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The government has agreed to increase the number of slots given to Athletics Kenya for the African Games after athletes had boycotted trials, protesting limited opportunities.
Government has bowed to pressure and increased the number of slots for athletes to the African Games following a standoff over limited opportunities on Tuesday.
The athletes had boycotted the trials over the decision by the National Sports Council to select only one per discipline for the games at the trials on Tuesday, leading to a standoff that delayed the event for hours.
Their representatives said the athletes were being undermined after months of training when athletics is what brings in the most medals.
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15:41 - 05.03.2024
ATHLETICS Mary Moraa demands answers from Sports CS after boycotting African Games national trials
Mary Moraa has pleaded with the Sports CS and the Kenya National Sports Council to provide answers over the decision to pick one athlete per event for the African Games.
National Sports Council had reduced the slots by 50 per cent from the 2019 African Games, with Athletics Kenya (AK) allocated 35 slots, 30 of whom were athletes (16 men and 14 women) plus five officials, due to what it termed limited funding.
But with athletics contributing 20 of the 31 medals Kenya won at the last edition, the athletes would hear none of it, insisting on the known tradition of selecting three athletes per discipline at the trials as long as they met the qualifying marks.
AK in consultation with government has therefore yielded to their demands, promising to increase the slots although it is still not known how many more have been added.
“We are pleased to note that following AK consultation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs Creative Economy and Sports, the number of slots available shall be increased subject to the athletes meeting the qualification criteria for the games,” AK said through a statement.
“AK technical team will work closely with the athletes during the trials to achieve the objective of selecting team Kenya as required.”
The athletes had reluctantly agreed to take part in the trials after their bosses at Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Police and Kenya Prisons, where most of them are drawn from, reminded them that they are representing the disciplined forces but the latest development will quell the tensions somewhat.
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14:07 - 05.03.2024
ATHLETICS Mary Moraa showers sprint sensation Esther Mbagari after issuing surprise gift
Mary Moraa has gifted sprint sensation Esther Mbagari a pair of spikes as she singled out what makes her stand out as one of the greatest sprinters in the country.
Athletes were worried that having one qualify for the games would deny them opportunities not just to represent the nation but also hit qualifying times for the Olympics at the African Games set to begin on Friday in Accra, Ghana.
Kenya’s 4x400m men’s and women’s relay teams were among those worried over the directive as they are seeking to use the African Games to hit the Olympics qualifying standards.
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