The World Athletics’ recent announcement of introducing a new track and field contest with the biggest purse has attracted vivid emotions. Whereas several communities have showered praises to keep a fund for $10 million as the prize money for the athletes, criticism has also come to light. One such has been hurled by the Enhanced Games. The much-debated organization has taken some credit for forcing World Athletics to pay out its athletes handsomely. But at the same time, the E+ Games authority has put in some more demands. 

In its recent IG story, the Enhanced Games used the quote, “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery” mindfully to display its effect on World Athletics’ decision. But an amount of $150,000 for the gold medalists in the World Athletics Ultimate Championship seemed short of the Aron D’Souza-led E+ Games’ expectation. Therefore, in the same story, it penned the amount to be “Still insufficient”. Subsequently, the much-touted demand came as “PAY YOUR ATHLETES FAIRLY”. The IG handle of the Enhanced Games tagged Sebastian Coe, the WA chief, with the story, proving the seriousness of the matter. However, no rejoinder has come yet from the top global track and field authority aiming for the post. 

Still, the WA proposed contest might add several earning opportunities for the athletes if all the promises come to fruition. As per the opening news from the authority, the World Athletics Ultimate Championship would provide promotional rights to each participating athlete to earn some extra numbers. The profiles of each sprinter will also act in the same direction to increase the reach. Expectedly, the announcement of the contest two years early will affect the trend and can invite more sponsors into the fold. 

The same tone was reflected in Jon Ridgeon’s statement. The WA CEO said, “We also want to enhance the viewing experience, both at home and in the stadium, so we are looking at what new competition innovations can be introduced, all of which will be thoroughly tested in advance. We truly believe this will be a game changer for our entire sport.” Sebastian Coe also mentioned the positive part of the announcement. However, with the Enhanced Games, the situation has been different. 

Is Enhanced Games’ role positive for the track and field world? 

Since its emergence, Enhanced Games has been noticing infuriated replies from the World Athletics. In February this year, WA chief Sebastian Coe did not mince his words while taking Enhanced Games and its office bearers on. 

The former Olympian made himself clear in making a statutory warning for all those athletes who are willing to try the Enhanced Games despite sharing the cloak with the World Athletics. “If anybody is moronic enough to officially take part in it, and they are in the traditional part of our sport, they’ll get banned for a long time,” Sebastian Coe stated. But that couldn’t put a pin in the Enhanced Games’ bubble. 

The authority has been continuously trying to lure athletes with a view of greater salaries and openings. Recently, this was clear in one of their tweets when they lambasted the IOC for breaking the sponsorship deal with Toyota, the automobile giant. Allegedly, the breaking of the partnership might stop  $835,000,000 coming to IOC’s fold. The Enhanced Games took this point to prove the IOC’s broken situation. Furthermore, it added, “At the @enhanced_games, athletes will be fairly paid.”  The latest IG story comes as another effort to show a better picture from their fold.