US gymnasts pose for pictures after being selected for the 2024 US Olympic Gymnastics Team during the Women’s Day Four of the 2024 US Olympic Gymnastics Trials at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 30, 2024.KEREM YUCEL, AFP via Getty Images
Leading the charge are celebrated Olympians like gymnast Simone Biles, swimmer Katie Ledecky, and sprinter Noah Lyles, all of whom are poised as frontrunners for gold medals. Team USA is anticipated to send one of its largest contingents to the Paris Games, featuring athletes hailing from 46 states and the District of Columbia. The team spans an impressive age range, from 16-year-old debutants to seasoned athletes nearing 60. Among them are several first-time Olympians alongside a select few who will be participating in their sixth Olympics, showcasing the team’s blend of fresh talent and seasoned experience.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the USOPC, stated in a teleconference last month that U.S. officials refrain from making public predictions about the performance of this group at the Paris Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.
“But we do anticipate a robust performance, reflecting our strong historical track record in these Games,” Hirshland emphasized. “It’s crucial for our athletes, who aim for great success at these events.”
Let’s delve into the details of the 2024 U.S. Olympic team.
Team Size and Comparison
The 2024 U.S. Olympic team comprises 592 athletes, slightly smaller than the Tokyo 2020 team of 613 athletes but larger than the Rio 2016 team of 554.
Sports Representation
Team USA will be represented in 31 out of the 32 sports in the Paris program, with team handball being the only exception. Track and field leads with the largest contingent of 120 athletes, followed by rhythmic gymnastics and modern pentathlon with one athlete each.
Gender Composition
Women will make up the majority of the U.S. Olympic team in Paris, with 314 athletes (53%), while 278 (47%) will be men.
State Representation
California dominates the 2024 U.S. Olympic team roster, supplying nearly one-fifth of its athletes.
With over double the representation of the second-place state, Florida, which will contribute 44 athletes, California stands out as the primary state for Team USA. Texas follows closely behind in third place, with 38 athletes representing the Lone Star State.
States Without Representation
Maine, North Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming.
US gymnast Sunisa Lee competes in the balance beam event during the Women’s Day Four of the 2024 US Olympic Gymnastics Trials at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 30, 2024. KEREM YUCEL, AFP via Getty Images
Youngest Athlete on Team USA
Hezly Rivera, who recently turned 16 last month, holds the distinction of being the youngest athlete on the U.S. Olympic team for the Paris Games. Joining her as fellow 16-year-olds are Paige Heyn in skateboarding and Quincy Wilson in track and field. Overall, Team USA will include 32 teenagers on its Olympic roster, with six of them competing in skateboarding.
Oldest Athlete on Team USA
The oldest athlete on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics is Steffen Peters, who will turn 60 in September. He is part of the equestrian team and is set to become the oldest U.S. athlete to compete at the Summer Olympics since 1936, according to NBC via Olympic data website OlyMADMen.
Laura Kraut, a prominent equestrian athlete, who is 58 years old and Keith Sanderson, participating in his fourth Olympic Games as a shooter, at 49 years old.
First-time Olympians on Team USA
A significant portion of Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics will be filled with debutants:
340 athletes, comprising approximately 57% of the 592-member team, will be making their first Olympic appearance.
Additionally, 165 athletes, making up about 28% of the team, will experience a more traditional Olympic environment in Paris, having previously competed under COVID-19 restrictions at the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Most Experienced Athletes on Team USA
Three athletes stand out as the most experienced members of Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics:
Steffen Peters, an equestrian athlete, who will be making his sixth Olympic appearance since his debut in Atlanta in 1996.
Diana Taurasi, a key player in women’s basketball, has competed in every Summer Olympics since 2004 in Athens.
McLain Ward, also in equestrian sports, has participated in every edition of the Summer Games since 1996.
Most Decorated Athlete on Team USA
Among the athletes representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, swimmer Katie Ledecky stands out as the most decorated:
Katie Ledecky: This will be her fourth Olympic Games, and she has already accumulated an impressive total of 10 medals for Team USA. Her collection includes seven gold medals and three silvers, making her the only member of this year’s Olympic team to have reached double-digit medals at the Summer Games.
Full Name-Carlos Alcaraz Garfia Date of Birth: 5 May 2003 (age 21) Place of Birth: El Palmar, Murcia, Spain Physical Stats–Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Professional Career–Turned Pro: 2018 Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand) Country (Sports)-Spain Coach-Juan Carlos Ferrero Parents -Carlos Alcaraz González and Virginia Garfia Escandón Siblings-3
Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, is a prominent Spanish tennis player born on May 5, 2003. Known for his exceptional talent and achievements, Alcaraz has reached the pinnacle of men’s singles tennis, having been ranked as high as world No. 1 by the ATP and currently holding the No. 3 spot. His career highlights include an impressive tally of fourteen ATP Tour-level singles titles, which feature three major victories at the 2022 US Open, 2023 Wimbledon Championships, and 2024 French Open, as well as five Masters 1000 titles.
Introduction to Tennis– At the age of four, Carlos began playing tennis at the Real Sociedad Club de Campo de Murcia, where his father was the tennis academy director and his grandfather was one of the club’s founders.
