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Common Sports Injuries and Their Prevention: Expert Insights

August 15, 2024, 8:07 pm

Sports injuries, particularly muscle strains and sprains, are among the most frequent issues faced by athletes. These injuries often occur when muscles or ligaments are overstretched beyond their limits, typically due to sudden movements, heavy impact, or inadequate warm-up routines. The Daily Guardian in an exclusive interview with Dr. Neeraj Godara, Consultant Hand, Wrist & Reconstructive Microsurgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital to understand the common injuries, especially during the Olympics and athletes like Neeraj and Vinesh could have avoided such injuries in such platforms.

Q: What is the most common type of injury in sports, and what steps can athletes take to prevent them?

A: The most common sports injuries are muscle strains and sprains. These occur when muscles or ligaments are stretched beyond their limits, often due to sudden movements, heavy impact, or inadequate warm-up. Athletes can take several steps to prevent these injuries:

Proper Warm-Up: Engage in a thorough warm-up before intense physical activity to prepare muscles and ligaments and reduce the risk of injury.
Strength Training: Incorporate regular strength training exercises to build muscle strength and flexibility, which helps prevent strains and sprains.
Proper Technique: Use correct techniques while performing sports activities, often with guidance from coaches, to minimize injury risks.
Protective Gear: Wear appropriate sports equipment, such as helmets, pads, braces, and supportive footwear, to reduce injury risk.
Adequate Rest: Allow sufficient time for recovery and rest if experiencing muscle strains or sprains to ensure proper healing.

Q: Many athletes, like Neeraj Chopra and Vinesh Phogat, compete while injured. What challenges do they face, and what are the potential consequences of playing through injuries?

A: Athletes competing while injured face several challenges and potential consequences:

Pain and Discomfort: Continued competition with an injury can cause persistent pain and discomfort.
Increased Risk of Severe Injury: Playing through an injury may lead to more severe damage, such as complete rupture.
Decreased Performance: Injuries can significantly impact an athlete’s performance, leading to reduced effectiveness in their sport.
Impaired Decision-Making: Pain can affect cognitive functions, leading to poor decision-making during competition.

Q: What exactly is a groin injury that Neeraj Chopra is to undergo and what are the details of such injuries in sports?

A: A groin injury involves strain or sprain of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the area around the abdomen and upper thigh. These injuries are common in sports that involve twisting, turning, sprinting, or kicking movements, such as soccer, basketball, track, or field events. Neeraj Chopra, for instance, is reported to have a sports hernia, also known as athlete’s pubalgia, causing significant groin pain. He plans to undergo surgery to address this issue.

Q: How should emergencies be managed during major sports events like the Olympics to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes?

A: Effective management of emergencies during major sports events involves:

Emergency Action Plan: Implement and communicate a comprehensive emergency action plan among all coordinators and relevant personnel, with regular rehearsals for quick response.
Medical Personnel: Ensure the presence of qualified medical personnel, such as doctors, athletic trainers, and paramedics, on-site.
Medical Facilities: Maintain world-class medical facilities and equipment near the event venue.
Communication System: Establish a clear communication system for efficient coordination and response in case of emergencies.
Crowd Management: Develop strategies for managing and evacuating large crowds efficiently during emergencies.

Q: What are the most effective treatments for sports injuries sustained by Olympic athletes, and how can they achieve a quick and complete recovery?

A: Effective treatments for sports injuries include:

Immediate First Aid: Follow the RICE protocol—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—to manage initial injury care.
Regenerative Medicine: Use regenerative therapies for minor sprains or strains, followed by physical therapy to restore muscle flexibility and strength.
Surgical Interventions: For severe injuries, consider minimally invasive surgeries such as arthroscopy or open surgeries for repairing ruptured ligaments or tendons.
Advanced Imaging: Utilize high-resolution imaging techniques like MRI, HRCT, and dynamic MRI to accurately assess injuries.
Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate time for rest and tissue repair to support full recovery.

Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony: From Billie Eilish To Snoop Dogg, Artistes Deliver A Musical Finale | Watch

August 12, 2024, 4:13 pm

The Paris Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday was a dazzling, star-studded event that brought the 2024 Games to a spectacular end. The ceremony, held inside the Stade de France with 80,000 spectators, featured remarkable performances from global music icons such as Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, H.E.R., and Phoenix, captivating audiences worldwide.

