Three women field hockey players from Kazakhstan were today ejected from the Asian Games for representing two nations this year.
Three women field hockey players from Kazakhstan were today ejected from the Asian Games for representing two nations this year.
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The trio, Annastassia Chsherbakova, Yuliya Mikheichik and Alessya Pyotukh, admitted to having played for Belarus in the World Cup qualifying tournament in April, officials said.
Mathavas Deavadas, the tournament director in Guangzhou, said the three will not be allowed to take any further part in the Asian Games, though Kazakhstan will be allowed to compete -- but at a price.
The Kazakhs will deemed to have forfeited all five matches they have played so far, with their rivals awarded a 5-0 scoreline except for the game against South Korea, who won 10-3.
Kazakhstan had lost 1-4 to Japan, 0-3 to China and 2-4 to Malaysia, while their only win came against Thailand 3-0.
The Kazakhs, who are out of contention for the gold medal clash in the round-robin competition, play India in their last league match later on Saturday. Deavadas said the suspended players may face further punishment, if deemed necessary.
"The decision will be forwarded to the Olympic Council of Asia, the Asian Hockey Federation and the International Hockey Federation for any action that may be deemed necessary," Deavadas said in a statement.
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