AFI faces backlash for omitting high jumper

Wednesday 27th March 2019 06:54 EDT
 

The Athletics Federation of India continued to get flak over the controversial omission of high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, who is studying and training in USA, from the India squad for next month’s Asian Championships in Doha. Announcing the squad, AFI said the national record-holder was not considered as he has not listened to the federation and competed in any of the qualifying meets.

The young athlete then took to Twitter objecting to a media report that quoted AFI president Adille Sumariwalla as 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 @afiindia & if that’s why I wasn’t considered for selection then I respect that decision. But if this is what Prez @Adille1 believes then I’m sorry to say but he has no right to judge if I am good enough or not,” Shankar tweeted.

“I am not someone who wears the crown/takes false pride in being national champion and be content with my past successes. I know I can do better. But I also know that I am as capable as anyone else to win a medal for India,” he added. Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medallist, wrestler Vinesh Phogat blasted the AFI boss for what she called “disrespectful” comment.

“This is very disrespectful to any athlete be it National or International champion. How is it justified leaving out one who has shown great potential clearing the qualifying mark many times & yet deeming him not credible enough to represent our country & win a medal???,” Vinesh tweeted. Meanwhile, the AFI president replied to Tejaswin and said he has been misquoted. “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.

Shot putter Inderjeet Singh, who got a reprieve in December before WADA took his case to CAS this month, didn’t get a berth in the squad. The AFI has also named three men and eight women in the squad subject to them clearing confirmatory trials. The federation also added Sanjivani Jadhav in the squad subject to a clearance from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).


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