Pretoria - Despite a few injuries, spirits are high among the team of South African athletes in New Delhi for the Commonwealth Games which kick off next week.
The South African Olympic team arrived in New Delhi, India, on Monday. The first group arrived in the morning and were escorted to a hotel which organisers have temporarily prepared for them until they move to the Commonwealth Games village today.
However, the women's 800 metre champion, Caster Semenya, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and long-jumper Kgotso Mokoena have suffered injuries ahead of the games. Mulaudzi suffered a leg injury, while Semenya was complaining of an excruciating back pain and long-jumper Kgomotso Mokoena is reportedly undergoing rehabilitation after an injury.
South Africa's Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) CEO, Tubby Reddy said: "It would be unfortunate for quality athletes of the caliber of Mokoena, Mulaudzi and Semenya to miss these important games. But we still have a few days before final decisions are taken. It may well be that SASCOC insists that the injured athletes are examined by SASCOC medical staff, and a decision is based on their assessment."
The athletes are expected to receive their medical results from a SASCOC doctor later today.
Hezekiel Sepeng, who was appointed by Athletic South Africa (ASA) to assist the South African athletes in their preparation for international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games confirmed that Mulaudzi went for a health scan last week, following a leg injury and Semenya was examined yesterday by a SASCOC doctor.
"We are still waiting for the medical report to be released this afternoon," Sepeng said.
Should the athletes be ruled out to participate in the Commonwealth Games, it would be a big blow for South Africa as the trio is regarded as the country's gold medalist winners.
