Tuesday, 10 November 2009

Karim Elected Asian AAA Council Member


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union (MAAU) deputy president Karim Ibrahim did the country proud by being elected as one of the eight council members of the powerful decision-making Asian Athletics Association (AAA).

Karim, an influential figure in Asian athletics circles, polled the sixth highest votes among the 15 candidates vying for eight council seats at the Asian AAA's 18th Congress in Guangzhou, China, Monday.

"It is indeed a great honour to the country and recognition of Malaysia's efforts in promoting sports, especially athletics. Being elected to the council is the first step towards more prestigious Asian championships coming our way.

"On behalf of the government, I will continue to bid for major championships, including the Asian Games or Asian Track and Field Championships," Karim said when contacted by Bernama in Guangzhou.

The congress, held in conjunction with the Asian Track and Field Championships (ATF) in Guangzhou from Nov 10 to 14, also saw India's Suresh Kalmadi returned unopposed as Asian AAA president while Brig. Dahlan Jumaan Al-Hamad from Qatar was elected senior vice-president.

Maurice Nicholas from Singapore retained his post as secretary for another term (2009-2013) while China's Du Zhaocai, General Surapong Ariyamongkol (Thailand), Tigor Tanjung (Indonesia), Katsuyuki Tanaka (Japan) and Eidy Alijani (Iran) were elected vice-presidents.

The congress, attended by 45 member countries, was opened by IAAF president Lamine Diack who sits on the council as an ex-officio.

Meanwhile, defending high jump gold medallist Lee Hup Wei will lead Malaysia's challenge in the championships along with 21 other athletes.

The Selangor lad became the first Malaysian athlete to bag the gold medal in the field event of the ATF meet in Jordan in 2007 when he cleared 2.24m.

The MAAU named 22 athletes for the meet, comprising 12 men and 10 women.

-- BERNAMA

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