The show began with Phoenix performing their 2009 hit “Lisztomania,” energizing the crowd as athletes joined in, singing and dancing along. The rock band, originally from France but now based in the US, included surprise guest appearances from French synthwave artist Kavinsky and Belgian singer Angèle, who performed a rendition of “Nightcall.”

Rapper VannDa joined in for “Funky Squaredance,” while French indie artists AIR contributed with their song “Playground Love.” Vampire Weekend’s frontman Ezra Koenig also mesmerized the crowd with his collaboration with Phoenix on “Tonight.” Phoenix’s frontman, Thomas Mars, ended their set by mingling with Olympians in the crowd.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers took the stage with their 2002 hit “Can’t Stop,” followed by Billie Eilish, who delivered a powerful performance of “Birds of a Feather” from her recent album. Snoop Dogg later wowed the audience with his iconic hits “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Gin & Juice,” accompanied by a guest appearance from Dr. Dre. Snoop Dogg had also been assisting NBC with its primetime coverage throughout the Summer Games.

However, the showstopper of the night was Tom Cruise’s pre-recorded clip. The Hollywood star thrilled viewers with death-defying stunts, from bike riding to skydiving atop the Hollywood sign, as he symbolically passed the baton to the next host city, Los Angeles, for the 2028 Olympics. Cruise’s action-packed appearance was set to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ track “By The Way,” making it a memorable conclusion to the ceremony.

Bronze with Golden Ambition: Hardik Singh Reflects on India’s Olympic Journey

August 12, 2024, 10:45 am

Midfielder Hardik Singh, reflecting on his journey, expressed disbelief at how far he has come. “If you had asked this question like five years back, I would never believe that I will be a double medallist,” he said when asked which of the two bronze medals he and the Indian men’s hockey team won at consecutive Olympic Games was the tougher.

This query highlights the significant history of Indian hockey at the Olympics, a sport once dominated by legends like Dhyan Chand and others. However, after years of dominance, Indian hockey experienced a decline, leading to a long, painful drought of Olympic medals. This dry spell lasted over four decades before Hardik and his team ended it at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by winning a bronze medal.

In the most recent Paris Olympics, India secured another bronze, marking the first time since 1972 that the team had won back-to-back Olympic medals. This achievement is especially notable since 1972 was the last year hockey was played on grass, a period that signaled the end of India’s dominance in the sport.

Despite the pride in winning another medal, Hardik sees this latest achievement with a tinge of regret. “It’s a huge achievement. Still want to win the gold medal, that is the ultimate goal for me. We were just inches away from that. That is a scar that will be there for a long time,” he shared. The 25-year-old, who played a crucial role in some of India’s most important victories in Paris, spoke with Hindustan Times on a rainy day at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

During the semi-final match against world champions Germany, Hardik was one of the standout players. India outplayed Germany for most of the game, but as Hardik acknowledged, Germany’s execution was superior. “For one day, we were in trauma,” Hardik admitted, reflecting on the team’s emotions after the match ended with a 3-2 loss to Germany. The Indian players were visibly shocked as the final buzzer sounded, leaving them with the reality of missing the gold medal match.

“I think we were the better team but they executed well. Sometimes that is the bad luck you have. But still, we knew the value of an Olympic medal. We had seen everyone in India go crazy after we won the medal in Tokyo. We were all very disappointed that we didn’t qualify for the final but we knew we had one more chance,” said Hardik. He noted that Germany had lost to India in the bronze-medal match in Tokyo, then went on to win the World Cup, and now they had beaten India in Paris. “So we just have to keep the belief, it’s all part of the process,” he added.

The Indian team managed to bounce back from this disappointment. Two days later, they delivered an exceptional performance, defeating Spain 2-1 to win their second consecutive bronze medal. Once again, Hardik played a key role in this victory.

Watching from the stands were Hardik’s parents, who had been in Paris throughout the Olympics. “My parents were there in Paris throughout, it was a really emotional thing for them and for me that they were there in every match,” he said. Hardik shared how his mother was constantly emotional during the matches, whether India was leading or trailing. “Mom toh meri ro rahi thi,” he recounted, explaining how she was either worried about India conceding goals or praying for them to hold their lead.