Transition to Professional Training
In 2018, Carlos moved to Villena to join Juan Carlos Ferrero’s JC Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy, a crucial step in his journey towards professional tennis success.
chart summarizing Carlos Alcaraz’s performance in men’s singles Grand Slam tournaments from 2020 to 2024:
In 2023, Alcaraz continued to assert his dominance by capturing two more prestigious Masters 1000 titles at Indian Wells and Madrid. His success culminated in a historic victory at Wimbledon, where he defeated Djokovic in the final, becoming the first champion outside of the “Big Four” since 2002.
Building on his legacy, Alcaraz made history once again in 2024 by winning his third major title at the French Open, solidifying his status as the youngest player ever to achieve the career Surface Slam. His journey continues to inspire tennis enthusiasts worldwide, as he consistently showcases his extraordinary talent and determination on the global stage.
Financial Dominance
Carlos Alcaraz has emerged as the world’s highest-paid tennis player, earning an estimated $45 million over the past 12 months. This figure places him $6 million ahead of Novak Djokovic, who earned $38.7 million, marking a significant shift in their financial standings among the top-earning athletes of 2023. Alcaraz and Djokovic stand out for their impressive incomes from prize money, endorsements, and appearance fees. The top five highest-paid players also include Jannik Sinner ($25.7 million), Coco Gauff ($25.6 million), and Iga Świątek ($25.2 million).
Recent Achievements
Currently, Sinner, Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz dominate the ATP rankings as well as the financial hierarchy, albeit in reverse order. Alcaraz’s recent accomplishments include winning his third Grand Slam at the French Open in June, shortly after turning 21. This victory made him the youngest man to win major championships on three different surfaces, following his 2022 U.S. Open and 2023 Wimbledon titles. His $2.6 million prize from the French Open boosted his career earnings to $31.5 million, placing him ninth on the all-time career prize money list. Over the last year, he earned $15 million, including $4.4 million from the ATP bonus pool.
Off-Court Success
Off the court, Alcaraz has secured his status as tennis’ next-generation star, filling the anticipated void left by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic. He has signed lucrative deals with brands such as LVMH, Rolex, BMW, Babolat, Calvin Klein, and ISDIN sunscreen. Alcaraz’s popularity has also translated into high appearance fees, often commanding seven figures for tournaments and exhibitions, including a notable Netflix faceoff against Nadal in March.
Major Sponsorship Deals
Nike stands as Alcaraz’s most lucrative sponsor, having renegotiated its deal with him in 2023 for a substantial increase. With performance bonuses tied to tournament results and year-end rankings, Alcaraz is projected to earn over $10 million annually from Nike alone.
Collective Earnings
Overall, the top 10 highest-paid tennis players collectively earned $241 million, with 34% coming from prize money and 66% from endorsements, bonuses, and appearance fees. These earnings are calculated for the period between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, and include the ATP bonus pool. Sportico estimated off-court earnings through discussions with insiders familiar with tennis endorsement deals. The figures are before taxes and agent fees, and only active players were considered, excluding retired legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams.
Here is the chart showcasing the top 10 highest-paid tennis players for 2024, including their total earnings, prize money, endorsements, and nationality:
Top 10 Highest-Paid Tennis Players (2024)
Rank
Player
Total Earnings (M$)
Prize Money (M$)
Endorsements (M$)
Nationality
1
Carlos Alcaraz
45
15
30
🇪🇸 Spain
2
Novak Djokovic
38.7
12.7
26
🇷🇸 Serbia
3
Jannik Sinner
25.7
13.7
12
🇮🇹 Italy
4
Coco Gauff
25.6
7.6
18
🇺🇸 USA
5
Iga Świątek
25.2
13.2
12
🇵🇱 Poland
6
Daniil Medvedev
22.3
9.3
13
🇷🇺 Russia
7
Naomi Osaka
16.5
0.506
16
🇯🇵 Japan
8
Emma Raducanu
16.3
0.265
16
🇬🇧 UK
9
Rafael Nadal
13.2
0.246
13
🇪🇸 Spain
10
Alexander Zverev
12.1
8.6
3.5
🇩🇪 Germany
Earnings are for the 12 months ending June 30, 2024. The prize money component includes the ATP bonus pool. The figures are before taxes and any agent fees. Only active players were considered, excluding retired legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams.
International Representation
Reflecting the international nature of the sport, the top earners represent nine different countries, with Spain being the only nation with two players, Alcaraz and Nadal, in the top 10. The list also skews young, with Djokovic being the only player in the top five over 23 years old. Unlike many other major professional sports, tennis boasts near equal representation of women, who make up 40% of the top earners. https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2024/highest-paid-tennis-players-2024-carlos-alcaraz-novak-djokovic-1234787055/
Carlos Alcaraz Garfia – photo credit carlitosalcarazz Instagram Earnings are for the 12 months ending June 30, 2024. Chart: Lev Akabas Source: Sportico
Jyothi Yarraji- 1st Indian Ever to Qualify for Women’s 100m Hurdles Event at Olympics
Jyothi Yarraji: Women’s 100m hurdles
Jyothi Yarraji:100m hurdles–India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024-Part 8
Jyothi Yarraji, born on 28 August 1999, is a track and field athlete from Andhra Pradesh, India. She specializes in the 100m hurdles and currently holds the Indian national record. On 10 May 2022, she shattered Anuradha Biswal’s long-standing record with a time of 13.23 seconds, and has since broken the record multiple times.
