IOC Writes IFs Over India; Olympic Cities on Top - and Bottom - of Travel Survey

IOC Writes IFs Over India

The IOC is asking international federations to "consider any appropriate action" to preserve the autonomy of sport in India.

The request comes on the heels of the Indian Olympic Association’s suspension by the IOC Executive Board earlier this month.

"We would recommend each IF to carefully examine the situation of its national federation in India in the light of the following criteria, in particular: Whether the national federation is affected by government interference in its internal operations (and the potential implications of the ‘Sports Code’ and/or any other government regulations over the national federation)," the IOC wrote in a letter quoted by Press Trust of India, terming the situation "very complicated" due to local courts and lack of good governance.

"Depending on the result of the investigation and the assessment made by each IF, (we would recommend) to consider any appropriate action or measure, if necessary, in order, in particular, to protect the autonomy of its national federation in India and/or to ensure that the national federation complies in all aspects with the IF's requirements."

The Indian Amateur Boxing Federation has already been suspended by AIBA following the EB’s decision, and the Archery Association of India was derecognized by the Indian government.

Indian Olympic Chiefs' Corruption Charges Upheld

The former Indian Olympic Association president and current secretary general are among the group of 11 whose corruption charges from the 2010 Commonwealth Games were upheld Friday.

A judge in India ruled that the trial against Suresh Kalmadi, former IOA president and organizing committee chief, and Lalit Bhanot can proceed, setting a Jan. 10 court date for the next stage in the trial.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation says the individuals charged are guilty of forgery and conspiracy against the government stemming from Commonwealth Games contracts.

Badminton Presidency Up for Grabs

Justian Suhandinata says he will take his sport "to even greater heights" if elected president of the World Badminton Federation.

"Queries about my interest were raised as early as a year ago, but I said I would not step forward for it as long as an Asian still held the post," he tells his hometown paper, The Jakarta Post.

Incumbent Kang Young Joong of Korea revealed earlier this month he will not stand for reelection next year.

So far, the Indonesian is the only candidate to come forward and announce his intent to run.

"I only know that the head of the Badminton Association of Malaysia seemed to be interested, although he said he would rather wait and see," said Suhandinata, who failed in a 2001 attempt at the BWF presidency.

Candidate registration closes Feb. 28, 2013 with the vote to follow in May in Kuala Lumpur.

Olympic Cities on Top – and Bottom – of Tripadvisor Survey

Tokyo is the most decorated city in the Tripadvisor "World City Survey," while Moscow, gateway for the 2014 Olympics and a showcase city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finished last in four of eight categories.

The 2020 bid city won top honors for best taxi services, friendliest taxi drivers, best public transportation, cleanest streets, and safety.

Moscow, host of the 1980 Olympics, finished last in friendliest locals, friendliest taxi drivers, best taxi services and best for shopping. The city even earned second-worst in best value for money.

London was second-lowest in friendliest locals category.

"Tripadvisor’s World City Survey makes me proud of my city," said Tokyo 2020 CEO Masato Mizuno in a statement to Around the Rings. "The results prove we are ready to host the world’s greatest sporting event in the most comfortable conditions for everybody – athletes, Olympic and Paralympic Families, and spectators. And this wonderful experience would begin, as does every visit to us, with Japan’s unique sense of hospitality or as we say, ‘Omotenashi’."

A spokesperson for Tripadvisor says there was "insufficient data" to rank Istanbul and Madrid, the other 2020 bid cities. Three hundred completed surveys were required for a city to be ranked.

Belo Horizonte Opens World Cup, Olympics Stadium

Belo Horizonte is Brazil’s second host city to open its World Cup stadium this week.

Five days after inaugurating Castelao Arena in Fortaleza, President Dilma Rousseff traveled south for Friday’s opening ceremony of the Mineirão, refurbished at a cost of $315 million.

More than 35,000 visitors are expected over the weekend as the venue remains open for public viewing through Sunday at the cost of a can of food, which will be donated to social projects in the city.

"We wanted to create a celebratory reunion for the people of Belo Horizonte, and Minas Gerais, with their beloved Mineirão stadium as they have waited two and a half years to see the final result," said Tiago Lacerda, State Secretary for Brazil 2014.

"We are confident that they will think it was worth the wait."

In addition to six matches at the 2014 World Cup and a role at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 62,000-seat stadium will also stage three matches during the 2013 Confederations Cup: Tahiti against the African champion on June 17, Japan versus Mexico on June 22 and a semifinal on June 26.

Also this week, President Rousseff announced Brazil’s "Logistics Investment Program – Airports" to improve the infrastructure and quality of airport services ahead of Brazil 2014 and Rio 2016.

Together, the initiatives will total $3.5 billion of investment in Brazil’s airports infrastructure.

"I'm sure 2013 will be a year for growth and advancement in our economy," Rousseff said Thursday.

"In 2013, we will reap the fruits of 2012, when we instituted a policy for logistics - now complete with today’s milestone for airports and aviation."

New Georgian NOC President

Leri Khabelov is the new president of the Georgian National Olympic Committee.

Khabelov, a two-time medalist in wrestling, defeated incumbent Gia Natsvlishvili on Thursday.

Media reports note that Natsvlishvili belonged to the political party of ousted prime minister Mikhail Saakashvili, while Khabelov is an MP from Bidzina Ivanishvili’s party.

2012 Honors

U.S. gold medalist in gymnastics Gabby Douglas earned the top female athlete of the year award from The Associated Press on Friday.

"The teenager has become a worldwide star since winning the Olympic all-around title in London, the first African-American gymnast to claim gymnastics' biggest prize," the AP wrote. "And now she has earned another honor. Douglas was selected The Associated Press' female athlete of the year, edging out swimmer Missy Franklin in a vote by U.S. editors and news directors that was announced today."

Michael Phelps continues to swim in accolades, after being named AP's male athlete of the year.

He was selected for his Olympic performance. "Phelps retired at age 27 as soon as he finished his final race in London, having won more gold medals (18) and overall medals (22) than any other Olympian," the AP wrote. "No one else is even close."

The AP notes that Carl Lewis is the only other "Olympic-related" athlete to win the title more than once.

LeBron James was second and Usain Bolt was third in voting.

James picked up The Sporting News Athlete of the Year award Thursday.

"James…scored 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting in the final game of the Olympics in London, pushing Team USA to a gold-medal win over Spain," the publication wrote. "Only one other player in league history – that would be Michael Jordan – has won an MVP award, a Finals MVP and a gold medal in the same year."

Grenadian Kirani James will receive a Caribbean Spirit of Sport on Dec. 28 for winning gold in the 400m.

"Kirani James is also credited with bringing an unparalleled spirit of humanity and true sportsmanship to the London 2012 Games," a press release said. "He stands as a perfect example of true Caribbean class, and is a role model of the people of this region, particularly our youth."

Written by Ed Hula III.

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