Hardik comes from a family deeply connected to hockey. His father, Varinderpreet Singh Ray, is a former international player, and his uncle and aunt, Gurmail Singh and Rajbir Kaur, are a hockey power couple. Gurmail was part of the last Indian team to win an Olympic gold, while Kaur is a significant figure in Indian women’s hockey, having won gold at the 1982 Asian Games. Hardik’s uncle, Jugraj Singh, was a feared drag flicker in his time.

Given his family’s hockey heritage, Hardik appreciates the efforts of previous generations of Indian players who contributed to the team’s resurgence. He acknowledges the challenges faced by the players since 2008 when the Indian team hit its lowest point, failing to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in history. “The credit for these medals that goes to all the players who were a part of the Indian team since then to 2021. They took the hard steps, not us,” Hardik said. He highlighted the resilience of those players who faced harsh criticism but never lost hope.

One such player is PR Sreejesh, the veteran goalkeeper who ended his illustrious career at these Olympics. “He saw what it feels to be 12th at the Olympics. That is a low point for any athlete,” Hardik said, recalling the London Games where India lost every match and conceded 15 goals. Sreejesh’s journey from that low point to winning an Olympic medal exemplifies the unpredictability and resilience in sports.

The Indian team’s style of play has evolved over the years. In the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, under Australian coach Graham Reid, the team adopted an aggressive approach, resulting in a thrilling 5-4 victory over Germany in the bronze medal match. However, by the time of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the team, now under coach Craig Fulton, focused on a more defensive strategy. This change in approach was evident in the bronze medal match against Spain, where India secured their lead with two goals from Harmanpreet Singh and then defended their position with determination.

“When you have a coach like Fulton who backs you up in every match, trusting you, you don’t have any choice but to give your best,” Hardik explained. He noted that Fulton’s emphasis on conserving energy and focusing on a strong defensive structure has allowed the team to counterattack more effectively.

This renewed focus on defense proved crucial when India overcame its long-standing challenge of beating Australia at the Olympics for the first time since 1972. “We were really fed up,” Hardik said about the constant talk of Australia being a bogey team for India. Despite the odds, India believed they could win, and they did, proving once again that anything is possible at the Olympics.

India had waited over 40 years to achieve Olympic success, and now, having tasted it twice in less than four years, the team is looking ahead. With the “golden scar” of Paris still fresh, Hardik and his teammates are determined to aim for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Cong gives adjournment notice in LS; demands withdrawal of Mandivya’s statement on Phogat

August 9, 2024, 10:39 am

Congress MP Manickam Tagore gave the adjournment motion notice regarding the statement of Mandivya in which the sports minister said that “Rs. 70.45575 lakhs has been spent on her as a deflection.”

“The recent disqualification of Vinesh Phogat due to a minor weight discrepancy has devastated not only her Olympic dreams but also every Indian. It is disheartening to see the Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, use the Rs. 70.45575 lakhs spent on her as a deflection. This amount is not an asset of the BJP; Phogat is a national asset,” the Congress MP said in his letter.

Condemning Mandaviya’s statement, Tagore urged the government to address the issue with the seriousness it deserves.

“We condemn the Minister’s insensitive statement and urge the government to address this issue with the seriousness it deserves. Our athletes deserve genuine support, not mere financial figures. We call for the withdrawal of ministers’ statements and a more respectful approach to our sportspeople’s challenges,” he said.

This comes after Mandaviya in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday said that Phogat was provided with all possible financial assistance by the Indian government.

“As far as her preparations and support are concerned, the Indian government gave her all possible assistance according to her needs. She was provided with Hungary’s famous coach Woller Akos and physio Ashwini Patil who were always present with her. For the Olympics, personal assistance, including various sparring partners and strength and conditioning specialists was also provided, including her coach Woller Akos, Wayne Patrick Lombard, a strength and conditioning specialist, Ashwini Jeewan Patil, her physiotherapist, Mayank Singh Garia, a strength and conditioning specialist, Shubham and Arvind, her sparring partners. A total of Rs 70,45,775 was provided to Phogat for the Olympics,” the Sports Minister said.

