Globo TV network said that "retired Brazilian great RONALDO is taking part in a televised weight loss program." The popular variety show "Fantastico" will chronicle the three-time FIFA player of the year's bid "to shed the pounds he packed on since his retirement early last year" (AP, 9/23). ... Board of Cricket Control in India President N SRINIVASAN has turned down an invitation to attend the Asian Cricket Council development committee meeting to be held in Islamabad on Monday. Pakistan Cricket Board Chair ZAKA ASHRAF said, "He apparently has some other assignments and therefore he has nominated one of the vice presidents of the BCCI to attend the meeting" (PTI, 9/21). ... General Administration of Sports of China former Dir WU SHAOZU died at age 73 on Tuesday in Beijing. Wu became the first director of State General Administration of Sports in '98. During Wu's term of office he participated in Beijing's first bid for the Olympics and led the Chinese sports delegation to participate in the 25th Barcelona Olympics in '92 and the 26th Atlanta Olympics in '96 (CHINA DAILY, 9/22).
AFTER THE OLYMPICS...: Talks "are advanced on a deal" that would see double Olympic champion USAIN BOLT play an HRV Cup cricket game in New Zealand in the new year. Bolt will visit New Zealand next month "to promote sports drink Gatorade and attend a Breakers training." Former New South Wales cricket player GREG DYER, who is involved in brokering the deal, "confirmed they were in talks with the athlete's management" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 9/22). ... Former double Olympic champion REBECCA ADLINGTON has said that she “will concentrate on helping the next generation of swimmers rather than aiming to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.” Instead she hopes to be a mentor to younger swimmers in the run up to Brazil (London GUARDIAN, 9/23).
