Heartbreak, joy and true sportsmanship: How social media reacted as 2024 Olympics came to an end

As the 2024 Olympics in Paris ended on August 11, social media users and cartoonists reflected upon the heartbreak, joy, heartwarming cross-border camaraderie and sporting efforts that India put up.

For Indian viewers, the 2024 Olympics had been an emotional rollercoaster ride. Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s shot at sporting glory, only for it to end so soon, resonated deeply with many.

Phogat, India’s contender in the 50 kg category of freestyle wrestling, was disqualified on August 8 from the finals and the campaign for failing to meet the weight requirements by 100 grams.

#Phogat_Vinesh #Olympic 2024 Heart breaking!!

By: @NeelabhToons #VineshPhogat #Boxing #Paris2024 #ParisOlympics2024 pic.twitter.com/JI9TjuJcZU— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 7, 2024

She had become the first Indian female wrestler to enter the Olympic finals. But as Phogat grappled with her disqualification, it was her long battle off the mat that Indian viewers made sure to remember.

champion#phogat @Phogat_Vinesh pic.twitter.com/qzUDYrrdHj— Mali's (@Malicartoonist) August 7, 2024

Phogat, along with other wrestlers, had protested on the streets of Delhi from January till May last year until the police violently broke up their protest march to the new Parliament building.

Support and love for Phogat poured in on social media.

#vineshphogat #vinesh #phogat #wrestling #Indian #parisolympics #paris2024 #olympics pic.twitter.com/kuuBi72TZY— Nala Ponnappa (@PonnappaCartoon) August 7, 2024

Cartoonists and social media users took note of the government’s unenthusiastic support of Phogat. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya drew sharp criticism after he read out in Parliament...

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