During the first Olympic breaking competition in Paris, Refugee Olympic Team member Manizha Talash made a bold protest against the Taliban's treatment of women in Afghanistan. The 21-year-old removed her top during a pre-qualifying battle, revealing a blue cape with the message "Free Afghan Women." Although Talash lost her bout, her statement echoed globally, defying the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) strict rules against political demonstrations. Once the only female breaker in her crew in Kabul, Talash fled Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban seized control and now resides in Spain.

Russia announced that it stopped recruiting Indian nationals for its armed forces in April 2024, following concerns raised by India. The Russian embassy confirmed that about 50 Indians serving in the Russian military had requested help for discharge. The recruitment, which led to eight Indian deaths in the Ukraine conflict, involved 91 Indians, with 14 already discharged. Indian authorities, including Prime Minister Modi, have urged Russia to release the remaining 69 citizens. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated criminal cases against individuals involved in misleading Indians into military service in Russia.

Aman Sehrawat faced a monumental challenge before his bronze medal bout at the Paris Olympics 2024. After losing his semi-final, he needed to shed 4.6kg in just 10 hours to compete in the 57kg category. With rigorous sessions including treadmill runs, sauna baths, and light jogging, Sehrawat and his coaches managed to meet the weight limit just in time. Their efforts paid off as Sehrawat secured bronze by defeating Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz. This win made Sehrawat India’s youngest Olympic medallist.

On Day 15 of the Paris Olympics 2024, Reetika Hooda secured a quarterfinal spot in women’s freestyle wrestling (76kg) by defeating Hungary’s Nagy Bernadette with a 12-2 victory via technical superiority. She will now face top-seed Medet Kyzy Aiperi. Meanwhile, Indian golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar continued their campaigns in women’s individual stroke play. Both are currently outside medal contention, but they remain in the hunt with more rounds to play. India has so far won six medals in the Paris Olympics, with hopes for more as the games progress.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif made history at the Paris Olympics by winning the women's welterweight final against China’s Yang Liu on Friday, becoming the first Algerian woman to secure Olympic boxing gold. Her victory comes amidst controversy over her eligibility, stemming from a sex chromosome test disqualification by the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2023. Cleared to compete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Khelif addressed the scrutiny with resilience, declaring, "I am a woman like any woman." She dedicated her win to all Algerian women, emphasizing courage and honor despite the challenges she faced.

The Indian men’s hockey team was warmly welcomed in Delhi on August 10, 2024, after securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. The squad, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, was celebrated with garlands, tri-colour stoles, and traditional dhol music at the airport. Air India honored the team with a special tribute during their flight from Paris, with the crew and passengers applauding the athletes. Some players, including PR Sreejesh, will return later after participating in the closing ceremony. The team will next meet fans and media at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.

Japanese wrestler Rei Higuchi, who won gold in the 57kg freestyle event at the Paris Olympics 2024, consoled India's Vinesh Phogat following her disqualification from the women's 50kg freestyle final for being 100 grams overweight. Higuchi, who was once disqualified himself for being 50 grams overweight, shared words of comfort with Phogat, encouraging her to rise from setbacks. Phogat, who was on the verge of becoming the first Indian woman to win Olympic gold, faced dehydration and had to withdraw after failing to meet weight requirements. Higuchi's empathy and support were noted by Phogat and fans alike.

As India aims to surpass its Tokyo Olympics medal tally, the focus on Day 15 of the Paris 2024 Olympics will be on Reetika Hooda in the women’s 76kg wrestling event. Following Aman Sehrawat's bronze win, Hooda's performance is crucial to India’s hopes. Golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will also be in action in the women’s individual stroke play. Both golfers need exceptional rounds to challenge the top three, while Hooda’s matches could push India closer to its seventh medal.

Aman Sehrawat, 21, from Chhatrasal Stadium, became India’s youngest Olympic medalist by winning bronze in wrestling at Paris 2024. Orphaned at 11, Aman’s resilience and training at Chhatrasal, alongside legends like Sushil Kumar and Ravi Dahiya, paved his path to glory. He defeated Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 in the bronze play-off, securing India’s first wrestling medal of the games. His victory also marked India’s sixth medal at Paris 2024, continuing the nation’s Olympic wrestling tradition that began in 2008. Aman dedicated his medal to his late parents and the nation.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won the Olympic gold in the women’s 66kg division, defeating Chinese world champion Yang Liu by unanimous decision. This victory comes a year after Khelif was disqualified from the World Championships for reportedly failing a gender eligibility test. The win, overshadowed by controversy, saw Khelif dominate the fight and receive widespread support from Algerian fans in Paris. The International Olympic Committee allowed her to compete despite objections from several opponents. Khelif celebrated her victory by dancing and sharing a warm embrace with Yang before being carried by her coach.