Paris 2024: Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem qualify for javelin final
Neeraj Chopra achieved a season’s best effort of 89.34m in his first attempt during the qualification round on Tuesday.
By EasternEyeAug 06, 2024
India's Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem have qualified for the men's javelin throw final at the Olympic Games.
Chopra achieved a season's best effort of 89.34m in his first attempt during the qualification round on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old crossed the automatic qualifying mark of 84m with his opening throw, securing the top spot in Group B. This effort, the second best of his career, alleviated concerns about Chopra's fitness, as he had been dealing with an adductor niggle before the Games. His personal best remains 89.94m, achieved in 2022.
Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, also qualified for the finals with a throw of 86.59m in Group B. Grenada's Anderson Peters made the cut with a throw of 88.63m.
Kishore Jena, the other Indian competitor, did not qualify for the 12-man final on Thursday, managing a throw of 80.73m.
Chopra's performance was brief but impressive, effectively securing his spot with his first attempt. Jena finished ninth in Group A with a throw of 80.73m, which did not qualify him for the finals.
Athletes who throw 84m or more, or the 12 best performers from Group A and B combined, will advance to the final on Thursday. Jena's throws were 80.73m in his first attempt, a foul in his second, and 80.21m in his third.
Julian Weber of Germany topped Group A with a throw of 87.76m. Former world champion Julius Yego (85.97m) of Kenya and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch (85.63m) of Czechia placed second and third. Toni Keranen (85.27m) of Finland also surpassed the automatic qualification mark.
Jena secured his Olympic berth with an 87.54m throw for a silver medal at the Asian Games in October last year. Since then, he has crossed the 80m mark in only one out of six competitions before Tuesday.
When Bajrangi Bhaijaan hit cinemas on 17 July 2015, it broke barriers and box office records, while also bringing people together. In a Bollywood industry known for spectacle, this unexpected gem stood out for its simplicity, sincerity and unshakeable belief in the goodness of people.
At its heart was the story of a devout Hindu man in India who embarks on a dangerous journey to reunite a lost, mute Pakistani girl with her family across the border. A plot that could have courted controversy instead won hearts in both countries. With India and Pakistan once again locked in conflict, the film’s message of harmony feels more relevant than ever. It reminds us of a softer truth – that empathy and the human spirit can triumph over enmity and division.
Eastern Eye marks the Salman Khan starrer’s 10th anniversary with 20 fascinating facts about the beloved Hindi cinema entertainer.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
1. The film’s writer, V Vijayendra Prasad, also wrote Baahubali: The Beginning, the pan-Indian blockbuster released the same year. Although he claimed Bajrangi Bhaijaan was influenced by a real story, the plot closely resembles the 2006 Kannada film Kallarali Hoovagi, which follows a man from a Hindu kingdom who escorts a girl safely to a neighbouring enemy Muslim kingdom.
2. Reports say Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan were considered for the lead by other filmmakers. Director Kabir Khan explained why he chose Salman Khan: “First, I saw an intensity in him that hadn’t been articulated before. Second, Salman’s chemistry with children is sheer and pure magic – and it is not for show.”
3. Although a large portion of the story is set in Pakistan, all of the filming took place in India, including locations in New Delhi, Kashmir, Rajasthan and Mumbai.
4. AR Rahman was initially approached to compose the music but did not sign on. Pritam was then brought in to create the songs.
5. The hit song Bhar Do Jholi Meri is an adaptation of a qawwali originally sung by the legendary Sabri Brothers. It also marked Adnan Sami’s return to the screen after 20 years. His previous appearance was in the 1995 Pakistani film Sargam, where he played the lead.
Kareena Kapoor
6. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character, Chand Nawab, was not part of the original script. He was added after a video of the real Pakistani journalist of the same name went viral. The comical real Chand Nawab enjoyed renewed fame after the film's release.
7. Emraan Hashmi was originally considered for the Chand Nawab role but opted out.
8. More than 1,000 girls auditioned for the role of the mute child. Six-year-old Harshaali Malhotra was eventually selected. She earned critical acclaim and became the youngest-ever nominee for Filmfare’s Best Female Debut award.
9. Salman Khan was initially only attached to the film as an actor but later decided to produce it. It became the first commercial blockbuster he headlined as a credited producer.
