Nine-Year-Old Barred From 5,000m at National Games

Nine-year-old Kainat Khalil, the youngest athlete at the ongoing 35th National Games, was barred from the 5,000m race, her coach claimed.

Representing Sindh in the 14-team event, Kainat was stopped by organisers ahead of the race.

The organisers cited International Olympic Committee rules restricting underage runners from long-distance events.

Kainat’s coach shared several videos on social media, criticising organisers’ decision and asking the runner to express feelings.

Visibly emotional, the nine-year-old was left speechless and later burst into tears as the long-distance race began without her.

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The coach said Kainat was removed from a 10,000m race earlier but later allowed, officials expecting her withdrawal.

He said she had won a bronze medal in that 10,000m event, and finishing time was recorded at 48 minutes and 42.70 seconds.

The coach further claimed she was initially barred from the 10,000m race because of her age.

He added she was permitted to run after he submitted a written undertaking accepting full responsibility for her well-being.