A ripple of shockwave rolled through the international athletic community following a contentious performance at the World University Games in Chengdu, China
Nasra came in last place during the 100m race at the 31st Summer World University Games held in Chengdu, China on Tuesday, setting a new record for the slowest finish in the competition’s history., Barre Added the women neither a « sports person nor a runner. »
There was also no « Somali University Sports Association, » the minister said in a letter addressed to the nation’s Olympic committee
The selection process, which should have been a showcase of merit and talent, has been marred by allegations of favoritism and mismanagement
Critics argue that Bashir’s selection is a blatant disregard for fair competition and sends a concerning message about the integrity of Somalia’s sports system.
The decision by the Somali sports authorities have sparked outrage among fellow athletes, coaches and fans, who argue that deserving and more accomplished contenders have been overlooked in favor of political interests or clan affiliations. In addition those who are qualified sometimes face Man-made obstacles including missing passport for sabotaging.
In her qualifying race, Nasra Abukar was immediately left behind by the other runners and finished about 10 seconds after the winner. Despite being dead last, she did a little skip in the air as she crossed the finish line
A video of the agonizingly slow run by Nasra Abukar was shared across social media and Mohamud said that the performance was embarrassing for Somalia.
In her qualifying race, Nasra Abukar was immediately left behind by the other runners and finished about 10 seconds after the winner. Despite being dead last, she did a little skip in the air as she crossed the finish line
The controversy surrounding the female athlete stems from several factors, including doubts about her qualifications to compete at the international level
The 2023 Summer World University Games in Chengdu presented a crucial opportunity for Somalia to showcase its sporting potential and rebuild its reputation on the global stage.
However, the controversy surrounding Ali’’s selection threatens to overshadow the country’s sports potential and leaves a cloud of uncertainty over the legitimacy of the country’s sports industry.
Her poor performance and last-place finish in the international competition has also been widely cited as a glaring example of corruption and favoritism that has plagued Somalia’s sports sector for a long time.
For years, Somalia’s sports authorities have come under scrutiny for lack of transparency surrounding the selection criteria and the decision-making process.
Meanwhile, the Somali Federal Minister of Sports Mohamed Barre has acknowledged the fault but the he insisted that they were unaware of her selection , but the National Olympics Committee have yet to issue an official statement in response to the growing public pressure, leaving the citizens frustrated and demanding answers.
It is believed that Khadijo Aden Dahir and Nasra Abukar Ali are related, which prompted the Chairwoman of the apex governing body for athletics in Somalia to include Ali in the track and field athletes contingent. However, no direct link has officially been made between Dahir and Ali, even though the ministry’s letter accused the former of nepotism.
The ongoing investigation has also found that a sports body known as the Somali University Sports Association, which was apparently responsible for sending athletes to university sports meets such as the ongoing World University Games, doesn’t exist! The country’s Ministry of Sports and Youth has reportedly promised to pursue legal action against the Chairperson of the Athletics Federation and others responsible for the “falsification” of the sports body.
A press release by the Association of Somali Universities stated that it had not appointed any athlete to take part in the World University Games 2023 held in Chengdu, China. The association’s statement further fueled the controversy, this come when the Ministry said « there is no Universities Sports Association in Somalia »
Ahmed Mohamed
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