Briefly noted

IOC calls media pessimistic
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge,on Tuesday,said that the Commonwealth Games in India would be a success,despite being overshadowed by delays in meeting project deadlines and allegations of corruption. Rogge,however,blamed the “pessimistic media” for most of the problems and said that the Commonwealth Games would showcase India’s ability to host big sporting events. “I’m optimistic in spite of everything written by the pessimistic media on the Games,” he said.

Surprise dope tests for CWG athletes
In a bid to make the Commonwealth Games a dope-free event,the organisers have said that participating athletes would be subjected to surprise dope tests to deter them from taking banned drugs. The Organising Committee said in a statement that the athletes,from 71 Commonwealth countries,would be subjected to unannounced dope tests anytime and anywhere during the period of the Games. The programme,supported by the Commonwealth Games Federation,would deter,detect and educate,the statement said.