Why was Rakshitha Raju disqualified despite a faster time as Valasanaini won bronze?

India's Rakshita Raju was disqualified from her bronze medal-winning position (Image: IANS)

India’s Rakshita Raju was disqualified after initially finishing third in the women’s 1500m T11 event at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Monday, with compatriot Ravanni Valasanani promoted to the bronze-medal position following the decision.Rakshita, running alongside guide Tabres Khan, clocked 5:31.45 to finish third. However, she was subsequently disqualified under Technical Rule 6.9 (TR6.9), changing the final standings and opening the door for Ravanni to claim the bronze medal.Ravanni, who competed with guide Rahul Balakrishna, had finished fourth in 5:41.85 before Rakshita’s disqualification.

Why was Rakshita Raju disqualified?

The disqualification was attributed to TR6.9, but the precise violation has not been established from the available information.

The stated explanation linking the decision to clothing, footwear or bib regulations requires verification against the official results or the jury’s decision before publication.

China clinch gold and silver

China dominated the event, with He Shanshan winning gold in 4:41.19 and compatriot Huang Zengli taking silver in 4:55.54. India’s Ravanni was promoted to third following the change in the standings.

The result came amid a productive day for India at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.

Earlier, Soumya Kumar and Radha Venkatesh secured gold and silver, respectively, in the women’s 1500m T12/T13 event.India also registered a one-two finish in the men’s javelin throw F46, with Rinku Hooda winning gold with a season-best throw of 65.11m and Ajeet Singh Yadav taking silver with 65.02m. Nishad Kumar added another gold medal in the men’s long jump T47 with a best effort of 7.11m.