African invasion leaves Asia fuming
INCHEON: In 2006, Kenyan-born Stephen Cherono changed his nationality to Qatar and his name to Saif Saaeed Shaheen. The 2002 Commonwealth Games champion was reportedly paid a staggering sum to run for Qatar at the Doha Asiad and the athletics buzz centred around him, although injury prevented him from competing in the 3000m steeplechase.
Cut to Incheon, and the Asian invasion by athletes from Africa, especially long- and middle-distance runners, can no longer be brushed under the carpet. On Saturday, Jebet Ruth, born in Kenya but representing Bahrain, won gold in women’s 3000m steeplechase. On Sunday, Nigerian-born Femi Seun Ogunode clinched the 100m gold for Bahrain in 9.93 seconds, an Asian record, leaving silver medallist Su Bingtian fuming. “It’s unfair because they are taller and have a longer stride. They are more powerful and athletic. Physically we are at a disadvantage,” Bingtian told AFP.
Asian sports federations feel these “mercenaries” could leave Asian sports in tatters. On Monday, at an Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) press conference, its honorary life vice-president, Wei Jizhong, said there was an urgent need to work out ways to stop countries going on a buying spree for athletes to stop the practice.
Even OCA secretary- general, Randhir Singh, was categorical when he said this doesn’t bode well for Asian sports. “Rules for becoming a citizen of another country should be made strict... Importing players from outside the continent is not the way to go.”
Wei Jizhong said, “We have to work to avoid any country or region buying athletes instead of training their own...This will lower standards in that country.”