By TalkSport Africa Reporter
Kampala, Uganda
Three junior male Ugandan athletes have been denied visas to Australia to participate in the 2023 World Cross Country Championship slated for February 18th in Bathurst.
Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) confirmed the development to Talksport Africa.
“It is unfortunate because we tried to explain that some of these athletes are orphans and yet the authorities want both parents to sign the document. We had a very strong junior men’s team and now this development is a challenge,” added Otuchet.
The Ugandan team led by World 5,000m and 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei traveled yesterday to Australia via Doha, Qatar and only arrived on Wednesday.
The three athletes who were denied visas include; Feb Chelengoi, Allan Kibet and Sailas Rotich.
However, Otuchet says that even with some athletes failing to travel, he is still optimistic that the Ugandan team will challenge for the team gold medal. “Both the seniors and juniors are looking good and we should perform well,” added Otuchet.
“We have a good team in both the seniors and juniors and we are confident of coming back with medals. We know we shall face tough competition from Ethiopia and Kenya, but we have prepared well enough,” said Cheptegei.
The Ugandan team which finished third in the last World Cross Country Championship held in Denmark in 2019 will this time round face stiff competition from the likes of Ethiopia, Kenya and Eritrea.
Uganda’s team
Senior Men: Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Martin Magengo Kiprotich, Samuel Kibet, Roger Kibet, Isaac Kibet
Junior Men: Hosea Chemutai, Dan Kibet, Keneth Kiprop
Senior Women: Stella Chesang, Doreen Chesang, Prisca Chesang, Annet Chelangat, Prespa Cherop, Mercyline Chelangat
Junior Women: Peace Chebet, Felister Chekwenoi, Charity Cherop, Risper Cherop, Bentalin Yeko
