Obiena skipping ISTAF Berlin event

Ernest John Obiena’s hopes of defending his ISTAF Berlin gold went up in smoke due to a logistical problem.

Obiena revealed on social media Sunday that he has yet to get his visa to enter Germany and will miss the annual competition.

The 29-year-old pole vaulter went over 5.92 meters in the German capital last year to dominate the competition.

“I wouldn’t be able to make it to the ISTAF Berlin this year. Need to process my visas…” Obiena, who is based in Italy, said.

“I hope to return to that beautiful Berlin stadium. Wishing everyone a great competition.”

With Obiena out of the title picture, home bets Torben Blech, Oleg Zernickel and Bo Kanda Lita Baehre banner the 10-man field.

Completing the cast are Menno Vloon of the Netherlands, Ersu Sasma of Turkey, Pedro Buaro of Portugal, Pal Haugen Lillefosse of Norway, Robert Sobera of Poland, and Li Chenyang and Huang Bokai of China.

Obiena’s latest competition will be the Silesia leg of the Diamond League in Poland on 16 August.