and L'Ile Saint Denis. The Paris Olympics, which will comprise a plethora of big names from the world of sports, is set to kick off on July 26 and will end on Aug 11.

Paris Olympics: Organisers vow to ensure comfort of athletes at Olympic Village amid rising temperature

India's badminton star Saina Nehwal has not given up on Paris Olympics dream, however, she admits it will be tough to qualify given her fitness concerns. It is to be noted that Saina has not played on the tour following her first-round exit at the Singapore Open in June considering her long-standing knee injury concerns. Thus, she is running against time to make it to the marquee event in Paris next year. She has also pulled out of the forthcoming Asian Games in China.

"I get inflammation in my knee whenever I train for an hour or two. I am not able to bend my knee so a second session of training is not possible. The doctors have given me a couple of injections. Of course, the Olympics is near and it is tough (to qualify),'' Saina told reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday.

''But I am trying my level best to come back. The physios are helping me but if the inflammation doesn't reduce, it will take a little more time to recover. I also don't want to play half-heartedly and results will also not come.

"If you are thinking about the knee showing inflammation after a training, then in tournament also if it shows up after one round, then it will be a negative sign. I am trying to sort out that first. Playing is easy, to maintain the body, to not have any niggles is what is important. Hopefully, with the guidance of physios and Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, let's see how I recover and comeback. It all depends on practice," Saina further pointed out.

Notably, Saina&nbsp;has slipped to No. 55 in women's singles badminton rankings. She is not even in the top 100 in the race to Paris rankings, having featured only in two tournaments since the Olympics qualification cycle kicked off early this year in May. In addition, the 33-year-old has not made it to the third round of any of the six competitions she has taken part in&nbsp;the ongoing calendar year.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-top-seeded-ons-jabeur-sent-packing-in-wta-san-diego-open-caroline-garcia-marches-ahead-635812">Tennis: Top-seeded Ons Jabeur sent packing in WTA San Diego Open, Caroline Garcia marches ahead</a>

Despite her struggles, Saina isn't contemplating retirement anytime soon. The 2012 London Olympic medalist opened up on her future and made it clear that she is 'trying' to make a comeback to the game she loves and has been playing for years.

In this regard, Saina said, ''Everyone has to retire someday...there is no deadline. Everyone is going to stop when you feel the body is not supporting you.' But at the moment I am trying. As a sports person, it is my duty to try because I love the game and I have been playing for so many years.

''But if it doesn't happen, then it means, how much I have tried. I have done everything, I mean I shouldn't have any regrets. My target is not to play Asian Games or the Olympics because I have achieved a lot in those tournaments and of course, it could have been better if I would have been able to play, but let's see how it goes," she&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

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India's badminton star Saina Nehwal has not given up on Paris Olympics dream, however, she admits it will be tough to qualify given her fitness concerns. It is to be noted that Saina has not played on the tour following her first-round exit at the Singapore Open in June considering her long-standing knee injury concerns.

India's badminton star Saina Nehwal has not given up on Paris Olympics dream, however, she admits it will be tough to qualify given her fitness concerns. It is to be noted that Saina has not played on the tour following her first-round exit at the Singapore Open in June considering her long-standing knee injury concerns. Thus, she is running against time to make it to the marquee event in Paris next year. She has also pulled out of the forthcoming Asian Games in China. "I get inflammation in my knee whenever I train for an hour or two. I am not able to bend my knee so a second session of training is not possible. The doctors have given me a couple of injections. Of course, the Olympics is near and it is tough (to qualify),'' Saina told reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday. ''But I am trying my level best to come back. The physios are helping me but if the inflammation doesn't reduce, it will take a little more time to recover. I also don't want to play half-heartedly and results will also not come. "If you are thinking about the knee showing inflammation after a training, then in tournament also if it shows up after one round, then it will be a negative sign. I am trying to sort out that first. Playing is easy, to maintain the body, to not have any niggles is what is important. Hopefully, with the guidance of physios and Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, let's see how I recover and comeback. It all depends on practice," Saina further pointed out. Notably, Saina has slipped to No. 55 in women's singles badminton rankings. She is not even in the top 100 in the race to Paris rankings, having featured only in two tournaments since the Olympics qualification cycle kicked off early this year in May. In addition, the 33-year-old has not made it to the third round of any of the six competitions she has taken part in the ongoing calendar year. Also read: Tennis: Top-seeded Ons Jabeur sent packing in WTA San Diego Open, Caroline Garcia marches ahead Despite her struggles, Saina isn't contemplating retirement anytime soon. The 2012 London Olympic medalist opened up on her future and made it clear that she is 'trying' to make a comeback to the game she loves and has been playing for years. In this regard, Saina said, ''Everyone has to retire someday...there is no deadline. Everyone is going to stop when you feel the body is not supporting you.' But at the moment I am trying. As a sports person, it is my duty to try because I love the game and I have been playing for so many years. ''But if it doesn't happen, then it means, how much I have tried. I have done everything, I mean I shouldn't have any regrets. My target is not to play Asian Games or the Olympics because I have achieved a lot in those tournaments and of course, it could have been better if I would have been able to play, but let's see how it goes," she added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Badminton: 'It is tough to qualify' - Saina Nehwal on Paris Olympics dreams, says retirement not on mind

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is not having the best of times. After her failure in Korea Open and Japan Open, Sindhu has now bowed out of the Australian Open in Sydney on Friday (August 4). The star Indian shuttler lost her quarter-final face-off to USA's Beiwen Zhang, 12-21, 17-21 to continue her poor run of form. The 28-year-old fell flat completely against the American as the match got wrapped up in less than an hour.

Zhang took the opening game in a flash. The American dominated the net and made Sindhu sweat hard for every point. While Sindhu was far from her best, her opponent was in her elements from the word go. Sindhu did put up a better show in the second and penultimate game but was never able to seize full control or come close to dictating terms. At 16-16, she had a chance to make a move and march ahead but the world number 12 never gave her a chance and won 21-17 to finish off proceedings in a jiffy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canadas-alberta-cancels-bid-for-2030-commonwealth-games-citing-burden-on-taxpayers-622223">Canada's Alberta cancels bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games citing burden on taxpayers</a>

<h2>SINDHU'S FORM A HUGE CONCERN</h2>

Sindhu's form is a huge concern for India. She failed to reach the last four in the previous two tournaments, in Korea and Japan, and the same script continued this time around in Australia as well. She has looked far from her dominating best and has also failed to stage late comebacks. Her slump is a cause of worry ahead of the&nbsp;World Championships, starting August 21 in Copenhagen.