Meanwhile, Harish Salve, senior Advocate, will represent the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing on Friday, regarding the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.

Salve’s expertise will be crucial in addressing the legal and procedural aspects of the dispute.

Salve, former Solicitor General of India and King’s Counsel, confirmed to ANI that he has been engaged by the IOA to represent Phogat at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics final, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday.

In an emotional post on X, Phogat expressed her sense of defeat and gratitude, stating, “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.”

Meet The Artist Capturing Beach Volleyball At The 2024 Olympics

August 6, 2024, 1:16 pm

At the 2024 Olympic Games, British painter Peter Spens stands out among photographers armed with expensive cameras and long lenses, calling himself a “troglodyte” with his brushes, oil paints, and large canvas. While photographers capture moments with their cameras, Spens focuses on creating a single painting that conveys the essence and spirit of the event.

“This is a collage of moments,” says the 63-year-old artist about his work. Unlike photography, which captures a specific instant, “the painting brings back the spirits of the event.”

This is Spens’ third Olympic Games, commissioned by the International Volleyball Federation to create a painting of the beach volleyball competitions. While photographers take hundreds or even thousands of images over the course of the games, Spens will produce just one painting.

“We’re so used now as a society to phone images, and everyone takes thousands of images daily,” he notes. He aims to convey his perceptions and the reality of the event through his art.

Spens works from a prominent spot at the Olympics, positioned at the top row of the stands with a view of the beach volleyball court and the Eiffel Tower in the background. He describes the iconic landmark as “a much more potent symbol of the city of Paris than any of the previous works that I’ve worked on.”

On a recent day, a large red umbrella shielded his easel from the sun, while the heat prompted him to paint in his socks, with a thermos of tea and a bottle of water within reach.

Spens has been dedicated to his painting from dawn until dusk, only pausing for a brief lunch. Despite his diligent work, only the silhouettes of spectators, players, and the Eiffel Tower are visible on his canvas so far, with the final details to be added as the Olympic champions are decided.

“I am not anxious, I am excited,” he says with a smile, reflecting on the work still to come.

As he paints the ever-changing crowd of spectators, Spens focuses on individual faces and the finer details around them. His painting aims to capture the emotional intensity and excitement of the Olympics rather than a precise replication of reality.

Spens created his first Olympic beach volleyball painting in London, followed by a piece in Rio, and missed the Tokyo Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic. Over the years, his appreciation for beach volleyball and the teamwork it represents has deepened.

“I’m seeing the best players in the world,” he says. Despite considering himself old-fashioned, Spens values his work amid the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence.

“My message would be to put your phone on silent and in your pocket and get out your sketchbook and crayons,” he advises. “Painting and drawing is a mindful, restorative activity because it’s putting you in touch with the world outside yourself.”

Imane Khelif, Algerian Boxer, Urges ‘Do Not Bully’ Amid Olympics Gender Controversy

August 5, 2024, 3:29 pm

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has made history by securing an Olympic medal in the women’s 66kg category at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Algerian woman to achieve this milestone. Khelif’s recent win against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori not only marks Algeria’s first boxing medal since 2000 but also advances her to the semi-finals, where she will face Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng.

Despite her historic achievement, Khelif has faced significant controversy regarding gender eligibility. Along with Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting, Khelif has been subject to scrutiny and online harassment due to differing eligibility standards set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Boxing Association (IBA). Both athletes were previously disqualified from last year’s World Championships by the IBA following ambiguous eligibility tests but were later cleared to compete in the Paris Olympics under IOC regulations.

In an interview with SNTV, Imane Khelif urged an end to the “bullying and negative rhetoric” directed at athletes. “I call on everyone to uphold Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter and to stop bullying athletes, as it has profound and damaging effects,” she stated in Arabic. “It can destroy people’s thoughts, spirits, and minds and create division. I urge people to stop this behavior.”

Khelif expressed concern for her family, who are worried about her amidst the ongoing controversy. She hopes that winning a gold medal will be the best way to respond to her critics. She also thanked the IOC and its president, Thomas Bach, for their support, affirming, “I believe the Olympic Committee has upheld justice, and I am grateful for this resolution as it reveals the truth.”

