China

Toronto's bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games picked up momentum this week with a timely convergence of enthusiastic public support and a C$1.5-billion ($1 billion) pledge by government to redevelop Toronto's waterfront - the centrepiece of Toronto's Olympic vision.

eToSports.com, the China-based sports industry online network, has contracted US application services provider MyWeb Inc.com to provide a full range of web solutions.

Russian Olympic officials have warned that a shake-up is urgently needed if the country is to keep pace with other leading nations.

The disappointing ratings for Olympic coverage on NBC in the US have been offset by more encouraging figures around the world.

China's largest mobile phone company has postponed plans to begin charging customers for wireless internet service, citing slack demand.

Organisers of Beijing's 2008 Olympic bid have pledged that the Chinese capital would offer clean air and ensure freedom for the thousands of foreign journalists who would flock to the Games.

Reach for your mouse and your credit card - it's time for an Olympic flutter on the Internet.

Promising a "utopia" for competitors, Toronto Olympic bid organisers have sought to rally athletes behind their campaign for the 2008 Games.

Olympics sailing organisers today were forced into a costly postponement of Tuesday's racing in the new 49er skiff class after a paint job began causing tears in the colourful skiffs' sailcloth.

Beijing, the current favourite to stage the 2008 Olympic Games, has earmarked $17.8 billion to tackle traffic congestion and pollution ahead of next year's decision.

The Japanese city of Osaka has pressed its claim to stage the 2008 Olympics against current favourite Beijing, saying it could outdo the Chinese capital in experience and facilities.

VTV, recently-acquired by UK-based The Television Corporation and now part of Sunset+Vine, has won a new four year contract to produce and distribute coverage of English badminton until 2005.

SINA.com, an online media and services company for Chinese communities worldwide, has launched China's official Olympics web site, http://aoyun.sina.com.cn.

ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has promoted Vib Sharma to senior vice president, advertising and integrated sales.

The Olympic Games have become too big to be hosted by less developed nations and must be scaled back, says senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official Jacques Rogge.

China has declared that the dramatic axing of 27 athletes from its Olympic squad amid suspicions of doping has produced a leaner but meaner team that should hold its own at the Sydney Games.

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has taken on a new role as goodwill ambassador for the Brazilian oil giant Petroleo Brasileiro.

Beijing is eyeing the 2008 Olympics as a cure for problems ranging from choking smog to taxi-clogged streets, and as an image boost for the Communist capital.