Track and field events doubtful this Saturday
The Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) will decide today whether to host the 2015 national track and field championship that is scheduled for this Saturday at Gymkana Club, Zomba.
AAM president Godfrey Phiri yesterday said some sponsors earmarked to support the 24-category event had asked for more time hence, the uncertainty.
“Early indications are that they would like us to shift it. We really need to host the championship which is the hub of all athletics. Our calendar shows that the track and field should be held on June 27, but we still have time between now and the World Championship to hold the domestic event,” Phiri said.
AAM hopes that the annual event can, for the first time in the country’s athletics history, produce a qualified athlete to participate at the World Championship in China from August 22 to 30 2015.
So far, athletes from 48 countries, including Djibouti, South Africa, Botswana, Ethiopia and Kenya ,have already qualified. Even in the absence of a qualified athlete, Malawi has a quota of one athlete to go to China.
A visit to Kamuzu Stadium showed that athletes from several clubs such as police have stepped up preparations for the track and field which is a sport that combines various athletic contest based on skill, running, jumping and throwing. n
