Gymnastics federation analyzes documents

By Sonia Oxley

BEIJING (Reuters) - The International Gymnastics Federation has begun analyzing documents from the Chinese in its investigation into claims the Olympic hosts fielded underage female gymnasts at the Games.

The sport's governing body, asked by the International Olympic Committee on Friday to examine the case of double gold medalist He Kexin whose age has been questioned in the media, held an extraordinary meeting on Saturday to discuss the issue.

"The Federation has received a number of documents from the Chinese Gymnastics Federation, including passports, identity cards and family booklets," the FIG said in a statement.

"All information is in Chinese and the (federation) is making as thorough analysis as possible of the papers. This process may take some time, but in due course, the FIG will make a full report of our findings to the International Olympic Committee."

The FIG said on Friday it had asked the Chinese federation to submit documents proving the birthdates of five gymnasts -- He, Jiang Yuyuan, Li Shanshan, Deng Linlin and Yang Yilin.

The IOC had specifically referred to the case of He, who is registered as 16 although online media reports have suggested she may be 14. Gymnasts must turn 16 in the year of an Olympics to take part.

He won golds in the team event and on the asymmetric bars. China collected a total of nine of the 14 gold medals up for grabs in the artistic gymnastics.

Chinese coaches and gymnasts have repeatedly denied the accusations of lying about age.

(Editing by Jon Bramley)