A decision on whether to introduce golf and seven-a-side rugby at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games will not be taken until next year. It had been thought the issue would be discussed at the International Olympic Committee congress slated for Mexico in November. However, IOC president Jacques Rogge revealed today in Monaco that the issue will not be addressed until the IOC's congress in Prague in July 2003.
The sports' inclusion in the Games was backed by the body overseeing programme selection at a meeting in Lausanne on August 29th. However, the commission said it favoured their arrival "on condition that the sports put forward their best athletes".
Meanwhile, a decision is expected on the removal of the pentathlon, baseball and softball from the Olympics at the November congress.
Filed by James Boylan.
