Slap for Bahrain as they get banned from Athletics.

The Council’s ruling announced on Thursday, August 22, is the result of a thorough investigation by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) Board.

It uncovered historical breaches of World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules by the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA). 

As a result, Bahrain is barred from applying for any transfers of allegiance or recruiting foreign athletes for the next four years.

Bahrain, often accused of “buying” athletic talent from poorer nations, particularly Kenya, will now be forced to focus on nurturing its home-grown athletes. 

As part of the agreement, Bahrain will establish and fund a talent academy aimed at developing local talent, hoping to end their previous reliance on foreign athletes.

This ruling effectively means Bahrain’s controversial strategy of naturalising athletes often from Kenya has been halted. 

The ban includes restrictions on Bahrain’s participation in major events, limiting the number of athletes they can send to the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Tokyo 2025 World Championships to just 10. 

Additionally, Bahrain will not participate in any other World Athletics Series events for 12 months starting June 2024.

Kenya has long been a magnet for athletes worldwide due to its high-altitude training camps and storied history in long-distance running. 

Bahrain’s approach has differed significantly, relying on financial incentives and educational opportunities to entice Kenyan athletes to switch allegiance.

The World Athletics Council’s decision marks a turning point in the ongoing debate over the ethics of nationality transfers in sports. 

In a press statement, the Council emphasised Bahrain’s cooperation throughout the investigation and noted that the BAA admitted to the charges and agreed to the imposed sanctions.

Bahrain’s commitment to reform includes spending up to $7.3 million over the next four years to address doping and integrity risks within its athletics program. 

The country has also agreed to implement a strategic plan, developed in consultation with the AIU, to transform its athletics federation and manage integrity matters effectively. 

Additionally, Bahrain will establish a fully funded, independent national anti-doping organization compliant with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, operational until at least the end of 2026.

This ban is seen as a victory for Kenya, which has seen many of its athletes compete for other nations, particularly Bahrain, in recent years. 

The trend was evident at the Rio Olympics, where over 30 Kenyan-born athletes represented other countries, with Bahrain and Turkey benefiting the most.

Bahrain’s ban, coupled with their acceptance of responsibility, signals a significant shift in the landscape of international athletics. 

For Kenya, it is a moment of vindication, offering hope that the country’s athletic talent will remain within its borders, bolstering national pride, and ensuring that future victories are celebrated as truly Kenyan achievements.

For more news updates, tune in to NRG Radio or download the NRG Play App on your phone