AFI under fire after high jumper Tejaswin Shankar objects to President’s comment

AFI under fire after high jumper Tejaswin Shankar objects to President’s comment

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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 high jump, Shankar has definitely been one of India’s brighter prospects in the field and track category. To further cement his talent, Shankar broke both the Outdoor and indoor records several times last year, qualifying for the Commonwealth Games.

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 has now started a row. The president had reportedly said, “We are okay to miss out on a medal in Doha because I don’t consider that he will get a medal. We clearly told him that you have to come here and participate in one of the meet and show his performance.”

“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 national champion is of no value. I was a national champion for 11 times. It’s of no value,” reported Scroll.

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)."

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. 

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