Year Ender 2024: Recapping bad moments for India in sports

Year Ender 2024: Indian sports experienced countless highs in 2024 as the country took a step forward in terms of rising to compete against the top countries across the world. However, Indian sports also witnessed a fair share of bad moments. Let us check out some of the bad moments for India in sports in 2024.

Test series loss against New Zealand

India’s loss to New Zealand in their own backyard was easily one of the most embarrassing outcomes for the team in Test cricket over the past decade. Having slayed ‘Bazball’ earlier in the year against England, India blanked Bangladesh and were expected to hand out a similar treatment to the visiting Black Caps. However, in a stunning turn of events, the spirited Kiwis out-batted and out-bowled Rohit and Co. to script their biggest series wins overseas.

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympics disqualification

Ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics not only shattered her dream of an Olympic medal but also that of billions around the world. Vinesh Phogat weighed 100 grams more than her wrestling category and thereby was disqualified to play the final.

Antim Panghal deported home

During the Paris Olympics, Indian wrestler Antim Panghal added more embarrassment for India as she was deported from Paris with immediate effect for a disciplinary breach. when she attempted to help her sister enter the athletes’ village using her accreditation card. As a result, she was called back to India by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Igor Stimac vs AIFF

After failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) sacked head coach Igor Stimac. After his removal, Igor Stimac took a dig at the AIFF and its president, Kalyan Chaubey, stating that Indian football is imprisoned. Stimac also approached FIFA, claiming the non-payment of his dues. AIFF hit back with its own allegations against the coach, who was with the team since 2019. At the end, the Indian football body had to pay Stimac USD 400,000 to settle the pending dues.

KL Rahul & Sanjeev Goenka’s tiff

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka’s animated discussion with K.L. Rahul after a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad had become one of the talking points of last season’s IPL. Mr. Goenka’s animated chat, purportedly reprimanding Rahul after Lucknow Super Giants’ record demolition at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad, had gone viral on social media. Several former cricketers came in support of Rahul, stating that these conversations should be held privately.