Record number of Indian scribes to cover Olympics: Jacques Rogge
A record number of journalists from India, the highest so far, have been given accreditations to report on the London Olympic Games, according to International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who did not specify the exact number.
A record number of journalists from India, the highest so far, have been given accreditations to report on the London Olympic Games, according to International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who did not specify the exact number.
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"This summer will be an important one for Indian sports journalism, as more journalists from your country than ever before have been accredited to cover the Games. The quality of the news coverage of London 2012, both within India and beyond, will go a long way in defining how people remember the Indian athletes and the Games themselves," said Rogge in a message to the Sports Journalists Federation of India.
"We are delighted with the growing interest in the Olympic Games in India and I would like to thank the Sports Journalists' Federation of India for the passion and commitment you have shown to sport since your organisation was founded in 1976. I look forward to meeting many of you at London 2012 and witnessing some spectacular sporting moments together," said Rogge.
"The important role that the media plays in promoting the Olympic values around the world cannot be underestimated. The success of the Olympic Games is, to a large extent, linked to the media," Rogge said.
"It is no secret that what you write can shape peoples' opinions and leave a lasting impression. The watching public relies on your professionalism to get the full story of the Games and that is why the International Olympic Committee strives to ensure that the conditions and services for media at the Games are of the highest quality," he observed.
Rogge was also confident that the London Games, commencing July 27, would turn out to be excellent.
"All eyes will soon be on London. I have no doubt the city will host an excellent Games this summer that will leave a positive legacy for London and the Olympic Movement. The local organisers have done a terrific job preparing for the Games, the city is ready to welcome the world, and the athletes are eager to get started turning their Olympic dreams into reality. Soon it will be your turn to communicate their stories to the world," Rogge added.