In parallel, Lin Yu-ting, who will compete against Turkey’s Esra Yildiz in the women’s 57kg semi-final, has also been caught up in the controversy. Following her win over Bulgaria’s Svetlana Kamenova Staneva, Lin has encountered both support and criticism. Before the official decision, Staneva made a double XX gesture, alluding to the female chromosome, and seemed to snub Lin. However, after Lin was declared the winner, Staneva acknowledged her opponent’s success by opening the ropes for her.

Lin, 28, has remained focused and appreciative of the support from Taiwan. “I know that the people of Taiwan are behind me, and I will carry this energy forward. Winning this match doesn’t mean I can relax; I still need to continue working hard,” she commented after her victory over Staneva.

The Taiwan Olympic Committee has reaffirmed Lin’s eligibility to compete as per IOC rules and condemned the online abuse directed at her. The committee expressed full support for Lin, stating, “We strongly condemn the malicious online abuse and personal attacks and call for an immediate halt to such behavior.”

The experiences of Imane Khelif and Lin highlight the challenges athletes face amid ongoing debates about eligibility and the impact of online bullying. Both remain committed to their performances and representing their countries with pride.

Nita Ambani’s Emotional Farewell To Son Anant And Daughter-In-Law Radhika In Paris

August 2, 2024, 12:02 am

A touching video featuring Nita Ambani and Mukesh Ambani saying goodbye to their son Anant Ambani and his wife Radhika Merchant has captured the hearts of many on social media. The Ambani family was in Paris to attend the 2024 Olympics, where they shared warm family moments as Nita and Mukesh prepared to leave the French capital.

In the video, Nita Ambani embraces Radhika Merchant with a warm hug. Nita wears a stylish fuchsia pink outfit, consisting of an oversized button-up shirt and loose-fitting pants, accessorized with sunglasses and a chic handbag. Her affectionate gesture toward her ‘new bahu’ Radhika has won over social media users. Radhika, in a sleeveless white dress, returns the hug with equal warmth.

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Anant Ambani, dressed casually in a colorful printed shirt and dark shorts, stands nearby. Nita also plants a tender kiss on Anant’s cheek. Mukesh Ambani, wearing a simple black zip-up sweater, stands beside his son.

The Ambanis were in Paris not only for family time but also to witness the 2024 Olympics. Nita Ambani, a member of the International Olympic Committee from India, attended the opening ceremony and various events.

India House Initiative

During their visit, Nita Ambani inaugurated the India House for the Paris Olympics. This initiative, a first for India at the Olympic Games, aims to promote Indian culture as the country hopes to host the 2036 Games. The India House is a joint effort between the Indian Olympic Association and the Reliance Foundation, which Nita Ambani founded and chairs.

The Ambani family’s trip to the Olympics follows the recent grand wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, the daughter of Viren and Shaila Merchant. The wedding was preceded by months of pre-wedding festivities.

Shaan Brings Melody to India House Launch at Paris 2024 Olympics

July 27, 2024, 11:58 pm

Singer Shaan brought a musical flair to the opening ceremony of India House at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Dressed in a stylish blazer set, Shaan captivated the audience during the launch of India House in Paris on Saturday.

India House is a result of the collaboration between the Reliance Foundation and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), aiming to boost the performance of Indian athletes, support national sports federations, and enhance India’s reputation as a global sporting nation, with the ultimate goal of hosting the Olympic Games in the future.

This initiative marked a significant step for India in its pursuit of global sporting prominence, aiming to achieve greater success at the Olympics and lay the groundwork for hosting the Games.

Olympic Hospitality Houses, such as India House, serve as platforms for participating countries to display their culture, hospitality, and national pride to athletes, media, visitors, and supporters. These houses offer a space for fans to celebrate and support their athletes/teams during competitions and provide a “home away from home” for athletes and their families during the Games.

India House at the Paris Games will highlight India to the world, engaging fans, key stakeholders from the global sports community, Indian travelers, media, and athletes. It will be the first time that Indian athletes will have a dedicated space at the Olympics to celebrate India’s sporting achievements and athletes.

The Indian team consists of 117 athletes competing in 16 disciplines. The Olympics commenced on July 26 and will conclude on August 11.

