Asia
Arup lands major Tokyo 2020 contract
The Arup designing, planning and engineering consultancy has been appointed to serve as the lead adviser of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Badminton secures Paralympic Games status as UCI misses IPC deadline
Badminton will make its Paralympic Games debut at Tokyo 2020, while para-cycling has been provisionally omitted from the sports programme after the International Cycling Union (UCI) failed to meet the bid deadline.
Dhoni buys stake in ISL team Chennaiyin FC
India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has agreed a deal to become a co-owner of Chennaiyin FC in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) football competition.
Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium project faces delay
The Japan Sport Council (JSC) has confirmed the construction of a new Olympic Stadium for Tokyo’s hosting of the 2020 summer Games is to be delayed until at least mid-December.
OCA chief slams cricket’s money focus
The head of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has criticised leading cricket officials for a fixation with money that he believes is hindering the sport’s prospects of global development.
ASO rejects Thailand’s Tour de France claims
Tour de France organiser Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) has moved to deny claims from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) that the two parties are in talks for the Southeast Asian nation to host part of the cycling showpiece.
Star Appeal
STAR India and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) believe they can take hockey “to the next level” when their broadcast deal kicks in from 2015.
Li Na to promote new-look WTA Finals
The Women’s Tennis Association has engaged Li Na as an ambassador for its revamped WTA Finals following the recent decision of the Chinese superstar to retire from the sport.
Ashraful’s match-fixing ban reduced
Mohammad Ashraful will be able to resume playing competitive cricket in 2016 after the former Bangladesh captain had his suspension for match-fixing in the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 competition reduced on appeal.
Incheon’s Asian Games a model for future events, say organisers
Incheon’s Asian Games organisers have stated their approach to the 2014 edition of the multi-sport event should be a role model for the continent, amid criticism over poor attendances and meagre ticket sales.
Infront China chief exits after less than a year
The Infront Sports & Media agency has announced that Winston Zheng has stepped down as managing director of its Infront China arm after just over six months in the role.
Kyodo News secures Tokyo 2020 contract
Kyodo News has announced that it has been appointed as the host national news agency for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Eastern Promise
Hired for his regional expertise in the sports broadcast space, Asian Tour CEO Mike Kerr has brought a fresh perspective to an organisation he believes is perfectly placed to benefit from golf’s shift of influence eastwards. He spoke to Matt Cutler.
ICC switches tournament from Uganda to Malaysia
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has relocated its World Cricket League (WCL) Division 3 tournament from Uganda to Malaysia due to safety and security concerns.
Singapore lands Powerboat P1 series
Marine motorsport promoter Powerboat P1 has announced that Singapore will host its SuperStock powerboat and AquaX jet ski race series next year.
UCI axes season-ending Tour of Beijing
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has announced that it is scrapping the Tour of Beijing event from its WorldTour road racing calendar, with the fourth and final edition to take place next month.
OCA opens up to Oceania participation at multi-sport events
Australia has stated its interest in competing in future editions of the Asian Games after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) agreed to allow Oceania nations to join its multi-sport events.
Micromax acquires India’s IPTL team
Consumer electronics company Micromax has been unveiled as the owner of India’s International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) franchise.