EXPLAINED: Why Iran's Beit Sayah Sadegh got disqualified leading to Navdeep Singh's silver being converted to gold at Paris Paralympics 2024

India's Navdeep Singh won the gold medal after Iran's Beit Sayah Sadegh was disqualified in the Men's Javelin Throw F41 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Beit's celebration was shortlived as the authorities found his gestures violating rule 8.1 of the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations. Despite registering a new Paralympic record in the category, the Iranian had to return empty-handed.

It helped India win its 7th gold medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024. The Rule 8.1 of the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations states that maintaining the highest standard of integrity, ethics, and conduct in sports is an essential part of an athlete. The rule claims that all athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators have the duty of upholding the values of the right conduct. However, Sadegh did not meet the needs.

"World Para Athletics (WPA) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and conduct in the sport of Para athletics. All participants in the sport, including athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators, have a responsibility to uphold these standards and ensure that the sport is conducted in a fair, honest, and transparent manner," claims rule 8.1 of Para Athletics Rules and Regulations.

Beit Sayah's celebration proves costly

Beit registered a best throw of 47.64 meters in his 5th attempt to register a new Paralympic record to his name in the Men's Javelin Throw F41 category. As Navdeep Singh failed to surpass it, he had to settle for a Silver despite registering a Paralympic record of 47.32 meters in his second attempt. But there was a twist in the tale. The Indian thrower's silver was upgraded to gold.

Sayah celebrated his win with a throat-slit gesture. Additionally, he got a black flag and sported it upon winning. Hence, it was considered a violation of rule 8.1 of the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations by the officials. Beit was distraught after the decision and has reportedly appealed the decision. For now, Navdeep has a gold medal for himself and is likely to hold on to it unless a change in decision.