Earlier on Saturday, Indian shooter Manu Bhaker secured third place in the qualification round of the Women’s 10 Metre Air Pistol, advancing to the final at the ongoing Paris Olympics. Unfortunately, Rhythm Sangwan did not make it to the final, finishing in 15th place.

Manu Bhaker delivered an impressive performance in the qualification round, scoring 97 points in the first two series, 98 points in the third series, and 96 points in the final three series, totaling 580-27x points to finish in third place.

#WATCH | Singer Shaan performs at the launch of India House in Paris during the #ParisOlympics2024 pic.twitter.com/g8s34UPtwe

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

In contrast, Rhythm Sangwan ended in the 15th spot with a total of 573-14x points, failing to advance to the final round.

Indian shooters Sarabjot Singh and Arjun Cheema did not qualify for the final round of the men’s 10 m air pistol competition. Cheema finished 18th with 574-17x points, and Sarabjot finished 9th with 577-16x points, missing the top eight required for the medal round.

India’s shooting campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics began with disappointment as two Indian teams in the 10 m air rifle mixed team events failed to reach the medal matches on Saturday.

The pairs of Elavenil Valarivan and Sandeep Singh, and Arjun Babuta and Ramita Jindal, participated in the 10 m air rifle mixed teams qualifiers. Only the top four teams out of 28 qualified for the knockout stages, which included a gold medal match for the top two teams and a bronze medal match for the teams ranked third and fourth. Unfortunately, India did not make it to the final four.

Ramita and Arjun finished sixth with a total of 628.7 points after three series, narrowly missing the fourth place by just one point. Meanwhile, Elavenil and Sandeep finished 12th with 626.3 points.

Lady Gaga Dazzles At 2024 Olympics Opening With Stunning Dior Performance

July 27, 2024, 10:28 am

Lady Gaga stole the show at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris with an incredible performance and a head-to-toe Dior look. Dressed in bubblegum-pink feathers, she gave a memorable performance of “Mon Truc en Plumes,” a French song, while performing by the Seine. Her backup dancers also wore Dior, making the entire act even more dazzling.

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Lady Gaga’s Stunning Dior Look

Gaga made a dramatic entrance in a grand black ostrich feather coat, emerging from a crowd of pink feather fans. As the performance continued, she removed the coat to reveal a striking black bustier and panties over sheer tights. The all-black Dior outfit perfectly showcased her curves and added to the drama of her performance.

Bold Makeup and Elegant Hairstyle

Her look was completed with black gloves, shiny pointy-toe heels, and a tall feathered headpiece. As she finished her song, she added a large bustle made of white feathers, enhancing the visual impact.

Her makeup featured shimmering eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, blushed cheeks, and bright red lipstick, which stood out against her black outfit. Her blonde hair was elegantly styled in a bun. Lady Gaga’s entire appearance, from her outfit to her makeup, was a perfect blend of sophistication and style, leaving fans amazed.

Sandeep Singh’s Extraordinary Path: From Faridkot to Paris, via Siachen, to the Olympics

May 28, 2024, 5:34 pm

For most athletes, the Olympics is the pinnacle of their journey and the goal they are always working towards. Sandeep Singh, though, is not like most athletes. The Armyman has already served in Siachen, one of the toughest places on Earth to serve in, and had never even thought of going to the Olympics growing up.

All he aspired to growing up was to serve in the Indian army. The ace shooter only started shooting less than a decade ago. While his journey to the Olympics might be rare in Indian sports, it has been full of adventure and self-discovery.
“In a secluded space like Siachen, you are often alone with your thoughts. When I was serving there, I had all kinds of thoughts and had the opportunity to process them and also rationalise my feelings. It gave me a lot of clarity and a new sense of purpose too,” Sandeep said.

When asked about the pressures of competing at the Olympics as well as taking part in a highly competitive sport like shooting, where India has very high quality and tough competition, Sandeep a Reliance Foundation scholarship programme athlete, says, “I have been in the Army for 10 years now. I have served in Siachen too. The pressures you face there can’t be compared to anything you experience on the range. My life experiences and the discipline of the Army have made me what I am, and those learnings have always shaped me well.”

