China

China denies age limit violation of star skaters

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-17 09:22

China's star figure skating pair Zhang Dan (L) and Zhang Hao (R) in file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - The Chinese Skating Association (CSA) on Tuesday denied reports on the age limit violation of star skaters Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao, who won pairs skating silver medal at the Turin Winter Olympic Games in 2006.

"The birthdates with which Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao register for international competitions are real," read a written statement the CSA sent to Xinhua.

Related readings:  China probes figure skaters' age question  Skating body denies age fraud allegations

Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao were born on October 4, 1985 and July 6, 1984 respectively as showed on the International Skating Union (ISU) website.

"Concerning the discrepancies of several Chinese birthdates published on CSA website and those on ISU bios, we have reached the conclusion through investigation that they happened due to mistakes made during information handing in, collecting and verifying process."

According to the data published on the CSA website, Zhang Dan was born on October 4, 1987 while Zhang Hao was born on February 6, 1982.

The CSA also underlined its resolute opposition against age fraud and vowed to make further investigations on the issue.

The United States-based news agency, The Associated Press, issued an article Tuesday noon, bringing forward an allegation that nine Chinese figure skaters, including Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao, may have violated competition age limits.

Alongside the Zhangs, who also took silvers in the 2006, 2008 and 2009 world championships, the reigning junior world champions Sui Wenjing and Han Cong were also questioned of ages.

Other skaters involving in the allegation are pairs skaters Yu Xiaoyu and Yang Jin, male pairs skater Gao Yu, and women's singles skaters Geng Bingwa and Xu Binshu.