Personal Information
Full Name: Jyothi Yarraji Nationality: India Born: 28 August 1999 (age 24) Birthplace: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India Height: 5 ft 7 inches
Sport
Country: India Sport: Running Event: 100m Hurdles Coach– James Hillier
Early life and education
Jyothi Yarraji, originally from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, comes from a humble background. Her father, Suryanarayana, works as a security guard, while her mother is employed as a domestic worker. She completed her schooling at Port High School in Visakhapatnam old city and pursued higher education at a college affiliated with Acharya Nagarjuna University.
Her athletic journey began at the Sports Authority of India hostel in Hyderabad, where she trained for two years under coach Olympian N Ramesh, a recipient of the Dronacharya award. Subsequently, she moved to Guntur to join the Centre of Excellence. Since 2019, Jyothi has been under the guidance of British coach James Hillier at the Reliance Athletics High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar. https://www.instagram.com/jyothi_yarraji_/?hl=en
Asian Games 2022 Jyothi Yarraji achieved a significant milestone by winning the silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Initially disqualified for a false start alongside a Chinese athlete, she was later allowed to compete. After a review, the Chinese athlete Wu Yanni was disqualified, and Jyothi was promoted to the silver medal position.
Record-Breaking Indoor Performances In early 2023, Jyothi shattered the national record for indoor 60 meters hurdles five times. She also secured a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.
honours
Challenges and Comeback The COVID-19 pandemic and a back injury significantly impacted Jyothi’s participation in events in 2021. However, she made a strong comeback in 2022. She represented India at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 100 meters hurdles and was part of the Indian women’s 4×100 meters relay team that finished 5th in the finals.
National Achievements At the 2022 edition of India’s National Games, Jyothi won gold medals in both the 100 meters and 100 meters hurdles. On 17 October 2022, she became the first Indian woman hurdler to clock below 13 seconds, ranking as the second-best Asian in the women’s 100 meters hurdles that year and the 11th best Asian ever. At the 2022 Indian Open Nationals, she was named the best athlete among women.
world ranking
Training and Coaching for Olympics 2024
Jyothi Yarraji, the current national record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, made history as the sole Indian woman to medal in this event at the Asian Games, securing silver last year after bravely contesting a false disqualification. She remains the only Indian woman to achieve a sub-13-second time and boasts the 15 fastest runs by an Indian in this discipline. Her outstanding performance has also spurred three other women to surpass the long-standing national record set by Anuradha Biswal, which Jyothi shattered.
Earlier this year at the Motonet GP in Finland, Jyothi matched her personal best of 12.78 seconds despite a challenging collision with the final hurdle. She further showcased her dominance by clinching gold at the recent Senior Inter-State Athletics Championships, maintaining an undefeated record on home soil.
Coach
James Hillier Jyothi Yarraji has been training under the guidance of British coach James Hillier since 2019. Hillier, based at the Reliance Athletics High-Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar, has played a pivotal role in honing Jyothi’s skills and guiding her to achieve national and international success in the 100m hurdles. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indias-champions-at-paris-olympics-2024/
Prime Minister Narendra Modi poses for a group photo with the Indian contingent heading for the upcoming Paris Olympics. (PTI)
Parul Chaudhary: 3000m and 5000m steeplechase-India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024-Part 7
Parul Chaudhary Jhajj (born 15 April 1995) is an Indian athlete from Uttar Pradesh who specializes in the 5000 meters and 3000 meters steeplechase. She is the first Indian runner to clock a sub-9 minute time in the women’s 3000m
Personal Information
Nationality: Indian Born: 15 April 1995 (age 29) Birth Place : Iklauta Village in Meerut Height: 5 ft 7 inches Father :Krishanpal Chaudhary Mother: Rajesh Devi.
Sport
Country: India Sport: Track and Field Event: Long-distance Running
Early Life
Parul Chaudhary Jhajj hails from Iklauta Village in Meerut and belongs to the Jhajj gotra of the Jat community. She is one of four children of Krishanpal Chaudhary and Rajesh Devi. As a teenager, Parul ran barefoot and began competing in the 800 meters in her school starting in 2011. She later switched to the 1500 meters and 3000 meters before specializing in the 5000 meters. Her performance in the 5000 meters event helped her secure a job with Western Railway in 2015 when she moved to Mumbai.
Achievements
world ranking
Asian Athletics Championships, Bangkok (July 2023) -Gold Medal in Women’s 3000m Steeplechase
World Athletics Championships, Budapest (August 2023)
honours
Personal Best and National Record in 3000m Steeplechase: 9:15.31
Forbes India 30 under-30 2024-Named among India’s Top Achievers under 30
Aces Awards 2024 – Sportswoman of the Year-Acknowledgment for Excellence in Sports Performance
Recent Competition
Parul Chaudhary, the Asian champion, finished 16th in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Eugene Diamond League 2024. She clocked 9:46.74, marking her debut in the Diamond League at Hayward Field, USA. Chaudhary holds India’s national record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:15.31 set at the World Athletics Championships 2023. This time also qualified her for the Paris 2024 Olympics, surpassing the required standard of 9:23.00.
