As we draw close to 2024, it comes a year filled with some of the most amazing sporting moments in recent memory. From the Olympics to the end of championship droughts and historic upsets in numerous leagues and sports, 2024 was one of the best years for sports enthusiasts in a long time. In a year that witnessed more than its fair share of departed sporting legends.
The 2024 planned one of its most significant farewells almost before it even began. A lot of other teams also rose in popularity. Legends solidified their legacies, underdogs rose to the occasion, and nations came together to celebrate their athletes’ victories. Looking back, it’s clear that 2024 was about more than simply victories and titles. it was also about the stories that surrounded them.
From comeback stories to feats of amazing talent, each moment exemplifies the dedication and passion that drive the sports world. These moments also demonstrate how sports change, pushing boundaries and building ties between fans and players. Individual talent and group work resulted in memories that will last for decades. In this article, we dive into the sporting moments of 2024 that stood out for their impact, drama, and sheer brilliance.
Here we capture some of the top 5 best sporting moments
5. Rafael Nadal’s retirement
Rafael Nadal, the tennis legend, announced his retirement from international tennis on November 20, 2024, following his defeat in the Davis Cup quarterfinal singles against the Netherlands. Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam championships.
Aside from that, he won Olympic gold in 2008 and has helped his nation win five Davis Cup victories. Nadal is one of three men to have completed the career Golden Slam in singles. His 81 consecutive clay wins are the longest single-surface win run in the Open Era.
4. Spain’s Euro Cup 2024 Triumph
Following a dramatic victory over Slovakia, England defeated Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals before defeating the Netherlands in the semi-finals with a last-minute winner. That advanced Gareth Southgate’s side to a second consecutive European Championship final, but, like in 2021 against Italy, the Three Lions fell short and missed out on their first men’s trophy since 1966.
Nico Williams put Spain ahead early in the second half, but substitute Cole Palmer equalised. However, this time England was on the receiving end of a late goal, as Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute winner secured Spain’s 2-1 triumph. It was their 4th Euro title making it the most decorated European Team in history.
3. Gukesh World Champion
D Gukesh, an Indian Grandmaster and challenger, reacts after defeating reigning champion China’s Ding Liren in the 14th and final game of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore, making him the youngest winner in the tournament’s history.
Ding Liren, the defending champion from China, won the first match before equalising in the 12th game. However, Gukesh outperformed him in the 14th and final game, winning the championship. A total of nine games were drawn.
2. Vinesh Phogat Controversy
Vinesh Phogat, a wrestler, worked hard to lose weight before competing in the finals. Vinesh was disqualified after the obligatory weigh-in revealed that he was marginally overweight. Following her withdrawal from the Paris Olympics 2024, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement.
Despite her appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) denied her plea for a shared silver medal. Vinesh and her fan base were upset with the CAS judgement. She later joined politics, by joining the BJP party.
1. India T20 World Cup 2024 Champion
India defeated South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup, winning the trophy after a 17-year absence. India won the trophy in 2007. After losing the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma’s squad made a comeback with this win.
Hardik Pandya bowled the game’s final over and secured David Miller’s wicket. Thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s superb catch at long off. After winning the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma declared their retirement from T20 internationals.
