Page 11 - Rio Olympics

ASOIF against blanket ban of Russian athletes at Rio Olympics

The Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) on Tuesday announced that it stands against the banning of the entire Russian Olympic team at the Rio Games starting from August 5.

IOC seeking 'legal advice' over banning Russia from Rio Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has delayed its decision on putting a possible blanket ban on the Russian athletes from the next month's Rio Olympics, stating that it is seeking legal advice before making any decision.The IOC officials held an emergency teleconference to discuss the report submitted by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren which revealed that Russia orchestrated state-sponsored doping scheme at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.McLaren in his report stated that Russia's secret service and top sporting authorities conspired to cover up widespread doping, substituting doping-tainted samples with clean ones during the Winter Games in Russia.After the meeting, the IOC said it is seeking legal advice on the matter before deciding that whether to impose a collective ban on all Russian athletes for the Summer Games, starting from August 5.The IOC, however, revealed that it had begun disciplinary actions against the Russian officials and other persons mentioned in the ...

Can't strictly adhere to 40 percent coaching staff rule: Gupta

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today said it won't be possible to strictly follow the 40 per cent cap on the coaching and support staff and they will try to accommodate the requests of as many athletes possible with priority being given to medal hopefuls at Rio. "Well, it won't be possible to stick to the 40 percent cap strictly. The idea will be to maintain a balance and ensure that the requirements of all the medal prospect athletes and federation is taken care of," said Rakesh Gupta, chef De mission of Indian Olympic contingent. Many federations have demanded for a huge number of coaching and support staff, including AITA, who asked for 4 while Hockey India had requested for eight coaching and support staff each for the men and women's national teams. "AITA has asked for 4 support staff but IOA have given them three so far," Gupta said. "Badminton has asked for six coaching staff, which looks impossible so we are trying to give 3 but it is not final. We ...

Expecting double digits in medals in Rio: IOA chief

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President N. Ramachandran said on Monday that he expects India to reach double digits in the medals tally at the upcoming Rio Olympics.

Spotlight on Salman at IOA's Olympic contingent send-off

The Indian Olympic contingent was given a warm send-off here today, but it was Bollywood actor and IOA's Goodwill Ambassador Salman Khan who turned out to be the cynosure of all eyes, instead of the 20-odd Rio-bound athletes present on the occasion. A record contingent of 121 athletes, including 54 women, will represent India at the upcoming sporting extravaganza in the Brazilian city known for its sand and sea. "The contingent this time is one third more than last time and this itself proves that Indian athletes are improving. It is not just about winning medals but qualifying to participate in the Olympics itself is a huge thing," Indian Olympic Association president N Ramachandran said. Besides Ramachandran and his colleagues from IOA secretary general Rajiv Mehta and treasurer Anil Khanna, other dignitaries present were Sports Minister Vijay Goel, Sports secretary Rajiv Yadav, SAI DG Injeti Srinivas, Chief-de-Mission Rakesh Gupta and Deputy Chief de Mission ...

IOC to carefully study WADA's report against Russia

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday announced that it will carefully study the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)'s report against Russia.

Kremlin vows to suspend officials named in doping report

WADA consequently called for all Russian competitors and officials to be banned from the Rio Olympics next month after the investigation

A R Rahman bids inspirational adieu to Indian Olympic Contingent

Indian Olympic contingent ambassador AR Rahman posted an inspirational message on Facebook for the Indian Contingent

AR Rahman bids inspirational adieu to Indian Olympic Contingent

After meeting up the Indian athletes and giving them a warm send-off yesterday, Indian Olympic contingent ambassador AR Rahman posted an inspirational message on Facebook for them.The post, with a title "To our Indian Contingent for the Rio Olympics, 2016," speaks about his faith in the athletes and their capabilities."While powerful nations are struggling with leadership issues and facing an uncertain future, the time is right for India to unite and define excellence. We are also blessed with strong leadership that has a bright vision for the future.We are the youngest nation with the youth constituting almost 60% of our population. And more and more youngsters are choosing sport as a career, which is commendable. Initiatives like the National Sports Talent Search Scheme are a step in the right direction," it read."Remember, there is nothing which is impossible in this world if you put your mind and energy to it. The most important thing is to be persistent and consistent and to ...

Chinese basketballers win final warm-up in homeland before Rio Olympics

China held off France 78-73 in the 2016 Sino-European men's basketball championship here on Sunday, its final warmup match in home country before the Rio Olympic Games starting on August 5.

Sania geared up for Olympics but not predicting medal

Ace tennis player Sania Mirza is geared up to represent the country in next month's Olympics but she refused to predict winning a medal in the Rio Games. Sania will pair up with young Prarthana Thombare in women's doubles and with Rohan Bopanna in mixed doubles in the Games, and she says she will prepare for the Olympics the same way she does for every big tournament. "You try and play every tournament, play every match at merit, give your best and hopefully come back with a medal. If you don't (win a medal) then you try again. You cannot sit and predict what is going to happen," she told PTI in an interaction when asked about chances of clinching a medal in Rio. Sania's autobiography 'Ace against odds' was launched by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan here last night. Asked about her chemistry with Bopanna, Sania said, "It's been very good. Me and Rohan have known each other for a very long time, we have played a lot together. So we are looking forward to playing ...

Former ace polo player to assist Olympics organisers

Ace polo player Colonel Narinder Singh (retd), who represented India in a number of international tournaments in the 1980s and 1990s, has been selected by the Rio Olympic Committee to be a 'Team Site Member' for equestrian events at the 2016 Games.

Anti-doping bodies to seek Russia's ban from Rio Olympics: Reports

However, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko believes that about 390 athletes, including track-and-field athletes, will represent the country at the Olympics

France informed of planned terror attack on Rio Olympics team: Report

Details of the possible attack were revealed at a French parliamentary commission in May

Sreejesh replaces Sardar as captain of Rio-bound hockey squad

In Rio, India have been clubbed with giants Germany and Netherlands

Women's hockey team captain Ritu Rani allegedly dropped from Olympics squad

The Indian women's team has qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 36 years since 1980, under Ritu's leadership

Rio Olympics police reinforcements come under gunfire

The shooting incident in the troubled north of Rio de Janeiro underlined the challenge to ensuring safety for athletes and tourists expected at the event

Troubled Rio hits one month countdown to Olympics

Authorities will deploy 85,000 police backed by soldiers on Rio's streets. That's twice as many as used in the 2012 London Olympics

Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat one win away from Olympic qualification

The 24-year-old Neeraj (69kg) defeated Greece's Dimitrios Poulikos Tsagkrakos 3-0 and will be up against second-seeded German Arajik Marutjan

PM to meet Rio Olympics-bound athletes tomorrow

More than 100 athletes from India have qualified in 13 sporting disciplines for the Rio Olympics