The selection trials for the Indian shooting team for the Paris Olympics consisted of two legs and four stages, noted as some of the most competitive trials in recent memory. The field boasted numerous Asian and World-level medalists, according to a statement.

One particular event that witnessed intense competition was the prestigious men’s 10m air rifle event, the sole shooting discipline in which India has secured Olympic Gold. Sandeep, a member of the Army, showcased exceptional scoring throughout the first three trials, outperforming Olympic quota winner Arjun Babuta and former world champion Rudrankksh Patil to claim the top position in the five-man field.

Sandeep achieved remarkably high scores of 634.4, 632.6, and 631.6 in the qualification round of the initial three trials, virtually securing his leading position in the standings for the best of three selection trials.

“I had trained really hard in the lead up to the selection trials. My focus was only on following the same things that I was doing in training and carrying them forward at the selection trials. I had shot even higher scores in training, so I knew I was shooting well and confident of doing well,” Sandeep says about his preparation heading into the trials.

The top performers in each category at the trials are expected to represent India at the Paris Olympics. For Sandeep, who originates from a village in Punjab’s Faridkot district, the journey has been lengthy and filled with obstacles.

During his youth, Sandeep’s sole aspiration was to enlist in the Indian army. To achieve this goal, he dedicated himself to running, aiming to enhance his endurance and physical fitness. His proficiency in running eventually earned him a place in the Army.

It wasn’t until he joined the Army that Sandeep was introduced to rifles and shooting. While undergoing training, he displayed a natural talent for marksmanship, leading to his transfer to the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.

“There is a competition for new recruits in the army. I did well in the shooting event there. The feeling of holding a rifle and shooting well gave me a lot of joy, so I started focusing more on it and working harder,” Sandeep reminisces about his earliest days in the army.
Within three months of becoming a part of the army shooting program, Sandeep won his first medal in a competition. He then represented the army at the national level and a series of consistent results saw him named as a reserve for the Tokyo Olympics. Soon after though, he failed a dop test. Consequently, he had to join his unit to serve in the excruciating conditions of Siachen.

His commanding officer in Siachen saw his potential again and got him reinducted into the AMU. The Siachen experience gave Sandeep a newfound perspective and tranquillity that has served him well ever since.

Sandeep’s trial-topping efforts came as a surprise to many but at 28, he has experience of competing in various competitions and counts the pressure and discipline required to serve in the Army as traits that will serve him well at the Olympics.

“I first competed in a World Cup all the way back in 2019, so it’s not like I haven’t experienced international competition. The World Cups I competed in had all the top shooters. I have an Asian Championship silver too,” Sandeep says.

Sandeep, who is a Reliance Foundation scholarship program athlete, has also benefited from RF’s expertise in the areas of nutrition and psychology. “I am getting specialised attention in the areas of psychology, physiotherapy and nutrition. Reliance Foundation has been a big support for me. I now have a better understanding about diet and nutrition as well as the optimum water levels that should be in the body,” he says.

Indian Badminton Stars Secure Five Quotas for Paris 2024 Olympics

May 1, 2024, 10:51 am

Indian badminton players, including PV Sindhu, have clinched five quotas for the Paris 2024 Olympics, according to the ‘Race to Paris’ Ranking List released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Sindhu, a former world champion and medalist in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, secured her quota by finishing 12th in the list, as reported by Olympics.com.

The ‘Race to Paris’ Rankings allowed players in the top 16 (up to two per country) of both men’s and women’s categories to secure spots for their national teams in the Olympics. The qualifying period for the event ran from May 1 last year to April 28 this year. A total of 35 shuttlers secured quotas through this ranking list, including places for continental representation.

In men’s singles, HS Prannoy, ranked ninth, and Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen, ranked 13th, earned quotas for India in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The remaining two quotas for India came in doubles competitions, with Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy securing the third spot in the men’s doubles list, and Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto finishing 13th in the women’s doubles.

Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy made history last year by becoming the first Indian doubles pair to achieve the world number one ranking. Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto also had notable successes, winning the Abu Dhabi Masters and Guwahati Masters titles and finishing as runners-up in the Syed Modi International BWF Super 300 tournament.

With a total of seven badminton quotas, India is poised to field one of its largest badminton contingents in the Olympics, matching the seven-shuttler team from the 2016 Rio Olympics.