Achieving the entry standard is one step towards Olympic qualification. The final decision rests with National Olympic Committees regarding selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In other recent performances, Parul Chaudhary placed fifth in the women’s 5000m at the Track Fest meet with a time of 15:10.69, narrowly missing her personal best and national record by 0.34 seconds. Earlier in the year, she finished 20th in the 10,000m race at The Ten.
Previous Achievements
At the Asian Games in Hangzhou 2023, Chaudhary won the silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase and the gold medal in the 5000m event. She also secured gold and silver medals in the 3000m steeplechase and 5000m respectively at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok the same year.
Training and Coaching for Olympics 2024
Parul Chaudhary is currently preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics in Colorado, training at a high-altitude center in Colorado Springs under coach Scott Simmons. Since 2019, Simmons, who has been leading national middle and long-distance camps, believes that Indian athletes have a strong opportunity to excel in team championships.
Athletes choose high-altitude training to reduce oxygen availability, aiming to enhance performance when competing at sea level. This advantage is offered at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, situated at 6,350 feet elevation.
Annu Rani – Javelin Throw: India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024-Part 6
Annu Rani Dharayan was born on 28 August 1992 into a Jat family in the village of Bahadurpur, Meerut. Her father, Amarpal, was a farmer. Her talent for javelin throw was discovered by her brother, Upendra, who noticed her impressive upper body strength during a game of cricket. Recognizing her potential, he began training her by having her throw sugarcane sticks in an empty field.
Personal Information
Nationality: India Born: 28 August 1992 (age 31) Birthplace: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh Height: 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) Weight: 63 kg (139 lb) (2014)
Sport
Discipline: Track and field Event: Javelin throw Team: India
Early Training and Challenges
Annu crafted her first javelin stick from a piece of bamboo due to financial constraints. She started practicing javelin throw in 2010 at the age of 18. Despite initial resistance from her father, who disapproved of girls participating in sports, her brother supported her training financially.
Turning Point
Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she broke the national record in javelin throw. This achievement changed her father’s perspective, and he began to support her athletic ambitions wholeheartedly. Since then, She continued to pursue her passion for javelin throw, making significant strides in her career.
Breakthrough in World Athletics
She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the finals of the women’s javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships held in Doha in 2019. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her athletic career.
World ranking
Tokyo 2020 Olympics Performance
She is the second Indian female javelin thrower to compete at the Olympics 2020 after Gurmeet Kaur (Sydney 2000), began her day with a throw of 50.35 meters. She improved her performance with subsequent throws of 53.19 meters and 54.04 meters. Despite these efforts, her throws were insufficient to advance to the medal round.
Her best throw of 54.04 meters was far from her personal best of 63.24 meters, a national record she set during the Federation Cup in March. The Olympic qualifying mark was set at 63 meters.
Competitors’ Performance-Poland’s Maria Andrejczyk, a favorite for the gold at Tokyo, led Group A with a throw of 65.24 meters. She was followed by Australia’s Mackenzie Little with 62.37 meters and China’s Lyu Huihui with 59.22 meters. In Group B, USA’s Maggie Malone topped with a throw of 63.07 meters.
Final Outcome – She finished 29th overall out of the 30 competitors, with the top 12 throwers across both groups advancing to the final. Unfortunately, she did not progress further in the competition.
HONOURS HONOURS
Commonwealth Games Achievement
At the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, she became the first Indian female javelin thrower to win a medal at the event, earning a historic bronze and further establishing her as a leading athlete in her field.
Asian Games Triumph
In 2023,she continued her trailblazing journey by becoming the first Indian javelin thrower to win a gold medal at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou. This victory solidified her status as a top contender in the international javelin throw arena.
Personal Best and National Record
She achieved her personal best of 63.82 meters at the Indian Open Javelin Throws Competition in Jamshedpur in 2022. This mark also stands as the women’s javelin throw national record in India.
Personal Bests
Training and Coaching for Olympics 2024
Since late last year, the 31-year-old Annu Rani has been training in Germany under the guidance of foreign athletics coach Werner Daniels. The qualification mark for the Paris 2024 Olympics is set at 64 meters, just slightly above her personal best. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/track-and-field-athlete-paris-olympics-2024/
“Champions Unveiled: India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024”-Part 5
Manika Batra, an Indian table tennis player, has established herself with a shakehand grip style. She achieved her highest ranking of 24 and currently holds the 26th position as of May 2024.
Personal Information
Full Name: Manika Batra Nationality: Indian Born: 15 June 1995 (age 29) Birthplace: Delhi, India Height: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) (2018) Weight: 67 kg (148 lb) (2018)
Table Tennis Career
Playing Style: Shakehand grip Highest Ranking: 24 Current Ranking: 26 (27 May 2024)
Manika Batra -Born on 15 June 1995 in Delhi, India, stands as a prominent figure in Indian women’s table tennis, currently ranked 28th globally in the women’s singles category and the second-highest ranked female paddler from India. Her breakthrough came during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she secured an impressive haul of two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. That same year, she also earned a bronze medal at the Asian Games, further cementing her reputation on the international stage.
As she prepares for her third Olympic appearance at Paris 2024, her ability to challenge and defeat top-ranked players, such as her notable victory over World No. 2 Wang Manyu of China, underscores her potential. In Paris, she will compete in both the women’s singles and women’s team events, aiming to showcase her skills and contribute to India’s TT aspirations on the global platform.
