Author: Muskan Dorjee

Naomi Osaka.

Naomi Osaka is the name that every sports enthusiast heard. She is professional tennis player and also ranked no. 1 as per Women’s Tennis Association . Her achievements are so great that it inspires everyone.

She was born on October 16 1997 in Japan. Osaka has lived and trained in United States since age 3. Her father inspired from Richard Williams trained his daughters , though he himself was never a tennis player. In 2006 they moved to Florida so that Naomi and her sister could get better trainings. Though Naomi spent most of her life in US , she represents Japan. Her parents said, “We made the decision that Naomi would represent Japan at an early age. She was born in Osaka and was brought up in the house of Japanese and Histian culture.Quite simply Naomi and her sister Mari have always felt Japanese so that was only our rationale. It was never a financially motivated decision nor we were swayed either way by any national federation”. Later United States Tennis Association offered Naomi training center in Boca Raton when she was 16 years old, but she declined.

Naomi is four times Gram Slam singles Champion and is the reigning Champion at US open and Australian Open. She also became the first woman to win successive Grand Slam singles titles since Serena Williams in 2015.

Understanding Pegasus

How would you feel if someone says that you are being tapped 24/7 , someone is reading all your messages, accessing to all your private datas , recording you. Pretty sure everyone would be spooked out . This is what Pegasus project of Amnesty International claims.

What is Pegasus??

Pegasus has been derived from Greek mythology . It symbolizes a white horse with wings . But today Pegasus is a dangerous virus which can access your phone , steal your data and sell it to someone else. For this virus to enter your phone , you doesn’t have to click on any links , just a misscall is enough to infiltrate your phone.

Who developed this spyware and why?

This spyware was developed by NSO , an Israeli cyberarm firm . The actual motive behind this was to track down terrorist and criminals. This software is only sold to government. Maxican government confirmed that they used Pegasus spyware to capture Maxican druglord El Chappo.

What is the cost of installing this software?

Over half a million dollars ie over 3.5 crore rupees cost as installation fees and almost $650000 ie almost 5 crore to spy on just 10 Android or iPhone users. And hundreds of thousand dollars more for additional surveillance target.

What its relevance today??

Amnesty International with many others carried out Pegasus Project and alleged that many governments have been using this spyware to tap illegally its citizens. They listed out 50000 phone numbers in which pegasus infiltrated, or tried to, or are its potential targets. This list includes many known political leaders, media houses, journalist, lawyers and scholars.France’s President Macron charged his phone eversince his name was on the list.

This project alleged that countries like Togo, Rwanda ,Morocco, Saudi Arabia,Bahrain ,UAE,Azarbaizan,Kagakhstan,Mexico ,Hungary and India have used this spyware to spy on its citizens. It is important to note that this report clearly claims that just because numbers appears on the list it doesn’t means that their phone were attacked, its only suspicions.Many countries have already started investigation.

Though this project has not been proved right yet, this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. It is terrifying just to know that such software even exist.

Manpreet Singh – Flag bearer

Manpreet Singh was selected as the flag bearer of India for Tokyo Olympics 2020 Parade. He is captain of India Men’s National Hockey team since May 2017

Manpreet Singh was born on 26 June 1992 in Mithapur, Jalandar city of Punjab, India. In 2011 he played first time for India at the age of 11years. He also represented India at 2012 Summer Olympics and was named Asia’s Junior Player of the year 2014.

He and his team represented India in various sports events and gave new heights to India Hockey Team. They won 1 gold and 1 silver medal in 2014 Incheon Asian Games and 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. In 2017 Asia Cup they won 1 gold. They also secured 2 medals at Championship Trophy. The list of achievement goes on and on

Manpreet is also a keen listener of music and uses music as a means to relax before his games. He carries his PlayStation with him whenever he travels for matches. He is fan of Salman Khan and enjoys watching movies of sports genre, such as MS Dhone: The untold story, Chak de! India, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. His big dream is to “win big for India” and biggest goal is to inspire youngsters to play a sport, any sport.

Lightning Bolt.

