AFI to Move CAS Over Disputed Long Jump Measurement at Asian Games
According to India Today, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has announced its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a controversial measurement in the women's long jump final at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The federation alleges that officials incorrectly measured a critical fourth attempt by Indian athlete Shaili Singh, a decision it claims denied her a podium finish.
According to Court of Arbitration for Sport, initiating an arbitration procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport requires payment of a mandatory non-refundable Court Office fee of 1,000 Swiss Francs (CHF).
According to WION, at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games, the Athletics Federation of India lodged protests over multiple officiating controversies in athletics field events, including an unrecorded throw for Neeraj Chopra and an improper foul call against Kishore Jena.
Shaili finished the event in fourth place with a best recorded jump of 6.42m. Compatriot Ancy Sojan secured the silver medal with a 6.53m effort, while China's Huang Yingying claimed gold with a 6.55m jump on her final attempt. The dispute centers on Shaili's fourth jump, which was officially recorded at 6.41m.
According to India Today, the disputed measurement was taken from a sand pit mark left by Shaili Singh's hair, leaving her four centimetres behind bronze medallist Mengyi Tan of China (6.46m). According to India Today, shaili Singh's best recorded jump of 6.42m fell short of China's Mengyi Tan (6.46m) by exactly four centimetres for the bronze medal.
Disputed Measurement and Protest
Anju Bobby George, the legendary long jumper and senior vice president of the AFI, who is also serving as Shaili's mentor, stated that the measurement was taken from an incorrect mark. According to George, an official initially identified the correct landing point near the pit, but a second official positioned further away subsequently directed the measurement from a mark significantly closer to the takeoff board.
Following the event, the Indian team lodged a formal protest. George expressed dissatisfaction with the review process, noting that officials initially provided only a front-view video, which the team argued was insufficient to determine the precise landing point. The team's request for a side-view video was denied, with officials stating they did not possess such footage. The jury later upheld the initial measurement after claiming to have reviewed side-view evidence.
Pursuit of Arbitration
According to India Today, asserting that the error cost Shaili a potential gold medal, the AFI has confirmed it will challenge the jury's decision at the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport. The federation maintains that the failure to use the mark identified by the official closest to the landing pit constitutes a significant procedural injustice. The appeal marks a major escalation in the federation's response to the officiating at the continental games, as the Indian contingent continues its campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.