Rakshita Raju Disqualified, Ravanni Valasanani Takes Bronze

Asian Para Games: Rakshita Raju disqualified due to TR6.9 as Ravanni Valasanani promoted to bronze

Nagoya, Oct 19

Rakshita (Guide Tabres Khan) had initially finished third in the race with a time of 5:31.45s, while Ravanni (Guide Rahul Balakrishna) was fourth, having clocked 5:41.85s.

However, Rakshita was disqualified due to TR6.9, which means non-compliance in relation to clothing, shoes & bibs. This saw Ravanni get promoted and take the bronze.

Ahead of her, China's He Shanshan (Guide Zheng Canran) won the gold with a time of 4:41.19s, while her compatriot Huang Zengli (Guide You Junjie) won the silver with a time of 4:55.54s.

A little earlier, India's Soumya and Radha Venaktesh won gold and silver medals, respectively, in the Women's 1500m T12/T13 final. Soumya (with guide Bharath Kumar) took the top prize with a time of 5:12.39s (621 Raza points), while Radha (with guide Govind Solanki) won the silver with a time of 5:30.90s (421 Raza points).

Behind them, Japan's Mana Sasaki (T13) won bronze. Although she clocked 5:12.15s, she accumulated 336 Raza points and took the bronze.

The Raza point system is a mathematical way to compare and rank athletes from different disabilities on a fair and level playing field.

India now have six medals in para-athletics at the ongoing Asiad as Rinku and Ajeet Singh bagged a gold and a bronze, respectively, in the Men's Javelin F46 category. Rinku clinched the gold medal with an impressive throw of 65.11 metres, showcasing exceptional strength, precision, and consistency.

Ajeet Singh secured the silver medal with a remarkable throw of 65.02 metres, finishing just 9 centimetres behind his compatriot. His outstanding performance highlighted his determination, competitive spirit, and excellence in para-athletics.

Earlier, Nishad Kumar also bagged a gold in the long jump event on debut as he registered a best effort of 7.11m.

— IANS