Prime Minister Narendra Modi Encourages Indian Olympians
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha poses for a group photo with the Indian contingent heading for the upcoming Paris Olympics. (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared lighthearted moments with India’s Olympians, focusing on their preparations and mental readiness ahead of the Paris Olympics. The event, held recently, included a mix of in-person and online participation, with notable athletes such as Neeraj Chopra, P V Sindhu, and Nikhat Zareen joining from their training bases abroad.
During an interaction with athletes bound for Paris, conducted both in person and online on Thursday, PM Modi emphasized that those heading to the French capital could greatly benefit the country by sharing insights from their experiences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Interacts With Indian Athletes Who Are Going To Represent The Country In The Upcoming Paris Olympics (Photo: PTI)
Self-Belief: Key to Success
Badminton star P V Sindhu emphasized the importance of self-belief in achieving success on the global stage, reflecting on her own journey and preparations for the upcoming Olympics.
Excitement of First-time Olympians
Nikhat Zareen, thrilled about her maiden Olympic journey, shared her excitement during the interaction, illustrating the enthusiasm and anticipation among first-time Olympians.
Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic Preparation and Advice
Neeraj Chopra, currently training in Germany, is focused on achieving peak fitness to defend his Olympic gold in javelin throw at Paris 2024. Despite grappling with an adductor injury over recent months, Chopra remains optimistic about his preparation.
“We are now training in Germany, and it is progressing well,” Chopra stated, reflecting on his recent performance at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland, where he secured a notable victory. “I am reducing my competition appearances due to my injury, but things are improving significantly.”
With just a month left before the Olympics, Chopra is determined to attain full fitness, emphasizing his commitment to giving his all for India. “The Olympics only come once every four years,” he highlighted, urging fellow athletes to identify their sources of motivation to excel.
In offering advice to his peers bound for Paris, Chopra emphasized the importance of fearlessness in facing the challenges of the world’s premier sporting event. His words underscore a resolute determination to perform at his best on the global stage. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/neeraj-chopra-ready-for-paris-olympics-2024/
PM Modi’s Advice: Calmness and Rest
Prime Minister Modi advised the Paris-bound athletes to prioritize calmness and adequate rest, underscoring the significance of mental wellness alongside physical preparedness for optimal performance at the Games.
The interaction not only boosted morale but also highlighted the unity and determination of India’s contingent as they gear up to represent the nation on the international stage.
Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/OOoipJpfUb
In a recent interaction with Paris-bound athletes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics, emphasizing the importance of creating a thriving sporting environment. While respecting their focus during events, Modi encouraged athletes to observe and provide feedback on arrangements in Paris, crucial for enhancing future preparations.
Letsile Tebogo (born 7 June 2003) is a Botswana sprinter who has rapidly ascended the ranks in the world of athletics. Tebogo clinched the silver medal in the 100 meters at the 2023 World Championships and followed it up with a bronze medal in the 200 meters five days later.
Tebogo made a mark at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, winning the 100 meters and securing second place in the 200 meters in both 2021 and 2022. In 2021, he became the first athlete from Botswana to claim the 100m title at any World Championships level. His success continued as he became the 200m African champion in 2022, the youngest in the competition’s history.
On February 17, 2024, Tebogo set a world best in the 300m, clocking 30.69 seconds at altitude in Pretoria, South Africa. He held the world U20 record in the 100m from April 2022 to July 2023 and was the first man from Botswana to break the 10-second barrier.
Personal Information
Nickname: School-boy
Nationality: Botswana
Born: 7 June 2003 (age 21)
Birthplace: Kanye, Botswana
Employer: Nike
Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight: 77 kg (170 lb)
Sport
Country: Botswana
Sport: Athletics
Event: Sprints
Coach: Kebonyemodisa Dose Mosimanyane
Achievements and Titles
Medal Record
World Championships
Silver medal – second place, 2023 Budapest, 100 m
Bronze medal – third place, 2023 Budapest, 200 m
World Relays
Gold medal – first place, 2024 Nassau, 4×400 m relay
African Championships
Gold medal – first place, 2022 Saint Pierre, 200 m
Day 7 – World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 (Image Credits GETTY)
Five Fascinating Facts About Letsile Tebogo, the Rising Star in Athletics
Early Sporting Beginnings Letsile Tebogo, nicknamed “School-boy,” started his athletic journey alongside football at a young age. Frustrated by frequent benching in football, he opted to focus solely on sprinting, where he excelled from early on. His prowess earned him national recognition early in his career.
