The sporting year of 2024 felt as though it was scripted by a suspense writer with a flair for unpredictability. Major events were marked by false leads and dramatic twists, leaving punters disappointed, pundits confounded, and fans anxiously biting their nails.

Nothing unfolded as expected. It was a year where emotions ran high—joy and heartbreak ambushed fans like sly muggers in the shadows. For Indian sports, August 13 during the Paris Olympics was particularly unforgettable. The night before, Vinesh Phogat had defeated a GOAT wrestler, seemingly on the brink of a fairytale finish. But a fateful weigh-in revealed she was 100 grams overweight, leading to her abrupt disqualification and a plunge into despair. A stunned nation grappled with the blow.

Elsewhere at the Olympics, the javelin event brought an unexpected twist. While all eyes were on Neeraj Chopra competing against Europe’s best, a boy from Mian Channu, Pakistan, casually threw a 90-plus-meter javelin to win gold, stunning the world.

Even moments of ecstasy arrived unannounced. At the T20 World Cup final, India seemed doomed to lose another ICC event, while South Africa was on the brink of shedding its “chokers” tag. But Hardik Pandya’s clutch bowling and Suryakumar Yadav’s iconic catch turned the match around in a jaw-dropping finish.

2024 also defied expectations with superstars delaying their farewells. Novak Djokovic, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma—despite speculation—continued to shine. Djokovic clinched an Olympic medal, Kohli and Rohit lifted the ICC Trophy, and Dhoni delivered his signature sixes, proving doubters wrong once again.

Looking Ahead: Sports in 2025

Despite the excitement of 2024, 2025 is shaping up to be a quieter year in sports. After last year’s flurry of events—Olympics, Euro football, World Chess Championship, and T20 World Cup—2025 offers fewer marquee tournaments, making it a year of transition.

Cricket: February brings the Champions Trophy, originally planned to be hosted entirely in Pakistan. Due to India’s refusal to play across the border, matches will also be held in Dubai, with the final potentially moved there if India qualifies. For Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both nearing the twilight of their careers, this tournament might be their swansong, setting the stage for a new era of Indian cricket. The IPL will also draw attention as prospective Test captains like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah showcase their leadership credentials.

Hockey: The Hockey India League (HIL) is set to return, promising to enhance Indian hockey’s international standing. After back-to-back Olympic bronzes, the team is equipped with young talent and a robust system. The HIL is expected to bring foreign expertise, fame, and financial incentives, marking a turning point for the sport in India.

Chess: Indian chess continues to thrive. While 2024 highlighted dominance in classical formats, 2025 will see prodigies like R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi excelling in blitz and rapid events. Rising stars like Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal are poised to become household names, ensuring India remains a chess powerhouse.

Badminton: After missing a medal at the Paris Olympics, Lakshya Sen will be determined to make a statement at the All England Open. Satwik-Chirag will also aim for glory, while PV Sindhu looks to reclaim her place at the top with the elusive All England title as her ultimate goal. Meanwhile, the emergence of young female shuttlers will add intrigue to the season.

Athletics: Neeraj Chopra will return to Tokyo for the 2025 World Championships, seeking to breach the 90-meter mark under new coach Jan Zelezny. The rivalry with Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem will continue to push him to greater heights. Vinesh Phogat, now a Haryana Assembly member, is expected to resume training, hinting at a potential comeback on the mat.

With fewer headline events, 2025 may lack the drama of 2024, but it offers a chance for transitions, rebuilds, and new stars to emerge across sports.