India bagged a silver in the 400m mixed relay, which made its debut at the Asian Games on Tuesday, 28 August. However, the Athletics Federation of India lodged a protest against Bahrain for causing obstruction to Hima Das during the event.
The protest on Wednesday, 29 August, was rejected by the referee. However, India has once again appealed against the decision to the Jury of Appeal, who will reportedly be meeting in the evening today.
The Indian quartet of Mohd Anas, Poovamma, Hima Das and Arokia Rajiv clocked 3 minute and 15.71 seconds to finish behind Bahrain (3:11.89).
Anas began in spectacular fashion as he opened up a huge 30m lead over his Bahraini rival and handed over the baton to Povamma. However, the Karnataka athlete squandered the lead. By the time she passed on to the baton to Hima, Bahrain had a huge lead.
As Hima got the baton, she had to change her lane and sidestep Bahrain’s Oluwakemi Adekoya who fell before her, obstructing her way, after passing on the baton to Salwa Naser.
Hima could not cover the distance as Salwa pulled away quickly, leaving Anas with an unenviable job of covering at least 50m lead.
In the end, India finished second behind Bahrain while Kazakshtan got the third position with a timing of 3:19.42.
(With inputs from PTI)
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