Rapid Progress in Sprinting Tebogo only started taking sprinting seriously around 2019. His breakthrough came with notable performances in the 100m and 200m events, culminating in setting national records and eventually breaking world U20 records.
Passion for the 200m Despite excelling in both the 100m and 200m, Tebogo’s favorite event is the 200m. He aims to break the sub-20 second barrier and has set his sights on achieving a sprint double at the World U20 Championships.
History-Making Achievements Tebogo made history as the first Botswana athlete to win a 100m event at a global stage. He also became the second sprinter from his country to break the 10-second barrier, following in the footsteps of Olympic medalist Nijel Amos.
Inspiration from Usain Bolt Admiring the achievements of Usain Bolt, Tebogo aspires to emulate the legendary sprinter’s success. He aims to leave a lasting mark in the world of athletics, driven by his determination to bring change and glory to his country.
These facts highlight Letsile Tebogo’s remarkable journey from a talented youngster to a world-class sprinter, poised to make his mark on the international stage.
Picture by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images
Kishane Thompson: Key Facts About the Jamaican Sprint Sensation
Athlete Name: Kishane Thompson
Country: Jamaica
Date of Birth: 17 July 2001
Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson has emerged as a formidable force on the track, setting the stage for an exciting presence at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
At the 2024 Jamaican National Championships, Thompson delivered an impressive performance in the men’s 100m, clocking an astonishing 9.77 seconds. This time not only secured his victory but also marked the fastest 100m time globally in the past two years, highlighting his exceptional form ahead of the Games.
Thompson’s achievement positions him as a potential successor to Jamaica’s legendary sprinter Usain Bolt, aiming to etch his name in Jamaican athletics history at Paris 2024.
Watch Kishane Thompson 🇯🇲 run an incredible 9.77s (+0.9) to win the Jamaican men's 100m title!😱
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) June 29, 2024
Kishane Thompson: Following Legends in Sprinting
In the illustrious history of Jamaican sprinting, Kishane Thompson aims to carve his name alongside legendary figures. His recent performance in the men’s 100m final places him in esteemed company as the fourth fastest Jamaican sprinter of all time.
Among those who have recorded faster times are Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic champion with a personal best of 9.58 seconds, Yohan Blake, a four-time Olympic medallist with a best of 9.69 seconds, and Asafa Powell, a Rio 2016 4x100m relay gold medallist who has clocked 9.72 seconds. Thompson’s achievement underscores his potential to leave a lasting legacy in Jamaican sprinting history.
Straight Out of the Blocks: Kishane Thompson’s Remarkable Season Debut
Kishane Thompson’s victory at the Jamaican trials is not only impressive for the time recorded but also notable as his first competition of the season.
His performance marks a strong statement at the start of the season, improving even further from his previous day’s 100m heats by shaving off five hundredths of a second. The 22-year-old sprinter returned to racing for the first time since his debut campaign ended in September 2023, where he achieved a time of 9.87 seconds at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, USA.
Thompson’s ability was evident as he comfortably eased into a clear lead during the race. With his potential on display, the question arises: what heights will he reach if he competes at Paris 2024?
Thompson Coached by Stephen Francis: A Path to Olympic Glory
Following his race, Thompson revealed, “My coach advised me to focus on the first 60 meters and then ease off.” His coach? None other than the esteemed Stephen ‘Franno’ Francis, renowned for coaching numerous Jamaican athletes and Olympic champions.
Francis, who has guided the last four women’s 100m champions and trained sprinters like Asafa Powell—whom Thompson trails by just five hundredths of a second—knows what it takes to shape an Olympic champion. His roster includes Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Michael Frater, and Brigitte Foster-Hylton, among others
Paris 2024 Olympics – Increased Monetary Awards for Paris Olympics Medalists
Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics scheduled from July 26 to August 11, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has raised the monetary awards for medal-winning athletes. The IOA has announced substantial increases across all medal categories, reinforcing its support for Indian athletes competing at the highest level.
