NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya will send a 240-strong team to the New Delhi Commonwealth Games from Saturday after receiving security assurances from India, officials said on Thursday.
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Sports Minister Paul Otuoma told the Kenyan delegation that the two governments were working closely together.
(For a SLIDESHOW: Countdown to Delhi Games, click here)
(For more on Delhi Games, click here)
"Kenyans should not join a team of pessimists but go and bring glory to our country. As a strong member of the Commonwealth, Kenya should show solidarity with India by honouring the Games," Musyoka told the delegation while handing over the east African nation's flag to team captain, world steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi, and chef de mission Jonathan Koskei.
Several leading Kenyan athletes including the defending 800 champion Janeth Jepkosgei, world 800 record holder David Rudisha, 2007 world marathon champion Luke Kibet and African 5,000 champion Edwin Soi have all pulled out citing illness or fatigue.
India are fighting against time to save the Games scheduled to open on Oct. 3 after escalating concerns about athletes' accommodation and security.
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Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Sports Minister Paul Otuoma told the Kenyan delegation that the two governments were working closely together.
(For a SLIDESHOW: Countdown to Delhi Games, click here)
(For more on Delhi Games, click here)
"Kenyans should not join a team of pessimists but go and bring glory to our country. As a strong member of the Commonwealth, Kenya should show solidarity with India by honouring the Games," Musyoka told the delegation while handing over the east African nation's flag to team captain, world steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi, and chef de mission Jonathan Koskei.
Several leading Kenyan athletes including the defending 800 champion Janeth Jepkosgei, world 800 record holder David Rudisha, 2007 world marathon champion Luke Kibet and African 5,000 champion Edwin Soi have all pulled out citing illness or fatigue.
India are fighting against time to save the Games scheduled to open on Oct. 3 after escalating concerns about athletes' accommodation and security.
Watch Board Games Online
