IOC chief backs Japan to overcome crisis

TOKYO, July 16 (AFP): IOC president Jacques Rogge on Saturday heaped praise on Japan's track record in hosting major world sports events and said the country would rise again after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

His comments came as Tokyo was to announce its bid for the 2020 Olympic Games as a catalyst for the country's reconstruction after the disaster.

"I appreciate again the great virtues of the Japanese people -- their courage, their sense of duty, their sense of citizenship and moral fortitude," he told a ceremony in the capital marking the 100th anniversary of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

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Arsenal eye Costa Rica striker Campbell

SAN JOSE, July 16 (AFP): Premier League giants Arsenal are keen on signing promising 19-year-old Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell, local media reported on Friday.

The daily Al Dia said that the London club's scout for the Concacaf region, Richard Law, had arrived in the Central American country accompanied by the agent Joaquim Batica, supposedly with the aim of sealing a deal for Campbell, who plays for Deportivo Saprissa in San Jose.

"Once we have spoken with Saprissa, we will be able to give more information," Batica was quoted as saying.

Campbell started all three of a young Costa Rican side's games at the Copa America, and scored in their 2-0 win over Bolivia.

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