Published By: Sanchari Das

Year Ender 2024: Not Just Olympics, Paris Paralympics Also Had Its Share of Controversies

From courtroom battles to groundbreaking participation, the 2024 Paris Paralympics wasn’t without its share of drama—here’s a recap of the biggest controversies

The Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 showcased incredible athleticism and celebrated the spirit of empowerment for persons with disabilities. However, the 17th edition, held from August 28 to September 8, had its share of controversies. As the year ends, let’s revisit the top controversies that marked the Summer Paralympic Games in Paris.

Navdeep Singh’s medal upgrade

In one of the most talked-about moments of the Games, India’s Navdeep Singh saw his silver medal in the men’s javelin throw F41 upgraded to gold after a disqualification. Iran’s Sadegh Beit Sayah, who initially claimed gold with a record-breaking throw of 47.64m, was later found guilty of violating World Para Athletics Rule 8.1, which mandates ethical behaviour in para-sports. Navdeep’s throw of 47.32m secured the top spot post-disqualification.

This decision was celebrated across India but also sparked debates about ethics in sports and the scrutiny of athletes’ conduct. The incident underscored the commitment of World Para Athletics to uphold integrity and fairness, ensuring that the playing field remains transparent for all.

Serkan Yildirim stripped of gold

Turkish sprinter Serkan Yildirim’s journey in Paris in 2024 was marred by classification disputes. He was initially celebrated for winning gold in the men’s 100m T12, but his participation was controversial. Questions about his visual impairment classification arose after he set records at the Para World Championships earlier in the year. Despite the World Para Athletics Federation placing his status “Under Review,” Yildirim obtained a court injunction allowing him to compete.

However, the decision was later overturned following an appeal. His disqualification handed the gold medal to the USA’s Noah Malone, who initially finished second.

Mobile phone disqualification of Giacomo Perini

Italian rower Giacomo Perini faced a surprising disqualification during the PR1 men’s single sculls final, a category for athletes relying solely on their arms and shoulders to row. Perini, who initially secured bronze, was disqualified after officials found a mobile phone on his boat, violating competition rules.

Credit -- Sportstar

Perini explained that the phone was mistakenly left in his bag alongside a water bottle. While he insisted he did not use the device during the race, officials enforced strict compliance with rule 28 and Appendix R2, which prohibits any form of communication equipment. This decision promoted Australia’s Erik Horrie to bronze, sparking debates about whether the punishment was too harsh for an oversight.

Will Bayley’s controversial point penalty

In a dramatic rematch of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Great Britain’s Will Bayley faced Yan Shuo again in the men’s singles S7 table tennis final. The match was intense, with Bayley twice recovering from deficits to force a deciding fifth game. Leading 3-1 in the final set, Bayley was issued a controversial red card for allegedly kicking the ball while retrieving it.

Credit -- Sportstar

Having already received a yellow card earlier in the match for a foul serve, the penalty shifted the momentum. Yan took a timeout with Bayley leading 9-8, only to return and win the next three points, clinching the gold.