Overseas journalists get Asiad pledge

GUANGZHOU - Organizers of the upcoming Asian Games pledged on Monday to ensure the freedom of overseas journalists to conduct interviews during the major sporting event.

Normal newsgathering activities will be guaranteed and protected during the 16th Asian Games and the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Para Games for disabled Asian athletes, said Xu Ruisheng, deputy mayor of Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province.

"Overseas reporters will be free to interview athletes, coaches, officials and residents if they abide by relevant Chinese laws and rules and the regulations of the Olympic Council of Asia during the upcoming Asian Games," Xu told a press conference.