Ranked 7th in the world, India's first fully blind Paralympic athlete Ankur Dhama headed into 1500 m heat 1 as one of the favourites to go through to the final eight. However, an untimely fall of his guide Vipin saw the duo lose precious time, and eventually finish outside the qualification spots. However, a closer look at the video shows that Vipin might have been pushed by eventual heat winner Deniz Simih of Turkey, who clocked 4:11.75 seconds. Despite missing the 30 minute post race complaint window, the Sports Ministry, along with coach Satyapal Singh have filed an official complaint with the race organisers regarding the matter.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda from Rio, Satyapal said, “Actually we missed the 30 minutes window because were uncertain whether he was actually pushed. Vipin came and told me that he was pushed, but then again you can't be sure during the race. So, we wanted to check, but we didn't have access to the footage. It was only an hour later that we were convinced that Vipin was pushed. If you see the video, it shows that he was pushed aside, and Ankur had no idea where to go after. This saw us lose precious time, and eventually no qualify.”
The complaint was officially filed three hours after the race, according to a travelling official in Rio. Satyapal said, “This kind of incident ocurred during the able-bodied Olympics also where one runner was pushed and she was given a direct entry to the final. I assure you if he didn't fall he would qualify easily. If he is given a chance to do it again, or he reaches the final a bronze is definitely guaranteed.”
Ankur is arguably India's most successful para-runner, also won a silver medal at the 2014 Asian Games. Earlier this year, he became the country's first athlete to qualify for the Paralympic, by winning gold at the Dubai qualifier. He also won three medals at the Asia Oceania Championship, underilining his credentials as India's most succesfful para-athlete in 2016.
His timing of 4:37.61 seconds, almost 15 seconds from his personal best, due to the fall. Vipin said, “As soon as the race started and we choosing the lane, suddenly I felt authoritative nudge to remove me out of the way. I don't know whether the athlete or the guide did it but someone. I'm still injured right now, swlling on the right now.
According to sources, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will take the decision on Monday.
