India’s mixed relay silver medal in 2018 Asian games to be upgraded following ban on Bahrain athlete

The 4x400 mixed relay team of Mohammad Anas, Hima Das, Arokia Rajiv and MR Poovamma had managed to secure a silver medal for India in the Asian Games last year, finishing just behind Bahrain. 

However, Kemi Adekoya, a part of the winning contingent in Jakarta, has failed a dope test and her results between August 24, 2018, and November 26, 2018, have been declared null and void. The Asian Games were held from 18 August to September 2 but the athletics events fall within the AIU’s time frame and hence India will be able to claim the gold medal. The Athletics Integrity Unit also has handed Aekoya a four-year ban.

This means that the silver medal that India won will now be upgraded to gold. India had also filed a complaint for obstruction last year after the event in Jakarta but the motion had been turned down.

This is not the only piece of good news for Indian athletes. Adekoya had also won the gold in the 400m hurdles while India’s Anu Raghavan had finished fourth. The AIU’s statement means that Raghavan will be awarded a bronze medal for the event.