The prize money for gold medal winners at the Games has been raised from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Meanwhile, according to the Times of India, silver and bronze medal winners in Paris will receive Rs 75 lakh and Rs 50 lakh respectively.
This prize money is separate from the government’s scheme, where Paris 2024 Olympics gold medalists receive Rs 75 lakh, while silver and bronze medalists are awarded Rs 50 lakh and Rs 30 lakh respectively.
Additionally, World Athletics (WA) recently revealed a cash prize of $50,000 (approximately Rs 42 lakh) for every athlete winning a gold medal at this year’s Olympics. Returning to the IOA.
Regarding team prize money , the IOA has decided to award a cash prize of Rs 2 crore to the gold medal-winning team, while silver and bronze medal-winning teams will receive Rs 1 crore and 75 lakh respectively.
Believe in your strength and dedication as you step onto the Olympic stage. Every challenge faced, every sacrifice made, has prepared you for this moment. Embrace the spirit of unity and excellence, knowing that you represent not just yourself, but a world of supporters. Strive for greatness and make history. https://globalbuzznetwork.com/list-of-sports-events-medals-dates-and-location-schedule/
Neeraj Chopra: From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom
Early Success and Olympic Qualification
Neeraj Chopra secured his spot in the Paris Olympics 2024 in August 2023 and the World Championships final with a remarkable javelin throw of 88.77m. His journey to becoming India’s first World Athletics Championships gold medalist began in his village of Khandra, Haryana.
A Rising Star’s Origins
Born into a Haryanvi Ror family, Neeraj initially struggled with weight issues but found his calling in athletics at a young age. Introduced to javelin throwing by coach Jai Choudhary, Neeraj’s talent was evident early on despite limited resources.
Early Days and First Coach
Neeraj Chopra’s journey in javelin throw began at the Panipat Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in 2010, where he trained alongside Akshay Choudhary from Ghaziabad. Impressed by Chopra’s natural talent, Choudhary, a javelin thrower himself, became his first coach. Despite minimal training, Chopra demonstrated a throw of 40 meters, sparking Choudhary’s interest and setting the stage for his early development in the sport.
Learning and Initial Success
Under Choudhary’s guidance and alongside experienced athletes from Jalandhar, Chopra learned the fundamentals of javelin throw. His dedication quickly paid off when he won his first medal—a bronze—in district championships. Encouraged by this early success, Chopra convinced his family to allow him to move to Panipat to focus on further honing his skills.
Training at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex
At the age of 13, Neeraj Chopra moved to the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula, equipped with one of Haryana’s only synthetic runways at the time. Under the coaching of Naseem Ahmad, who specialized in long-distance running, Chopra trained rigorously in both running and javelin throw techniques. Despite the lack of a dedicated javelin coach in Panchkula, Chopra and fellow thrower Parminder Singh studied videos of Czech champion Jan Zelezny to refine their techniques.
Emergence on the National Stage
Chopra’s hard work and training soon paid dividends. At the National Junior Athletics Championships in Lucknow on October 27, 2012, he made a significant breakthrough, setting a new national record with a throw of 68.40 meters and winning gold. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in Chopra’s career, showcasing his potential as a rising star in Indian athletics.
Stepping onto the Global Stage
After missing the 2016 Olympics due to timing constraints, Neeraj continued to hone his skills under coach Uwe Hohn. In 2021, he made history at the Tokyo Olympics, winning India’s first-ever gold in athletics with a throw of 87.58m.
Continued Dominance and Impact
Since his Olympic triumph, Neeraj has shattered national records, won medals at prestigious events like the World Athletics Championships, and inspired a resurgence in Indian javelin throwing. His influence extends beyond the field, driving improvements in facilities and support for aspiring athletes.
Looking Ahead to Paris Olympics 2024
With his sights set on further medals and continued improvement, Neeraj Chopra remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future of Indian athletics. His dedication and achievements continue to elevate the profile of javelin throwing in India and beyond.
