AFI to Challenge Shaili Singh's Long Jump Measurement at CAS
The Athletics Federation of India plans to contest the measurement of Shaili Singh's jump at the Asian Games, claiming it cost her a medal.
Shaili Singh finished fourth in the women's long jump with a jump of 6.42m.
The AFI alleges that officials measured her jump from an incorrect mark.
Anju Bobby George, Shaili's mentor, stated that proper measurement procedures were not followed.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is set to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the controversial measurement of Shaili Singh's long jump during the Asian Games. The federation contends that the officials inaccurately measured Shaili's fourth attempt, which ultimately cost her a potential medal.
Shaili Singh concluded her event in fourth place with a best jump of 6.42 meters on Sunday. The competition saw India's Ancy Sojan securing silver with a jump of 6.53 meters, while China's Huang Yingying clinched gold with a final jump of 6.55 meters. The crux of the controversy lies in the measurement of Shaili's fourth attempt, which was officially recorded at 6.41 meters, a mark that her supporters argue was inaccurately assessed.
Anju Bobby George, a legendary long jumper and Shaili's mentor, expressed her concerns about the measurement process. She explained that the officials initially pointed to a mark closer to where Shaili landed but later shifted to a mark that was significantly shorter. Anju emphasized that the measurement should have been taken from the mark indicated by the official closest to the landing area, not from a distant position.
Following the jump, Shaili lodged a formal protest, prompting officials to review video footage of the attempt. However, Anju noted that the officials first presented a front-view video, which did not adequately clarify where Shaili had landed. The Indian team requested a side-view video, which was reportedly unavailable at the time. Despite their appeal to the jury, the original decision regarding the measurement was upheld.
The AFI's decision to escalate the matter to CAS underscores their belief that Shaili was unjustly denied a medal due to the measurement error. Anju Bobby George stated, "It's an injustice to Shaili. She could have even won gold if the correct measurement was made." Another senior official from the AFI confirmed that they are moving forward with the appeal to the Lausanne-based CAS, seeking a resolution to this contentious situation.
