Ethiopia to take part in IAAF’s championship despite diplomatic row with Qatar
APA
March 9, 2010
Addis Ababa ( Ethiopia) A team of Ethiopian athletics will leave on Wednesday morning for Qatar, Doha to take part in the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Indoor Championships from 12-14 March.
The Ethiopian athletics team is traveling to Qatar despite a diplomatic row that erupted in 2008 between the two countries.
Ethiopia accused Qatar of interfering in the Ethiopian and Eritrean affairs saying that Qatar become a sources of instability in the horn of Africa region.
The row that erupted 10 years ago is still under tense condition with “no peace, no war” condition between the two countries.
Ethiopian Athletics Federation said on Tuesday that the Ethiopian athletics team will travel to Qatar on Wednesday morning. Ethiopia’s world 3000m indoor champion Meseret Defar will lead the country’s squad.
The 26-year old Defar, who run the third and second fastest times in the history of the 3000m and 5000m indoors in her two competitive races this year, is hoping to win a four consecutive time .
“I am ready to repeat my victory in Qatar,” said Defar.
Defar will be challenged by her compatriot, Sentayehu Ejigu in the 3,000m race.