Nine-year-old girl, Kainat Khalil was not allowed to take part in the 5000m race at the ongoing 35th National Games on Thursday due to her age, her coach claimed.
Kainat, representing Sindh in the 14-team event, was stopped by organizers moments before the race began.
According to her coach, officials cited International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules, which do not allow underage runners to compete in long-distance events.
Her coach expressed frustration in several video statements posted on social media, criticising the organisers’ decision. He also asked Kainat to share her feelings, but the nine-year-old, visibly emotional, struggled to speak and eventually burst into tears as the race started without her.
“It is said that Pakistan does not prevail in sports. How will the sports go ahead? Two days ago, there was a competition. It was a 10000m race. She was removed from the race on that day as well. She was [later] allowed to participate because [they thought] she would withdraw after two to three rounds,” the coach said.
“She won a bronze medal. Today is a 5000m race. Her BIB number is ready. Her team is ready, but she was removed because she is underage. They are telling me that we don’t allow children in the IOC rules,” he added.
Earlier in the Games, Kainat completed the 10000m race in 48 minutes and 42.70 seconds in the girls event, securing a bronze medal.
Her coach said she was initially barred from that race too due to her age but was later allowed to compete after he submitted a written undertaking, taking “full responsibility” for her well-being.
