Network Ten and TVNZ bagged broadcast rights for Delhi Commonwealth

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) The President of the Indian Olymic Association (IOA) Suresh Kalmadi today announced Australia's Network Ten and Television New Zealand (TVNZ) have bagged broadcast rights for the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

In a major shot in the arm for the Organising Committee (OC) for the Delhi Games, Kalmadi said, ''The deal is very encouraging and the figure is infact double of what we had expected,'' though refused to divulge the exact figures of the deal.

He also added, ''It's going to be a revenue-neutral Games and we are encouraged by the deal.'' Kalmadi, visibly happy with the way the revenue part of the Games turned up, said, ''The response for the revenue is phenomenal''.

Adding at the same breath ''The OC has struck two TV deals and the value is equal to what we managed in the Melbourne Games.'' Kalmadi, who is also the Chairman of the 2010 Games OC, informed that Doordarshan will be the host broadcaster.

According reports in the Australian media, Network Ten will shell out approximately 35 million dollars in the local currency and it will include radio and online rights.

UNI TB AB KP1926