Singapore was chosen as the host of the first Youth Olympic Games in 2010 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday.

The result was announced by IOC president Jacques Rogge during a ceremony at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

In a postal vote of IOC members, Singapore beat Moscow 53-44 to win the bid.

The Youth Games will feature about 3,200 athletes aged 14-18 competing in 26 sports.

"This is a key moment for the Olympic movement," Rogge said. "Singapore has put together a very exciting project. Hosting the Youth Olympic Games for the first time is a great responsibility, and I have every confidence in the team in Singapore."

Rogge will visit Singapore next week with Sergei Bubka, the pole vault world record holder and IOC member from Ukraine who will lead a panel monitoring preparations in the host city, the AP said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2008)