Sindhu had parted ways with her South Korean coach Park Tae-Sang following a string of defeats and recently joined forces with former Malaysian player Muhammad Hafiz Hashim in July. Since then, she has not tasted any success in the recent events but will hope for a quick turnaround at the Worlds, later this month.&nbsp;

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Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is not having the best of times. After her failure in Korea Open and Japan Open, Sindhu has now bowed out of the Australian Open in Sydney on Friday (August 4).

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is not having the best of times. After her failure in Korea Open and Japan Open, Sindhu has now bowed out of the Australian Open in Sydney on Friday (August 4). The star Indian shuttler lost her quarter-final face-off to USA's Beiwen Zhang, 12-21, 17-21 to continue her poor run of form. The 28-year-old fell flat completely against the American as the match got wrapped up in less than an hour. Zhang took the opening game in a flash. The American dominated the net and made Sindhu sweat hard for every point. While Sindhu was far from her best, her opponent was in her elements from the word go. Sindhu did put up a better show in the second and penultimate game but was never able to seize full control or come close to dictating terms. At 16-16, she had a chance to make a move and march ahead but the world number 12 never gave her a chance and won 21-17 to finish off proceedings in a jiffy. Also read: Canada's Alberta cancels bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games citing burden on taxpayers SINDHU'S FORM A HUGE CONCERN Sindhu's form is a huge concern for India. She failed to reach the last four in the previous two tournaments, in Korea and Japan, and the same script continued this time around in Australia as well. She has looked far from her dominating best and has also failed to stage late comebacks. Her slump is a cause of worry ahead of the World Championships, starting August 21 in Copenhagen. Sindhu had parted ways with her South Korean coach Park Tae-Sang following a string of defeats and recently joined forces with former Malaysian player Muhammad Hafiz Hashim in July. Since then, she has not tasted any success in the recent events but will hope for a quick turnaround at the Worlds, later this month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Badminton | Australian Open: Another disappointment for PV Sindhu as shuttler bows out in quarter-finals

The headquarters of the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 Olympics organising committee and those of its infrastructure partner were being searched by police on Tuesday as part of investigations into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favouritism, prosecutors said. The national financial prosecutor's office (PNF) said the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 headquarters were raided amid a preliminary investigation launched in 2017 into contracts made by the Summer Games' organising committee.

The headquarters of SOLIDEO, the public body responsible for delivering Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure, were also being searched amid a preliminary investigation dating back to 2022, following an audit by the French Anti-Corruption Agency, the PNF added. "A police search was carried out at the headquarters of the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 Organising Committee on Tuesday 20 June,"&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 said in a statement. "We are cooperating fully with the investigators to facilitate their investigations. The investigation should be allowed to run its course. We remain fully focused on the organisation and the delivery of the Games."

The&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 Olympics, which organising committee president Tony Estanguet has vowed will be "beyond reproach", will be held from July 26-Aug. 11 with the Paralympic Games taking place from Aug. 28-Sept. 6. The searches coincided with the start of a two-day International Olympic Committee Executive Board on Tuesday to discuss a number of issues, including progress of&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 Games preparations.

"We are aware that there has been a search by police of the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 headquarters today," an IOC spokesperson said. "We have been informed by&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 that they are cooperating fully with the authorities in this matter."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/badminton-chirag-satwiksairaj-attain-no-3-spot-in-bwf-rankings-after-winning-indonesia-open-606525">Badminton: Chirag-Satwiksairaj attain No. 3 spot in BWF Rankings after winning Indonesia Open</a>

The total budget of the Games has soared to 8.8 billion euros ($9.62 billion) from an initial assessment of 6.6 billion in 2017. The infrastructure alone is expected to cost 4 billion euros from an original estimate of 3.2 billion. The cost is limited as most of the events will be held in existing facilities. The main construction sites are the Olympic village and the swimming pool in Saint Denis, just north of&nbsp;Paris.

The cost of security, which according to France's supreme audit institution would reach at least 400 million euros, has not been included in the overall budget. It is not the first time that Olympics organisers have been the subject of an investigation. Japanese prosecutors earlier this year indicting six companies including advertising giant Dentsu Group and seven individuals over suspected rigging of bids worth $320 million for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

The indictments followed months of investigations into alleged corruption in the planning and sponsorship of the Tokyo Games, held in 2021 after a COVID-19 postponement. Dentsu has offered its "sincere apologies" and said it had set up a committee of outside experts to review the case.

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The headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics organising committee and those of its infrastructure partner were being searched by police on Tuesday as part of investigations into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favouritism, prosecutors said.

The headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics organising committee and those of its infrastructure partner were being searched by police on Tuesday as part of investigations into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favouritism, prosecutors said. The national financial prosecutor's office (PNF) said the Paris 2024 headquarters were raided amid a preliminary investigation launched in 2017 into contracts made by the Summer Games' organising committee. The headquarters of SOLIDEO, the public body responsible for delivering Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure, were also being searched amid a preliminary investigation dating back to 2022, following an audit by the French Anti-Corruption Agency, the PNF added. "A police search was carried out at the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee on Tuesday 20 June," Paris 2024 said in a statement. "We are cooperating fully with the investigators to facilitate their investigations. The investigation should be allowed to run its course. We remain fully focused on the organisation and the delivery of the Games." The Paris 2024 Olympics, which organising committee president Tony Estanguet has vowed will be "beyond reproach", will be held from July 26-Aug. 11 with the Paralympic Games taking place from Aug. 28-Sept. 6. The searches coincided with the start of a two-day International Olympic Committee Executive Board on Tuesday to discuss a number of issues, including progress of Paris 2024 Games preparations. "We are aware that there has been a search by police of the Paris 2024 headquarters today," an IOC spokesperson said. "We have been informed by Paris 2024 that they are cooperating fully with the authorities in this matter." Also Read: Badminton: Chirag-Satwiksairaj attain No. 3 spot in BWF Rankings after winning Indonesia Open The total budget of the Games has soared to 8.8 billion euros ($9.62 billion) from an initial assessment of 6.6 billion in 2017. The infrastructure alone is expected to cost 4 billion euros from an original estimate of 3.2 billion. The cost is limited as most of the events will be held in existing facilities. The main construction sites are the Olympic village and the swimming pool in Saint Denis, just north of Paris. The cost of security, which according to France's supreme audit institution would reach at least 400 million euros, has not been included in the overall budget. It is not the first time that Olympics organisers have been the subject of an investigation. Japanese prosecutors earlier this year indicting six companies including advertising giant Dentsu Group and seven individuals over suspected rigging of bids worth $320 million for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. The indictments followed months of investigations into alleged corruption in the planning and sponsorship of the Tokyo Games, held in 2021 after a COVID-19 postponement. Dentsu has offered its "sincere apologies" and said it had set up a committee of outside experts to review the case. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Olympics: Paris 2024 headquarters raided in corruption allegations

