Bekele to defend world title in Daegu

Addis Ababa

Four-time World 10,000m champion Kenenisa Bekele has been included in the Ethiopian team named on Sunday for this month’s world athletics championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Bekele, who has not featured in a competitive race since January 2011, has been entered to compete in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, which he successfully won during the last championships in Berlin in 2009.

His participation in Daegu, has however remained long in doubt since he has struggled to shake off a calf muscle injury.

“Everyone has an eye out for Kenenisa Bekele. He will be competing in 5000m and 10,000m even though he’s recovering from an injury,” said the Ethiopia Athletics Federation (EAF) technical director, Dube Jillo.

“I hope he is going to win, he is one of the strongest athletes,” he added.

The women’s world 10,000m silver medallist, Meselech Melkamu is also included in the team.

Ethiopia team:

Men: 800m: Mohammed Aman

1500m: Mekonen Gebremedhin, Derese Mekonnen, Zebene Alemayehu, Soresa Fida (reserve)

5000m: Tariku Bekele, Dejen Gebremeskel, Abera Kuma, Kenenisa Bekele, Yenew Alamirew (reserve)

10,000m: Kenenisa Bekele, Imane Merga, Ebrahim Jeylan, Sileshi Sihine, Abera Kuma (reserve)

Marathon: Gebregziabher Gebremariam, Feyisa Lilesa, Eshetu Wondimu, Chala Dechasa, Bezu Worku, Tadese Tola (reserve)

3000m S/C: Roba Gary, Nahom Mesfen.

Women:

400M & 800M: Fantu Magiso.

1500m: Gelete Burka, Kalkidan Gezahegn, Meskerem Assefa, Tizita Bogale (reserve)

5000m: Meseret Defar, Sentayehu Ejigu, Genzebe Dibaba, Emebet Anteneh (reserve)

10,000m: Meseret Defar, Meselech Melkamu, Belaynesh Oljira, Tigist Kiros (reserve)

3000m S/Chase: Sofia Asefa, Birtukan Adamu, Birtukan Fente, Hiwot Ayalew (reserve)

Marathon: Aselefech Mergia, Bezuneshe Bekele, Atsede Baysa, Aberu Kebede, Dire Tune, Koren Jelela (reserve).