2024 was the year of the Olympics and a lot of other top-level sporting action. The Olympics and the Paralympics in Paris brought together the finest sportspersons for a massive sporting gala. Action outside the French capital was also top-class with many record-breaking performances in non-Olympic sports. (India Controversies | Sports News)
With all the sporting glory, there were also controversies that took the attention off the field. The Olympic opening ceremony attracted a lot of brickbats, and Australian break-dancer Raygunn too was at the centre of controversy. A convicted rapist representing the Netherlands in Paris also created a big backlash.
Here are the Five Biggest Sporting Controversies of 2024:
Imane Khelif Gender Row
The 'controversy of the year' erupted when Algeria's Imane Khelif's punch forced Italy's Angela Carrini to withdraw from the bout within a minute of the starting bell. It became the talk of the sporting world and triggered a debate on gender policy at the Olympics.
Khelif was earlier 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. Khelif attracted a lot of abuse on social media and also a lot of support. Ultimately, she went on to win gold. She also filed a complaint for online abuse.
Further claims, citing a 'leaked medical report', were made that Khelif was a "biological male". The Algerian has called the report fake and threatened to sue the reporter.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan was announced as the host country of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, with the relations between India and Pakistan not on good terms, there is no clarity as to where the competition will be held. India has refused to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns while Pakistan is adamant about hosting the tournament which will be the country's first ICC event at home since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
With less than two months left to the start of the tournament, the venues are not yet decided.
Madrid Ballon d'Or Boycott
For the first time in more than a decade and a half, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were not part of the final nominations for Ballon d'Or. There was one other major absentee - Real Madrid.
Los Blancos boycotted the ceremony as the club became aware that Vinicius Jr, a heavy favourite to win the award, was not winning.
Madrid were unsatisfied because of the selection procedure which they termed unfair.
The organisers had to do damage control and clarify that no one knew in advance who won the award.
Sinner's Sin
Jannik Sinner climbed to the top of the ATP rankings this year and also won two Grand Slams apart from triumphing in the ATP finals. However, the tennis world faced a jolt when it was revealed that the Italian had tested positive for a banned substance.
However, since it was present in only trace amounts and Sinner managed to prove that it entered his body inadvertently and escaped the ban.
F1 Controversies
2024 was a highly controversial season with a lot of on and off-track rows. Red Bull boss Christian Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague but the allegations were then dismissed. Fines on Max Verstappen led to him threatening to retire and one of the big shocks was Lewis Hamilton announcing a move from Mercedes to Ferrari.