All sportspersons suffer injuries but a spinal injury can be life-altering. The Red Bull Wings for Life Run on May 7 will raise funds for spinal injury research. The event's International Sports Director and Athletics legend Colin Jackson explains why this unique race is special. Jackson also spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo about the looming possibility of an Olympic boycott due to the invasion of Ukraine and the problems ailing his sport.

Red Bull wings for Life World Run...Colin Jackson Exclusive | WION Sports

The gigantic fire that gulped iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris remains a fresh blister that burns the hearts of history connoisseurs worldwide. But soon, the Cathedral's spire will be back in place by the end of the year, news agency AFP reported. The reopening, however, will not happen before the next year's Paris Olympic Games, the report added.

The reconstruction is still on track for completion by the end of 2024, the French culture ministry told AFP.&nbsp;

"The site is progressing at a good pace," a spokesperson said.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/notre-dame-fire-tragedy-800-years-of-history-partially-lost-211234">Notre Dame fire tragedy: 800 years of history partially lost</a>

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The authorities have previously given December 8 – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception – as a likely deadline.&nbsp;

The 12th century cathedral, a famous backdrop to many Hollywood hit films, saw some 12 million annual visitors. But at the current pace of redevelopment, Notre Dame will not be able to welcome the attendees of the Olympic Games scheduled to begin in Paris in July and August 2024.&nbsp;

<h2>Notre-Dame wooden spire to be back soon</h2>

The collapse of the wooden spire was one of the most dramatic moments of the fire of April 15, 2019.&nbsp;

An identical version has been made from the same original materials: 500 tonnes of Oak wood for the structure and 250 tonnes of lead for the cover and ornaments.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-frances-most-visited-monument-notre-dame-cathedral-being-restored-after-being-gutted-by-fire-503832">In Pics: France’s most-visited monument Notre Dame Cathedral being restored after being gutted by fire</a>

There have been health concerns over the lead debris from the fire, and the use of lead in the reconstruction, with French officials having to reassure their European counterparts that adequate safety measures have been taken.&nbsp;

Preparatory work to start reinstalling the spire began this week, with scaffolding put in place and custom-cut base stones delivered along the River Seine.&nbsp;Once completed the spire will reach 100 metres high.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;clean-up work of the cathedral's interior walls – a total of 42,000 m2 – has been completed, along with that of murals, ironwork, joinery, stained glass and sculptures that survived the fire.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The gigantic fire that gulped iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris remains a fresh blister that burns the hearts of history connoisseurs worldwide. But soon, the Cathedral's spire will be back in place by the end of the year, news agency AFP reported.

The gigantic fire that gulped iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris remains a fresh blister that burns the hearts of history connoisseurs worldwide. But soon, the Cathedral's spire will be back in place by the end of the year, news agency AFP reported. The reopening, however, will not happen before the next year's Paris Olympic Games, the report added. The reconstruction is still on track for completion by the end of 2024, the French culture ministry told AFP. "The site is progressing at a good pace," a spokesperson said. ALSO WATCH | Notre Dame fire tragedy: 800 years of history partially lost × The authorities have previously given December 8 – the Feast of the Immaculate Conception – as a likely deadline. The 12th century cathedral, a famous backdrop to many Hollywood hit films, saw some 12 million annual visitors. But at the current pace of redevelopment, Notre Dame will not be able to welcome the attendees of the Olympic Games scheduled to begin in Paris in July and August 2024. Notre-Dame wooden spire to be back soon The collapse of the wooden spire was one of the most dramatic moments of the fire of April 15, 2019. An identical version has been made from the same original materials: 500 tonnes of Oak wood for the structure and 250 tonnes of lead for the cover and ornaments. ALSO READ | In Pics: France’s most-visited monument Notre Dame Cathedral being restored after being gutted by fire There have been health concerns over the lead debris from the fire, and the use of lead in the reconstruction, with French officials having to reassure their European counterparts that adequate safety measures have been taken. Preparatory work to start reinstalling the spire began this week, with scaffolding put in place and custom-cut base stones delivered along the River Seine. Once completed the spire will reach 100 metres high. Meanwhile, the clean-up work of the cathedral's interior walls – a total of 42,000 m2 – has been completed, along with that of murals, ironwork, joinery, stained glass and sculptures that survived the fire. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Before Paris 2024, will Notre-Dame stand in glory for Olympic attendees?

The clock is set to hit 12:00 AM in a few hours with 2022 becoming another chapter in history.&nbsp;The&nbsp;year once again brought to fore&nbsp;India's rich&nbsp;talent in the sporting fraternity with many glittering performances. During 2022, many rising stars made a prominent mark and became household names after success in big-ticket tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games 2022, T20 World Cup, Women's ODI World Cup, Thomas Cup, etc.

In the CWG'22, India ended with as many as 61 medals -- fourth-most overall -- with the likes of Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Nikhat Zareen, Sharath Kamal, Vinesh Phogat,&nbsp;Amit Panghal, Indian women's and men's hockey team, Indian women's cricket team, Murali Sreeshankar, etc. gaining prominence. Talking about long jumper Sreeshankar, the 23-year-old won&nbsp;silver&nbsp;with a jump of 8.08 metres. He, thus,&nbsp;became the first male long jumper from India to secure a silver medal at the Games.

Needless to say, Sreeshankar -- hailing from a family with a rich history of sporting achievements&nbsp;-- saw his stocks being on the rise. Recently, he opened up on his overall run in 2022, struggles en route to becoming an overnight star after CWG'22, idol Usain Bolt and more during an exclusive interaction with WION's Aditya Sahay. Excerpts:

Sreeshankar hails Usain Bolt

<blockquote>
"After growing up and watching Usain Bolt, I was really inspired. I was a big fan of him since 2007. I used to have his posters in my room. I was always inspired to be a sprinter like him. Fate had different plans for me (laughs) but I love and admire his consistency.&nbsp;I am really inspired by him."
</blockquote>

How has 2022 been for you?

