RebelAzn
Aug 17th, 2008, 02:57 PM
Here is a good article from Thailand.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/170808_Sports/17Aug2008_sport50.php
Beijing has set a shining example
Euro2008 news update
China must be lauded for bringing Asia into such prominence at the Olympic Games. Though efforts are still being made by some rabble rousers to hurt the wonderful presentation made by the hosts, China has done superbly well in producing a magnificent Games that will go down as one of the best, if not the best, in its 112-year history.
What is most outstanding is the fact that China has given Asian sports a fabulous place in the history of the Games of the Olympiad. That is the biggest contribution it has given to sports in the world.
Unfolding a colourful spectacle is one aspect of a great story of the Olympic Games. To shine in the event is another outstanding achievement.
This is the 39th edition of the modern Summer Olympics which was launched in 1896 in that historic city of Athens, in Greece by Baron Pierre de Coubertin of France, whose perseverance, determination and organizational skills helped unfold the wonderful celebration.
The follow-up has been wonderful. Despite irrational political efforts by some, to use this sports ceremony as a weapon to seek solutions to everything else other than sports, the Games have withstood the test of time, and continues to do so even now.
Beijing must be lauded for fulfilling its undertaking by presenting to the world the 2008 Games, without any hitch nor interference.
Never before has a country from this part of the world shone as prominently as China has done in Beijing.
It was in 1920, that Japan, the first Asian nation to win Olympic medals, won two silvers in Antwerp. And that set the stage for Asian athletes to seek prominence in the Games and international competitions.
But never did any Asian country display such all-round prominence in the Olympics.
For a nation which was known only for its table tennis and was ridiculed in the past by unfriendly comments about its ping pong diplomacy, to have marched forward, so as to excel in almost every discipline is a creditable achievement.
I am sure, like me many sports followers especially in Asia would be wishing that China will top the overall medals tally in Beijing and earn the outstanding accolade of holding the best Olympics.
Only nine times have other countries other than the champion sports nation of the world _ USA _ won the overall medals tally during the past 38 celebrations. They are the Soviet Union (six times), Great Britain, France and Germany (once each).
USA topped the overall medals tally 16 times. China has enjoyed a fabulous rise in performances in the Games.
I still remember the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, when they won 15 golds, eight silvers and finished fourth. They maintained that spot twice in 1992 in Barcelona and 1996 in Atlanta and took the third spot in Sydney 2000 and were runner-up 2004 in Athens. It is through sheer perseverance they have reached the top this year.
I recall, how in the past their youngsters used to play table tennis in parks, on small roads and every available space. They used to kneel down and play, ignoring injury.
Nothing could stop them. As a result the parks and roadside playing areas were clean and were void of mosquitoes and flies.
They competed with tremendous zest and ability, though they bid to beat each other, they also excelled in goodwill and friendship. They helped their fellow players and taught them how to play. That is how they developed the once very popular saying among all Chinese table tennis players, friendship first and competition second which they spread to all sports as well.
That is how we see so many Chinese players, who have adopted other nationalities and are playing for other nations. Many Chinese coaches have gone to all parts of the world and are helping other nations to produce champions in many sports.
Yes, China has come a long way through sheer hard-work, application and above all their sincerity to help people all over the world.
Their broad-mindedness has produced tremendous success.
The Chinese led by example and with the success they have already achieved in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the world is going to gain a lot through them.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/170808_Sports/17Aug2008_sport50.php
Beijing has set a shining example
Euro2008 news update
China must be lauded for bringing Asia into such prominence at the Olympic Games. Though efforts are still being made by some rabble rousers to hurt the wonderful presentation made by the hosts, China has done superbly well in producing a magnificent Games that will go down as one of the best, if not the best, in its 112-year history.
What is most outstanding is the fact that China has given Asian sports a fabulous place in the history of the Games of the Olympiad. That is the biggest contribution it has given to sports in the world.
Unfolding a colourful spectacle is one aspect of a great story of the Olympic Games. To shine in the event is another outstanding achievement.
This is the 39th edition of the modern Summer Olympics which was launched in 1896 in that historic city of Athens, in Greece by Baron Pierre de Coubertin of France, whose perseverance, determination and organizational skills helped unfold the wonderful celebration.
The follow-up has been wonderful. Despite irrational political efforts by some, to use this sports ceremony as a weapon to seek solutions to everything else other than sports, the Games have withstood the test of time, and continues to do so even now.
Beijing must be lauded for fulfilling its undertaking by presenting to the world the 2008 Games, without any hitch nor interference.
Never before has a country from this part of the world shone as prominently as China has done in Beijing.
It was in 1920, that Japan, the first Asian nation to win Olympic medals, won two silvers in Antwerp. And that set the stage for Asian athletes to seek prominence in the Games and international competitions.
But never did any Asian country display such all-round prominence in the Olympics.
For a nation which was known only for its table tennis and was ridiculed in the past by unfriendly comments about its ping pong diplomacy, to have marched forward, so as to excel in almost every discipline is a creditable achievement.
I am sure, like me many sports followers especially in Asia would be wishing that China will top the overall medals tally in Beijing and earn the outstanding accolade of holding the best Olympics.
Only nine times have other countries other than the champion sports nation of the world _ USA _ won the overall medals tally during the past 38 celebrations. They are the Soviet Union (six times), Great Britain, France and Germany (once each).
USA topped the overall medals tally 16 times. China has enjoyed a fabulous rise in performances in the Games.
I still remember the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, when they won 15 golds, eight silvers and finished fourth. They maintained that spot twice in 1992 in Barcelona and 1996 in Atlanta and took the third spot in Sydney 2000 and were runner-up 2004 in Athens. It is through sheer perseverance they have reached the top this year.
I recall, how in the past their youngsters used to play table tennis in parks, on small roads and every available space. They used to kneel down and play, ignoring injury.
Nothing could stop them. As a result the parks and roadside playing areas were clean and were void of mosquitoes and flies.
They competed with tremendous zest and ability, though they bid to beat each other, they also excelled in goodwill and friendship. They helped their fellow players and taught them how to play. That is how they developed the once very popular saying among all Chinese table tennis players, friendship first and competition second which they spread to all sports as well.
That is how we see so many Chinese players, who have adopted other nationalities and are playing for other nations. Many Chinese coaches have gone to all parts of the world and are helping other nations to produce champions in many sports.
Yes, China has come a long way through sheer hard-work, application and above all their sincerity to help people all over the world.
Their broad-mindedness has produced tremendous success.
The Chinese led by example and with the success they have already achieved in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the world is going to gain a lot through them.