Looking back 2024: 10 controversies that rocked sporting world

The year 2024 was remarkable for sports, with significant milestones achieved in various fields, including cricket, Olympics, and chess, among others. India celebrated its victory at the ICC T-20 World Cup 2024, 18-year-old D. Gukesh became the youngest World Chess champion, and the country showcased impressive performances at the Paris Olympics.

However, alongside these successes, 2024 also brought several controversies that stirred the nation. Here are the top 5 sporting controversies that deserve attention.

Vinesh Phogat Paris Olympics disqualification

Ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics not only shattered her dream of an Olympic medal but also that of billions around the world. Vinesh Phogat weighed 100 grams more than her wrestling category and thereby was disqualified to play the final.

As per reports, Ms. Phogat had shifted from the 53 kg to the 50 kg category in the wrestling and reached the finals by defeating undefeated and defending champion Yui Susaki in the opening round. However, luck wasn’t much in her favour, and she was disqualified on the morning of the final for being 100 gm overweight. Although the Haryana-born wrestler appealed her disqualification in the Court of Arbitration of Sports, the decision stood, and Ms. Phogat’s dream of an Olympic medal was trashed.

Imane Khelif Gender Row

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won gold at the Paris Olympics, but her triumph was overshadowed by a gender eligibility row. The gender controversy ignited at the Paris Games in August when Khelif defeated Angela Carini in 46 seconds in her opening bout, the Italian reduced to tears and abandoning the fight after suffering a badly hurt nose.

All these became the talk of the sporting world and triggered a debate on gender policy at the Olympics. It led to a row that attracted comments from politicians and personalities ranging from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to “Harry Potter” author JK Rowling. Earlier, Khelif was also banned from competing in women’s boxing after failing an unspecified gender test and people pointed that out saying that the Algerian should not be competing in the women’s section.

KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka tiff

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka’s animated discussion with K.L. Rahul after a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad had become one of the talking points of last season’s IPL. Mr. Goenka’s animated chat, purportedly reprimanding Rahul after Lucknow Super Giants’ record demolition at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad, had gone viral on social media.

Following this, many prominent figures and sporting personalities came in support of Rahul. TV commentators Graeme Smith and Scott Styris remarked that such discussions should occur privately, not in front of cameras. Mohammed Shami was the first Indian cricketer to criticise the act. “Crores of people are watching you and learning from you. If these things happen in front of cameras, and you see such reactions on screen, it’s shameful,” a blunt Shami said.

Antim Panghal’s eviction

During the Paris Olympics, Indian wrestler Antim Panghal added more embarrassment for India as she was deported from Paris with immediate effect for a disciplinary breach. when she attempted to help her sister enter the athletes’ village using her accreditation card. As a result, she was called back to India by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Bajrang Punia suspension

The National Anti-Doping Agency on November 26, 2024, suspended Bajrang Punia for four years for his refusal to provide his sample for a dope test on March 10 during selection trials for the national team. NADA first suspended the Tokyo Games bronze medallist wrestler on April 23, 2024, for the offence, following which the world governing body, UWW, also suspended him. The suspension means that Punia will not be able to return to competitive wrestling and apply for a coaching job abroad, if he aspires to.

Jannik Sinner doping accusations

Another shocking controversy that rocked the sports world in 2024 was the doping accusations against top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner. Sinner tested positive in two separate drug tests in March, and the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision to clear him of any wrongdoing in September. A final ruling is expected from the Court of Arbitration for Sport early next year.

In the meantime, Sinner explained that the banned performance-enhancing substance entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat his own cut finger.

 Red Bull’s patience with Sergio Perez

Speculation had been growing about Sergio Perez’s future at the Milton Keynes team for a while after a tough season. Despite starting well, the 34-year-old’s performance declined as the season went on.

Christian Horner confirmed that Mr. Perez decided to leave Red Bull after being with the team for four years. Despite a strong start in 2024, Mr. Perez faced challenges later on, scoring only nine points in the last eight races. His contract, originally set to end in 2026, was terminated early last week, and Liam Lawson will take his place next season.

Although Mr. Perez had signed a two-year contract extension in June, it was later announced that both Perez and Red Bull agreed to part ways immediately after the season ended. Liam Lawson will move up from RB to join Max Verstappen as his teammate in 2025. Perez finished the 2024 season in eighth place in the drivers’ championship, a significant 285 points behind his teammate Verstappen, who won the title. Red Bull also missed out on the constructors’ championship, slipping to third behind McLaren and Ferrari.has context menu.

Charlotte Dujardin horse-whipping incident

Another controversy erupted at the Paris Olympics 2024 when a video of three-time gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin from Britain whipping a horse during training went viral. This whipping scandal has brought the issues of animal welfare and abuse into the spotlight. The FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) reviewed photos sent by the animal welfare group PETA, which showed Parro hyper-flexing Safira’s neck in a prohibited movement known as “Rollkur,” which affects the horse’s breathing.

Dujardin received an international ban from the FEI, the governing body for equestrian sports, which is backdated to the start of her provisional suspension. She will be eligible to compete again from July 2025.

Paris Olympics Last Supper’ tableau

Paris Olympics organizers apologised to anyone offended by a tableau inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” during the opening ceremony, while also defending the concept behind it. Religious groups worldwide criticised the segment, with the French Catholic Church’s conference of bishops condemning it as “scenes of derision” that mocked Christianity. This sentiment was echoed by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

The Anglican Communion in Egypt also expressed its “deep regret” on Sunday, stating that the ceremony could lead the IOC to “lose its distinctive sporting identity and its humanitarian message.”

Controversial Qatar goal

India was so close to making history in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, but poor refereeing played a significant role in the outcome. Lallianzuala Chhangte’s goal put India ahead, but the controversial decision on Yousef Aymen’s equalizer turned the tide in Qatar’s favour.

The subsequent goal by Ahmed Al-Rawi sealed India’s fate despite their strong first-half performance. It’s disappointing when such decisions affect the outcome of a game, especially in such crucial matches.