Tag: Paris Olympics

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Vinesh Phogat Returns: Rekindling the Olympic Dream for LA28

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Vinesh Phogat is officially returning to wrestling, reigniting her pursuit of an Olympic medal as she sets her sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The announcement comes months after her emotional retirement following the heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics, where her journey ended just moments before she was set to wrestle for gold. For one of India’s most decorated wrestlers, the Paris episode had been a devastating blow. A day earlier, she stunned the world by defeating Tokyo Olympic champion Yui Susaki in the 50kg category, a victory that positioned her as a strong favourite for the top podium finish. But on the morning of the final, she was found overweight during the official weigh-in and was disqualified as per the rules. She returned from her third Olympics empty-handed — a moment that left the wrestling community shocked and filled her with deep anguish, prompting her to announce her retirement.

On Friday, Phogat revealed through an emotional Instagram message that the flame inside her never truly went out. She wrote about stepping away from the pressure, expectations and the demands of constant performance. She spoke of allowing herself to breathe for the first time in years, reflecting on the highs, heartbreaks, sacrifices and the unseen struggles that shaped her journey. In that quiet space, she rediscovered her truth — that she still loves the sport and still wants to compete at the highest level.

Her return, she said, is not just for herself. Her son, she shared, is now her biggest motivation and will be by her side throughout her journey to LA28. For Phogat, that alone makes this comeback more meaningful than any previous chapter. At 31, she carries the experience of a three-time Olympian and a career filled with achievements: World Championships bronze medals in 2019 and 2022, a gold at the 2018 Asian Games, a bronze in 2014, three Commonwealth Games gold medals, and multiple podium finishes at the Asian Championships, including a gold in 2021. Yet the one medal that has eluded her is the Olympic medal — a dream she is determined to chase again.

Her journey has also been marked by courage beyond the mat. In 2023, Phogat, along with Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, led the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. After the Paris Olympics, she moved the Court of Arbitration for Sport against her disqualification, though the verdict did not favour her. She later entered politics, joined the Congress party, and won the Julana assembly constituency in the 2024 Haryana state elections. Even with the shift in her public life, the wrestling mat remained an unresolved part of her story.

Now, Vinesh Phogat steps back into competition with a renewed heart and a spirit that refuses to bow. Her comeback marks not just another attempt at the Olympics but a powerful reminder of resilience — that even after heartbreak, even after stepping away, a dream can still call you back. As she begins her road to LA28, India will be watching closely, cheering for the champion who has chosen to rise once again.

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Mrs Sangita Jindal Conferred France’s Prestigious Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters

Tanisha Cardozo

In a moment of pride for India’s arts and heritage community, Mrs Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of the JSW Foundation, has been awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government. The honour was presented by the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, at a private ceremony at Mrs Jindal’s residence in Mumbai on September 25, 2025.

This recognition acknowledges Mrs Jindal’s exceptional contribution to the preservation and promotion of art, culture, and heritage in India, as well as her dedication to building meaningful Indo-French cultural collaborations. As the head of the JSW Foundation, she has integrated cultural engagement into the very fabric of the Foundation’s mission, transforming heritage conservation and the cultural landscape of India with deep vision and commitment.

Mrs Jindal has notably fostered artistic exchanges between India and France through initiatives like the artist residencies at Hampi Art Labs. In 2024, she collaborated with France during the Paris Olympic Games to highlight the intersection of art and sport, and later this year, she will participate in the exhibition “Textile Matters” at the Mobilier National in Paris.

Presenting the honour, Ambassador Thierry Mathou said, “Through her passion, vision and generosity, Mrs Jindal has profoundly enriched the cultural landscape of India and brought our two countries closer together. This decoration reflects France’s deep gratitude and admiration for her achievements and her commitment to building cultural bridges.”

Mrs Jindal accepted the award with humility, stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from France. It reaffirms my commitment to safeguarding India’s heritage while fostering meaningful cultural bridges between our two nations. Heritage is a living resource that connects generations, and I remain dedicated to ensuring it continues to inspire the future.”

Beyond this accolade, Mrs Jindal’s work speaks for itself. Her leadership has guided the restoration of iconic sites like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, the Keneseth Eliyahoo synagogue, and the Sassoon Library in Mumbai. She has been instrumental in launching cultural platforms such as Art India magazine and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and in creating spaces for dialogue through exhibitions like “Woven Narratives” during India’s G20 Presidency. She is also supporting the establishment of a museum in Assam dedicated to regional crafts.

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is one of the highest French honours in the realm of arts and literature, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, or to the promotion of culture in France and around the world. Previous Indian recipients of this honour include Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Bharti Kher.

With this recognition, Mrs Sangita Jindal joins an illustrious list of global cultural leaders. Her vision continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers who see culture not as legacy alone, but as a living force that shapes the future.

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NEERAJ CHOPRA NAMED WORLD’S BEST MALE JAVELIN THROWER IN 2024

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In a remarkable recognition of his exceptional talent and hard work, Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has been named the world’s best male javelin thrower in 2024 by the esteemed US magazine ‘Track and Field News’.

This prestigious accolade is a testament to Chopra’s incredible consistency and skill in javelin throwing, which has earned him a spot among the sport’s elite athletes. The 26-year-old Indian athlete has been making waves in the international athletics scene with his impressive performances, and this recognition is a culmination of his efforts.

Chopra’s remarkable performance in 2024 included a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, where he achieved a throw of 89.45m. He also demonstrated impressive consistency throughout the year, finishing in the top two positions in every major competition he entered.

The Indian javelin thrower outperformed fierce competitors, including Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem and two-time world champion Anderson Peters, to secure this prestigious accolade.

This recognition is a proud moment for India and a testament to Chopra’s dedication and perseverance. We congratulate Neeraj Chopra on this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success in his athletic career.