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Taiwan’s Wu joins IOC race, vows to fight doping

Source:Reuters-Global Times Published: 2013-5-24 0:03:01

Wu Ching-kuo Photo: CFP

Wu Ching-kuo Photo: CFP


Taiwan boxing chief Wu Ching-kuo vowed Thursday to fight doping and match-fixing as he announced his bid to run for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Wu, head of the International Amateur Boxing Federation since 2006, formally unveiled  at a press conference in Taipei his manifesto for one of the world's most prestigious sporting jobs.

"In this fast-moving society, I fear that we are losing control over educating our younger generation to fight against all growing social problems - doping, gambling, match-fixing, violence..." he said.

"Doping and match-fixing-related gambling are the two major challenges facing the IOC."

Wu made his announcement 25 years after he first served as an IOC member.

The 66-year-old will face Puerto Rican banker Richard Carrion, Germany's Thomas Bach and Ng Ser Miang of Singapore in the race to succeed outgoing president Jacques Rogge at an election in September in Buenos Aires.

Wu said his election to the IOC executive board last year with a support rate of 88-4 had prompted him to stand for the presidency.

He said that if elected, he will serve only eight years, given the huge workload. According to IOC rules, the president is allowed to run for another four years after an eight-year term.

He also wants to increase the number of IOC members by 15 to a total of 130, and lower the age of athletes competing in the Youth Olympic Games from the current range of 14-18.

Wu said he would also push to remove the ban on visits by IOC members to host cities. The ban was imposed in the aftermath of the 1998 Salt Lake City scandal, during which several IOC members were expelled for allegedly taking bribes.

Since its founding in 1894, there have been eight IOC presidents - seven from Europe and one from the US.

Reuters - Global Times

Posted in: Olympics, Boxing