Personal Background
Birth: 24 December 1997, Khandra, Haryana, India
Family: Belongs to a Haryanvi Ror family involved in agriculture
Education: BVN Public School, Dayanand Anglo-Vedic College (Chandigarh), Lovely Professional University (Jalandhar)
Military Service
Rank: Subedar in the Indian Army, serving in 4 Rajputana Rifles
World Under-20 Championships: Set a world U20 record of 86.48 m in 2016
Youth Olympics: Won silver in 2014
National Record: Indian record holder for javelin throw
Major Championships
2018 Commonwealth Games: Gold medalist, setting a record of 86.47 m
2018 Asian Games: Flag-bearer and gold medalist, throwing 88.06 m
Injury and Comeback
2019: Missed World Championships due to elbow surgery
2020: Returned with a national record throw of 88.07 m
2021: Won Olympic gold in Tokyo with a throw of 87.58 m, setting new records
Post-Olympic Achievements
2022 World Championships: Silver medal with a throw of 88.13 m
2023 World Championships: Gold medal with a throw of 88.17 m
Asian Games 2022: Gold medal with a throw of 88.88 m
Recognition and Legacy
Firsts: First Asian to win Olympic gold and World Championship gold in javelin throw
Honors: Youngest Indian Olympic gold medalist in an individual event
International Rankings: Achieved #1 world ranking in men’s javelin throw
Coaching and Development
Coaches: Trained under various coaches including Gary Calvert, Uwe Hohn, and Klaus Bartonietz
Training: Trained extensively in India and abroad to refine technique and performance
Personal Bests and Records
Personal Best: 89.94 m (2022)
Medal Records: Multiple gold medals in Olympic, World Championship, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games
Neeraj Chopra’s journey from a promising young athlete in Haryana to becoming a global icon in javelin throw showcases his resilience, dedication, and historic achievements in Indian athletics.
Biography of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: A Track and Field Phenom
Early Life and Background
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (née McLaughlin) was born on August 7, 1999, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Willie and Mary McLaughlin. Her father, Willie, was an accomplished athlete, part of a lineage of track stars from East Orange High School. He was a three-time All-American at Manhattan College and a semi-finalist in the 400 meters at the 1984 Olympic Trials. Her mother, Mary, was a talented half-miler who ran on the boys’ team at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda, New York.
Sydney grew up in Dunellen, New Jersey, and started running at an early age, inspired by her older siblings. Her brother Taylor and sister Morgan were both accomplished runners, with Taylor winning silver in the 400 meter hurdles at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships. Sydney attended Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, where she was an academic standout and a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Track & Field.
Rise to Prominence
At 15, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone became the 2015 World Youth champion. In 2016, she made headlines as the youngest athlete since 1980 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic track team, placing third at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a world under-18 best of 54.15 seconds. Although she did not advance to the finals at the Rio Olympics, her performance established her as a rising star in track and field.
In 2017, McLaughlin continued to break records. She was part of an American record-setting team that broke the indoor distance medley relay world record. She also set a national high school record in the 300-meter hurdles at the Arcadia Invitational, and her performances in relays and individual events earned her widespread recognition.
Collegiate Career at the University of Kentucky
In November 2016, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Kentucky. During her time there, she set the world junior 400-meter record of 50.36 seconds at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships. She also broke the collegiate record in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 52.75 seconds at the SEC championships.
Professional Career and Record-Breaking Performances
In June 2018, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone turned professional after one year at Kentucky, signing a sponsorship deal with New Balance. Coached by Bob Kersee, she quickly established herself as a dominant force in the 400-meter hurdles. At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, she finished second behind Dalilah Muhammad. However, she claimed Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games with a world record time of 51.46 seconds.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s performances in 2022 further cemented her legacy. She broke her own world record twice: first with a time of 51.41 seconds at the USATF Championships, and then with 50.68 seconds at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Her achievements earned her the title of World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year.
In June 2024, she set another world record at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a time of 50.65 seconds. McLaughlin-Levrone is the first woman to break both the 52-second (June 2021) and 51-second (July 2022) barriers in the 400-meter hurdles, holding six of the nine fastest times on the world all-time list.
