Date:06/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/06/stories/2008060655802100.htm

Sport - Sports : General

IOC shortlists four cities

ATHENS: Four cities were picked as finalists on Wednesday for the 2016 Olympics, setting the stage for a high-profile bidding contest between candidates from the United States, Europe and Asia.

Making the IOC shortlist were Chicago, Madrid (Spain), Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Eliminated from the race were Doha (Qatar), Prague, Czech Republic and Baku (Azerbaijan).

The final field was selected by the International Olympic Committee executive board. The big four — Chicago, Madrid, Spain and Tokyo — had all been virtually assured of advancing to the final stage. The main issue had been whether Doha would also make the cut. — AP