Event Notes: FIFA U17 World Cup Organizers Confident In Host UAE

Organizers of the FIFA U17 World Cup are "convinced the UAE's thirst for football will ensure it proves a success with supporters." The event is the fifth FIFA competition staged in the UAE -- the U20 World Cup in '03, the 2009 Beach Soccer World Cup and the 2009 and 2010 Club World Club preceded it -- providing the LOC with "the confidence that this, too, will be a popular tournament" (THE NATIONAL, 6/26). ... Essex County Cricket Club CEO Derek Bowden said plans to play Twenty20 cricket at London's Olympic Stadium "could include other teams." Essex has discussed the prospect with the London Legacy Development Corp., the organization responsible for the stadium's future (BBC, 6/27). ... The 20th Asian Athletics Championships, to be held in Pune, India from July 3-7, has drawn entries from 43 of the 45 member nations. A total of 580 athletes, including 220 women, will be seen in action (THE HINDU, 6/27).