The youngest athlete at the 35th National Games, nine-year-old Kainat Khalil, was barred from competing in the 5000m race on Thursday due to her age, her coach claimed.
Representing Sindh in the 14-team event, Kainat was stopped by organisers just before the race began, who cited International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules restricting underage runners from taking part in long-distance events.
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Her coach expressed frustration on social media, sharing multiple video statements in which he criticised the decision and allowed Kainat to voice her feelings.
The young athlete, visibly emotional, eventually burst into tears as the race proceeded 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,” Kainat’s coach said in a video statement.
READ: Nine-year-old earns standout 10,000m bronze at National Games
“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 had competed in the 10000m race and secured a bronze medal, completing the distance in 48 minutes and 42.70 seconds.
Her coach revealed that she had initially been barred from the 10000m race as well, but was later allowed to participate after he submitted a written undertaking, taking “full responsibility” for her well-being.
