NEW DELHI: The government has come out with a list of sports events, excluding cricket, which would have to be shared with the pubcaster on a mandatory basis whether played in India or outside.

A government communication to broadcasters states that the list will be valid for five years, though implementation review will be done annually by the authorities.

If Doordarshan is unable to telecast a listed event due to some reasons, then that game's possible deletion from the list is likely to be discussed during the annual review meeting.

Cricket related events have not been specified as there are two cases pending in the courts relating to it and involving ESPN Star Sports and Ten Sports.

The mandatory sharing of feed of listed events is part of the downlinking norms, which were announced by the government in November 2005.

Asked about the listed events released by the government, ESPN India managing director RC Venkateish said, "We are comfortable with the non-cricket list of sporting events."

The list of sports to be shared with DD include the summer and winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian games and Afro-Asian Games.

On the soccer front, where the mercury is building up leading up to the Fifa World Cup in a couple of months time, the list includes the semi-final and final matches of Euro Cup and Fifa World Cup. For Asia Cup, it would be the semis, final and all matches featuring India.

As far as domestic soccer tournaments are concerned, DD will have access to the semifinal and final matches of Subroto Cup, Santosh Trophy, Federation Cup, Durand Cup, National Women's Football and Junior National Football.

In tennis, all matches featuring India and the semis and final of Davis Cup will have to be shared with DD. For the Grand Slams and WTA, all the final matches (men's, women's, mixed doubles and doubles) feature in the government list, apart from any other matches featuring an India from quarter-final onward.

In hockey, the World Cup semis, final and India matches will have to be shared with DD. For the Champions' Trophy, its India matches plus the final, while on the domestic circuit, the Baton Cup and Gold Cup for Women will see the semis and finals on DD.

In chess, the World Cup final and matches featuring any Indian from quarterfinal onward find mention in the list. Ditto for Chess Olympiad.

The finals and India games of billiard and snooker World Cups also have made it as listed events.