Haryana to Commence First-Ever Global Women's Kabaddi League
The first-ever Global Women's Kabaddi League will commence next month (September) in Haryana. Officially named the Global Pravasi Women's Kabaddi League (GPKL), this groundbreaking tournament will feature female athletes from over 15 countries. The event represents a significant advancement in promoting Kabaddi internationally, supporting efforts to include the sport in the Olympic Games, and bolstering India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
The League aims to advance the global development of women's kabaddi. The GPKL will showcase teams from a diverse range of countries, including England, Poland, Argentina, Canada, and Italy, with athletes from these nations expressing keen interest in participating.
Former Indian Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has supported the push for kabaddi's inclusion in the Olympics. As India pursues its goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, the inclusion of kabaddi would be a significant achievement.
Badminton: Smt. Krishna Khaitan Memorial Tournament from September 12
The 31st edition of the Smt Krishna Khaitan Memorial All India Junior Ranking Badminton Prize Money tournament will be held at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex, Sector 3, Panchkula, Haryana from September 12-19.
The tournament, being organised by Express Shuttle Club Trust under the aegis of Haryana Badminton Association, will be one of the junior ranking tournaments in the Badminton Association of India (BAI) calendar this year.
The Smt Krishna Khaitan Memorial All India Junior Ranking Badminton Prize Money tournament this year (2024) will offer important ranking points to U-19 players.
Last year, more than 1,150 entries were received for the tournament. This year's (2024) tournament will see players competing in U-19 categories in boys' and girls' singles' as well as boys', girls' and mixed doubles. The tournament will carry a total prize money of Rs. 4 lakh with quarter-finalists in boys' singles and girls' singles also getting a share.
Aug 12, 2024
China Becomes First Non-European Country to Claim Olympic Gold in Rhythmic Gymnastics
China pulled off a stunner in rhythmic gymnastics, becoming the first non-European country to win Olympic gold in the group event by finishing just ahead of Israel and Italy.
The five-woman Chinese team posted a total of 69.800 points in the final, divided into two routines: one using hoops, the other with the athletes using ribbons and balls.
China topped the eight-team final in hoops and ranked third in the other portion of the final to edge Israel by 0.950 points. Italy earned the bronze, 1.700 points behind China.
The silver is the first in rhythmic gymnastics for Israel, which won the world championship last fall. Bulgaria, the defending Olympic champion, slipped to fourth.
Paris Olympics 2024: China Attains Best Tally Since Beijing Games But USA Ahead Overall
The United States of America (USA) emerged victorious atop the medal table at the Paris Olympics, narrowly edging out arch-rivals China in a dramatic final day of competition. The race for supremacy came down to the last event of the Games, the women's basketball final, where the USA secured a nail-biting 67-66 victory over host nation France.
The final tally saw the United States finish with 126 medals, including 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze. China, despite dominating in several key disciplines, finished with 91 medals, also including 40 gold. The USA's superior overall medal count ultimately tipped the balance in its favour.
Japan, defying pre-Olympic predictions, finished third in the medal standings with 45 medals, including 20 gold. This result exceeded expectations, particularly given that Japan had finished with 27 gold medals at their home Olympics in Tokyo three years earlier.
Australia secured fourth place with 18 gold medals, while hosts France rounded out the top five with 16 gold, showcasing a strong all-around performance at their home Games. Great Britain, which had been expected to challenge for a top-three finish, ended the Games in seventh place with 14 gold medals.
India's performance, though not among the top ranks, was noteworthy, with the country finishing 71st with six medals, including five bronze and a silver. However, their tally could still increase, as wrestler Vinesh Phogat has appealed her disqualification in the women's 50kg wrestling final. Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in on the day of the final.
Manu Bhaker and P. R. Sreejesh India's Flag Carriers at the Closing Ceremony
Manu Bhaker and P. R. Sreejesh were India's flag carriers at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024. Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win a medal in shooting, taking a bronze in the 10-meter air pistol. She added another in the mixed team event. Sreejesh helped India win another bronze in men's field hockey and the 36-year-old goalkeeper retired after the Games.
The closing ceremony featured traditional highlights, including the athletes' parade and the handover of the Olympic flag to the organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Aug 11, 2024
India Triumphs in 4th CAVA Women's Volleyball Nations League 2024
The Indian women's national volleyball team proved its mettle on the international stage by clinching the gold medal at the 4th CAVA (Central Asian Volleyball Association) Women's Volleyball Nations League. In a thrilling final match, India overcame the host nation Nepal with a score of 3-2 sets, marking their second CAVA title. This prestigious event took place at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The week-long tournament featured the following five national teams from the Central Asian region: India, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Iran.
Aug 10, 2024
Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver in Javelin Throw
Neeraj Chopra came up with a season best throw of 89.45m and clinched the silver in javelin throw event at Paris Olympics 2024. Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, however, did better as he set a new Olympic record mark of 92.97m and took home the gold. He is now the first individual Olympic gold medallist from Pakistan. Arshad Nadeem broke the earlier Olympic record of 90.57 - set in 2008 Beijing Olympics by Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen. Grenada's Anderson Peters took the bronze (88.54m).
Aug 09, 2024
India's Men Hockey Team Wins Bronze
The Indian men's hockey team defeated Spain 2-1 and clinched the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. It was their second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics as they also finished third at the Tokyo Olympics.
It was the final match for Sreejesh who has already announced his retirement and after the match, the entire team paid an emotional tribute to the celebrated Indian hockey team goalkeeper. The entire team bowed down in front of the goalkeeper as show of their respect after the match.