IOC opens 125th session in Argentina

The 125th International Olympic Committee (IOC) session opened with an official ceremony at opera house Teatro Colon here.

The session promises to be an important milestone in the history of the Olympic Movement with three key decisions scheduled to be made during the next few days from Sep 7-10. The full IOC membership is set to elect the host city for the 2020 Olympics Saturday, decide on the composition of the 2020 Olympic programme Sunday and elect the next IOC president Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

Jacques Rogge, who will hand over his IOC presidency, approved the progress of Sochi Olympic Winter Games, Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games and Rio Olympiad while highlighted the preparation work of Nanjing Summer Youth Olympics and Lillehammer Winter Youth Olympics as "excellent" at the ceremony Friday.

Rogge believes the composition of the Olympic programme is an important decision to be made by the session as "finding right balance of sports and keeping programmes fresh are essential to continue the success of Olympic Games".

He described the six IOC president candidates as "capable" and "very qualified".

"I cannot predict who the next IOC president would be but I am certain whoever it is, will have an experience of life time," he said.

The president also expressed his gratitude to have the 12-year IOC presidency.

"It has been my great honour to lead the organisation for the past 12 years. While you love sports like I do, it is an undescribable privilege to play the role and fulfill the dreams within the position," he said.

Rogge believes the future of the Olympic Movement relies on everyone who believe in the Olympic values.