• World Indoor Championships

Farah named in strong GB&NI squad for World Indoors

Mo Farah remains a big Olympic medal hope for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics © PA Photos

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UK Athletics announced on Tuesday that Mo Farah will take part in the IAAF World Indoor Championships next month.

Doubts had surrounded Farah's involvement for Great Britain & Northern Ireland following a disappointing showing in Birmingham at the weekend. He was beaten over two miles in front of his home crowd, and post-race comments by Farah suggested he might skip the World Indoors.

The reigning world 5000m champion confessed he would need to speak to his coach Alberto Salazar about his participation. Farah went on to explain that he would only go to the World Indoors if his body felt right, a comment that rang alarm bells after he confessed he felt heavy in Birmingham.

However, the 28-year-old will play a leading role in Turkey next month, and his inclusion bolsters a strong-looking squad. Jessica Ennis, the defending world pentathlon champion, will bid to retain her title, while Dwain Chambers will do likewise in the 60m.

UKA head coach Charles van Commenee commented: "This is a strong team and one that can realistically challenge for medals and make finals. There are some good athletes coming through and I am looking forward to seeing how they perform on the senior international stage.

"There have been some good performances during the indoor season which bodes well for Istanbul and beyond. The indoor season gives useful information about how athletes are progressing. It is important to remember the focus still remains on London 2012."

Others to look out for in Istanbul include Holly Bleasdale in the pole vault, UK indoor long jump record holder Shara Proctor, Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, 400m hurdles star Perri Shakes-Drayton and national indoor 60m hurdler Andy Pozzi.

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