When we talk about Olympics , how can we not talk about Usain St. Leo Bolt.Popularly known as Usain Bolt, he gained worldwide fame as sprinter.This talented man also hold 8 medals in Olympics

Bolt was born on 21st August 1986 in Sherwood Content, a small town in Jamaica. As a kid he was always interested in sports. He played football and cricket most. He stated ,”When I was young, I didn’t really think about anything other than sports”. Bolt mainly focused on other sports but his cricket coach notice his speed on cricket field and urged him to try track event. Following the advice of his coach he won his first annual high school medal in 2001; he took silver medal in 200 metres with a time of 22.04 seconds.

Bolt is a world record holder in 100 metres, 200metres and 4×100 metres relay. Bolt is a also a first athlete to win four World Championship titles in 200 m and is one of the most successful in 100 m with three titles. His achievements are so great that earned nickname “Lightning Bolt” . Bolt retired after 2017 World Championships, when he finished third in last Solo 100 m race, opted out of the 200 m and pulled up in 4×100 in relay final.

Who Holds the Highest Number of Olympic medal??

Olympic is one of the most prestigious game event. To secure even one Olympic is a matter of pride for sports men. Imagine how a athlete would feel , if he/ she have the highest number of Olympic medal. Michael Phelps have the privilege of knowing this feeling, with 28 medals in total.

Michael Fred Phelps born on 30th June 1985 is a former competitive swimmer of America. He holds the maximum number of medals in the history of Olympic games. In Beijing Games he won eight gold medals breaking Mark Spitz’s 1972 record of seven first place finishes at any single Olympic games. At 2004 summer Athens Olympics he won 8 medals — 6 gold and 2 bronze. At 2012 summer Olympics in London , Phelps won four gold medal and 2 silver and at Rio De Janeiro he won 5 gold medals and 1 silver. This made him the most successful athletes of the Games for fourth Olympics in row.

Phelps announced retirement after 2012 Olympics but made a come back in April 2014. In 2016 Olympics he was selected as flag bearer of United States. He announced his second retirement on August 2016 and has never participated ever since then. He is regarded as the greatest swimmer as well as athlete of the time.

Phelps began swimming at the age of 7 because of influence of his sister and to provide him outlet for his energy. He liked swimming since then. Following his retirement in 2016 , he said,”The only reason I got in the water was my mom wanted me to just learn how to swim . My sister and myself fell in love with the sport, and we decided to swim”.

Is Russia Banned From Olympics??

If you are following Tokyo Olympics 2020 closely, you might notice that there is no name of Russia instead you will find acronym ROC ( Russian Olympic Committee) . Even at the inauguration ceremony Russian flag was slightly modified and represented. Why is this so?? Is Russia banned from Olympics?? Here’s what to know—

In December 2019 World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) banned Russia from participating in any international events for four years. It was after the new revelation came up about a doping programme that Russia had been accused of. Many whistleblower and investigator reported that Russia had been running dope programme for many years in order to reach new heights. This investigation was going on for many years and in September 2018 WADA promised to lift the sanction only at the condition that Russia will hand over the data of athletes , so that thorough check could be done on them. Later Russia had been found tempering with the data, which led to the banning of Russia for 4 years.

It all started when in 2014 , 800 m runner of Russia ,Yolia Stepanova and her husband , who was the former employee of Russian Anti Doping Agency revealed that sophisticated doping programmes had been running in sports history of Russia. Two years later , another whistle blower – Grigory Rodchaenkov , a former head of RUSADA revealed the same.

This is the reason why ,though 335 sportsmen from Russia are participating in Olympics this year, they are refrained from using country’s name , flag and even national anthem. These are only the athletes that have been found having no relation with doping programmes. Russia is not only banned from Olympics but also from Fifa World Cup 2022 and Winter Olympics that will be held in 2022.

India’s Record At Summer Olympics.