10. Kangana Ranaut claimed she turned down the film because the role was not substantial enough, though this was never confirmed by the producers. Kareena Kapoor Khan accepted the part readily, stating that the story was the true hero of the film.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
11. After filming wrapped, Salman Khan bought two horses and named them Bajrangi and Bhaijaan as a tribute.
12. The film was released on 4,500 screens in India and nearly 1,000 overseas – including in 50 countries. A 19-minute shorter version was released in China in 2017, where it became a huge box office success.
13. In Pakistan, the film was released with multiple cuts but still proved popular. Kabir Khan said, “I’m told people there really liked the film because we didn’t talk down to them or patronise them.”
14. An action-adventure mobile video game based on the film was released.
15.Bajrangi Bhaijaan was the highest-grossing Bollywood film globally in 2015. It earned more than double the collections of major releases that year, including Dilwale, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Bajirao Mastani.
16. The film won multiple awards, including the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
17. Aamir Khan said he cried while watching Bajrangi Bhaijaan, calling it the best performance and film of Salman Khan’s career. Rishi Kapoor also admitted to crying after seeing the actor’s performance.
18. Salman Khan has often referred to Bajrangi Bhaijaan as one of his favourite films and the role he is proudest of.
19. Talks of a sequel have surfaced multiple times, with the writer, director and lead actor all expressing interest. However, they have yet to find a story strong enough. The working title is reportedly Pawan Putra Bhaijaan.
20. Director Kabir Khan collaborated with Salman Khan on three films – Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) and Tubelight (2017). Of the three, Bajrangi Bhaijaan remains their most successful critically and commercially. Kabir said: “It’s been 10 years. It’s a film that never stops giving. I’ve just seen love for that film growing with each passing year, and I’m really happy that it continues to get the kind of love from people.”
Ten years on, Bajrangi Bhaijaan remains a rare Bollywood gem – a film that combined a megastar’s charisma with a story full of innocence, integrity and interfaith empathy. It was not just a box office triumph, but a cultural moment that reminded audiences of the power of kindness, even in divided times. In today’s fractured world, the story of a man crossing borders just to return a little girl home feels more urgent and moving than ever.
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The IMO has advised residents to remain indoors due to the presence of elevated levels of toxic volcanic gas
A volcano erupted on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula early Wednesday morning
This is the ninth eruption in the region since December 2023
The main fissure is 1.5 miles long, with a second fissure measuring 500 metres
Residents and tourists were evacuated due to toxic gas levels
The eruption is not expected to impact international air travel
New eruption strikes Reykjanes peninsula
The Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland experienced its ninth volcanic eruption since late 2023 early on Wednesday 17 July, 2025. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the eruption began just before 4am local time (05:00 BST), with live footage showing lava emerging from a fissure in the ground.
The main fissure was reported to be approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) in length, with a secondary fissure of about 500 metres opening nearby. This latest Iceland volcano eruption follows a series of seismic events that have repeatedly impacted the region in recent months.
Residents told to stay indoors due to gas threat
The IMO has advised residents to remain indoors due to the presence of elevated levels of toxic volcanic gas in the atmosphere. These gases pose potential respiratory health risks, particularly in populated areas near the eruption site.
The nearby town of Grindavík, a small fishing village, was evacuated, along with the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a major tourist attraction. Around 100 people were evacuated without incident, according to police commissioner Margrét Kristín Pálsdóttir, who confirmed that the evacuation was smooth and well-managed.
Authorities also reported that tourists were prevented from entering the affected area, due to safety concerns. Pálsdóttir acknowledged the interest of visitors but stressed the importance of public safety. “We understand that this is a fascinating event, especially for tourists who are not as accustomed to it as we are,” she said.
Volcanologists monitor impact
Benedikt Ófeigsson, a geophysicist with the IMO, told national broadcaster RUV that the eruption appears to be less intense than previous ones and is currently not threatening any major infrastructure. He noted that the situation is being closely monitored.
This latest eruption comes just three months after the last volcanic event in April. Interestingly, a risk assessment released by the IMO only a day prior had suggested that another eruption would be unlikely until the autumn.
The Reykjanes region had been dormant for eight centuries before a surge in volcanic activity began in March 2021. Experts have since indicated that the area may have entered a new period of geological activity, potentially lasting decades.
Community impact and historical context
The first eruption in this current phase occurred in late 2023, prompting the evacuation of almost all of Grindavík’s 4,000 residents. Since then, most homes in the town have been acquired by the Icelandic state, and many residents have relocated permanently.
