Sharath Makanahalli upgraded to silver after Uzbekistan runner's disqualification

India para runner Sharath Makanahalli's bronze medal in the men’s 1500m T12 event at the Asian Para Games was upgraded to silver after the original gold winner was disqualified for rule violation here on Wednesday.

Uzbekistan’s Fakhriddin Khamraev was initially awarded the gold with a time of 4 minutes and 7.48 seconds. Jordan’s Nabeel Maqableh (4:07.97) was in the silver medal position and Makanahalli (4:11.01) third.

But after protest lodged by the Jordanian athlete, Khamraev was disqualified under Rule TR 18.1 (b) of World Para Athletics. Jordan's Maqableh was later awarded the gold while Makanahalli got the silver.

Rule TR 18.1 (b) mandates the disqualification of an athlete for jostling or obstructing a competitor to gain an unfair advantage.

India's para athletics chief coach Satyanarayana told PTI that Khamraev was disqualified after he overtook his Jordanian rival from the left side instead of the right side in the last 200m of the race.

The T12 classification is for athletes with a visual impairment who have limited vision.

Athletes in this category may compete with or without a guide runner, depending on the event and their choice.

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