It was pretty good. There was&nbsp;a fair share of ups and downs. I was consistently clocking over 8 metres in most of the competitions. A&nbsp;CWG medal and two World Championship&nbsp;finals were the icing on the cake. Hence, 2022 was very kind to me.

You were the only Indian male to reach the final of the Worlds. Although you ended seventh, what were the learnings and how did it set you up for CWG success?

I had a really good chance for a medal (at World Athletics 2022). In the finals, I made some small mistakes and paid the price. Still, I ended seventh and I believe everything is a stepping stone or a humble beginning for the major competitions to come. It made me realise that you can't go out and win the medal every single time so it was a big learning curve&nbsp;to be able to compete with the big guys. It was great&nbsp;overall.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-king-pele-no-more-list-of-records-held-by-the-brazilian-legend-547954">Football 'King' Pele no more: List of records held by the Brazilian legend</a>

You pointed out a very good thing. One definitely can't win every competition. It is a mature stance. Did you learn this after the setback in the Worlds?

No&nbsp;sir. Not exactly. I have been knowing the journey of many top athletes for quite some time. For example, I have been watching the current Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou (who secured his country Greece's first medal in the men's long jump in Tokyo 2020). He is a good friend of mine. I have been talking to him, trying to pick his brain and am monitoring his progress. He was ninth in one World C'ship, then seventh and then entered&nbsp;the final. Then,&nbsp;slowly and steadily he built from it. In 2022,&nbsp;he was the world indoor championship and in the world outdoor, he won silver.&nbsp;Hence, it&nbsp;is gradual progress. Every athlete goes from one stage to another. For some athletes, it has been a sudden big jump. But for most, it is&nbsp;step-by-step progress. What is most important is that every athlete needs to trust&nbsp;his, or her, process. Rest, everything will be taken care of.

It was a dramatic affair at CWG'22. How did you adjust to the conditions and what were the&nbsp;specific challenges faced?

Since I have been competing in a few international competitions, I don't have so much struggle in adjusting to the weather. In CWG'22, I still had a tough time. I was in much better shape in the qualifiers. In the final, I lost my rhythm and had to overcome a mindset issue. I don't want to stress about 8.20-8.30 metres jump. I rather aim for 8-8.10 metre jump and win gold. So I was focussed on that. I got the silver medal with 8.08m so I am happy (smiles).&nbsp;

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Congrats Murali sreeshankar !He Won the first ever silver medal🥈 for India in the long jump at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWG2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWG2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/zEcN42Fz56">pic.twitter.com/zEcN42Fz56</a>
— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) <a href="https://twitter.com/karthikgnath/status/1555421309424742400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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You hold the national record of 8.36m but managed a best of 7.93m in this year's National Games to lose gold to Jeswin Aldrin. What happened at the Games with the hamstring issue?

During the National Games, I was in really good condition. I was hoping for a big jump. Unfortunately, I pulled my hamstring so wasn't able to continue. I was hoping for a National record jump. But due to dehydration and some problems from the previous days, my body hadn't recovered so I couldn't continue from thereon and win big.

It is strange. On certain days, everything will click and you will surprise yourself. But on most, it is about managing that chaos at that time and trying to overcome it to return with a medal.&nbsp;

Sreeshankar on the journey of an athlete

<blockquote>
"Every athlete goes from one stage to another. For some athletes, it has been a sudden big jump. But for most of them, it is a step-by-step process. What is most important is that every athlete needs to trust&nbsp;his, or her, process."
</blockquote>

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How did you take up this as a profession? Anyone you look up to as an idol?&nbsp;

I come from a sporting family. Getting into sports was a natural thing for me. My parents were international athletes (his father S. Murali&nbsp;is a former triple jump athlete and silver medalist at the South Asian Games. Meanwhile, Sreeshankar's mother K. S. Bijimol secured silver&nbsp;in 800 metres at the 1992 Asian Junior Athletics Championships whereas&nbsp;his sister Sreeparvathy is a heptathlete) and most of my family members come from sports in some way or the other. Everything around me has been about sports only. After growing up and watching Usain Bolt, I was really inspired. I have been a big fan of his since 2007. I used to have his posters in my room. I was always inspired to be a sprinter like him. Fate had different plans for me (laughs) but I still love and admire his consistency.&nbsp;The kind of athlete is he, he is unbelievable. I&nbsp;am really inspired by him.

Your father's role in shaping your career? What are the small goals in-line for Paris 2024?

We do have big goals. He is coaching me and we are working very hard to remain in good shape to achieve some really big goals. Big realistic goals. Work is going in the right direction so I really hope everything will be much better and fall into place when Paris 2024 arrives.

The clock is set to hit 12:00 AM in a few hours with 2022 becoming another chapter in history. The year once again brought to fore India's rich talent in the sporting fraternity with many glittering performances.

