Preeti Pal made history by becoming the first Indian to ever win a para-athletics medal at the Paralympics. The para-athlete from Muzaffarnagar clinched the bronze in the women’s 200m T35 race, achieving a personal best time of 14.21 at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
The T35 classification is designated for athletes with coordination impairments, encompassing conditions such as hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and cerebral palsy.
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian sports, the country has announced its largest-ever contingent for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8. A staggering 84 athletes will represent India, surpassing the previous record of 54 athletes sent to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
R4 – Mixed 10m air rifle standing, R5 – Mixed 10m air rifle prone
SH2
79
Mahavir Unhalkar
Para Shooting
R1 – Men’s 10m air rifle standing
SH1
80
Rubina Francis
Para Shooting
P2 – Women’s 10m air pistol
SH1
81
Suyash Jadhav
Para Swimming
Men’s 50m butterfly
S7
82
Sonalben Patel
Para Table Tennis
Women’s singles – WS3, Women’s doubles – WD10
3
83
Bhavinaben Patel
Para Table Tennis
Women’s singles – WS4, Women’s doubles – WD10
4
84
Aruna
Para Taekwondo
Women 47kg
K44
The Indian Paralympic contingent’s historic size and scope are a promising sign for the country’s growing presence in the international sports arena. As these talented athletes prepare to take the stage in Paris, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement for what’s to come.
The Paris 2024 Olympics ended on August 11 with a grand closing ceremony at Stade de France in France. Twin bronze medal winner Manu Bhaker and men’s hockey team’s veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh were India’s flag bearers at the closing ceremony. The Indian contingent won a total of six medals, including five bronze and one silver. The Indian athletes failed to clinch a single gold medal and finished at 71st place in the medal tally. The following table shows the final medal tally –
Manu Bhaker Is India’s Star Shooter
Manu Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooter from Haryana has created history by winning two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She became the first markswoman from India to win an Olympic medal in individual 10m air pistol event at the Olympics Games. She teamed with Sarabjot Singh to bag the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze.
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India’s Youngest Olympic Medallist
Aman Sehrawat won the bronze in the men’s freestyle 57kg wrestling event at the Paris 2024 Olympics to become India’s youngest medal winner at the Summer Games. At the age of 21 years and 24 days, Aman Sehrawat bettered PV Sindhu’s record of 21 years, one month and 14 days when she bagged the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
olympics.com
Indian Men’s Hockey Team Clinches A Bronze
The Indian men’s hockey team beat Spain 2-1 to win the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This victory was the best possible farewell for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh who played his last International match on August 8. India’s triumph at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, saw India secure a record-extending 13th medal in hockey at the Olympics and the second bronze in successive editions. Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh said “I feel great….. We create history again, back-to-back (bronze medals). It’s a big day for India and a big day for hockey”.
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Did You Know?
India won successive medals in hockey for the first time since the Munich 1972 Olympics, played 52 years ago.
Swapnil Kusale won a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 50m rifle three positions event.
thehindu.com
Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver
Neeraj Chopra’s best throw of 89.45m won him a silver medal in men’s javelin throw event at Paris 2024 Olympics. However, the gold medal was bagged by Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record mark of 92.97m. He is now the first individual Olympic gold medallist from Pakistan. Arshad Nadeem broke the earlier Olympic record of 90.57m – set in 2008 Beijing Olympics by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen.
India’s struggle for independence was long and challenging. Many brave heroes fought against British rule to achieve the dream of independence. They overcame numerous challenges, ultimately making India a free country on August 15, 1947. As we celebrate Independence Day with joy and pride, we must actively remember the sacrifices made by these heroes.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi or the “Father of the Nation.” He played an important role in India’s fight for independence. Specifically, Mahatma Gandhi led a successful, non-violent resistance campaign against British rule. As a result, he became a source of inspiration for civil rights and freedom movements worldwide. For instance, he led the country in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, the Salt March in 1930, and the Quit India Movement in 1942. Through these efforts, Mahatma Gandhi made a significant impact on India’s freedom.
2. Rani Lakshmi Bai
Rani Lakshmi Bai, was known as the “Queen of Jhansi”. She was an Indian queen and a warrior. She was one of the leaders of India’s First War of Independence in 1857 and became a symbol of resistance to the British East India Company’s rule in India.
3. Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu was both a prominent Indian political activist and a celebrated poet. In the struggle for India’s independence from British rule, she played an important role, especially during the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. Moreover, Mahatma Gandhi praised her poetry, calling her ‘the Nightingale of India’, or ‘Bharat Kokila’. Thus, she made significant contributions both as a leader and as a poet.
4. Dadabhai Naoroji
Dadabhai Naoroji was a prominent freedom fighter in India. Beyond his activism, he was also a social and political leader, an educationist, and a businessman. He was also known as the “Grand Old Man of India” and the “Unofficial Ambassador of India”. Naoroji made history as the first Indian elected to the British Parliament. His book, Poverty and Un-British Rule in India highlighted his theory of the Indian “wealth drain” into Britain, bringing significant attention to the issue.
5. Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru, originally a lawyer, was drawn to the freedom struggle. He joined Mahatma Gandhi’s nationalist movement during the Non-Cooperation Movement against British rule. As he became a key leader in the Indian National Congress, Nehru championed a non-violent struggle for India’s independence. Following independence, he took on the role of the first Prime Minister and delivered the famous speech ‘A Tryst with Destiny’. Nehru earned the title of ‘Architect of Modern India’ because he promoted scientific and social development. Additionally, he was known for his deep love for children, whom he viewed as the country’s bright future.
Mahatma Gandhi called Bal Gangadhar Tilak the “Maker of Modern India”. Tilak was one of the earliest leaders in the Indian independence movement. In 1905, he initiated a boycott of British goods. Furthermore, he advocated Swaraj believing that true progress could only be achieved through self-rule. He famously declared, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!” Through these actions, Tilak significantly influenced the movement for India’s independence.
Thus to conclude, India’s independence was achieved through the efforts of many more revolutionary Indian freedom fighters like, Lal Bahadur Shastri, B.R. Ambedkar, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Aruna Asif Ali, K.M. Munshi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh among many others who took the lead in organizing the struggle which led to India’s independence.
Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer now have tiny, flying namesakes! Scientists in Thailand have discovered new wasp species and decided to honour these sports superstars. It’s a pretty cool way to combine sports and science, right?
These tiny wasps are super interesting to study, and the scientists think they show the same kind of determination and strength as the tennis players they’re named after. Troporhogas rafaelnadali, named after the great Spanish tennis player, is characterised by its vibrant colouration and robust build, mirroring Nadal’s powerful playing style. Similarly, Troporhogas rogerfedereri showcases a more elegant form, reflecting the Swiss champion’s finesse on the court.
