By IANS,
Beijing : The international Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirmed Saturday that passports are valid for the age eligibility of all gymnasts competing in the Beijing Olympics.
“The International Olympic Committee has said that passports are valid as age proof for all gymnasts competing in the Beijing Olympic Games,” FIG said in a statement in the wake of the controversy over the eligibility of some gymnasts.
There were doubts over the age of some American and Chinese gymnasts as it was alleged they had registered with false dates of birth and that they were actually underage.
But FIG declared that stringent control measures had been taken at the time of athlete accreditation for all official FIG competitions.
“All athlete ages for the Beijing Olympic Games are consistent with the FIG records for all past FIG competitions,” it added.
The accepted proof of a gymnast’s eligibility for competition is a valid passport issued by the country of residence. Minimum age for both Men and Women gymnasts is 16 years by December 31 of the competition year.