By Kimathi Kamau
NAIROBI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Organisers of the Nairobi 2017 IAAF World Under 18 Championships on Thursday reassured visiting teams of their security after Japan became the seventh nation to pull out of the global event.
Athletics Kenya (AK) is confident the host country will carry the honours after naming a provisional squad of over 40 for the last edition of the championships open to athletes aged 16 and 17.
"The LOC is also working to implement the necessary security measures to deliver a safe and secure environment for the athletes," organisers said in a statement.
Japan joined 2015 overall champions United States, Great Britain, Canada, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand in pulling out of Nairobi 2017 due to fears of terrorist attacks.
"In light of security concerns about Kenya and the situation regarding other countries' participation, the JAAF executive committee made the decision to pull out on the 12th," the country's federation stated.
Despite the withdrawals, Kenya is expecting to host 135 nations and selected her team following the conclusion of the two-day Trials in Nairobi.
The East African distance running giants will host the global event from Jul. 12 to 16 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
AK CEO Susan Kamau tipped the team to dominate. "This is raw talent that will do the country proud, those who made to the trials will attest to that fact," she added.
Kenya won the inaugural edition of the World Under-18 Championships (formerly World Youth Championships) held in Bydgoszcz, Poland in 1999.
