By Victor Kanayo
Turkey has now announced an immediate suspension of all sporting activities, a day after earthquake hit the country and Syria.
Turkey’s sports minister, Mehmet Kasapoğlu, said the suspension of all sporting activities is until further notice after the earthquake that ravaged the country.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has assured the country and Syria of support.
IOC President, Thomas Bach in a statement said, ”It is with great sadness that the IOC has learned of the tragic loss of life and the devastation caused by the earthquake that has struck the south-eastern region of Turkey and Syria. Our hearts go out to all the families of the athletes who died or those who have been impacted while they were taking part in sporting competitions in the affected area.
“The circumstances of this natural disaster are all the more tragic, as there appears to be a number of young athletes among the victims. Our sympathies also lie with those who are working tirelessly to assist in these rescue operations. The Olympic Movement stands ready to help in whatever way we can, as sport can play an important role in the rebuilding of communities and in helping people normalise their lives.”
More than 3,000 people are reported to have been killed in the disaster.
Later on Monday, Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu was reportedly found alive after hours of being buried under the rubble.
The 31-year-old went missing after disaster hit the city of Hatya on Monday morning, just hours after he scored the winner in Hatayaspor’s game against Kasimpasa.
The winger and the club’s Sporting Director Taner Savut were trapped under massive wreckage after the building they were living in collapsed.
A Turkish journalist, Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, who has been following events since the earthquake hit the country, told Radio Gol, “Christian Atsu has been pulled from the wreckage alive!”
Team manager Mustapha Ozat also confirmed that the winger has been found and is currently receiving treatment.
“Christian Atsu was removed injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble. Hataya was very impressed. We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours,” told Radio Gol.
The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in 2013 but never played a competitive minute for the club as he was sent out on loan for a number of seasons including to Everton and Newcastle.
Though he made just five appearances at Everton, he impressed enough on loan at Newcastle to make a permanent move to the Magpies.
In total he made 107 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals, before joining Saudi side Al-Raed in 2021.