The clock is set to hit 12:00 AM in a few hours with 2022 becoming another chapter in history. The year once again brought to fore India's rich talent in the sporting fraternity with many glittering performances. During 2022, many rising stars made a prominent mark and became household names after success in big-ticket tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games 2022, T20 World Cup, Women's ODI World Cup, Thomas Cup, etc. In the CWG'22, India ended with as many as 61 medals -- fourth-most overall -- with the likes of Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Nikhat Zareen, Sharath Kamal, Vinesh Phogat, Amit Panghal, Indian women's and men's hockey team, Indian women's cricket team, Murali Sreeshankar, etc. gaining prominence. Talking about long jumper Sreeshankar, the 23-year-old won silver with a jump of 8.08 metres. He, thus, became the first male long jumper from India to secure a silver medal at the Games. Needless to say, Sreeshankar -- hailing from a family with a rich history of sporting achievements -- saw his stocks being on the rise. Recently, he opened up on his overall run in 2022, struggles en route to becoming an overnight star after CWG'22, idol Usain Bolt and more during an exclusive interaction with WION's Aditya Sahay. Excerpts: Sreeshankar hails Usain Bolt "After growing up and watching Usain Bolt, I was really inspired. I was a big fan of him since 2007. I used to have his posters in my room. I was always inspired to be a sprinter like him. Fate had different plans for me (laughs) but I love and admire his consistency. I am really inspired by him." How has 2022 been for you? It was pretty good. There was a fair share of ups and downs. I was consistently clocking over 8 metres in most of the competitions. A CWG medal and two World Championship finals were the icing on the cake. Hence, 2022 was very kind to me. You were the only Indian male to reach the final of the Worlds. Although you ended seventh, what were the learnings and how did it set you up for CWG success? I had a really good chance for a medal (at World Athletics 2022). In the finals, I made some small mistakes and paid the price. Still, I ended seventh and I believe everything is a stepping stone or a humble beginning for the major competitions to come. It made me realise that you can't go out and win the medal every single time so it was a big learning curve to be able to compete with the big guys. It was great overall. Also read: Football 'King' Pele no more: List of records held by the Brazilian legend You pointed out a very good thing. One definitely can't win every competition. It is a mature stance. Did you learn this after the setback in the Worlds? No sir. Not exactly. I have been knowing the journey of many top athletes for quite some time. For example, I have been watching the current Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou (who secured his country Greece's first medal in the men's long jump in Tokyo 2020). He is a good friend of mine. I have been talking to him, trying to pick his brain and am monitoring his progress. He was ninth in one World C'ship, then seventh and then entered the final. Then, slowly and steadily he built from it. In 2022, he was the world indoor championship and in the world outdoor, he won silver. Hence, it is gradual progress. Every athlete goes from one stage to another. For some athletes, it has been a sudden big jump. But for most, it is step-by-step progress. What is most important is that every athlete needs to trust his, or her, process. Rest, everything will be taken care of. It was a dramatic affair at CWG'22. How did you adjust to the conditions and what were the specific challenges faced? Since I have been competing in a few international competitions, I don't have so much struggle in adjusting to the weather. In CWG'22, I still had a tough time. I was in much better shape in the qualifiers. In the final, I lost my rhythm and had to overcome a mindset issue. I don't want to stress about 8.20-8.30 metres jump. I rather aim for 8-8.10 metre jump and win gold. So I was focussed on that. I got the silver medal with 8.08m so I am happy (smiles). Congrats Murali sreeshankar !He Won the first ever silver medal🥈 for India in the long jump at #CWG2022 pic.twitter.com/zEcN42Fz56 — karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) August 5, 2022 × You hold the national record of 8.36m but managed a best of 7.93m in this year's National Games to lose gold to Jeswin Aldrin. What happened at the Games with the hamstring issue? During the National Games, I was in really good condition. I was hoping for a big jump. Unfortunately, I pulled my hamstring so wasn't able to continue. I was hoping for a National record jump. But due to dehydration and some problems from the previous days, my body hadn't recovered so I couldn't continue from thereon and win big. It is strange. On certain days, everything will click and you will surprise yourself. But on most, it is about managing that chaos at that time and trying to overcome it to return with a medal. Sreeshankar on the journey of an athlete "Every athlete goes from one stage to another. For some athletes, it has been a sudden big jump. But for most of them, it is a step-by-step process. What is most important is that every athlete needs to trust his, or her, process." Also read: FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022 may have lost many battles but won the war How did you take up this as a profession? Anyone you look up to as an idol? I come from a sporting family. Getting into sports was a natural thing for me. My parents were international athletes (his father S. Murali is a former triple jump athlete and silver medalist at the South Asian Games. Meanwhile, Sreeshankar's mother K. S. Bijimol secured silver in 800 metres at the 1992 Asian Junior Athletics Championships whereas his sister Sreeparvathy is a heptathlete) and most of my family members come from sports in some way or the other. Everything around me has been about sports only. After growing up and watching Usain Bolt, I was really inspired. I have been a big fan of his since 2007. I used to have his posters in my room. I was always inspired to be a sprinter like him. Fate had different plans for me (laughs) but I still love and admire his consistency. The kind of athlete is he, he is unbelievable. I am really inspired by him. Your father's role in shaping your career? What are the small goals in-line for Paris 2024? We do have big goals. He is coaching me and we are working very hard to remain in good shape to achieve some really big goals. Big realistic goals. Work is going in the right direction so I really hope everything will be much better and fall into place when Paris 2024 arrives.

Exclusive: I used to have Usain Bolt's posters in my room, says India's CWG'22 star Murali Sreeshankar

Men will be allowed to compete in artistic&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;at the Olympics from the Paris 2024 Games, World Aquatics said on Thursday, as part of a drive towards inclusivity hailed by athletes as the realisation of an "impossible dream".

The sport's global body said in a statement that each team of eight can have a maximum of two men at the Games according to the new rules and 10 teams are set to compete in Paris after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave its approval.

Artistic&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;was called synchronised until 2017 and has been part of the Games since 1984. But while men have competed in artistic&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;at the World Aquatics Championships since 2015, they had not been allowed to participate at the Olympics.

"The inclusion of men in Olympic artistic&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;was once considered the impossible dream," said American Bill May, the first male world champion in the inaugural mixed duet technical event at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships.

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"This proves that we should all dream big. The male athletes have endured. Now, through their perseverance and the help and support of so many, all athletes may stand alongside each other equally, reaching for Olympic glory."

Italy's Giorgio Minisini, a world champion in the mixed duet technical routine in 2017 and 2022, said that the announcement was a major milestone.

"Our sport's evolution towards inclusivity is going on fast forward and this decision from IOC and World Aquatics will help us become an example for the whole Olympic movement," he said.

"As one of the most popular sports in the Games, we are ready to share the Olympic motto around the world louder than ever: 'Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together'."

Men will be allowed to compete in artistic swimming at the Olympics from the Paris 2024 Games, World Aquatics said on Thursday, as part of a drive towards inclusivity hailed by athletes as the realisation of an "impossible dream".

