Kerala HC orders federation to include Chithra for worlds

TH I RU VAN ANT HAP U RAM: The Kerala high court directed the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to include woman middle-distance runner PU Chithra in the squad for the August World Athletics Championships in London.

The Kerala runner won the 1,500 matt he July Asian athletics meet in B hub an es war (4 minutes 17 seconds) and was second in the inter-state meet (4:28). The entry standard for London is 4:07.

The selection committee headed by former athletics great, G ur bach an Singh R and haw a, felt Chithra was not consistent.

But Chithra being ignored led to an out cry in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s requested the Union Sports Ministry’ s intervention but when it expressed helplessness, her coach NS Sijin petitioned the court.

‘In his interim order Justice PB Suresh Kumar observed the selection procedure was not transparent and questioned the presence of many officials in the squad. The court has asked the union sports ministry and AF I to submit details of the selection process. The case will be taken up on Monday for full hearing.

The AFI argued Chithra was omitted as she failed to meet the qualifying mark. She contended her Asian meet victory made her an automatic pick for London.

“I am really grateful to all who supported me ,” Ch it hr a said after the verdict. But since most squad members have already left, it remains to be seen how the athletic body will respond. The AFI told the court the deadline for entries had expired.

Chithra’s quest for a berth in the world championships had touched a chord in athletics-mad Kerala, especially as the 22-yearold hails for a poor family (father is a daily wage labourer).