London: Davinder Singh Kang failed to make his historic final-round appearance count, finishing a disappointing 12th in the men’s javelin throw competition, as India continued their miserable show in the World Athletics Championships here.
Kang, the first Indian to qualify for a World Championship final round in javelin throw, produced a below- par performance and could only muster a best throw of 80.02m in his third attempt at the Olympic Stadium.
He began with a 75.40m and then fouled his second attempt in the 13-man field. He was eliminated after three rounds while the top eight continued the competition.
Kang has a season’s and personal best of 84.57m. Season leader, Johannes Vetter of Germany, won the gold with a best throw of 89.89m, while Czech Republic duo Jakub Vadlejch (89.73m) and Petr Frydrych (88.32m), clinched the silver and bronze respectively. Reigning Olympic champion, Thomas Rohler, was fourth with a best throw of 88.26m.
The 28-year-old Kang, who tested positive for marijuana but still made it to the Indian squad as the dope offence did not attract an automatic suspension, was carrying a right shoulder injury that he had sustained in May. He was seen clutching the right hand after his second throw.
“I tried my best but the pain due to the injury on my right shoulder I was carrying into the tournament, was too much for me to bear and because of that I could not do well. I did not want to give excuses but I would have done better if not for the injury. I am disappointed I have let the country down,” Kang said after the event.
press trust of india
