Asian Games 2023: AFI vice chief accuses Chinese officials of cheating as Neeraj Chopra's first throw goes unmeasured

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ALSO READ Asian Games 2023: Neeraj Chopra wins the gold medal, netizens call him 'legend' "I was puzzled and confused, it has never happened in any competition I have competed in till now. I think they lost my landing mark and they kept on looking for it." Apart from this, Kishore Jena, who joined Chopra on the podium with his silver-winning effort, also had his second throw invalidated for crossing the line but the decision was later reversed. Senior vice president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Anju Bobby George, accused the officials of deliberately targeting the Indians.

"They are trying to cheat us and trying to disturb our athletes. Neeraj's first throw was very good and it was a kind of disturbance. We called Neeraj to protest there itself.

Jena's throw was also called foul when he was one foot behind the line," the legendary long jumper alleged. She even alleged that winning in China is difficult as their officials are always up for some "mischief" and disturb the athletes. "Winning in China is very difficult so though we are the best runners, throwers, jumper they will do all such mischief and disturb our athletes." On being asked if the officials gave any reason for not measuring his first throw, Chopra said, "One of the officials said the second athlete after me had taken his throw quickly.

It was a bizarre situation." "I am told that it was a very good throw, probably 87-88m. Mentally you feel relieved if your first throw is very good. Later they told me I would be given another throw for the first attempt." A perfect gentleman he is, Chopra agreed to it.