Paris Olympics 2024: Five controversies at Summer Games

There have been reports of human rights violations at Paris.

The Paris Olympics 2024 is the 33rd edition of the Summer Games. The past few editions have seen various controversies erupting out of the Games. Paris is no different, as this year’s edition has seen its own share of problems.

The Olympic Games are a central part of an athlete’s career. But, it is not only a stage for records to be established or broken. It is also ground where political stances are taken in the open, the city’s policies are highlighted.

There have been multiple cases at Paris Olympics 2024 which have caught worldwide attention. The five controversies at the Paris Summer Games are listed below.

Hijab ban among French athletes at Paris Olympics 2024

The French government has imposed a Hijab ban on all French athletes competing at Paris Olympics 2024. The reason for this ban as stated by the French authorities is that the athletes are civil servants when they represent the nation at the Summer Games.

The ban has been severely protested by activists around the country and the world. It has been termed as a violation of religious expression and human rights.

International Olympic Committee guidelines restrict transgender athletes at Paris

The rules set by the International Olympic Committee mention that female athletes who have undergone transition before the age of 12 are eligible to compete in the women’s category.

This has proved to be a setback for many athletes. Swimmer Lia Thomas, sprinter Halba Diouf and BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe will not be participating in Paris Olympics 2024. Thomas has already been banned from competing in the women’s category by World Aquatics.

Inclusion of Israeli athletes at Paris

The Israel contingent being allowed to participate at Paris Olympics 2024 has caused a stir among certain citizens. The ongoing war against Palestine has been cited as the reason. 

Israeli athletes are competing under their own flag and not as neutral athletes which is the case for Russia and Belarus. Pro-Palestine supporters had protested against Israel competing at the Olympics, but there has been no talk of boycotting them from the Games.

River Seines quality could affect athletes

River Seines has been the center of attention at Paris Olympics 2024. It will be the venue for the opening ceremony. But, over the past few years, there have been alarming reports on the quality of the river.

Before the Games, swimming was banned for more than a century at Seine. Olympic organizers have supposedly treated the river and improved the quality to swimming standards. 

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo even took a swim for a few minutes to demonstrate the safety levels in the river. Events such as marathon swimming and triathlon swimming will be held in Seine. Olympic officials will still test the water level before the events commence.

Violent protests during Argentina vs Morocco football match

 Things did not start well at the Paris Olympics 2024. The first event saw Argentina take on Morocco. In the first half, Morocco shocked the 2024 Copa America champions by taking the lead.

Sofiane Rahimi scored the first goal in the first half and then doubled the lead at the beginning of the second half with a penalty. Argentina fought back as Giuliano Simeone scored in the 68th minute. 

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: Argentina Football Association file complaint to FIFA over events in game against Morocco

Cristian Medina struck a brilliant equaliser in the 106th minute, but the celebrations were halted by the violent fans in the stands. The players were targeted with flares and bottles. 

This forced the officials to halt the match for an hour as they also reviewed Medina’s goal. It was later confirmed by VAR that the goal was overturned. The match ended with an empty stadium.

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