2020 Olympics candidates cities making final arguments

The IOC is holding a series of meetings in Buenos Aries that will have a major impact on the future of the Olympic movement not least which city will host the for the 2020 Games, the three candidates Madrid, Istanbul and Tokyo are making their final arguments.

The delegation from Madrid are hoping their latest bid is a case of "third time lucky", after their failed efforts to secure the 2012 and 2016 editions.

But with the economy struggling and unemployment at record levels, critics are worried about the cost of crisis-ravaged Spain hosting an Olympics.

Looking to allay fears, bid officials cited a recent public survey that showed widespread support across the country for its Olympic campaign.

And the Spanish Olympic Committee is looking a new way to hone the way the Olympics are organised.

"We present a solid and responsible project, a secure project, a project that is in agreement with the demands that mark the current moment in all societies of the world, and we propose to be a new model for organising the Olympic Games." Alejandro Blanco, President of Spanish Olympic Committee & "Madrid 2020" said.

Istanbul clings to bid hopes

Turkey has hit the headlines for dozens of high profile doping cases and suspensions.

More than 30 athletes were caught doping in August alone and double European 100m hurdles champion Nevin Yanit was suspended for two years.

Turkey's drugs testing facility lost its World Anti-Doping Agency accreditation in 2011, after failing to comply with international standards.

"As a result of technological improvements in the near future I strongly believe that this problem will be solved globally, not only for some limited areas." Ugur Erdener, Head of Istanbul 2020 Bid Committee said.

Tokyo ready for final presentation

Featuring a robot named Mirata who simulated fencing with two-time Olympic silver-medallist Yuki Ota, the Japanese delegation sought to underline their status as favourites.

Tokyo's Olympic bid chief played down fears the Fukushima water crisis could dent the city's chance to host the Games.

Japanese officials have been eager to show the spread of irradiated water is under control, even as radiation levels at parts of the Fukushima nuclear plant have spiked to record highs.

"There are 35 million people living in greater Tokyo and nobody has been affected by radiation. There have been no incidents of this whatsoever. At this time the radiation level in Tokyo is comparable to that of London, Paris and New York and also here in Buenos Aires. " Tsunekazu Takeda, President of Japanese Olympic Committee said.

The International Olympic Committee will vote Saturday to decide whether Istanbul, Madrid or Tokyo will be awarded the world's biggest and most expensive sporting event.