The joint bid by the two countries, which jointly hosted the 2000 European Championship, will face tough opposition from almost a dozen nations, set to include England, China, Spain, Russia and Australia.

 

Belgian tennis star Henin retired early this year after winning seven Grand Slam singles titles and spending more than 100 weeks ranked as the world number one.

 

Track sprinter Gevaert ended her career after leading the Belgian 4x100 metres squad to a surprising silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.