Johnny Bowe Broadcaster Radio & TV
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National Championships, Citizenship & Passports

3/17/2017

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In recent years I have begun to notice the massive globalisation around the world and the one state political system that some political leaders and institutions are trying to implement. The free movement of people from country to another and the ease at which this is possible.  This has undoubtedly had a knock on effect in our sporting circles and particularly when it comes to National Championships. I played in the Irish Table Tennis National Championships for 25 years, and during that period it was kept to players who had Irish passports and who played for one of the four provinces.

That started to change in the noughties when the authorities allowed players who were living here for at least 6 years and who could prove that they are domiciled here. I have always thought that athletes who do not have an Irish passport should not be allowed to play in the National Championships of any sport. They are welcome to enter the Irish Open, Connaught Open, Leinster Open and so on. Otherwise call the even the Irish Open and let everyone play.

Many sports have taken advantage of getting athletes from elite level, a passport or citizenship process speeded up so they can play for that country. This has been apparent in the Premier League. The argument from people who agree with allowing elite athletes from any country play because they will improve performance. They can improve performance in the other events and play in there homeland National Championships. I certainly would not expect to be playing in the Hungarian, French or German National Championships without a passport from that country. Living there for 6 years should not be a reason to let them play in the event. If you cannot vote in National Elections then you should not be allowed play the National Championships.


Yours In Sport

​JB
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