Readers uncertain about Olympic rugby 7s move

Dubai: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to add golf and rugby sevens to the Olympics schedule starting from the 2016 games. This decision was made after a vote from the members of the IOC. However, it did not get the vote from most Gulf News readers.

Anuj Sharma, an Indian expatriate, believes that new sports are being added to the Olympics in an attempt to commercialise it.

He said: "I think the true spirit of competition is lost. The Olympics should be about athletics and a struggle to win the medal. The committee is simply adding sports to invite more countries to participate."

Sharma is an avid follower of sports and the Olympics and is unhappy with the decision.

He said: "Many more countries compete in running or swimming. It is wrong to bring in a sport where only certain teams can participate."

Terry Vaughan, a British expatriate, holds similar views.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted that golf is a part of the Olympics, since it is my passion. But, at the same time, I am horrified that only certain professional players will compete for the title."

Vaughan thinks the Olympics should be dedicated to amateur athletes looking to get inspired.

Exciting format

He said: "I would much rather see amateur golfers — that is what the modern Olympics should be about. In my opinion, the amateur athletes should consider this to be their starting point. It makes the competition worth watching."

However, there are still some who welcome the decision and look forward to the new line-up.

Tim Crowe, a British expatriate, is one of them. He is glad to see both sports on the Olympic schedule.

He said: "I think they are more popular than many other sports that are traditionally a part of the Olympics. Rugby sevens has an exciting format and golf generates a lot of attention around the world."