Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports Apologizes and Suspends Chair of National Track and Field Federation After Untrained Sprinter Represented Country at World University Games.

Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports has apologized and suspended the chair of the national track and field federation after a seemingly untrained female sprinter, Nasra Abukar Ali, represented the African country at the World University Games in China.

The video of the 100-meter race went viral on social media, showing Ali far outclassed and not even in the frame with the other runners almost immediately after the race began. She finished about 10 seconds behind the winner, taking about 21 seconds to complete the race.

In response, Minister Mohamed Barre Mohamud said his ministry did not know how Ali was selected to compete in the race. He apologized for the incident and suspended the chair of the national track and field federation.

The incident has sparked outrage among Somali citizens, who have expressed shock and disappointment that an untrained runner was chosen to represent their country. Many have asked how such a selection could have been made.

The incident has caused a scandal both in Somalia and internationally, and has raised questions about the selection process for athletes representing the country. Minister Mohamud has promised to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.