Prior to this feat, Batra had already stamped her mark by winning three gold medals at the 2016 South Asian Games and making her Olympic debut at Rio 2016. Despite early offers in modelling during her teenage years, she remained steadfast in her dedication to TT, a sport she began playing with her siblings from a young age in Delhi.
Batra’s ambitions extend beyond personal accolades; she aims to elevate the profile of TT in India, drawing inspiration from the achievements of PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal in badminton. Reflecting on her goals, Batra envisions a future where table tennis gains the same level of recognition and admiration nationwide as badminton has achieved. Her journey continues to inspire a new generation of aspiring athletes in India and beyond. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/indias-champions-at-paris-olympics-2024/
Career Highlights
Manika Batra has carved a remarkable career in TT, showcasing her prowess on both national and international stages:
Early Successes: In 2011, She clinched the silver medal in the under-21 category at the Chile Open, marking an early milestone in her career.
Commonwealth and Asian Games: She represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2014 Asian Games, solidifying her presence in international tournaments. At the 2015 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships, Batra won three medals, including silver in women’s team and doubles events, and bronze in singles.
South Asian Games Dominance (2016): She made history at the 2016 South Asian Games by securing three gold medals in women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s team events. She also claimed a silver in women’s singles, demonstrating her versatility and competitive spirit.
Olympic Journey (2016 and 2020): Qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she represented India in the women’s singles event. Despite early challenges, her participation marked a significant achievement in Indian table tennis. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she reached the third round of the women’s singles, becoming the first Indian paddler to achieve this feat in an Olympic singles event.
Commonwealth Games Triumph (2018): She played a pivotal role in India’s gold medal victory against Singapore at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, defeating top-ranked players and becoming the first Indian woman to secure a Commonwealth table tennis individual gold medal. She also won silver in women’s doubles at the same event.
Continued Success: In 2021, she partnered with Sathiyan Gnanasekaran to win the WTT Contender Budapest mixed doubles and the WTT Contender Lasko women’s doubles titles, showcasing her consistency and skill in doubles competitions.
Recent Achievements: Batra reached the quarter-finals in women’s doubles at the 2022 WTT Grand Smash Singapore event and secured silver in mixed doubles at the WTT Contender Doha 2022.
Rankings and Recognition
World Rankings: On 5 April 2022, Batra and Archana Girish Kamath achieved a world ranking of No. 4 in women’s doubles, marking the highest-ever ranking by Indian table tennis players across all categories.
Manika Batra’s journey continues to inspire, highlighting her resilience, dedication, and ongoing contributions to Indian table tennis on the global stage.
Paris Olympics 2024: A total of 117 athletes will represent India at the Games, which will be held between July 26 and August 11. This will be India’s second-biggest contingent after 121 in Tokyo.
Here is the complete list of Indian athletes who have qualified for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
India’s Champions at Paris Olympics 2024: A Journey of Triumph and Determination
India made history at the Tokyo Olympics by sending its largest-ever team of 124 athletes and achieving its highest-ever medal tally in a single edition, with seven medals. Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold in the men’s javelin throw was a standout performance that captured the nation’s imagination. As we shift our focus to the Paris Olympics 2024, all eyes will be on Neeraj as he aims to defend his title and continue his legacy. READ SCHEDULE as per Indian Standard Time – https://globalbuzznetwork.com/paris-2024-olympics-full-schedule-india/
Final list of Participants for Paris Olympics 2024-16th July 2024
In shooting, India has experienced a significant journey involving Olympic quotas. Bhowneesh Mendiratta initially secured India’s first quota for Paris 2024 in trap shooting at the 2022 ISSF World Championships. However, after intense national trials, Prithviraj Tondaiman earned the final spot. Remarkably, India has achieved quotas across all Olympic shooting disciplines for the first time, showcasing the depth of talent and determination within the sport.
Breaking New Ground in Athletics
In athletics, race walkers Priyanka Goswami and Akshdeep Singh made history by becoming the first Indians to qualify for events at Paris 2024. Their dedication and hard work have set a new benchmark for Indian athletics. Four Indian athletes met the qualifying standard for the men’s 20km walk, with Akshdeep, Vikash, and Paramjeet Singh earning selection under the maximum quota of three athletes per event. Priyanka and Akshdeep also secured a quota for India in the mixed relay marathon race walk event, where Priyanka will partner with Suraj in Paris.
Boxing Brilliance
In women’s 57kg boxing, Parveen Hooda initially earned the quota at the 2023 Asian Games but faced suspension due to whereabouts failures. Demonstrating the resilience and fighting spirit synonymous with Indian athletes, Jasmine Lamboria subsequently secured the quota at the Olympic qualifiers in Bangkok held in June. Her determination and skill have earned her a place among India’s champions at Paris 2024.
A Nation’s Pride
These athletes, India’s Champions at Paris Olympics 2024, are ready to make the nation proud. Their stories of hard work, dedication, and resilience are a testament to the spirit of Indian sports. As they prepare to compete on the world stage, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a billion people, all rooting for their success.