Men will be allowed to compete in artistic swimming at the Olympics from the Paris 2024 Games, World Aquatics said on Thursday, as part of a drive towards inclusivity hailed by athletes as the realisation of an "impossible dream". The sport's global body said in a statement that each team of eight can have a maximum of two men at the Games according to the new rules and 10 teams are set to compete in Paris after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave its approval. Artistic swimming was called synchronised until 2017 and has been part of the Games since 1984. But while men have competed in artistic swimming at the World Aquatics Championships since 2015, they had not been allowed to participate at the Olympics. "The inclusion of men in Olympic artistic swimming was once considered the impossible dream," said American Bill May, the first male world champion in the inaugural mixed duet technical event at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships. Also read: Premier League New fixtures and schedule: Date, Time, points table, Venue, livestream & TV broadcast details "This proves that we should all dream big. The male athletes have endured. Now, through their perseverance and the help and support of so many, all athletes may stand alongside each other equally, reaching for Olympic glory." Italy's Giorgio Minisini, a world champion in the mixed duet technical routine in 2017 and 2022, said that the announcement was a major milestone. "Our sport's evolution towards inclusivity is going on fast forward and this decision from IOC and World Aquatics will help us become an example for the whole Olympic movement," he said. "As one of the most popular sports in the Games, we are ready to share the Olympic motto around the world louder than ever: 'Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together'."

Men set to compete in artistic swimming from Paris 2024 in inclusivity push

Paris Police have affirmed that they will begin cracking down on the group of pickpockets and fraudsters reported to be active around Eiffel Tower before the Olympic Games in 2024.&nbsp;The latest incident occurred last weekend when a local youth suffered head injuries after being hit with bottles by souvenir vendors from Pakistan. The youth was reportedly attacked while trying to steal miniature Eiffel Tower souvenirs.

“We are going to saturate the site to fight against crime and to disperse the troublemakers,” Laurent Nuñez, the Paris police chief, said in a statement. 
 
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The level of crime in the Champ de Mars public gardens, where the Eiffel Tower threatens France’s reputation during the Olympic Games in 2024, has shot up.

“We are going to saturate the site to fight against crime and to disperse the troublemakers,” the Paris police chief added.

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The Paris police chief, however, denied accusations that the authorities had allowed the problem to go unchecked.

“You cannot say it is a sector that we have abandoned. It’s completely false. We are really present here. It’s a priority sector,” he told BFM, a television news channel. “We are going to continue and to amplify these actions in the run-up to the Olympics.”

Earlier in May, a major police operation was launched around the tower to crack down on pickpockets, unauthorised street vendors and performers. Even after initial fall in pickpocket crimes, the tower remains vulnerable to related crimes.&nbsp;

Until June this year, the Eiffel Tower welcomed 1.6 million visitors. It is expected to see 5.5 million footfall in 2022, which would be 10 per cent less than in 2019.&nbsp;

The French capital is set to host summer Olympics in 2024.

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Paris Police have affirmed that they will begin cracking down on the group of pickpockets and fraudsters reported to be active around Eiffel Tower before the Olympic Games in 2024.

Paris Police have affirmed that they will begin cracking down on the group of pickpockets and fraudsters reported to be active around Eiffel Tower before the Olympic Games in 2024. The latest incident occurred last weekend when a local youth suffered head injuries after being hit with bottles by souvenir vendors from Pakistan. The youth was reportedly attacked while trying to steal miniature Eiffel Tower souvenirs. “We are going to saturate the site to fight against crime and to disperse the troublemakers,” Laurent Nuñez, the Paris police chief, said in a statement. ALSO READ - Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony to be held on the River Seine The level of crime in the Champ de Mars public gardens, where the Eiffel Tower threatens France’s reputation during the Olympic Games in 2024, has shot up. “We are going to saturate the site to fight against crime and to disperse the troublemakers,” the Paris police chief added. WATCH - Climate Tracker: 2024 Olympic village using low-carbon construction technology × The Paris police chief, however, denied accusations that the authorities had allowed the problem to go unchecked. “You cannot say it is a sector that we have abandoned. It’s completely false. We are really present here. It’s a priority sector,” he told BFM, a television news channel. “We are going to continue and to amplify these actions in the run-up to the Olympics.” Earlier in May, a major police operation was launched around the tower to crack down on pickpockets, unauthorised street vendors and performers. Even after initial fall in pickpocket crimes, the tower remains vulnerable to related crimes. Until June this year, the Eiffel Tower welcomed 1.6 million visitors. It is expected to see 5.5 million footfall in 2022, which would be 10 per cent less than in 2019. The French capital is set to host summer Olympics in 2024. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pickpockets, crooks around Eiffel Tower pose policing challenge before Paris Olympics 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Geoff Allardice is aiming for cricket to be included in the Olympic Games curriculum, as it will result in the governments of respective countries to pay more attention to the game's facilities and also provide high-performance assistance for the growth of the sport in their countries. 
 
Allardice added that, as far as the ICC is concerned, it's "not a money-making exercise" for the global cricket governing body, but the move was to make respective governments stakeholders in the growth of the sport in their countries.

Women's Twenty20 cricket has been included at the 2022 Commonwealth Games at Birmingham following on from the men's competition at the Kuala Lumpur CWG in 1998.

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"In many of our members, being seen as an Olympic sport and having an association with the government and the national Olympic movement is something that is going to be really beneficial in terms of facilities and high-performance assistance," Allardice told SEN's This Is Your Journey on Sunday. 
 
"It's certainly not a money-making exercise from our point of view, it's about getting exposure for cricket in markets where we may not be popular. 
 
"And the other one is about giving all of our 106 members the opportunity to engage more closely with their governments. In some countries, being an Olympic sport gets you closer to your government than not being an Olympic sport."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Geoff Allardice is aiming for cricket to be included in the Olympic Games curriculum, as it will result in the governments of respective countries to pay more attention to the game's facilities and also provide high-performance assistance for the growth of the sport in their countries.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Geoff Allardice is aiming for cricket to be included in the Olympic Games curriculum, as it will result in the governments of respective countries to pay more attention to the game's facilities and also provide high-performance assistance for the growth of the sport in their countries. Allardice added that, as far as the ICC is concerned, it's "not a money-making exercise" for the global cricket governing body, but the move was to make respective governments stakeholders in the growth of the sport in their countries. Women's Twenty20 cricket has been included at the 2022 Commonwealth Games at Birmingham following on from the men's competition at the Kuala Lumpur CWG in 1998. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni celebrates anniversary of ICC World Cup 2011 win with CSK teammates "In many of our members, being seen as an Olympic sport and having an association with the government and the national Olympic movement is something that is going to be really beneficial in terms of facilities and high-performance assistance," Allardice told SEN's This Is Your Journey on Sunday. "It's certainly not a money-making exercise from our point of view, it's about getting exposure for cricket in markets where we may not be popular. "And the other one is about giving all of our 106 members the opportunity to engage more closely with their governments. In some countries, being an Olympic sport gets you closer to your government than not being an Olympic sport."

