Why are Japanese newspapers not identifying M116 sprinter?

DG’s image (and full name) is easy to find.

Gotta give credit to Yomiuri Shimbun, another major Japanese newspaper. Its own story about the “116-year-old” sprinter entered at Asian WMA regionals showed some healthy skepticism. But it quoted the president of the Asia Masters Athletics as saying: “But there might really be a 116-year-old person in India.” Whatever. But at least we learn the events the gent is tackling: the 100, 200, 400 and 800. What we don’t learn (from this or the previous article) is the guy’s name. What gives? Face-saving? Elder-honoring? Google Dharmapal Gujjar and see who fingers the guy. Grow a pair, Japan press.

Here’s the story from Yomiuri Shimbun

The organizing committee of the 18th Asia Masters Athletics Championships in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture, is wondering what to do about the registration of an Indian athlete who claims to be 116 years old.

Since Sakari Momoi of Saitama, 111, is officially recognized by Guinness World Record as the oldest man in the world, the committee has found it difficult to believe the Indian man’s age.

Athletes aged 35 or older from Asian countries will come together for the sporting event scheduled to open Sept. 19. A total of 2,800 participants, including those taking part in a national Masters Athletics event to be held around the same time, will come from 17 countries and territories.

The Indian man has registered for four races in the category for runners aged 100 or older:

Since no other athletes have registered in those races except the 100-meter race, the Indian man is certain to win three of the races.

Though the copy of his passport submitted to the committee shows he was born on Oct. 6, 1897, the committee concluded that it will grant the Indian man awards for any victories but won’t recognize his records officially.

“But there might really be a 116-year-old person in India,” said Kiyoshi Konoike, president of the Asia Masters Athletics, in bewilderment.

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September 10, 2014

One Response

  1. Devinder - September 20, 2014

    If u have allowed the 116yr old athlete to participate(which means you have agreed that he is 116yr old)you have to officially recognise the records created by him. Also send it to guinness book of records otherwise he should not even be allowed to participate and send his date of birth proof back to his country for proper verification.Even his medical could also be done to know his exact date of birth.

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