Just like every other years, 2022 too has been quite interesting for the world of sports. Unlike the hiatus that the global sports fraternity had to deal with during the Covid-19 pandemic, things were luckily much better throughout the entire year. While some of our favourite players climbed the ladder of success even higher, some unfortunately decided to quit the sports by bringing an end to the game as well as a part of our childhood. Hence, in our IWMBuzz.com Year-Ender story, we bring forward to our readers, our list of the ‘Newsmakers of the year in sports’. Check below –
Serena Williams’s Retirement: Serena Williams is one of the finest players ever in the history of Tennis. In her entire career, she’s always been on top of her game and no wonder, she’s won many Grand slams and other championship titles to her name. Unfortunately, no sporting career in the world is ever permanent and well, it was no different for Serena Williams as well. She finally brought an end to her illustrious career by retiring in 2022 and it was a tough pill to swallow for all Tennis fans indeed. The good thing however is that her sister Venus Williams has been given a wild card to compete in the main draw of the 2023 Australian Open
Lionel Messi’s World Cup Win: Hailed as the ultimate G.O.A.T. of the world of football, Lionel Messi has over the years earned the respect and fandom of innumerable fans all over the globe. The fact that his records and statistics for his respective football clubs were a lot greater than his own country Argentina is no hidden secret. Messi might have received everything that he wanted to in his career. However, one thing he unfortunately didn’t have was a World Cup trophy. Well, the good thing is that even that bit of waiting got over this year as Argentina managed to lift the FIFA World Cup title in the year 2022. It was a landmark moment for Messi and all his fans indeed and well, at the end of the day, the one who deserved the trophy the most finally has it in his name.
Roger Federer’s Retirement: If you are a 90s kid who started following Tennis closely since since that time, one career that you all must have followed very closely and precisely has to be of the amazing Roger Federer. In a career spanning more than 20 successful years, Roger has won everything starting from regional championships to International Grand Slams and well, we love all of it for real. The year 2022 saw two living legends in the field of Tennis hang up their boots. If Serena Williams’s retirement was tough to absorb, this wasn’t any less for fans. All hail the Swiss legend for all the years of happiness he’s provided from his end.
Rishabh Pant’s Car Accident: Unlike the other sporting events that are highlighted here for all the good reasons, this is a certainly different case indeed. While we must have hoped for Rishabh Pant to feature in this list for some new cricket record, the reality is a lot different. Year 2022 didn’t end on a nice note at all for Rishabh as he ended up having a horrendous car accident while driving a car. He was immediately carried to the hospital by localities where he was given basic treatment. Post that, he was flown to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai for further treatment and surgeries. Although he’s right now recovering well, the sad news is that given his current health condition, he’s supposed to be away from cricketing action for quite a long time.
Ishan Kishan’s Fastest Double Century in ODI: He’s always been a bundle joy full of talent and potential was never a question for this young man. Earlier as well, on many occasions, he’s shown what he’s truly capable of for Mumbai Indians and we loved all his knocks. While he’s more often than not managed to do well whenever he played for Mumbai Indians under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the same unfortunately wasn’t happening for him when he was getting opportunities for India. He’s that one impact player who might not do well 7/10 times. But on his given day, he can destroy quite literally any opponent and register magnanimous records to his name. Well, that’s exactly what he did recently against Bangladesh as he scored the fastest double-hundred ever by a batsman in ODI cricket. He scored a brilliant 210 off just 131 balls and his double century came in just 126 balls. That knock was special indeed and it only validated the fact all the way more that he’s out here to stay in the long run to etch more records to his name.
Sourav Ganguly’s Removal From BCCI: Last but certainly not the least, we have Sourav Ganguly in our list. From being India’s captain in the past to being dropped from the squad to eventually becoming the President of the same BCCI in the year 2019, his journey from being a cricket player to a successful adminstrator has been the perfect example of poetic justice in cricket. He became the President of the BCCI in the year 2019 and till the year 2022, he served Indian cricket administration by being at the helm of things. However, unlike what others would have hoped for, Ganguly’s administration career for BCCI came to an end when he was replaced by Roger Binny in 2022. While many supported the decision, a lot of people were left clueless as to why Dada would be removed from the position he’s done complete justice to since the time he took over the reigns.
Well folks, these were our picks on the ‘Newsmakers of the year in sports’ for the year 2022. Now, it’s time for you to pick your favourite.