MUMBAI: 658 participants, representing 324 companies from 43 countries worldwide, attended the recently concluded sports television market Sportel Asia 2006.

The event took placeat the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai, China.

Following on the heels of last year's inaugural Sportel Asia in Hong Kong, the Shanghai market featured a 60 per cent increase in the number of stands and an increase of almost 25 per cent in terms of participants.

Sportel executive VP David Tomatis says, "Shanghai and in particular the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel proved to be a wonderful venue for our clients. The decision to move to Mainland China encouraged many Chinese companies to join our ranks for the first time, affording new business opportunities for our clients."

"We also wish to extend our special thanks to Shanghai Media Group president LI Ruigang, and his staff for their invaluable partnership and Rai trade president Roberto DI Russo and his team, for sponsoring our opening cocktail."

Sportel Asia 2006 brought together executives representing broadcasters, cable and satellite services, new mobile technologies, professional leagues, programme distributors, sports marketing agents, event organisers, satellite services, producers, hardware/software and facilities providers, sponsorship and investment groups, sports federations, new media and international press from around the world.

Sportel's next event is Sportel Monaco 2006, which will take place from 16 to 19 October 2006 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Last year, Sportel Monaco 2005 included a total of 1,884 participants, representing 868 companies from 65 countries worldwide.