On Monday, October 2, at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, India's 4x400m mixed relay team seized another silver medal, marking a notable moment for Indian athletics. Initially finishing third, the team's position was elevated to silver after the Sri Lankan team faced disqualification due to a line infringement.
The Indian squad had previously clinched the gold in this category at the Jakarta Asian Games, cementing their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the relay. This year, even without the presence of star sprinter Muhammed Anas, the team managed to set a new national record. The dynamic ensemble, comprising Muhammed Ajmal, Vithya Ramraj, Rajesh Ramesh, and Subha Venkatesan, completed the race with an impressive timing of 3:14.34s.
This addition brings India's total medal tally in athletics at the current Hangzhou Asian Games to 12, with more events yet to unfold.
Bahrain, showcasing a consistent performance, grabbed the gold with a close finish time of 3:14.02s. Sri Lanka, which had originally clinched the second spot with a time of 3:14.25s, faced disqualification post-race, benefiting India.
What does the rulebook say?
According to World Athletics rule TR 17.3.1, In all races: 17.3.1 run in lanes, each athlete shall keep within their allocated lane from start to finish. This shall also apply to any portion of a race run in lanes;
17.3.2 (or any part of races) not run in lanes, an athlete running on a bend, on the outer half of the track as per Rule 17.5.2 of the Technical Rules, or on any curved part of the diversion from the track for the steeplechase water jump, shall not step or run on or inside the curb or line marking the applicable border (the inside of the track, the outer half of the track, or any curved part of the diversion from the track for the steeplechase water jump).
Not the first time
Interestingly, a similar turn of events transpired four years ago in Jakarta. While India completed the relay in the second position, the leading Bahrain team faced disqualification after one of their athletes tested positive for a prohibited substance, propelling India to the gold position.
With the relay events still underway, the Indian team remains optimistic about adding more medals to their tally, reflecting the spirit and determination of the nation's athletes.
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