Japan

India will host a 16-nation soccer tournament from January 10 to 25 next year, the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has said.

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.

New Zealand pay-television operator, Sky Network Television Ltd., has won rights to broadcast six of New Zealand's national rugby team?s tour matches in Europe and Japan later this year.

Toyota Motor Corp, which plans to enter Formula One racing from the 2002 season, is in talks to buy a major stake in Fuji International Speedway, scene of two F1 races in 1976 and 1977, Toyota has said.

Mugen-Honda, the Formula One engine suppliers, may stay in the sport next season contrary to widespread speculation that they were pulling out, team boss Hirotoshi Honda has said.

The World Wrestling Federation Entertainment has signed a multi-million dollar television distribution agreement in Japan.

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

Francis Tellier, CEO of Host Broadcasting Services (HBS), the company with exclusive responsibility for the host broadcast of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, will be addressing attendees on World Cup preparations at Sportel in November.

Host Broadcast Services (HBS), the host broadcaster for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, is to hold the first World Broadcaster Meeting April 24/25 2001 for broadcasters involved in the 2002 finals.

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.

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

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.

A FIFA official has said some 2002 World Cup soccer matches could be staged in North Korea after the two Koreas agreed to march under the same flag at the Olympic Games.

Global sports goods maker adidas has renewed its sponsorship of soccer's World Cup as part of a marketing drive to stay the world's number one soccer brand.

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.

The protracted broadcast rights negotiations over coverage of World Cup 2002 for the Japanese market have finally been concluded.