JAKARTA, Aug 29: India�s silver medal in the 4x400m mixed relay will not be upgraded to gold after the country�s protest against champions Bahrain was rejected by the Asian Games� Jury of Appeals for the athletics competition here today.
India had lodged a protest, stating that a Bahraini runner had caused obstruction to Hima Das during the relay race in which India finished second after MR Poovamma frittered away a good 30m lead.
The Indian quartet of Muhammed Anas, Poovamma, Hima and Arokia Rajiv had clocked 3 minute and 15.71 seconds to finish behind Bahrain (3:11.89) in the event which was making a debut in the Asian Games.
India�s protest was admitted by the Jury of Appeals last night but was rejected today.
�We presented our case and after due deliberation, the jury rejected our appeal. So the result stands, we are the silver winner,� an Indian team official told PTI.
Anas had begun in spectacular fashion as he opened up a huge 30m lead over his Bahraini rival and handed over the baton to Poovamma.
However, Poovamma squandered the lead. By the time she passed on the baton to Hima, Bahrain had created 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. � PTI