India holds total of 29 medal in Olympic , 8 of which is secured by India National Field Hockey Team. India has always been dominant in hockey. India first stepped at Olympics games in 1900 which was held in Paris. India then was represented by only athlete Norman Richard who secured two silver medals both in athletics. He was a British Indian and he also became first ever Asian to secure medal at Olympics

After 1900 India participated at Summer Olympics in 1920 and has been participating ever since then. It was due to Sir Dorabji Tata and Governor of Bombay Geaorge Llyod that India had privilege to participate in 1920. They secured 4 athletes who could represent India . In 1923 All India Olympic Committee was formed and ever since then they are responsible for selecting athletes to participate at Olympics and any other games.

KD Jadhav was the first individual to win medal for independent India in 1952. Indian Hockey Team has always been dominating in securing medal, they hold 11 medals — 8 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze. After hockey , shooting dominates the position, it accounts for 4 medals — 1 gold , 2 silver and 1 bronze

Karman Malleshwar was the first Indian woman to bag a medal in 2000 Sydney Olympics. Saina Nehwal was first Indian women to secure medal in badminton in 2012 summer Olympics. Pugilist Mary Kom became the first Indian woman to win medal at boxing. In 2016 Summer Olympics Sakhshi Malik became the first Indian woman wrestler to win Olympic medal in wrestling. Shuttler PV Sindhu became the first Indian women to win a silver medal in Olympics and also the youngest Indian Olympics medalist.

India has participated in many winter Olympics game, no medals have been secured yet!!

Ethical Business

“A business that makes nothing but money is poor business.” This is a well known and most commonly used quote of Henry Ford, an Amercian Industrialist and the founder of Ford Motor company. This quote clearly expresses that a business should not only aim for profit maximisation , there are various other responsibilties that one should bear. Ethical business not only means to have a good relationship with the customer but also to protect the health of consumers and other citizens. But how of many businesses are following such practices? How many are following the guidelines provided by the government? How many are ensuring the life protection of the workers?

A common agenda of most of the businesses these days is ‘profit-maximisation’ and in order to achieve this goal they tend to forget that if they are taking something from the society , they need to give something back. The enrionmental havoc that many industries are creating just to earn profit is beyond imagination and unfathomable. Top four industries that contribute to global warming and other environmental hazards are Fertilizer industry, Tannery industry , Pesticides industry, Chemical industry. Central Pollution Control Board classified The Indian Fertilzer Industry under ‘red catregory’ which is really a matter of concern. Not only this , CPCB also stated that out of 52% plants, assessed in study, 12 plants received directions or show cause and even closure notices for water pollution and air pollution and solid waste management. All these figures clearly indicates the irresponsibility and carelessness of businesses.

In the era where every industries and businesses focusses on gaining profit there are certain businesses which are balancing both ethics and profits.One of such corporation is Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul). Amul is really setting an example for ethical business by providing jobs to around 12 million small farmers. They do not lean on big farmers rather they collect milk from small farmers, benefitting both the service industry and the Corporation. These small producers are grouped in nearly 108547 village – level dairy corporation society. According to data, India’s milk production has increased from 21.2 million metric tons in 1968-69 to 88.1 million metric tons in 2003-2004. These figures are gradually increasing year by year. Not only Amul , in 2018 seven leading industries namely Adidas , Method, Norton Point, West Paw, Clifbar, Waitrose, Rubbermaid, took up ‘End Plastic Pollution’ Campaign in order lessen the plastic pollution.

All the above examples suggests that it is possible to do business keeping ethics in mind. In a run long for a business to survive and thrive , community service and profit should go hand in hand . There are many ways through which a business can cater service to the needy or environment. ‘Cleaning Campaigns’, ‘charitable works’, ‘donation,’ ‘providing jobs to the lower class people’ are some of the ways to balanace profit and ethics. If business follows “one must clean his own mess” rule it will not only gain public support and profit , but also it will set example for other businesses to follow.

Youngest Skateboarder at Olympics.

Skateboarding is one of the four newly added sports in Tokyo Olympic 2020, other three being Surfing, Karate and Sport Climbing. This new sport is dominated by the host ie Japan. Gold medal in skateboarding both in men’s and women’s category is won by Japan.

