BISFed President David Hadfield met with Italian officials in Rome ©BISFed

Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) President David Hadfield has met with Italian officials to discuss the development of the sport in the country.

Hadfield was greeted by Italian Boccia Federation President Marco De Sanctis during his visit to the Italian capital Rome.

Hadfield praised the organisation for the "exciting and rapid" development of boccia in Italy.

The Presidents discussed the continued development of the sport.

They also signed a host city contract, which will see Italy host the 2018 Olbia Boccia Regional Open.

Competition is set to take place on the island of Sardinia in October.

The boccia season is set to begin next week in Japan ©BISFed
The boccia season is set to begin next week in Japan ©BISFed

It will be the eighth of nine currently announced open events during the 2018 season.

The first will take place in Ise from March 15 to 22.

The event is being hosted by the Japanese Boccia Association, in conjunction with the Japan Paralympic Association.

It marks the first international boccia event held in the country.