Controversial marathon runner Takizaki Kuniaki, more commonly known as Neko Hiroshi, is still awaiting the green light from the International Olympic Committee to receive a wild card for the Summer Olympics from the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia.

According to NOCC General Secretary Vath Chamroeun, Japanese-born Neko’s dream of a berth at the Games requires clearance from the IOC over matters of his nationality and competition history.

Neko received Cambodian citizenship a few months ago.

Should he be found ineligible, home-grown long distance runner Kieng Samorn has been named as a likely replacement for the London-bound squad, with Cambodia’s best marathoner Hem Bunting still exiled from the national team.

Three athletes, all female, that have been confirmed as wild card recipients for the Olympics include swimmer Hem Thon Vitiny, 200 metres sprinter Chan Seyha and taekwondo star Sorn Davin.

Others hopefuls for a precious ticket to London include swimmer Hem Thon Ponleur, boxer Phal Sophat, wrestler Chov Sotheara and judoka Khom Rathanakmony.

To contact the reporter on this story: Yeun Ponlok at [email protected]

Transalted by In Sopheng