Japan’s 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya became one of the youngest gold medalist in the history of Olympics. She is only months older than current female record holder Majone Gestring who won gold in diving at the age of 13 years and 267 days, at Berlin Olympics 1936. Nishiya is also now the youngest gold medalist of Japan , it was previously held by Kyoko Iwaski , who at the age of 14 won gold for swimming at Barcelona Olympic 1992.

This 13 year old Champion also participated at Summer X Games in the women’s street event where she scored 90.00 and achieved a silver . She also secured a silver at 2021 street Skateboarding World Championship with a score of 14.17. She is truly a rising star of Japan and has more to come.

Horigame Yuto is equally impressive as Nishiya. He rocked the Olympics by securing gold at skateboarding in its debut. His all tricks scored 9.5 in the final round and made him the winner.

Lovelina Borgohain Saves the Day!!!

Lovelina Borgohain lifted the day of India as whole nation was disappointed by shooters. Lovelina Borgohain defeated German Boxer N. Apetz on women’s welterweight Round of 16 at Tokyo Olympics 2020.She is only one match away to bring a medal home. Here’s the detail to know her—

Lovelina Borgohain was born on 2nd October 1997 Golaghat ,Assam. At first she started as kickboxer , following the example of her twin sisters Licha and Lima. Later she shifted to boxing after seeing an opportunity. Her parents were never financially stable and did a lot of struggle to raise the kids.

When Lovelina participated at trials done by Sport Authority of India, held at her school Barpathar Girls High school, she was noticed by renown coach Padum Boro. That’s how she started her career as Boxer.

She won bronze medal at 2018 AIBA women’s World Boxing Championship and 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championship. She won her first gold at Open International Boxing held in New Delhi and Silver medal at 2nd Open International Boxing held in Guwahati, India. She was also ranked as 3rd in the 69kg welterweight category.

She became pride of Assam at the age of 23 by qualifying for Olympics and she is the first woman from the state to do so. She is also the 6th person from Assam to receive Arjuna Award. She is second boxer from the state to represent the country after Shiva Thapa.

Magnificent Mary

Born in the Khangati Village of Manipur,where very girl only wished for marriage, Mary Kom dared to dream. It is her dream that keeps her still going. Nicknamed as Magnificent Mary, Mary Kom was born on 24th November 1982

As a kid Mary Kom was always interested in all kind of sports. She played football , volleyball and athletics. She was very fond of marathon and volleyball. But when Dingko Singh, a fellow Manipuri returned with a gold medal from 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, Mary kom took inspiration from him. She was so enthralled that she decided to learn boxing.

At the age of 15, she left her hometown to study at Sports Academy in the state capital , Imphal. After that she won the state level boxing championship. She hid her love for boxing from her father. Her father never supported her for boxing as he was afraid that she might hurt her face and would not find a man to marry. When her father show the picture of Mary Kom on newspaper in 2000 after her win, he was furious. It was only after 3 years later, that he grew to accept Mary Kom’s love for boxing.

Today, Mary Kom is the only female to win the World Amateur Boxing Championship for six times. She is also the only boxer ( male or female) with eight World Championship. She has many titles in her name and has also been ranked no. 1 female light – flyweight by International Boxing Association. She also represented India in Olympics in 2012 and bagged a bronze home . Her list of achievements goes on and on.

Mary Kom was married in 2005 and has 3 children. She is currently representing India in Tokyo Olympics 2020. Many Indian women after being married leave all the dreams behind, but Mary was never one of those. She is inspiration for many, especially women. She is the definition of “Will Power”.

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu

Determination and hard work is all we need to achieve what we want. Anything is possible with sheer dedication. PV Sindhu , the professional badminton player is the example of determination and hardwork.

Being 56 Km away from her coaching camp , she did not fail to report on time every day. This is enough to prove her dedication for badminton

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu was born on 5th July 1995. Both her parents were national level volleyball player . Though born in the family of volleyball players she was always drawn towards badminton. She was a huge fan of Pullela Gopichand ,2001 All England Open Badminton Champion and that’s from where she took the inspiration for playing badminton. She started playing at the mere age of eight. And later on she joined Pullela Gopichand’s Gopichand Badminton Academy. After joining the Academy she won many medals. Seeing her success Pullela himself remarked,” the most striking feature is Pusarla’s game is her attitude and the never – say – die spirit”. What could be more inspirational for Sindhu than the compliment coming from her idol himself?

