AFI under fire after high jumper Tejaswin Shankar objects to President’s comment
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) President continued to face flak for leaving high-jumper Tejaswin Shankar out of Asian Championships squad. Though the final squad is yet to be confirmed, the likes of Kamalpreet Kaur, Praveen Chithravel, Dutee Chand, Hima Das are likely to make the cut.
Rising to prominence as early as a 20-year-old, when he had broken the 12-year-old national record of Hari Shankar Roy (2.25) to finish 2.29m in
However, the record holder, who currently holds a full scholarship at the Kansas State University, couldn’t make it to the Federation Cup which was earmarked by AFI as a selection trial for the Asian meet. Shankar’s reason was he had to miss his exams if he flew into Patiala for the competition.
While the high-jumper could accept not getting selected in the Asian Championships squad for not following the protocol, it was AFI President Adille Sumariwalla’s comments that
“He was not able to do that and we have not selected him. The selection committee has taken the decision. He is not even in the TOP scheme. He is not a medal prospect and being
Consequently, the young athlete had to take to Twitter objecting to Sumariwalla’s quote saying, "I don't consider that he will get a medal (in Doha)."
I understand that I couldn’t take part in the fed cup organised by & if that’s why I wasn’t considered for selection then I respect that decision. But if this is what Prez believes then I’m sorry to say but he has no right to judge if I am good enough or no.
— Tejaswin Shankar (TJ) (@TejaswinShankar)
Sumariwalla tried clarifying the issue by stating that he was misquoted and every athlete would be judged by his or her ability and nothing else. "I understand your disappointment. I wish you had clarified with me first. I have been misquoted and out of context. Ours is a measurable sport and you will be judged by your own efforts and performance. Good luck," Sumariwalla said, reported TOI.
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who has won gold at the Commonwealth Games as well as the Asian Games also blasted the President for his "disrespectful" comments.
This is very disrespectful to any athlete b it National or International champion. How is it justified leaving out d one who has shown great potential clearing d qualifying mark many times & yet deeming him nt credible enough to represent our country & win a🏅??? 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh)
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