Avinash Sable Makes History, Qualifies for Olympic 3000m Steeplechase Final
Indian Steeplechaser Makes Olympic Debut in Final
Avinash Sable becomes the first Indian man to qualify for the 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris Olympics.
He finished fifth in his heat with a time of 8:15.43, securing a spot among the top five qualifiers.
The final will be held on August 8th at the Stade de France.
Strategic Race Leads Sable to Qualification
Sable took the early lead and maintained it for the first half of the race.
He faced challenges from other competitors but strategically adjusted his pace.
Despite a slower time than his personal best, Sable secured qualification for the final.
Background: A Seasoned Runner with Olympic Ambitions
Sable is the current Indian national record holder in the 3000m steeplechase.
He previously missed Olympic qualification in Tokyo but held the fastest non-qualifying time.
Sable met the direct entry standard for Paris 2024 with a qualifying run in 2023.
Looking Ahead: A Competitive Final Awaits
Sable faces strong competition in the final, with the fastest qualifiers coming from the second heat.
His experience and strategic approach will be crucial in the final race.
“Champions Unveiled: India’s Olympic Contenders for Paris 2024”-Part 4
Avinash Sable -3000m steeplechase
Avinash Sable breaks his own personal best for a timing of 8:09.91 in men’s 3000m steeplechase at Paris Diamond League meet. Finishes 6th. (FILE)
Avinash Mukund Sable: Profile of an Olympic Steeplechase Runner
Avinash Mukund Sable is an impressive Indian track and field athlete specializing in the 3000 metres steeplechase. He holds the national record of 8:09.91, set at the 2024 Paris Diamond League. This remarkable achievement marked the 10th time he had broken the national record.
Full Name: Avinash Mukund Sable
Date of Birth: 13 September 1994 (age 29)
Birthplace: Mandwa, Beed district, Maharashtra, India
Military Career
Allegiance: India
Service/Branch: Indian Army
Rank: Naib Subedar
Unit: Mahar Regiment
Athletic Career
Sport: Track and Field
Event: 3000 Metres Steeplechase
Early Life of Avinash Mukund Sable
Avinash Mukund Sable was born on 13 September 1994 in Mandwa, Tq. Ashti, Beed district, Maharashtra, into a family of farmers. From a young age, he displayed remarkable resilience and determination, running or walking the 6 km (3.7 mi) distance between home and school due to the lack of transport facilities in his village.
After completing 12th grade, Sable joined the 5 Mahar regiment of the Indian Army. His military service included challenging postings at the Siachen Glacier in 2013–2014, the deserts of northwestern Rajasthan, and Sikkim from 2015.
In 2015, at the insistence of his colleagues, Sable participated in inter-army cross country running, which marked the beginning of his athletic career. He soon switched to the steeplechase under the guidance of trainer Amrish Kumar. During this time, Sable, who was initially overweight, managed to lose 20 kg (44 lb) in three months before joining the national camp, where he trained under Nikolai Snesarev.
However, in 2018, Sable returned to coach Kumar, as Snesarev’s training routine did not suit him. This decision proved pivotal in his athletic development, setting the stage for his future successes.
Avinash Sable won the 3000m steeplechase gold medal at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou.
Avinash Mukund Sable: From Setbacks to Records
After failing to qualify for the 2018 Asian Games due to an ankle injury, Avinash Mukund Sable made a remarkable comeback by breaking the 37-year-old national record of 8:30.88, previously held by Gopal Saini. Sable clocked 8:29.80 at the 2018 National Open Championships in Bhubaneswar. He continued his record-breaking streak by setting a new national record of 8:28.94 in March 2019 at the Federation Cup in Patiala. This achievement qualified him for the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships and the 2019 World Athletics Championships, making him the first male Indian steeplechaser to qualify for the World Championships since Deena Ram in 1991.
In his debut international event at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships in Doha, Sable won the silver medal with a timing of 8:30.19. On 1 October 2019, at the World Championships, he broke his own national record again, running 8:25.23 in the heats despite being tripped twice by Takele Nigate. Initially finishing seventh in the heats and out of contention for the final, a successful appeal by the Athletics Federation of India included him in the final, making him the first Indian to qualify for the 3000 metres steeplechase final at the World Championships. He further improved the national record to 8:21.37 in the final, finishing 13th out of 16 runners, and qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Sable continued to set new milestones, setting a national record at the 2020 Delhi Half Marathon by completing the run in less than 61 minutes. At the 2020 Summer Olympics, he placed seventh in the heats with a new national record of 8:18.12, becoming the fastest non-qualifier across all heats.
In 2022, Sable set two more national records: first at the Indian Grand Prix with a time of 8:16.21, and then at the Meeting International Mohamed VI in Rabat with a time of 8:12.48, placing 5th—his highest rank in a Diamond League event. He won the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a new national record time of 8:11.20, marking the first time since 1994 that an athlete from outside Kenya won a medal in the men’s 3000 metres steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games.
