Summer Olympics

We are focused only on ourselves, say Istanbul 2020 after Rome withdrawal

By Tom Degun in Lausanne

The Istanbul_2020_delegation_15-02-12February 15 - Hasan Arat (pictured second from left), a leading member of the Istanbul 2020 Olympic and Paralympic bid team, claimed that the Turkish city is focused only on their own bid despite the withdrawal of Rome from the race after he today led the delegation that delivered the cities' Applicant File to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) here.

Doha 2020 bid boosted by National Sports Day

By Duncan Mackay

Sheikh Saoud_bin_Abdulrahman_al-Thani_at_National_Sports_Day_Doha_February_14_2012February 14 - Qatar today celebrated its first-ever National Sports Day with Government agencies, companies, educational and social institutions coming together to organise more than 350 free activities to promote sport and healthy lifestyle in an event designed to help showcase Doha's bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. 

Baku 2020 bid is far better than 2016, promises chief executive

By Tom Degun in Lausanne

February 14 - Konul NurullayevaBaku 2020_handover_Application_File_Lausanne_February_14_2012 (pictured right), chief executive of Baku 2020, has claimed the Azerbaijani capital's latest attempt to host the Olympics and Paralympics is far more professional than their previous failed bid for 2016 as she today led the delegation that delivered the cities' Applicant File to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Monti fiddles while Rome freezes

By Duncan Mackay

Mario Monti_head_and_shoulders_February_2012February 13 - Rome's proposed campaign to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics is hanging in the balance tonight - less than 48 hours before the Applicant City file is due to be delivered - after confusion emerged about whether or not Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti has a meeting scheduled tomorrow to discuss the bid.

Sambodromo venue for Rio 2016 reopens after major renovation

By Duncan Mackay

Sambodromo reopens_with_fun_runFebruary 13 - More than 1,000 athletes and Carnival revelers have taken part in a 5.5 kilometres race that marked the reopening of the Sambodromo, the stage of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival's samba school parades and venue for the archery events at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the start and finish for the Olympic marathon.