Kenyan athletics squad for Commonwealth Games

Athletics Kenya has unveiled a team of 53 athletes for the 2010 Commonwealth Games after a low-key selection process at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium bereft of most star runners who were handed byes for the October 3 to 14 events in India.

The new World 800m record-holder, David Rudisha, Olympics champions Nancy Jebet Lagat, Brimin Kipruto and Asbel Kiprop; World champions, Ezekiel Kemboi and Vivian Cheruiyot, Linet Masai and Janeth Jepkosgei are among the athletes named.

Kemboi and Jepkosgei are returning to defend their men's steeplechase and women's 800m Commonwealth title respectively.

Big omissions from the squad include defending Commonwealth champion over 5,000men, Augustine Choge who was not given a wildcard and Olympics silver winner at the same event, Eliud Kipchoge, who could only muster a third finish in 13:25.27 at the Trials.

"As promised, we have named a strong team for the Commonwealth Games and it is our hope they will carry on the impressive performances our athletes have had in Poland, Canada, Nairobi and Singapore," AK boss, Isaiah Kiplagat, said after the trials.

Team list:
Men:
Anderson Mureta, Kipkemoi Soi (200m), Mark Mutai, Vincent Mumo (400m), Vincent Kiplagat Kosgei (400m hurdles), David Rudisha, Richard Kiplagat, Boaz Lalang (800m), Asbel Kiprop, Silas Kiplagat, James Magut (1500m), Edwin Soi, Vincent Yator, Mark Kiptoo (5000m), Titus Mbishei, Joseph Kiptoo Birech, Daniel Lemashon Salel (10,000m), Richard Mateelong, Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto (3,000m SC), Luke Kibet, Amos Matui, John Kilai Ekiru (marathon), David Rudisha, Mark Mutai, Vincent Mumo, Anderson Mureta (4X400m), David Kimutai, Josephat Sirma, Sylvanus Wekesa (20km walk), Julius Yego (Javelin), Tera Langat (long jump).

Women:
Maureen Jelagat, Florence Wasike (400m hurdles), Janeth Jeokosgei, Cherono Koech, Winnie Chebet (800m), Nancy Jebet Lagat, Irene Jelagat, Viola Kibiwott (1,500m), Vivian Cheruiyot, Syvia Kibet, Iness Chenonge (5000m), Linet Masai, Doris Chageiywo, Grace Momanyi (10,000m), Janeth Jepkosgei, Nancy Lagat, Maureen Jelagat, Florence Wasike (4X400m), Caroline Kilel, Irene Jerotich Kosgei, Rose Kerubo (marathon), Grace Wanjiru, Emily Ngii (walk), Priscilla Isaio (hammer ). Technical officials - David Letting, Peter Mathu, Nicholas Kilisio (coaches), Peter Nduhiu, Japheth Kariakim (physiotherapists), Peter Angwenyi (team manager), Tecla Sang, Esther Chebet (ast. team manager).

Kenya to send 250 athletes to CWG

Kenya will send a team of 250 athletes and officials to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Indiain spite of the security concerns.

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) chairman Kipchoge Keino ruled out withdrawing the Kenyan team from the competition saying they are satisfied with the organization efforts to get the situation under control.

This follows terror threats that Delhi remains a possible terror target during the games.

Keino announced several measures including bringing on board Kenyan policemen to boost the security of the team in India.

"We are taking along several police and intelligence officers to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games in October," said Keino.

At the same time, Keino announced the appointment of a Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police Jonathan Koskei, as the games Chief de Mission because of his profession.

"We are not taking anything for granted.

"We have appointed Koskei because he has knowledge and well placed to advise us on issues of security and of course his involvement in sports.

"I believe we will be well secured as a team," said Keino.

Several intelligence and police officers will also be included in the large Kenyan contingent to the games.

Stephen Soi, who will be the games executive officer and a former police officer, said security, starts with individual athletes and they will sensitize them on need to maintain limited movements while in India.

"No one will be allowed to walk out of the athletes’ village alone or without permission.

"We are serious about the security because we do not want the terrorists to win in this war against a noble event," said Keino.

Kenya will send a large contingent of over 250 athletes and officials and Soi confirmed it will be a major challenge to restrict their movement and provide total security to them.

Keino said between six and ten officers will be allowed to accompany the team.

More than 8,000 athletes from 71 nations are due to compete in India.

"But we are having contacts in Delhi.

"From the Kenyan High commission to individual security agents, we have established links with the security officials in India which we will use to advise us on the situation time and again," said Soi.