Asian Games 2018 | India lodge protest against Bahrain for obstructing Hima Das in mixed relay final

The Indian quartet of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, M R Poovamma, Hima and Arokia Rajiv clocked 3 minutes and 15.71 seconds to finish behind Bahrain, who set the world record in the event clocking 3 minutes and 11.89 seconds, in the event which was making a debut in the Asian Games.

Anas began in spectacular fashion as he managed to take a 30m lead over his Bahraini rival and handed over the baton to Poovamma. However, the Karnataka athlete could not grab the opportunity as India lost 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.

Hima could not cover the distance as Salwa pulled away quickly, leaving Anas with a difficult job of covering the huge lead. Eventually, India finished with a silver behind Bahrain. On the hand, Kazakhstan finished third with a timing of 3:19.42.

Speaking about the incident, AFI President Adille Sumariwala said it was a clear obstruction which cost the Indians some time and a minor injury to Hima causing the federation to lodge a protest.

“It was a clear obstruction and we have lodged a protest. It also caused a minor injury to Hima and cost us time. The jury is there to see what happened,” Sumariwala told PTI.

On the other hand, Hima said she had to jump over the Bahraini in order to cross over. However, Hima felt she committed a foul by going to lane 2 and that played on her mind throughout the race. She further said the concept is an innovative one and India will try to get better.

“I had to jump over her to cross her, and I thought I have committed a foul by going to lane 2. It played on my mind. I don’t know she actually got off balance or fell deliberately to obstruct me. It was a good experience and the concept is innovative. We will definitely try to get better,” Hima said.

The AFI further congratulated the respective athletes by posting a picture on twitter.