Despite the disruption to local communities, officials say that the current eruption is not expected to affect international air travel. This stands in contrast to the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, which disrupted global flights due to an ash cloud covering vast swathes of European airspace.
Iceland's volcanic profile
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. It sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the tectonic boundary between the Eurasian and North American plates. The island nation is home to 33 active volcanic systems, more than any other country in Europe.
The Reykjanes peninsula, in particular, has become a focal point of volcanic research, as scientists aim to understand the implications of the recent string of eruptions. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the area closely, issuing alerts and evacuation orders when necessary.
Outlook
While Wednesday’s Iceland volcano eruption has not caused major damage, it is yet another reminder of the volatile nature of the Reykjanes peninsula. With experts predicting ongoing activity, both locals and tourists are being urged to remain vigilant and follow official guidance in the weeks ahead.
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Southport murder suspect Axel Rudakubana appears via video link at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, Britain, October 30, 2024, in this courtroom sketch. Courtesy of Julia Quenzler/Handout via REUTERS.
BRITAIN's counter-radicalisation scheme Prevent needs to rapidly adapt to avoid mistakes which saw two men who had been referred to the programme go on to commit deadly knife attacks, a review concluded on Wednesday (16).
Prevent has been a key strand of Britain’s security apparatus since the September 11 attacks on the US in 2001, with the aim of stopping radicalisation and preventing people from going on to commit acts of violence.
But since its inception it has faced criticism from some Muslims who argue it has been used to spy on their communities, while some referrals have gone on to commit acts of terrorism.
The government commissioned a report into the scheme after it emerged that teenager Axel Rudakubana, who murdered three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year, had previously been referred by his school, but concerns about his violent tendencies were not acted upon.
David Anderson, the Interim Independent Prevent Commissioner, looked at the case of Ali Harbi Ali, who was inspired by the Daesh (Islamic State group) to stab to death veteran lawmaker David Amess in 2021.
Ali too had previously been referred to Prevent by his school, and Anderson said both cases involved a long string of mistakes and poor judgments.
He concluded that the scheme, while it worked sometimes, had to improve and adapt, applying to those who were simply obsessed with violence, such as Rudakubana. In the longer term, it should become part of a broader safeguarding and violence protection system, he said.
"More needs to be done," Anderson said. "Prevent needs to up its game in the online world, where most radicalisation now takes place."
Home secretary Yvette Cooper said the government would immediately act on his findings.
The most recent figures showed in the year to the end of March 2024, 6,922 people had been referred to Prevent, an increase of 1.5 per cent on the previous 12 months.
Of those, 36 per cent were related to vulnerable individuals with no clear ideology or counter terrorism risk, 19 per cent over extreme right-wing concerns, and 13 per cent regarding Islamist radicalisation.
Only two years ago, another independent review concluded that Prevent should refocus its efforts more on the threat posed by militant Islamism after becoming too concerned with extreme right-wing ideologies.
(Reuters)
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Sophia Dunkley of England bats during the 1st Women's Metro Bank ODI match
England Women post 258/6 in first ODI at The Rose Bowl
Sophia Dunkley top-scored with 83, sharing a 106-run stand with Alice Davidson-Richards
India Women reach 34/0 after 6 overs, needing 225 more to win
Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal remain unbeaten
Kranti Goud and Sneh Rana take two wickets each for India
England build solid total after winning toss
In the first match of the three-game ODI series between England Women vs India Women, the home side posted a competitive total of 258/6 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, after choosing to bat first.
England’s innings was anchored by Sophia Dunkley, who struck 83 runs off 92 balls, including timely boundaries and smart rotation of the strike. She shared a crucial 106-run fifth-wicket partnership with Alice Davidson-Richards, who added a steady 53 from 73 deliveries.
Earlier in the innings, Emma Lamb provided a solid platform at No. 3, scoring 39 from 50 balls, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed 41 off 52 deliveries. Their top-order consistency ensured that England kept the scoreboard ticking throughout.
Dunkley’s knock came to an end on the final ball of the innings, bowled by Amanjot Kaur, as England closed at 258/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
India share the wickets
India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Sneh Rana (2/31) and Kranti Goud (2/55) leading the attack. Both bowled their full 10-over spells, containing the scoring while picking up key wickets.
Amanjot Kaur and Shree Charani chipped in with one wicket apiece, with Amanjot dismissing the dangerous Dunkley at the death. Despite the strong partnership in the middle overs, India managed to restrict England to under 260.