'It's about getting exposure': ICC CEO Geoff Allardice aims for inclusion of cricket in Olympic Games

Paris Saint-Germain star forward Kylian Mbappe has announced his desire to represent France on home soil at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

After not getting permission from his club to take part in Tokyo 2020, Mbappe has set eye on the gold medal in the next Games. The World Cup winner stated that he cannot miss out on the opportunity to represent his country in the Summer Games.

"It was while watching the London Olympics in 2012 that I realized the importance of this global competition. The Games are "THE" benchmark for sport, the absolute holy grail that all sportsmen and women in the world want to compete in and experience at least once in their life," Mbappe stated in an open letter published in L`Equipe as per goal.com.

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Mbappe went on to explain how watching the London Games in 2012 inspired his dream of one day leading out France at the world`s biggest sporting event."That`s when I said to myself, I want to be there too. I want to experience the Paris Games. It`s a strong inner feeling, as if I were destined to participate in this huge celebration in my city, in my country, a hundred years after the last competition in France (the Summer Games).

PSG refused Mbappe permission to take part in the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, along with Brazil duo Neymar and Marquinhos, arguing that it would disrupt pre-season preparations following his participation in Euro 2020 earlier in the summer.

"Already, in 2020, for the Tokyo games, I wanted to participate, it was an objective but they quickly pulled the rug out from under my feet," he said of missing out on the competition."

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These Games will be in France, they are those of the centenary in Paris. It`s not the biggest competition in football, but you have to play the Games in your career. It is something unheard of when you are in love with sports," he added.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest event ever organised in France. The Olympic games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain star forward Kylian Mbappe has announced his desire to represent France on home soil at the Paris Olympics in 2024. After not getting permission from his club to take part in Tokyo 2020, Mbappe has set eye on the gold medal in the next Games.

Paris Saint-Germain star forward Kylian Mbappe has announced his desire to represent France on home soil at the Paris Olympics in 2024. After not getting permission from his club to take part in Tokyo 2020, Mbappe has set eye on the gold medal in the next Games. The World Cup winner stated that he cannot miss out on the opportunity to represent his country in the Summer Games. "It was while watching the London Olympics in 2012 that I realized the importance of this global competition. The Games are "THE" benchmark for sport, the absolute holy grail that all sportsmen and women in the world want to compete in and experience at least once in their life," Mbappe stated in an open letter published in L`Equipe as per goal.com. ALSO READ: La Liga: Atletico Madrid held by lowly Levante after Enis Bardhi's late penalty Mbappe went on to explain how watching the London Games in 2012 inspired his dream of one day leading out France at the world`s biggest sporting event."That`s when I said to myself, I want to be there too. I want to experience the Paris Games. It`s a strong inner feeling, as if I were destined to participate in this huge celebration in my city, in my country, a hundred years after the last competition in France (the Summer Games). PSG refused Mbappe permission to take part in the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, along with Brazil duo Neymar and Marquinhos, arguing that it would disrupt pre-season preparations following his participation in Euro 2020 earlier in the summer. "Already, in 2020, for the Tokyo games, I wanted to participate, it was an objective but they quickly pulled the rug out from under my feet," he said of missing out on the competition." ALSO READ: Barcelona sack head coach Ronald Koeman after Rayo Vallecano defeat These Games will be in France, they are those of the centenary in Paris. It`s not the biggest competition in football, but you have to play the Games in your career. It is something unheard of when you are in love with sports," he added. The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest event ever organised in France. The Olympic games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Kylian Mbappe determined to represent France on home soil at the Paris Olympics in 2024

Indian women`s hockey team player Savita, who stood rock-solid guarding the goal during the Tokyo Olympic Games, said on Wednesday that with the current Olympic cycle spanning just three years, the team`s priority will be to regroup, analyse the Tokyo performance and "hit the ground running" immediately. 
 
With the 2024 Paralympic three years away Savita said, "I actually can`t wait to return to the camp in SAI (Sports Authority of India), Bengaluru. It has become a place of comfort for us. There has been lot of celebrations following the Olympics (India finished fourth) and now it`s time to get back to reality. Next year is crucial with the Asian Games and our priority will be to win gold so we automatically qualify for the Paris Olympics. We will resume training with that target in mind," she said. 
 
The team`s resilience to bounce back from a series of losses in the league stage to beat Ireland (1-0) and South Africa (4-3) changed the course of the Olympic Games for them. Making it to the quarterfinal was the team`s first priority and getting past the mighty Australians 1-0 in the first knockout game ensured the entire nation rallied behind them ahead of the semifinal clash against Argentina women. 
 
Looking back at the turn of events, Savita said, "Now that I have finally had some time to reflect on our performance, I do feel we achieved something outstanding, and the best part was the journey to get till here over the past five years. We have endured a lot as a team and as individuals faced tremendous odds to reach this level. I think we will always cherish this journey. 
 
"Though we lost very closely to Argentina in the semifinals, we wanted to give our everything against Great Britain (in the bronze-medal match) and we really wanted that medal around our necks and after beating Australia, we really believed this was achievable," added Savita, who has been nominated for the FIH Women`s Goalkeeper of the Year award. She has been nominated alongside Argentina`s Belen Succi and Great Britain`s Maddie Hinch. 
 
India had finished 12th at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and few had expected them to be medal contenders in Tokyo. 
 
"But now I feel the expectations will grow (after India finished fourth in Tokyo). People have seen that we can perform at top tournaments, and I believe we can live up to these expectations. We now have the experience, and the team is poised to achieve bigger feats. The experience in Rio made us believe in ourselves and we really worked hard to get to this level, now we will work on taking it to the next level," added Savita.

Indian women`s hockey team player Savita, who stood rock-solid guarding the goal during the Tokyo Olympic Games, said on Wednesday that with the current Olympic cycle spanning just three years, the team`s priority will be to regroup, analyse the Tokyo performance and "hit the ground running" immediately.

