British Olympic chief calls for support to Beijing Olympics

BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Sports and politics should respect each other and have their own autonomy, the chairman of the British Olympic Association said here on Wednesday.

"I strongly oppose sporting boycott because it won't achieve anything," said Lord Colin Moynihan, who is in Beijing this week for the 16th assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

"Sporting boycott simply doesn't work and can only hurt athletes, who are not supposed to solve any political problem," he told Xinhua in an interview.

"As long as the interest of the athletes is all put first, then the game would be a great success.

"Meanwhile, I strongly oppose any assault or attack to the Olympic torch," Moynihan noted.

The Olympic torch relay has been repeatedly disrupted by Tibetan separatists and their supporters who tried to grab the torch or block the relay route.

"Meanwhile, we are looking for Beijing for experience and advice since London is going to host the next summer Olympic Games," Moynihan told Xinhua. "I believe Beijing will host a great game."

The 16th ANOC assembly, which focuses on the preparation of Beijing Olympics, started on Monday and run through April 9.

ANOC affiliates the national Olympic committees (NOCs) recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). There are205 NOCs to date, according to ANOC's official website.