The Paris Olympics 2024 not only saw some stunning performances, but it was also the stage of several conflicts and controversies. Some of them saw a change in the result, some saw medals being stripped, some saw athletes being sent home, and some raged on as debates on social and world media. From Vinesh Phogat to Imane Khelif, we take a look at the big controversies at the Summer Games, as the Paris Olympics 2024 draws to a close

Gender row surrounding Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting both clinched gold in their respective categories, but not before widespread controversy. With both athletes containing XY chromosomes in their bodies, accusations of them being “male” were rife all across social media. Khelif and Lin had both been disqualified from the 2023 Boxing World Championships, but the IOC had allowed them to compete.

Despite both being born biologically female, Khelif and Lin faced a barrage of incorrect accusations and vitriol, before responding back with gold medals each.

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification

An event that will shake the Indian sporting culture for quite some time, Vinesh Phogat’s incredible journey to the women’s 57kg freestyle wrestling final was halted as she was disqualified ahead of the final due to being 100 grams overweight. Having been under the weight limit on the first day – when she won her three bouts – she was stripped of her medal and not allowed to play the final.

Vinesh’s case rages on at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), where a verdict on whether she will receive a silver medal will be given shortly.

Cocaine controversy for Tom Craig

Australian field hockey player Tom Craig was arrested for attempting to buy cocaine in Paris, along with a 17-year-old seller. However, he was let off with a slap on the wrist; just a warning, with no formal charges against him.

Although Craig apologised for the incident, he was removed from the remaining hockey proceedings by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and barred from participating in any further activity in Paris 2024.

Jordan Chiles loses bronze after CAS intervention

American gymnast Jordan Chiles’ coach Cecile Landi had submitted an enquiry to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to add 0.1 points to Chiles’ score. This enquiry was initially accepted, promoting Chiles from fifth to a bronze-winning third position.

However, intervention by the CAS led to a decision that Landi’s enquiry was 64 seconds beyond the permitted time, and therefore, stripped her of the medal.

Swimmer Luana Alonso’s ‘Expulsion’

Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso had been reportedly asked to leave their camp due to ‘inappropriate’ behaviour. However, Alonso later denied the reports, stating that she had not been removed. The swimmer – who failed to make the semi-final of the women’s 100m butterfly event – made further headlines by stating that she had received a ‘DM’ from Brazilian footballer Neymar.

Hockey legend Ajit Pal Singh on Friday lauded the Indian men team for their brave performance against Tokyo Games silver medallist and nemesis Australia, whom it defeated after 52 years in the Olympics here. India stunned Australia 3-2 to register their first win over Australia in the Olympic Games since 1972 Munich Games. In 1972 Munich Games, hockey was played for the first time in astro-turf.  “Australia has always dominated us. After the 1972 Olympics we have always been battered by Australia.

“But the way our team played today, it was heartening to see. Out of the four quarters, India dominated three, only in the second Quarter India were on the back-foot a bit,” Ajit Pal told PTI video.

“The way India played today, they taught the Australians how to play hockey.

“We can beat any team now and I would like to congratulate all the hockey lovers in India and can only say ‘Well done Boys!’,” he added.

The 1975 World Cup-winning captain also lauded skipper Harmanpreet Singh and described him as the heart and soul of the side.

“Harmanpreet is the life and soul of the team. In the previous games, he equalised with his goal and one of his goals was the match winner. Today also he was outstanding. Also, Jarmanpreet Singh, I am very happy to see that boy, he was really fighting.

“Abhishek, Sukhjeet (Singh), Hardik (Singh) were too good but the forward line players need to step up. Those players have the potential and I expect them to come good in the games ahead,” Ajit Pal said.

“Sreejesh as usual made the team feel at ease. When he is there, the team doesn’t need to worry,” he added.

Ajit Pal also praised India for their performance against Belgium.

“India played well against Belgium as well, they have defeated them earlier but Australia was the one side that they needed to defeat. They should take confidence from the win and now they can take on anyone in the remaining matches.

“Any other team will take them lightly now. Today India established that we are here to fight and win the medal,” he concluded.

Skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace as the India men’s hockey team registered a famous 3-2 win over Tokyo Games silver medallist and nemesis Australia in its final Pool B match in Paris on Friday. Already assured of a quarterfinal berth before Friday’s encounter, the Indians played valiantly and dominated the proceedings for major part of the match to stun the Kookaburras, against whom they last won in Olympics in the 1972 Munich edition. It seemed India had saved their best for their last pool match, as it delivered a power-packed performance, playing attacking hockey from the beginning, and defending well throughout.

Abhishek (12th), skipper Harmanpreet (13th, 33rd) scored for India while Tom Craig (25th) and Blake Govers (55) found the net for Australia.

With this win, India most likely will finish their pool engagements in the second position with nine points, finishing behind table toppers Belgium (12), who are yet to play a match. The pole position will not change even if Belgium loses its match against Argentina.

The goal difference after that match will determine the final placing.

The Indians started on an aggressive note and made two circle entries in the first two minutes.

Veteran India custodian PR Sreejesh, who is playing his last international tournament, was rock solid in front of the goal, making some vital saves to deny the Kookaburras.

In the 11th minute, Sreejesh made the first save to deny Tom Wickham, which resulted in a penalty corner. But the resultant effort from Jeremy Hayward was off target.

Jarmanpreet Singh then fired a pass to Sukhjeet Singh from the right flank. He just needed to deflect the ball but he could not stop the powerful strike. The strong Australian defence easily foiled his attempt by the time he gathered the ball and was ready to strike.

Australia created two back-to-back opportunities, but the Indian defence was rock solid.

India stunned Australia by taking the lead through Abhishek in the 12th minute. It was Lalit, who received a pass in an empty D, he attempted a shot but that was saved by goalie Andrew Charter. Abhishek got the ball on rebound, turned, and hammered the it past rival goalkeeper Andrew Charter.

A minute later, India got a penalty corner when the ball touched the foot of Jake Harvie and Harmanpreet beat Charter’s defence with fierce grounded flick.

Tim Brand had an opportunity to reduce the deficit early in the second quarter but he struck the ball wide. Australia earned their second penalty corner of the match in the 19th minute but Govers’ shot was blocked Sreejesh. Vice-captain Hardik Singh was a livewire in the mid-field, feeding the forwards consistently.

Australia got their third short cormer in the 25th minute. It was a poor injection from skipper Aran Zalewski but it turned into a goal as the Australians recovered quickly to pass it to an unmarked Craig at the second post, who deflected the ball in.

India also got a penalty corner soon but this time Harmanpreet’s strike was kept at bay by Charter. India led 2-1 at half time.

India got their third penalty corner when Manpreet Singh was tackled by an Australian defender. Harmanpreet’s goalmouth strike was obstructed by Flynn Ogilvie. India took a referral, which resulted in a penalty stroke.

And Harmanpreet made no mistake by converting the chance.

Australia earned another short corner seconds from the third quarter but failed to utilise the chance.

The Indians too secured back-to-back penalty corners in the final quarter, only to waste them.

In the 53rd min, Abhishek scored another fine goal after he was fed by Mandeep Singh but the goal was ruled out for a stick check.

Five minutes from the final hooter, Govers scored his seventh goal from a penalty stroke to reduce the margin.

Thereafter, the Indian defence stood tall to deny the Australians to register a famous win.