Indian women`s hockey team player Savita, who stood rock-solid guarding the goal during the Tokyo Olympic Games, said on Wednesday that with the current Olympic cycle spanning just three years, the team`s priority will be to regroup, analyse the Tokyo performance and "hit the ground running" immediately. With the 2024 Paralympic three years away Savita said, "I actually can`t wait to return to the camp in SAI (Sports Authority of India), Bengaluru. It has become a place of comfort for us. There has been lot of celebrations following the Olympics (India finished fourth) and now it`s time to get back to reality. Next year is crucial with the Asian Games and our priority will be to win gold so we automatically qualify for the Paris Olympics. We will resume training with that target in mind," she said. The team`s resilience to bounce back from a series of losses in the league stage to beat Ireland (1-0) and South Africa (4-3) changed the course of the Olympic Games for them. Making it to the quarterfinal was the team`s first priority and getting past the mighty Australians 1-0 in the first knockout game ensured the entire nation rallied behind them ahead of the semifinal clash against Argentina women. Looking back at the turn of events, Savita said, "Now that I have finally had some time to reflect on our performance, I do feel we achieved something outstanding, and the best part was the journey to get till here over the past five years. We have endured a lot as a team and as individuals faced tremendous odds to reach this level. I think we will always cherish this journey. "Though we lost very closely to Argentina in the semifinals, we wanted to give our everything against Great Britain (in the bronze-medal match) and we really wanted that medal around our necks and after beating Australia, we really believed this was achievable," added Savita, who has been nominated for the FIH Women`s Goalkeeper of the Year award. She has been nominated alongside Argentina`s Belen Succi and Great Britain`s Maddie Hinch. India had finished 12th at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and few had expected them to be medal contenders in Tokyo. "But now I feel the expectations will grow (after India finished fourth in Tokyo). People have seen that we can perform at top tournaments, and I believe we can live up to these expectations. We now have the experience, and the team is poised to achieve bigger feats. The experience in Rio made us believe in ourselves and we really worked hard to get to this level, now we will work on taking it to the next level," added Savita.

Will have to start thinking about 2024 Paris now: Goalkeeper Savita

Breakdancing was one of four new sports along with skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing to get the Olympic green light on Monday for inclusion at the 2024 Paris Games.

The four sports were included as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board met to confirm the Paris 2024 programme.

Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing have already been added to the programme for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which will take place in 2021 after being postponed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The introduction of breaking was "one of the results of the Olympic Agenda 2020", Bach said. "We had a clear priority to introduce sports (that are) particularly popular among the younger generation and taking into consideration the urbanisation of sport."

Breakdancing, which grew up alongside hip hop in the South Bronx of New York in the 1970s and is officially known in sport terms as "breaking", appeared at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, in the form of head-to-head "battles".

Russia's Sergei Chernyshev, competing under the nickname Bumblebee, won the first breakdancing gold medal for boys in that event, while Japan's Ramu Kawai won the girls' title.

"Today is a historic occasion not only for b-boys and b-girls but for all dancers around the world," said Shawn Tay, president of the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF).

"The WDSF could not be prouder to have breaking included at Paris 2024... It was a true team effort to get to this moment and we will redouble our efforts in the lead-up to the Olympic Games to make sure the breaking competition at Paris 2024 will be unforgettable."

<h2>- Paris podiums down to 329 -</h2>

Federations of sports that already have Olympic status were left disappointed in their bid to increase events within their sports as IOC president Thomas Bach said that none of the proposed 41 events would be included in Paris.

While some sports substituted in some events within their existing event numbers, Bach said medal events had actually gone down from 339 to 329.

He said the athletes' quota for Paris had been fixed at 10,500, including those participating in the four new sports.

That represents a decrease of 600 from Tokyo Games, while gender equality would be attained for the first time in Olympic history in Paris.

The question of gender equality led to the demise of the men's 50km race walk, which first appeared at the 1932 Olympics.&nbsp;

IOC sports director Kit McConnell said the event would be replaced by a "mixed gender event".

There was a decision to "reach gender equality by removing the men's 50km race walk", rather than introducing a women's version, McConnell said, adding that the men and women's 20km race walks would remain.

The replacement event will not, however, be a mixed cross-country, which World Athletics had been pushing hard for.

"The event had to fit into an existing Olympic venue," McConnell said, explaining that a potential re-fit of the equestrian or mountain-bike venues to accommodate a cross-country was shown to be "too expensive and complex".

Breakdancing was one of four new sports along with skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing to get the Olympic green light on Monday for inclusion at the 2024 Paris Games.

Breakdancing was one of four new sports along with skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing to get the Olympic green light on Monday for inclusion at the 2024 Paris Games. The four sports were included as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board met to confirm the Paris 2024 programme. Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing have already been added to the programme for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which will take place in 2021 after being postponed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The introduction of breaking was "one of the results of the Olympic Agenda 2020", Bach said. "We had a clear priority to introduce sports (that are) particularly popular among the younger generation and taking into consideration the urbanisation of sport." Breakdancing, which grew up alongside hip hop in the South Bronx of New York in the 1970s and is officially known in sport terms as "breaking", appeared at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, in the form of head-to-head "battles". Russia's Sergei Chernyshev, competing under the nickname Bumblebee, won the first breakdancing gold medal for boys in that event, while Japan's Ramu Kawai won the girls' title. "Today is a historic occasion not only for b-boys and b-girls but for all dancers around the world," said Shawn Tay, president of the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF). "The WDSF could not be prouder to have breaking included at Paris 2024... It was a true team effort to get to this moment and we will redouble our efforts in the lead-up to the Olympic Games to make sure the breaking competition at Paris 2024 will be unforgettable." - Paris podiums down to 329 - Federations of sports that already have Olympic status were left disappointed in their bid to increase events within their sports as IOC president Thomas Bach said that none of the proposed 41 events would be included in Paris. While some sports substituted in some events within their existing event numbers, Bach said medal events had actually gone down from 339 to 329. He said the athletes' quota for Paris had been fixed at 10,500, including those participating in the four new sports. That represents a decrease of 600 from Tokyo Games, while gender equality would be attained for the first time in Olympic history in Paris. The question of gender equality led to the demise of the men's 50km race walk, which first appeared at the 1932 Olympics. IOC sports director Kit McConnell said the event would be replaced by a "mixed gender event". There was a decision to "reach gender equality by removing the men's 50km race walk", rather than introducing a women's version, McConnell said, adding that the men and women's 20km race walks would remain. The replacement event will not, however, be a mixed cross-country, which World Athletics had been pushing hard for. "The event had to fit into an existing Olympic venue," McConnell said, explaining that a potential re-fit of the equestrian or mountain-bike venues to accommodate a cross-country was shown to be "too expensive and complex".

Breakdancing gets Olympic green light for Paris 2024

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