India’s chase begins solidly
In reply, India got off to a calm and composed start. At the end of 6 overs, the visiting side reached 34 without loss, requiring 225 more runs from 264 balls at a required run rate of 5.11.
Smriti Mandhana, batting at her fluent best, is on 14 off 12 deliveries, while young debutant Pratika Rawal has shown early promise with 12 runs off 18 balls. The pair has rotated the strike well and punished loose deliveries, including two boundaries from both batters.
Mandhana's elegance was on display when she clipped Lauren Bell off her pads for four in the fifth over and followed it up with a crisp drive. Pratika too showed confidence, threading a boundary through cover-point off Kate Cross in the fourth over.
Match situation: India well placed in early chase
With a healthy scoring rate and all wickets intact, India appear comfortable in their pursuit of 259, though they will need to navigate the upcoming middle overs cautiously. The England pace attack of Kate Cross, Lauren Bell, and Sophie Ecclestone will look to break the opening stand early and expose India’s middle order.
As of the latest update:
India Women: 34/0 in 6 overs
Smriti Mandhana: 14 (12)
Pratika Rawal: 12 (18)
Kate Cross: 0/18 (3 overs)
Lauren Bell: 0/16 (3 overs)
Match details
Fixture: 1st ODI – England Women vs India Women
Venue: Utilita Bowl (The Rose Bowl), Southampton
Date: 16 July 2025
Toss: England Women won the toss and opted to bat first
Series: 3-match ODI series
Playing XIs
England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell
Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth have been cast as Princess Zelda and Link in the upcoming Legend of Zelda live-action movie.
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed the casting via X on 16 July.
Directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), the film is set to release on 7 May 2027.
The project is co-produced by Nintendo and Sony Pictures, marking a major push into cinematic adaptations for the gaming franchise.
Nintendo has officially announced the lead cast for its long-anticipated Legend of Zelda live-action adaptation. British actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will step into the iconic roles of Princess Zelda and Link, respectively, in a film set to release on 7 May 2027.
The casting was confirmed on Wednesday morning by Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s legendary game designer, who shared the news via Nintendo’s X account, alongside first-look images of the duo in costume. The announcement marks a major milestone in the development of the fantasy adventure film, which has been in the works for years.
First glimpse of the young actors in costume from the upcoming Legend of Zelda movieInstagram/zeldanintendo
Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth tapped as Zelda and Link
Relative newcomers to Hollywood blockbusters, both Bragason and Ainsworth bring youthful energy to two of gaming’s most enduring characters. Bragason, best known for her work in Renegade Nell and Three Girls, will portray Princess Zelda. Ainsworth, who voiced Pinocchio in Disney’s 2022 remake and starred in The Haunting of Bly Manor, takes on the role of Link, the courageous warrior from the land of Hyrule.
Casting speculation had been widespread, with fans campaigning online for actors like Hunter Schafer to be considered. Ultimately, Miyamoto expressed confidence in the final selection, stating, “I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”
Legend of Zelda movie release date and production team
The live-action Legend of Zelda movie will hit cinemas on 7 May 2027. Directed by Wes Ball, known for The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the film is gearing up to be a cinematic retelling of the beloved game series.
Sony Pictures is set to distribute the film, with production shared between Nintendo and Avi Arad’s Arad Productions. The script was most recently updated by T.S. Nowlin. Miyamoto and Arad will co-produce, continuing their collaboration from earlier projects.
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Plot expectations and franchise history
While official plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to follow Link and Princess Zelda as they battle the dark forces threatening the kingdom of Hyrule, most notably the demonic warlord Ganon. The Legend of Zelda games often explore themes of power, wisdom, and courage through an ever-evolving timeline of reincarnated characters.
Originally launched in 1986, the Zelda franchise has sold over 150 million units worldwide. Notable entries like Ocarina of Time (1998), Breath of the Wild (2017), and Tears of the Kingdom (2023) have helped define the action-adventure genre in gaming.
The upcoming movie follows the box office success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, another Nintendo franchise adaptation that grossed over £1.04 billion (₹10,800 crore) globally.
Reactions to the casting have been mixed but largely curious, with many gamers excited to see fresh faces taking on the legendary roles. Some fans expressed disappointment that more established names were not chosen, while others welcomed the studio’s bold decision to prioritise performance potential over star power.
Meanwhile, early costume reveals of the two leads have already begun circulating online, fuelling discussions about the tone, aesthetic, and faithfulness of the adaptation.