Rogge warns of anti-doping figh

Olympic chief Jacques Rogge vowed no let up in the war on illegal betting and doping on Tuesday as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) began its three-day session ahead of the London Games. The 70-year-old IOC president — who is due to step down in September next year after a 12 year tenure — said the battles against the twin threats should also come with good and responsible governance of all sports. “The fight against doping and illegal gambling remain the absolute priorities for the IOC,” said Rogge. “In the battle against doping we will increase tests before and after Games with targeted testing and get NOCs (National Olympic Committees) to increase tests during the Games and we will also test samples that have been taken at previous Games. “In terms of irregular betting and match-fixing we will rely on in depth monitoring and communicate with bodies such as the Gambling Commission based here in Great Britain, Interpol and NOC’s among others. “We are fighting against threats that sport face but also good governance of sport is crucial. Sports organisations should have rigorous internal and external audits.” Rogge, who replaced the late long-serving president Juan Antonio Samaranch when he stepped down in 2001, said he was especially pleased that progress had been made in the IOC’s mission to increase women’s participation. “With the Olympic Programme the IOC has increased the amount of women competing and the number of sports, boxing and an increased cycling programme for women are to feature in London,” said Rogge, who also lobbied successfully to persuade Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Brunei to field female athletes for the first time here. From gulftoday