Imane Khelif’s Gender Row To Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification: Top 5 Controversies At The Paris Olympics 2024. The Olympic Games have often been surrounded by controversy, and the 2024 Paris Games are no different. Various issues have already sparked debate, with some likely to fade quickly while others could have a lasting impact and be talked about for years to come.
Paris 2024 Olympics is in the spotlight because of some disputes and impressive disqualified athletes that have come up as well as doping scandals. Phogat’s dismal and dramatic disqualification from the gold medal match because of a minuscule weight issue was widely covered and fans in India were disappointed.
On the other hand, Khelif, a boxer from Algeria, and Lin Yu-ting, a boxer from Taiwan, were involved in a heated global dispute over gender identity when many people called for their disqualification.
Also Read: Heartbreak For India: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Paris Olympics 2024
Opening Ceremony Controversy
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony was a historic event taking place on the Seine River instead of in a traditional stadium. A brilliant success was the event, where all athletes from all over the globe were parading on boats along the thus river yang with it and were creating a unique and memorable experience despite the rain. Nevertheless, the ceremony provoked outrage because of a controversial performance that provided an alternative version of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
The scene featured drag queens, including LGBTQ+ icon Barbara Butch, playing the role of the apostles, as well as mannequins. This unconventional and audacious act raised eyebrows and incited a passionate discussion concerning artistic freedom, cultural sensitivity, and the limits of creativity at a global sporting event.
Imane Khelif Gender Controversy
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won a gold medal on August 9 after a tumultuous Olympic road. The athlete who was reportedly raised as a boy but currently has elevated levels of testosterone faced the disqualification talk. The background of Khelif was that of Li Yu-ting a Taiwanese boxer who was involved in a similar case.
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The two boxers faced a ban from the International Boxing Association (IBA) at the 2023 World Championships for alleged noncompliance with an eligibility test but the details were not provided.
However, after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned the IBA from the Olympics, Khelif was able to compete in the Paris Games, leading to her gold medal win.
Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat made it to the Olympic finals on August 6, but was disqualified a few hours later for being just over the 50kg weight limit. To try to gain weight, Phogat and her team took extreme measures, including strict food and water restrictions, intense workouts, and sauna sessions.
These methods were tried and then they resorted to more radical ones like shaving her hair, cutting down her clothing, and even having her blood drawn to lose the last 2 kg. However, she was still disqualified. Phogat has since asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to give him a joint silver medal with the other team. The decision on her appeal is expected to be made at 6 p.m. Paris time (9:30 p.m. IST) on August 13.
Seine River Controversy
The Seine River has been a challenge for some Olympic athletes after the report of E. Coli bacteria. Hence, several events including the mixed triathlon practice sessions were cancelled for safety reasons. Belgium’s mixed team relay had to withdraw from the competition after Claire Michel got sick but she later claimed it was a virus and not the bacteria.
Nonetheless, other athletes such as Adrien Brifford and Tyler Mislawchuck also got sick after bathing in the Seine, which led to the suspicion of the river’s water quality and its influence on athletes’ health
Indian Team’s Controversy
India’s time in the Paris Olympics was not only limited to a wrestling controversy but also had unfortunate incidents like boxing and hockey which made it difficult. Boxer Nishant Dev’s upset loss to Marco Verde raised the ire of many people as they believed the decision was cattish. This put the topic on whether the judging was correct and thus disheartened the Indian fans who were dreaming of a medal.
In hockey, Amit Rohidas got a red card during a key match, which hurt the team’s chances. Many thought the decision was too strict, adding to the team’s frustration.
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Wrestler Antim Panghal also faced trouble when she shared her Olympic Village pass without permission, breaking the rules. Because of this, she was sent home early, which was a big blow to the team’s morale. These issues together made India’s Olympic experience more difficult than expected.
