HYDERABAD: THE impersonation saga at the fag end of the recently concluded National Youth Championship in the city took an unusual turn on Monday when central government-appointed national observer for athletics, Anju Bobby George, said that the athlete who actually took part in the medley relay for boys on Sunday, is probably the actual contestant’s almost identical brother.
“They look alike but the elder brother’s distinct physical features gave it away. When he started, I thought he looked much older than rest. Plus, there were other indications,” the Olympian, who was present at the GMC Balayogi Stadium on Sunday, told Express.
Haryana, with 166.5 points, dethroned five-time defending champions Kerala (134.75), who had to settle for second spot, although they retained the girls’ crown with 100 points. Anju and the Kerala team had questioned the participation of the athlete right after the tournament folded.
“They are from Rohtak, Haryana, and the elder brother, who probably participated in the relay, serves in the Indian Army. Today (Monday) I found out that they are being coached by a tainted person, whose wards have previously been involved in similar instances,” the 40-year-old said.
An Athletics Federation of India representative, who was also present at ground zero, said he will soon file detailed reports with a colleague and the investigation will commence. “We will file independent reports within 2-3 days and, then, the AFI will probe the incident. They have all the athletes’ details,” the representative revealed.
Haryana team members could not be reached for comment. Till Sunday, the athlete in question and the rest of the squad had maintained that a genuine athlete competed in the event. When Anju was queried whether the incident, if proven, could jeopardise Haryana’s conquest, the former long jumper, who was appointed as a national observer with PT Usha last month, said: “The investigation would take a few days to get over and only then can we ascertain the consequences.” Anju had previously told this newspaper that she was certain about it being a case of impersonation.
There will be a buzz around youth athletics in the coming months as the Asian Youth Championship in Bangkok and World Youth Championship in Nairobi are in May and July, respectively. The contingent will be selected on the basis of the performances here.
vishal@newindianexpress.com