Rewind SPORTS 2022

Sport often provides us with lingering memories that seem to stick with us for life. Be it for an act of courage, a display of emotion, or a moment of controversy, one can never do away with the memory of sport. The year 2022 has given us far more than we could have imagined in a sporting context. Here are a few moments...

The best WC in Qatar & Messi’s finest

With a staggering 78% of the vote, Qatar 2022 in Qatar has been selected as the best FIFA World Cup of this century in a BBC Sport poll.In his fi fth attempt at winning the most important trophy of his career, Messi succeeded not only in the sense that he won the tournament but also played a crucial role for his side en route to the destination.

It was beautiful to watch a man who had previously lost by a slender margin in the fi nal of the 2014 World Cup overcome his demons and play the way he did in what could be his final signifi cant international contribution.

Neeraj stamps his mark

While he couldn’t defend his Commonwealth Games crown due to injury, the Olympic Champion became only the second Indian and the fi rst Indian male to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. To add to his silver in Oregon, Neeraj also became the fi rst Indian to win the Diamond League title in September.

King Kohli special at MCG

India vs Pakistan at the mighty MCG, it doesn’t get  bigger than that. Chasing 160 for victory in their opening T20 World Cup encounter, the Men in Blue were down and out at 31/4. But cometh the hour, cometh the man. When all hope was lost, India’s King Kohli once again single-handedly lifted 1.2 billion Indians out of despair with a stunning 82*. His knock, the best of his star-studded career, saw his side win on the fi nal ball with 90,000 at the ‘G’ witnessing a true spectacle.

Thomas Cup triumph

A victory like none other! One that many consider equivalent to the Cricket World Cup triumphs. The Indian men’s badminton team made history in May when they stunned 14-time Champions Indonesia to win the Thomas Cup.

Historic gold: India’s new ‘fab four’

Women’s Lawn Bowls team that exceeded all expectations at the Commonwealth Games, with the quartet of Lovely Choubey, Pinky, Rupa Rani Tirkey, and Nayanmoni Saikia clinching an unexpected Gold, India’s first-ever medal in the sport.

Australian legend Warne dies

Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne died of a suspected heart attack aged 52. Warne took 708 Test wickets, the second most of all time, in 145 matches across a stellar 15-year international career.

Hardik-led Titans tamed the rest for IPL title

Gujarat Titans, who made their debut in the IPL, created history by winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) title. The team achieved this feat under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. In front of a raucous home crowd, the Titans outclassed the Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets to claim the title

Federer’s retirement

In one of the most emotional moments across sports in 2022, Swiss maestro Roger Federer retired from tennis after a 24-year-long career in which he won 20 Majors. Many who would never tune in to watch the Laver Cup in any other year sat eagerly this time round, admiring Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal put on a show for the crowd in what was Federer’s fi nal game of his professional career.

The Swiss ended up losing, but many seem to forget the game’s result due to what came after. Federer’s emotional speech, accompanied by the presence of his loved ones and best friends in the game, made the moment special.

Ronaldo’s ‘sensational’ exit

Cristiano Ronaldo decided to speak with infamous media personality Piers Morgan following a fallout with his Man United manager Erik ten Hag. His actions were not taken well by the United fans, pundits and the footballing community in general. A contract termination by mutual consent between Manchester United and Ronaldo followed.