India Sardjoe created history after winning the first-ever breakdancing match at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Friday. She finished her impressive campaign after a heartbreaking loss in the semi-final of the debut sport on Saturday.
Her name 'India' caught the sporting world by surprise as many thought that India country making strides in breaking at the Olympics. But she is a young breakdancer from the Netherlands and represented her nation in the 'breaking', also known as break-dancing, in the 33rd Summer Games.
The 18-year-old India enjoyed a sensational campaign in the B-Girl Battle events but suffered a 1-2 defeat to Chinese dance in the bronze medal match on Saturday. She notably made the headlines after winning the first-ever breakdancing match in Olympics' history and enjoyed a memorable campaign.
Sardjoe won many hearts with her performances for the Dutch team but missed out on a podium finish. Japan's 26-year-old Ami won gold in the B-Girl Battles after she defeated Lithuania's Nicka by 3-0 in the final on Saturday. In the B-Boys Battles, Canada's Phil Wizard claimed gold by beating the home favourite Danny Dann.
Meanwhile, Breaking managed to attract a crowd on its debut and is expected to be a regular sport in the upcoming Olympic Games. But the new sports faced a big controversy on Friday when Afghanistan's Manisha Talash (playing for the Refugee team) was disqualified from her opening match against India Sardjoe for wearing a cape that displayed 'Free Afghan Women'' words. Her disqualification helped Sardjoe easily win the opening battle.
Skateboarding, sports diving and surfing returned to Olympics in the 2024. The next Olympic Games in Los Angeles will welcome back cricket (T20), baseball, softball and lacrosse after some lengthy gaps while squash and flag football will be the first additions.
