PATAFA chief launches bid for IAAF post

Embarking on his personal quest for a seat in the executive council of the prestigious International Association of Athletics Federation, PATAFA president Go Teng Kok flew to Birmingham, United Kingdom last night to attend the IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Go, one of six vice-presidents of the Asian Athletics Association, is being groomed by AAA president Shri Suresh Kalmadi of India and secretary-general Maurice Nicholas of Singapore to take a shot at one of the 26 council memberships. He will stay there till March 16.

The Birmingham tournament will bring together the 210-member IAAF general assembly where Go will take the occasion to launch his bid. Balloting will be held in August this year.

"Nicholas has asked me to come because the event will give Kalmadi the opportunity to introduce me to the rest of the membership. In short, I will start campaigning and I need to be physically present and get to know those who they (Kalmadi and Nicholas) believe will swing their votes for me."

Go said that as a candidate and an official from Asia, he is assured of the support of the Triple As’ 44-nation voting members. He is courting the backing of the African Congress with 52 which, if successfully wooed, will give GTK a 96 tally.

"I am comforted by this idea. But Kalmadi and Nicholas said I need to familiarize myself with the European bloc and hopefully swing them to my side to boost my chances of winning," said Go.