Indian Athletes Shine on the International Stage
Indian athletes have once again demonstrated their prowess on the global sporting arena, securing numerous medals in prestigious international competitions over the past weekend.
The success story begins with weightlifting, were eight Indian lifters, including Olympic silver medalist Mirabai Chanu, secured their spots for the 2022 Commonwealth Games by excelling at the Singapore International tournament. This impressive feat highlights the effectiveness of the National Coaches Camp held at the NCOE Patiala, which played a crucial role in shaping these athletes’ success.
The medal haul included gold for Bindyarani Devi (W-59kg), Mirabai Chanu (W-55kg), Sanket Sargar (M-55kg), Vikas Thakur (M-96kg), Popy Hazarika (W-61kg), and Usha Kumara (W-87kg). Rishikanta Singh (M-55kg) clinched silver, while Rahul Ragala (M-96kg) secured bronze.
the boxing ring also witnessed Indian dominance, with three athletes claiming medals at the 2022 Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament in Sofia.Nitu ghanghas (W-48kg) emerged victorious with a gold medal, showcasing the strength of the SAI NCOE Rohtak program. Nikhat Zareen (W-52kg), another gold medalist, honed her skills at the SAI NCOE IG Stadium in New Delhi. Nandini, who secured bronze, trained at the Khelo India accredited PIS Mohali academy.Adding to the nation’s pride, Para-Archer Pooja made history by securing a silver medal in the individual category (Recurve Women Open) at the 2022 World Archery Championships in Dubai, UAE. This remarkable achievement underscores the dedication and talent nurtured within the SAI NCOE Sonepat. Furthermore, Paralympians Jyoti Baliyan and Shyam Sundar, who trained at the same center, clinched silver in the compound mixed doubles category at the same event.
The Indian wrestling contingent also left its mark on the international stage, securing one gold and three bronze medals at the 1st ranking Series, 2022 Yasar Dogu Wrestling Tournament in Turkey. Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya (M-FS 61 kg) continued his winning streak by claiming gold. Deepak Punia (M-FS 92 kg),Aman (M-FS 57 kg),and Gyanender (M-GR 60 kg) contributed to the medal tally with their bronze medal performances. Notably, Ravi and Aman, both products of the Khelo India State Center of Excellence, Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi, further honed their skills at the SAI NCOE Sonepat during National Training Camps.
these remarkable achievements highlight the effectiveness of India’s sports infrastructure and training programs,particularly the SAI National Centers of Excellence,in nurturing world-class athletes. As these athletes continue to strive for excellence, the nation eagerly anticipates their future triumphs on the global stage.
Indian Athletics on the Rise: A Champion’s viewpoint
Welcome back to “Sporting Chats,” where we dissect the latest developments in the world of sports with some of the biggest names in the game. Today, we are joined by the legendary wrestler, Yogeshwar Dutt, a two-time Olympian medalist and a fervent advocate for the advancement of indian sports. Welcome, Yogeshwar ji!
Yogeshwar Dutt: Thank you for having me. it’s always a pleasure to discuss the progress of Indian athletes.
The past weekend has been phenomenal for Indian sports! From weightlifting to boxing,paralympics to wrestling,our athletes have brought home a bounty of medals from international competitions. What are your thoughts on these achievements?
Yogeshwar Dutt: I am absolutely thrilled! To see our athletes excelling on the world stage, across various disciplines, is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent within our sporting ecosystem. The victories in weightlifting, boxing, para archery, and wrestling are a source of immense pride for the entire nation.
This success seems to be built on a strong foundation. The article highlights the crucial role played by SAI National centers of Excellence and other training programs. Can you shed some light on the importance of such infrastructure?
Yogeshwar Dutt: You hit the nail on the head there. World-class facilities, expert coaching, and structured training programs are the bedrock of any accomplished sporting nation. The SAI NCOE’s have been instrumental in nurturing young talent and providing athletes with the tools they need to compete at the highest level. the results are evident in the medals our athletes are winning.
Speaking of medals, the weightlifting contingent, including Mirabai Chanu, showcased extraordinary strength at the Singapore International tournament, securing eight quota spots for the Commonwealth Games.This bodes well for our prospects in Birmingham,don’t you think?
Yogeshwar Dutt: Absolutely. Mirabai Chanu is a force to be reckoned with, and her performance, along with the rest of the team, is highly encouraging. This success in weightlifting sets the stage for a strong showing at the Commonwealth games.
And what about wrestling? Ravi Dahiya’s gold at the Yasar Dogu Wrestling Tournament in Turkey is a commendable feat. What makes him such a standout wrestler?
Yogeshwar Dutt: Ravi is a phenomenal wrestler with amazing technique, stamina, and mental fortitude. He is a product of the Khelo India program, which showcases its success in discovering and nurturing talent. His dedication and the support he receives from the SAI NCOE Sonepat are clearly paying dividends.
Let’s not forget the remarkable achievements of our Para athletes. Pooja’s silver medal in Para archery and the silver won by Jyoti Baliyan and Shyam Sundar in the compound mixed doubles are inspiring triumphs. Do you think we are doing enough to support Para sports in India?
Yogeshwar Dutt: we’ve made considerable progress, but there’s still a long way to go. We need to provide our Para athletes with equal opportunities,resources,and recognition. Their achievements deserve to be celebrated, and their stories need to be shared to inspire a new generation.
Yogeshwar ji, what message would you like to give to aspiring athletes in India, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds?
Yogeshwar Dutt: My message is simple: believe in your dreams, work hard, and never give up. Talent can be found everywhere, and with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve anything.Utilize the opportunities available through programs like Khelo India, seek guidance from experienced coaches, and always strive for enhancement.
Thank you for those inspiring words, Yogeshwar ji. It’s been an absolute pleasure having you on Sporting Chats. We wish you and our entire sporting fraternity continued success on the international stage!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on these incredible achievements! Share your comments and opinions below. Let’s keep the conversation going!
