Russia is sending 500 athletes to the Beijing Olympics. And a similar number of Russian reporters have applied to cover the event.

Russia's state television boasts an influential sports channel with much experience in broadcasting the world's major sport events. 120 staff members of the channel will be in Beijing to cover the Olympics. They will, for the first time, try to broadcast the Games with high-definition TV signal.

Sports channel controller, Russia's State Television, said, "This channel has an audience of more than half of Russia's population. We will broadcast the Beijing Olympics around-the-clock."

Itar-Tass is Russia's largest news agency and it is set to launch a special website for the Beijing Olympics to provide subscribers with regular updates.

Russia's Interfax news agency is also paying much attention to the Games and is constantly updating its website.

Interfax Chief Editor, said, "I believe that news relating to the Olympics definitely captures the public's attention. Sports can connect individuals, whoever they are, politicians, business people or even housewives. So we hope that subscribers and people who take an interest in sports will be satisfied with the Olympic news we offer. I would like to convey my wishes for the success of the Beijing Olympics."

About 300 of the Russian reporters who have applied to cover the Games will actually receive accreditation. But it will still be the largest group in Russia's history of Olympic coverage.

(CCTV July 17, 2008)