At the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships, Sable finished 35th, clocking 31:43 over the 10km distance in a field of over 100 athletes. He won the first gold medal for India in the steeplechase and a silver medal in the 5000 metres at the 2022 Asian Games. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/track-and-field-athlete-paris-olympics-2024/
Avinash Sable personal bestAvinash Sable world rankingAvinash Sable honours
Record-Breaking Performance: Avinash Sable Sets New Steeplechase Benchmark at Paris Diamond League
Avinash Sable, the 3000m steeplechase runner, is being propelled ahead of the Paris Games by an easier schedule, dietary restrictions, and elite training surroundings. On Sunday, Sable surpassed his own national record in the 3000m steeplechase at the prestigious Paris Diamond League meet, finishing sixth with a time of 8 minutes and 9.91 seconds. This remarkable performance sets a new benchmark for the Olympics-bound athlete.
Avinash Sable Breaks National Record Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics: A Steeplechase Journey
Avinash Sable, India’s premier 3000m steeplechase runner, is setting the stage for the Paris 2024 Olympics with a remarkable performance at the Paris Diamond League. On Sunday, Sable bettered his own national record, clocking an impressive 8:09.91 and finishing sixth in a highly competitive field. This achievement not only underscores his readiness for the Olympics but also highlights his dedication to the sport.
A Record-Breaking Performance
At the Paris Diamond League, Avinash Sable surpassed his previous personal best of 8:11:20 by more than a second. This marked the tenth time he has broken the national record in his career. Competing against world-class athletes, Sable demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, sending a clear message that he is a formidable contender for the upcoming Olympics.
Stellar Track Record
Sable, a 29-year-old Naib Subedar in the Indian Army, has an impressive track record. He has won two Asian Games medals and a Commonwealth Games medal. In 2022, he clinched a silver medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games. Later, at the delayed 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, he won a gold medal in the men’s 3000m steeplechase and a silver medal in the men’s 5000m.
Elite Training and Preparation
This season, Sable adopted a strategic approach to his training, focusing on quality over quantity. His training stint at the elite Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center in the USA taught him to train smart, not hard. This year, he participated in just three steeplechase competitions, including the Paris Diamond League. His training regimen emphasized rigorous preparation and recovery, allowing him to peak at the right time. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/track-and-field-athlete-paris-olympics-2024/
Overcoming Past Mistakes
Reflecting on his journey, Sable acknowledged mistakes made in the past two years, particularly at the World Championships in 2022 and 2023. Determined to improve, he vowed to deliver a memorable performance at the Paris Olympics with a refined approach. “I committed mistakes in the last two years. I had gone with good fitness in the two world championships but could not do well at both. I want to make amends, hope that this Olympics will be my best,” said the reigning Asian Games gold medallist.
Lifestyle Changes and Dietary Discipline
Sable’s preparation for the Olympics also involved significant lifestyle changes. He adopted strict dietary restrictions, eliminating sweets and fast food from his diet. Despite his love for sugary treats, he now focuses on maintaining optimal nutrition to enhance his performance. “I have a major sweet tooth. I love anything with sugar in it. I used to drink a lot of milkshakes and enjoy my ice cream. Now everything is off the table. Only coffee without sugar. It’s not fun at all. These restrictions are tougher to deal with than training,” he admitted.
Mental Resilience and Training with Elites
Training alongside world-class athletes like Paul Chelimo at Colorado Springs has had a profound impact on Sable. He learned to separate his sports life from his personal life, reducing stress and enhancing his performance. “Earlier I could not separate my sports and personal life. If I had a bad day on the field, that would affect my whole routine. I would carry the problems of the track to my personal life and it was draining me. In the US I saw how athletes would have a bad day and just brush it off,” he explained.
Aiming for Olympic Glory
With a renewed mindset and top physical condition, Sable is poised to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics. His performance at the Paris Diamond League is a testament to his hard work and determination. As he continues to train and prepare, Sable remains focused on his goal of achieving Olympic glory for India.
Avinash Sable breaks his own personal best for a timing of 8:09.91 in men’s 3000m steeplechase at Paris Diamond League meet. Finishes 6th. (FILE)
2024 Paris Olympics: Indian Athletes’ Day-Wise Highlights
The 2024 Olympic Games will officially open on July 26th in Paris with a historic ceremony along the river Seine. The medal events will kick off on Saturday, July 27th, with the 10m air rifle matches featuring Indian shooters Sandeep Singh, Arjun Babut, Elavenil Valarivan, and Ramita vying for medals. The final event where India might contend for a medal is the women’s 76kg wrestling category, with Reetika Hooda aiming for victory.
