Kazakhstan Race Walker Loses Asian Games Gold Over Shoe Violation

Sports Correspondent :Imran Sohail

NAGOYA: Kazakhstan’s Yasmina Toxanbayeva has been disqualified from the women’s race walking event at the Asian Games, resulting in the loss of her gold medal over a footwear violation.

Toxanbayeva initially finished first in Sunday’s event with a time of 3 hours, 22 minutes and 20 seconds. She crossed the finish line almost four minutes ahead of China’s Danzengquzong, but the result remained provisional following a protest.

Officials later determined that Toxanbayeva had been wearing shoes that were not approved under World Athletics regulations.

A technical official said athletes are required to compete in footwear that appears on the list of shoes approved by World Athletics.

Following the ruling, Toxanbayeva’s gold medal was annulled. However, she was informed that she had the right to challenge the decision before the competition jury, and she has filed an appeal.

Toxanbayeva also confirmed the decision on social media, thanking those who supported her during the competition.

With her disqualification, China’s Danzengquzong was elevated to the gold-medal position.

Another Chinese athlete, Ma Li, was awarded silver, while Japan’s Yukiko Umeno moved into third place to take the bronze medal.