Sindhu is the first Indian woman to win Olympic silver medal in Badminton and first Indian to become the Badminton World Champion.She was ranked no. 2 in April 2017. This young lady is inspiration for many Indians and the world. She is currently representing India at Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Saina Nehwal

Every parents want to fullfil their unfulfilled dreams through their children. Rani Nehwal, mother of Saina Nehwal was a state level badminton player and had always dreamt of becoming national level player. Though she couldn’t achieve it , her daughter Saina Nehwal did not back off from her dream.

Saina Nehwal was born on 17th March 1990 in Hisar, Haryana. When her father was transferred from Hisar to Hyderabad , she took badminton as a means to communicate with others, as she didn’t know their language. She started playing badminton at the age of eight. She took her passion further by participating at Under-19 National Championship. She created history by winning “Asian Satellite Badminton Tournament” twice at the age of 16 and became the first player to do so.

She is former no 1 and has won many international titles and superseries titles. She has represented India in Olympics for three times and won bronze at her second appearance.

Her father and mother were the biggest supporter in her journey. Her father Harvir Singh , used his provident fund so that Saina could get professional training. Saina has evein got her biopic played by Pareeniti Chopra which was released on 26 March 2021.

Dhing Express – Hima Das

Born near the Dhing town ,Assam, Hima Das is nicknamed as Dhing express. This young sprinter is inspiration for many youth, she was born on 9 January 2000.

She is the first Indian athlete to secure gold medal at the IAAF World U20 championships. Her career as a sprinter began when she participated in the 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast, Australia, in the 400 metres and 4×400 metres relay. She is famous for securing 5 gold medals back to back in a single month. She obtained her first gold of the month at Pozhan Athletics Grand Pix, Poland, second medal at Keetno Athletics Meet, Poland, third medal at Kladno Athletics Meets, Czech Republic, fourth gold at Tabor Athletics Meets, Czech Republic and fifth gold at Atlecticky Mitink, Czech Republic.

She is also appointed as a civil servant post of Deputy Superintendent of Police of Assam Service , without giving any competitive exam but through direct entry. She also currently holds the Indian National, recorded in 400 metres with a timing of 50.79s that she clocked at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. She is also conferred with Arjuna Award .

As a kid she was always interested in playing football . She also played football with the boys at her JNV school . She wanted to carry on football as her career but did not see any prospects for herself in women’s football scene in India. Later on , she was advised by physical education teacher at JNV to opt for sprint running.

“All’s well that end’s well” this proverb suits so well in the case of this 21 year old sprinter. We don’t know what would have happened if she had taken football as her career but as a sprinter ,she is pride of India

It is very saddening and disheartening to know that she did not qualify for Tokyo Olympics 2020. It should be noted that she suffered with hamstring injury before giving her qualification test.

Born in the family of farmers Hima Das was never a privileged kid , but through her firm will she stated clearly that achievement comes only through pure hard work and dedication.

India’s Medal Count Starts From Todayy!!

Mirabai Chanu marked history today by securing India’s first medal at Tokyo Summer Olympics 2021. She bagged silver medal in weightlifting under Women’s 49 kg. It is more remarkable day for India as it won the medal in weightlifting after 21 years of wait and struggle.

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu was born on 8 August 1994 in Imphal ,Manipur. She was in the field of weightlifting from the age of 12 years. She was also awarded with Padma Shri by Indian Government for her contributions to the sport . She has won several medals in Common Wealth Games and World Championship.

For her win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated her on phone. She took twitter to express her joy , she wrote ,”thank you my coach Vijay Sharma sir”. Many popular figures like Shikhar Dhawan , Gautam Gambhir , Mahesh Babu , Virender Sehwag, Kiren Rijiju also congratulated on her success.