Men’s 20km Race Walk, Women’s 20km Race Walk (11 AM onwards)
Badminton
Men’s Doubles Quarter Finals
Women’s Doubles Quarter Finals
Men’s Singles Round of 16
Women’s Singles Round of 16
Hockey
India vs. Belgium – 1:30 pm
Golf
Men’s Round 1
Judo
Women’s 78+ kg Round of 32 to Finals
Rowing
Men’s Single Sculls SF A/B
Sailing
Men’s Dinghy Race 1-10
Women’s Dinghy Race 1-10
Shooting
50m Rifle 3 Positions Men’s Final
50m Rifle 3 Positions Women’s Qualification
Table Tennis
Men’s Singles Quarter Finals
Women’s Singles Quarter Finals
Tennis
Men’s Singles Quarter Finals
2nd August, Friday
Archery
Mixed Team Round of 16 to Finals
Athletics
Men’s Shot Put Qualification
Badminton
Women’s Doubles Semi Finals
Men’s Doubles Semi Finals
Men’s Singles Quarter Finals
Hockey
India vs. Australia – 4:45 pm
Golf
Men’s Round 2
Rowing
Men’s Single Sculls Finals
Shooting
Skeet Men’s Qualification – Day 1
25m Pistol Women’s Qualifiers
50m Rifle 3 Positions Women’s Final
Table Tennis
Men’s Singles Semi Finals
Women’s Singles Semi Finals
Tennis
Men’s Singles Semi Finals
Men’s Doubles Medal Matches
3rd August, Saturday
Archery
Women’s Individual Round of 16 to Finals
Athletics
Men’s Shot Put Final
Badminton
Women’s Singles Quarter Finals
Women’s Doubles Medal Matches
Boxing
Quarter Finals
Women’s 60kg – Semifinal
Golf
Men’s Round 3
Shooting
Skeet Men’s Qualification – Day 2
Skeet Women’s Qualification – Day 1
25m Pistol Women’s Final
Skeet Men’s Final
Table Tennis
Women’s Singles Medal Matches
Tennis
Men’s Singles Medal Matches
4th August, Sunday
Archery
Men’s Individual Round of 16 to Finals
Athletics
Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Round 1 (1:35 pm)
Men’s Long Jump Qualification
Badminton
Women’s Singles Semi Finals
Men’s Singles Semi Finals
Men’s Doubles Medal Matches
Boxing
Semi-Finals
Equestrian
Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle
Hockey
Men’s Quarter Finals
Golf
Men’s Round 4
Shooting
25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men’s Qualification-Stage 1
Skeet Women’s Qualification – Day 2
Skeet Women’s Final
Table Tennis
Men’s Singles Medal Matches
5th August, Monday
Athletics
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Round 1
Women’s 5000m Final
Badminton
Women’s Singles Medal Matches
Men’s Singles Medal Matches
Shooting
Skeet Mixed Team Qualification
25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men’s Final
Skeet Mixed Team Medal Match
Table Tennis
Men’s & Women’s Team Round of 16
Wrestling
Women’s 68 kg Round of 16 & Quarter Finals
6th August, Tuesday
Athletics
Men’s Javelin Throw Qualification
Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Final
Men’s Long Jump Final
Boxing
Semi-Finals
Women’s 60kg Final
Hockey
Men’s Semi-Final
Sailing
Men’s & Women’s Dinghy Medal Race
Table Tennis
Men’s Team Quarter-Finals
Women’s Team Quarter-Finals
Wrestling
Women’s 68 kg Semi-Finals to Medal Matches
Women’s 50 kg Round of 16 & Quarter-Finals
7th August, Wednesday
Athletics
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Final
Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay
Women’s 100m Hurdles Round 1
Women’s Javelin Throw Qualification
Men’s High Jump Qualification
Men’s Triple Jump Qualification
Boxing
Men’s 63.5kg Final
Men’s 80kg Final
Golf
Women’s Round 1
Table Tennis
Men’s Team Quarter-Finals
Women’s Team Quarter-Finals
Men’s Team Semi-Finals
Weightlifting
Women’s 49 kg
Wrestling
Women’s 50 kg Semi-Finals to Medal Matches
Women’s 53 kg Round of 16 & Quarter-Finals
8th August, Thursday
Athletics
Men’s Javelin Throw Final
Women’s 100m Hurdles Repechage
Women’s Shot Put Qualification
Boxing
Men’s 51kg Final
Women’s 54kg Final
Hockey
Men’s Medal Matches
Golf
Women’s Round 2
Table Tennis
Men’s Singles Semi-Finals
Women’s Singles Semi-Finals
Wrestling
Women’s 57 kg Round of 16 & Quarter-Finals
Women’s 53 kg Semi-Finals to Medal Matches
Men’s 57 kg Round of 16 & Quarter-Finals
9th August, Friday
Athletics
Women’s 4x400m Relay Round 1
Men’s 4x400m Relay Round 1
Women’s 100m Hurdles Semi-Finals
Women’s Shot Put Final
Men’s Triple Jump Final
Boxing
Men’s 71kg Final
Women’s 50kg Final
Men’s 92kg Final
Women’s 66kg Final
Golf
Women’s Round 3
Table Tennis
Men’s Team Medal Matches
Women’s Team Medal Matches
Wrestling
Women’s 57 kg Semi-Finals to Medal Matches
Men’s 57 kg Semi-Finals to Medal Matches
Women’s 62 kg Round of 16 & Quarter-Finals
10th August, Saturday
Athletics
Women’s 4x400m Relay Final
Men’s 4x400m Relay Final
Women’s 100m Hurdles Final
Women’s Javelin Throw Final
Men’s High Jump Final
Boxing
Women’s 57kg Final
Men’s 57kg Final
Women’s 75kg Final
Men’s +92kg Final
Golf
Women’s Round 4
Table Tennis
Men’s Team Medal Matches
Women’s Team Medal Matches
Wrestling
Women’s 76 kg Round of 16 & Quarter-Finals
Women’s 62 kg Semi-Finals and Medal Matches
11th August, Sunday
Wrestling
Women’s 76 kg Semi-Finals to Medal Matches
Closing Ceremony
These events cover athletics, boxing, golf, table tennis, wrestling, and the Closing Ceremony, marking the conclusion of the 2024 Olympics on August 11th, 2024.
