MENA

The International Softball Federation (IFS) approved Jordan’s application to start a national softball federation, boosting the “Back Softball” campaign to reinstate the sport in the 2016 Olympics.

The Motor Sport Business Forum added new events set for Asia and the Middle East. As well as the regular Forum event in Monaco in December, the motor sport conference and exhibition will take place in Asia in 2008 and the Middle East in 2009.

Qatar is hot favourite to host the 2011 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup now that India has formally withdrawn its interest in hosting the event.

Israel has launched a six-team professional baseball league with more than 3,000 fans turning out for the inaugural match.

Sony Ericsson WTA Tour said that Bangalore, India; Doha, Qatar; Istanbul, Turkey; and Monterrey, Mexico have been selected as the finalist bid cities to host the 2008 Sony Ericsson Championships.

Dubai Sports City unveiled its strategy to bring a share of the global sports business market to the UAE.

BAE Systems and the Bahrain Athletics Association signed a sponsorship deal for one year to support the development and training of athletes in the Kingdom.

The ASPIRE Academy in Qatar launched an ambitious programme that will provide talented African students from seven nations with a chance to study and train in one of the world’s most advanced sports Academies.

The Qatar Football Association and Qatar Shell signed an agreement making Shell a Platinum Sponsor of the Emir and Heir Apparent Cups for the 2006-2007 season.

Chiefs of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport series are to create four individual territories responsible for expanding the series.

Formula One Management said that Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has secured the rights to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2009.

The organisers of Formula One’s Bahrain Grand Prix secured its long-term future, signing an extended contract with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone.

The Kuwait Financial Centre Markaz agreed a deal to sponsor the Commercialbank Qatar Masters golf tournament.

Qatar National Bank (QNB) agreed a deal with the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) to become official sponsor of the Middle East car rally championship and the 2007 Losail National Cup motorcycle racing.

The Professional Squash Association has confirmed a three-year agreement in Kuwait – the biggest in the history of the governing body.

Abu Dhabi is to host cycling’s $1m Race of Champions in November 2007.