Heimmacht
08-13-2009, 10:37 PM
IOC board backs golf, rugby sevens for 2016 Olympic Games
Friday 14th August, 06:17 AM JST
BERLIN —
The international Olympic Committee executive board decided Thursday to recommend golf and rugby sevens for inclusion in the 2016 Summer Games. The two sports will be added upon approval of the IOC assembly in Copenhagen on Oct 9. Baseball and softball, which have been dropped from the Olympic program for the 2012 London Games, failed in their comeback bids. Karate, squash and roller sports also missed the cut.
‘‘All seven sports made a strong case for inclusion, and the executive board carefully evaluated them in a transparent and fair process. In the end, the decision came down to which two would add the most value,’’ said IOC President Jacques Rogge. ‘‘Golf and rugby scored high on all the criteria. They have global appeal, a geographically diverse line-up of top iconic athletes and an ethic that stresses fair play.’’
If approved, rugby will make its first appearance since it was played at the 1924 Paris Olympics in the full 15-a-side format. Golf was last played at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.
‘‘Golf and rugby fit our ‘compact Olympic’ plans for 2016,’’ said Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda. ‘‘We want Japanese players of those two sports to do well amid high expectations from citizens. As for baseball and softball, it was disappointing because they are popular not only in Japan but also worldwide.’’
The IOC also decided to add women’s boxing to the 2012 program.
Friday 14th August, 06:17 AM JST
BERLIN —
The international Olympic Committee executive board decided Thursday to recommend golf and rugby sevens for inclusion in the 2016 Summer Games. The two sports will be added upon approval of the IOC assembly in Copenhagen on Oct 9. Baseball and softball, which have been dropped from the Olympic program for the 2012 London Games, failed in their comeback bids. Karate, squash and roller sports also missed the cut.
‘‘All seven sports made a strong case for inclusion, and the executive board carefully evaluated them in a transparent and fair process. In the end, the decision came down to which two would add the most value,’’ said IOC President Jacques Rogge. ‘‘Golf and rugby scored high on all the criteria. They have global appeal, a geographically diverse line-up of top iconic athletes and an ethic that stresses fair play.’’
If approved, rugby will make its first appearance since it was played at the 1924 Paris Olympics in the full 15-a-side format. Golf was last played at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.
‘‘Golf and rugby fit our ‘compact Olympic’ plans for 2016,’’ said Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda. ‘‘We want Japanese players of those two sports to do well amid high expectations from citizens. As for baseball and softball, it was disappointing because they are popular not only in Japan but also worldwide.’’
The IOC also decided to add women’s boxing to the 2012 program.