Olympic Newsdesk -- IAAF VP Predicts Good World Champs; YOG Torch; Futsal in 2016?

IAAF VP Predicts Good Championship; Boost for Sport

Sebastian Coe, vice president of the International Association of Athletics Federations says the World Indoor Championships will help globalize the sport.

Speaking to Around the Rings, Coe said the championships will help give the sport “a leg up” in the region. Promoting athletics throughout the Middle East will be on the agenda for the IAAF Council, which will meet at the championships.

The World Indoors are the second IAAF world championships to head to the region. Jordan hosted the Cross Country World Championships in 2009.

The 2010 IAAF Indoor Championships started on Friday and conclude Sunday.

Coe says the biggest challenge for organizers is capturing local interest but he is confident the event will be successful.

"I know the organizing committee is of particularly high-quality. I think it is really good that they are focus on trying to expand the breath of the sport," Coe said.

"Qatar has shown a huge commitment to track and field the last couple years. And of course, they have the infrastructure. I don't think there will be any question about their operational success. There is certainly no question about the venues available to us."

2010 YOG Torch Design

Fire and water are integral elements of the torch and cauldron for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games.

The fire represents the youth's passion and desire to learn and excel, which blazes a trail in life. The water represents Singapore's origins as a seaport.

Singapore will stage the YOG from Aug. 14 - 26.

The first two student torchbearers for the Singapore 2010 Journey of the Youth Olympic flame are 16-year old Lee Huan Jie and 15-year old Nordadlina Abdul Hadi, 15. Both are students at NorthLight School. They will be two of about 2,400 Singaporeans that will participate in the relay.

They will carry a torch that is two feet long and weighs a little over two pounds.

"The Olympic Flame represents the values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect, and is one of the most important and recognizable symbol of the Olympic Movement," said Ser Miang Ng, chairman of Singapore 2010. "It will be an unforgettable experience to carry the Flame or just to witness its journey round Singapore."

Futsal in the 2016 Olympics?

Talks are reportedly underway to include futsal in the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

According to a report in Brazilian media, the president of the Brazilian futsal federation met with IOC member, and honorary FIFA president, Joao Havelange to discuss the sport’s inclusion. Havelange will reportedly pass the idea on to FIFA president Sepp Blatter and the IOC.

Futsal is a version of football typically played indoors. It is one of the football disciplines regulated by FIFA.

Havelange was allegedly “very interested” in the possibility of futsal joining the Olympic program.

For futsal to join the Olympic program, a women’s world cup would likely have to be organized before the Olympics. Brazilian futsal leaders are said to be discussing the possibility of staging the inaugural women’s futsal world cup in 2010 in Brazil.

Kozak Blasts Ecologists

/>Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak said environmentalists are seeking the “derailment” of the Sochi Olympics.

According to Russian media reports, Kozak said "instead of trying to solve ecological problems and compensation measures, people are taking an absolutely unconstructive position."

He added "I call on all participants of non-governmental organizations to take a constructive stance. It would be more beneficial, both for the environment and for the professional objectives they are pursuing."

Experts have warned that the Games could damage the region’s landscape, causing environmental damage.

Indian Sports Minister Calls for More Asian Representation in Hockey

The minister for sports in India says more Asians need to serve in the International Hockey Federation, the FIH.

MS Gill said at a luncheon Friday ahead of the FIH world cup in India, "I feel Asia should have more participation in the management of hockey and in the referral system. I have already told this to FIH president (Leandro) Negre."

He added "FIH's main earning comes from India. India contributes 50 per cent of FIH's revenue. The Netherlands comes next. World hockey has to have India and Pakistan in the management of the game."

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Written by Ed Hula III.