Published By: Sanchari Das

Year Ender 2024: When THESE Controversies Shook India and the Paris Olympics 2024!

Beyond the medals and records, these controversies added intrigue and sparked global conversations

The 2024 Paris Olympics showcased incredible talent, unyielding spirit, and unforgettable moments. Yet, as with any grand event, it was not without its share of controversies. From heart-wrenching disqualifications to incidents that sparked debates worldwide, this Olympics kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Here, we revisit major controversies that rocked the Paris Olympics, touching lives and testing limits.

Amit Rohidas

In a critical quarter-final hockey match against Great Britain, Indian defender Amit Rohidas was suspended following a video-reviewed red card. The incident led to his absence in the semi-finals against Germany, a match India narrowly lost.

Hockey India's appeal to the FIH jury bench was denied, frustrating fans and players. Many believe this suspension significantly impacted India's chances of securing a medal. Rohidas' absence highlighted the thin line between aggressive play and disciplinary action on such a prestigious stage.

Antim Panghal

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal made headlines for an off-the-mat controversy. During the Games, she used her accreditation card to bring her sister into the athletes' village, an act strictly against protocol.

French authorities intervened, leading to a public reprimand by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Panghal and her support staff were subsequently sent back to India, which sparked discussions about discipline and professionalism among athletes.

Imane Khelif

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's journey to gold in the women's welterweight division was inspiring. Facing baseless allegations about her gender, Khelif silenced critics with a stunning performance, defeating China's Yang Liu.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) had previously disqualified her due to alleged male chromosomes, but the IOC stood by her side. Her dominant performance, including a lightning-fast win against Angela Carini, highlighted her unmatched talent. Despite facing hate speech and transphobia, Khelif emerged victorious, cementing her place in history and inspiring millions worldwide.

Jordan Chiles

American gymnast Jordan Chiles was embroiled in a controversy that led to her being stripped of her bronze medal in the floor exercise. A delayed inquiry by her coach exceeded the allowed one-minute window, leading to her disqualification.

Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu was awarded the medal instead. While Chiles retained her gold in the team final, the decision sparked debates about scoring errors and procedural fairness. The USA Olympic Committee continues to appeal the ruling.

Thomas Ceccon

Italian swimmer and Olympic gold medallist Thomas Ceccon raised eyebrows when he was spotted sleeping on the ground in a Paris park. Ceccon, who secured gold in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the men's 4x100m freestyle relay, had earlier complained about the poor conditions in the Olympic village.

A photo shared by Saudi Arabian rower Husein Alireza showed Ceccon resting on a towel, sparking concerns about athlete welfare. While the exact timing of the incident remains unclear, it added fuel to ongoing discussions about improving accommodations for Olympians.

Vinesh Phogat

Indian wrestling icon Vinesh Phogat faced an emotional downfall when she was disqualified from the women's 50kg category. A slight weight discrepancy of just 100 grams cost her a chance at gold, despite becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final.

The Indian team's plea for more time was denied, and Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman replaced her in the final against the USA's Sarah Hildebrandt. The incident sparked debates and marked the end of Vinesh's professional wrestling career. While her appeal to the CAS is pending, her story remains a bittersweet chapter in India's Olympic history.