The blue track for Asaba 2018 is set to break records even before the competition kicks off in August.

A first ever double nine-lane track in Africa and other equipment will feature for the first time at the African Senior Athletics championship in Asaba, the Local Organising Committee LOC has confirmed. 

“When the wind is in your face, you can actually switch to the other side and run behind and that is the reason for double track- which is can be found in American colleges, where most of their tracks can be ran both ways in 100metres,” Yussuf Alli, chairman Technical Committee of the Games said. 

“We will also have a new timing device that can actually give us the spilt per round in 800 metres races and above. 

“Another innovation is an electronic retrieval device which can return a javelin thrown by an athlete – same device to be used in Shot Put, Hammers and Discus- also first appearance in the championship.” 

The key equipment has been delivered and other facilities will be ready for use in July. 

Meanwhile, Ameachi Akawo, the Secretary of the LOC has assured fans of ‘the best of athletics’ when the championships kicks-off from August, 1. 

“The LOC set up a mobilization committee to create awareness of the Games.  

“I can boldly say that the committee has been doing a great job and everybody in Delta and neighbouring states are aware of the event and looking forward to it. 

“We will have a full stadium as tickets will be sold to fans at a very subsidized rate and will be running morning and evening sessions so as to accommodate fans who might be returning from work and need to relax,” Akawo added.

The 21st edition of the championship is scheduled for the Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba from August 1 to 5.

By Ijeoma Okigbo