World Athletics to inspect Nairobi for U-20 championships

Nairobi: The World Athletics inspection team will be in Nairobi next week to scrutinize the organizational structures and work progress ahead of this year’s World U-20 Championships. This will be the third visit by the World Athletics. World Athletics’ executive director of communications Jackie Brock-Doyle and head of event operations Toni Jorba will be in Nairobi to check on renovation work and laying of tartan at Kasarani Stadium, the venue of the championships, which will start from July 7. Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei said on Monday that the team’s visit will focus on the work done by the Local Organizing Committee, one year since their last show, where they met then Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echessa and other top government officials.

“A strong delegation from World Athletics is due in Nairobi for inspection. It is a big team of about 25 delegates. They arrive in the country on February 11. They will be here on February 12-13 to meet the Organizing Committee. We have done much so far in preparing for their tour,” Tuwei said.

World Athletics Council’s session in July in Buenos Aires picked Nairobi as the host city of the next World Athletics U-20 Championships.

Kenya won the bid following a largely successful World U-18 Championships held in 2017 with a record turnout of over 60,000 fans attending.

However, the curse of doping threatens to taint the most successful nation in track and field.

More than 60 elite runners, including Rio Olympic marathon winner Jemima Sumgong and 1,500m three-time world champion Asbel Kiprop, have been suspended for doping. Agencies

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