Personal Life
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone married Andre Levrone Jr., a former NFL wide receiver, on May 5, 2022. The couple is deeply rooted in their Christian faith and are members of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles. Andre is also enrolled at The Master’s Seminary, affiliated with their church.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievements have been recognized in her hometown, where the track at Columbia Park in Dunellen, New Jersey, was named in her honour on August 28, 2021. On January 30, 2024, she released an autobiographical book titled “Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith,” recounting her life and experiences from the 2016 U.S. Olympic trials through the 2023 outdoor season.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s career is marked by unprecedented achievements and relentless pursuit of excellence. She holds the current world U20 record of 53.60 seconds and has set multiple world records in the 400-meter hurdles. Her dominance in the sport is unparalleled, with nearly a one-second advantage on the world all-time list, the largest current difference between the world record and the next best performer in the event.
As she continues to train and compete, McLaughlin-Levrone’s focus remains on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in track and field. Her dedication to her craft and her faith-driven approach to life make her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide. The track world eagerly anticipates her future performances, with the possibility of even greater records on the horizon.
At just 24, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone adds “author” to her titles of Olympic gold medalist and world record holder. Her book, “Far Beyond Gold: Running From Fear to Faith,” releases on January 30, 2024. The book details her journey in athletics, her rapid rise, and the challenges she faced, including anxiety at the Rio 2016 Olympics and high school mistreatment.
Authenticity and Connection
McLaughlin-Levrone emphasizes authenticity in her writing, aiming to connect with readers through vulnerability. She hopes her story will resonate with young people facing similar struggles. “We all have issues and battles,” she said, aiming to show that athletes and entertainers also face everyday challenges.
Growth Through Writing
Revisiting her past, both good and bad, proved healing for McLaughlin-Levrone. Writing allowed her to reflect on her growth and understand the significance of tough times. “It was a full-circle process of seeing how I started and where I am now,” she shared.
Future Plans
While her focus for 2024 is the Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone envisions a future in writing. She enjoys writing poetry and sees potential for more literary endeavors. “There could be more writing,” she hinted, expressing her love for sharing thoughts and emotions through words
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a new world record in the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Sunday, clocking in at 50.65 seconds. In only her fourth long hurdles race of the season, the 24-year-old reigning Olympic champion cleared all 10 barriers with ease, sprinting to the finish line and breaking the world record for the fifth time.
Electrifying the Crowd-New 400m Hurdles World Record
Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone is an American hurdler and sprinter specializing in the 400-meter hurdles. She is the 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion, holding the Games record, and the 2022 World champion. A “ticketed” Olympic Trials crowd of 12,243 roared in excitement as they watched the trackside timer switch from 50.67 to 50.65 seconds. Four of McLaughlin-Levrone’s world records have been set at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.
Overcoming Challenges
McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey to this record has been marked by significant changes and challenges. Since moving to coach Bobby Kersee, her stride pattern between hurdles was adjusted to 14 strides early in the race. This change has been a game-changer, placing her in a league of her own.
McLaughlin-Levrone burst into Lane 5, taking control of the race from the start. She quickly outpaced the hurdlers behind her and caught those ahead by the final curve. By the home stretch, she was running alone. “She’s really fast, and she’s really strong,” said Anna Cockrell. “It’s hard to put it any other way. She’s great at maintaining her speed and executes hurdles 6 through 8 exceptionally well. She’s a great technician, so I know what I need to work on.”
A New 400m Hurdles World Record
In a race that was once decided by fractions of a second, McLaughlin-Levrone won by a staggering 1.99 seconds over Anna Cockrell and 2.12 seconds over Jasmine Jones. This performance has reset expectations and prompted the track world to rethink what’s possible in the 400-meter hurdles.
Looking Ahead to the Paris Olympics 2024
As McLaughlin-Levrone prepares for the Olympics, the conversation has shifted to the potential of breaking the 50-second barrier. Hurdling great Edwin Moses commented, “It could happen. She might need a couple more races, but that’s about it.” The world will be watching on August 8, the date of the Olympic final in Paris, to see if she can achieve this monumental feat.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone poses with the gold medal after setting a new world record in the women’s 400 meter hurdles final.
Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone: An Athletic Prodigy
