Roundup: World officials, athletes call Beijing Winter Olympics demonstration of sportsmanship, solidarity

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The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games has greatly impressed masses of officials, academics and athletes across the world, who have said the extraordinary sportsmanship and solidarity displayed during the global sports gala has conveyed a lot of hope to the international community.

Roundup: World officials, athletes call Beijing Winter Olympics demonstration of sportsmanship, solidarity

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s luger Mirza Nikolajev became known to many Chinese after the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, for his wink in front of the camera during the athlete parade went viral.

At the Olympic Village, “everybody was always so cheerful and smiling all the time. They did their best to make you feel at home,” Nikolajev has said in a video interview.

“I am so happy that I had a chance to represent my country. Not in the light that I wanted to, but still this was an amazing experience,” the luger added.

For Turkish short-track speed skater Furkan Akar, the Olympic Village is full of fun, and he enjoyed the food there. “I had a great time in Beijing,” said Akar.

Turkish National Olympic Committee Sports Director Erdem Dogan has praised the organizers of the Beijing Winter Olympics for their effective COVID-19 response and excellent services.

Han Zhebin (3rd L), a volunteer of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, takes part in a briefing on photographing work at National Biathlon Centre in Zhangjiakou, North ChinaHan Zhebin (3rd L), a volunteer of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, takes part in a briefing on photographing work at National Biathlon Centre in Zhangjiakou, North China

The COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control measures of the Beijing Winter Olympics are very scientific, which ensure athletes may train and compete in a safe environment, said Dogan.

“The work of the volunteers here has been incomparable, in terms of both efficiency and flexible working hours … Their work was very successful,” the Turkish official added.

Romanian veteran player Raluca Stramaturaru, who competed in the luge team relay at this year’s Winter Games, said that Beijing 2022 is the best Olympics she has ever participated in.

Martin Begino, head of the Argentine delegation at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, spoke highly of the preparation and organization of the Games, saying that the event had been organized in an orderly manner.

As can be seen from the complete infrastructure of the event, China attaches great importance to the preparation and organization of the Games, said Begino, adding that the organizing committee can patiently listen to the feedback of different delegations and solve problems in time.

The 24th Olympic Winter Games deserves the highest praise, said Yevgeny Zaitsev, head of the Center for Russian-Chinese Studies at Russia’s Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, China has fulfilled its promise to the greatest extent and has presented a green, inclusive, open and clean Winter Olympics, Zaitsev told Xinhua in a written interview.

Zaitsev said the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together,” was further interpreted in Beijing 2022, and the sportsmanship of athletes who overcame various difficulties and pushed the envelope has also inspired the world.

The story of the gift exchange between American and Chinese curlers, after the competition in mixed doubles round robin, impressed Gerald Mbanda, a Rwandan researcher and publisher. In his article published recently on the Rwanda-based Africa-China Review news website, Mbanda said “this was the best sportsmanship spirit.”

The example given by Fan Suyuan and Ling Zhi and their American counterparts has “sent a strong message” — the spirit of Olympic Games is about friendship, solidary, and peace, he said.

Kimmo Suomi, professor emeritus of sports planning at Finland’s Jyvaskyla University, also had positive things to say about the Beijing Winter Olympics.

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics was impressive and delivered a message of hope to the world that while the world is experiencing chaos caused by the pandemic, one can also live a relatively normal life at the Olympics, Suomi said in an interview with Xinhua.

China has showed the world its splendid preparation and superb managerial quality, said Yuba Nath Lamsal, former chief editor of The Rising Nepal daily. 

Published : February 21, 2022

By : Xinhua

Thongchai displays iron will in first round of the season

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Thai golfing great Thongchai Jaidee shot a solid 5-under 67 for a share of fourth place in the first round of the Chubb Classic in Florida on Friday.

Thongchai displays iron will in first round of the season

Thongchai hit seven birdies against two bogeys in the PGA Champions Tour season-opener at Tiburon Golf Club’s Black Course and put himself in a position to challenge for a first victory in the US.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


The Champions Tour is the top men’s professional senior tour.

“Happy with my round today but I did not have very good drives, had a few misses. The key I think was that I hit very good irons. I holed some putts, although I had two three-putts for bogeys. The golf course is in good shape and everyone can attack here. There are short par fours and reachable par fives. It’s a good start,” said Thongchai, 52.

Germany’s Bernhard Langer, a three-time Chubb Classic winner and the current leader, posted a bogey-free 64 to card his age for the third time.

Second place was shared by Robert Karlsson from Sweden and Tim Petrovic from the US while Thongchai was tied in fourth with Retief Goosen of South Africa and Paul Stankowski from the US.

Published : February 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

Ronaldo tops Insta earnings from fake followers with Bt17m per post: report

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One lucrative source of income for football stars over the last few years has been via social media, especially Instagram.

Ronaldo tops Insta earnings from fake followers with Bt17m per post: report

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most followed individual on the platform and that marketing level comes at a very high price to any sponsor who wishes to exploit it.

Ronaldo is the highest-earning athlete on the platform but, according to a report in The Sun, all is not quite as it seems.

The rise of bot accounts has been plaguing social media for the past few years, and it seems Ronaldo is not immune to the disease.

The Sun estimates that Ronaldo has around 92 million fake followers – more than the population of the United Kingdom and 23 per cent of his total Instagram following.

The report also claimed that Ronaldo is earning nearly £400,000 (Bt17.5 million) per post due to the bots alone.

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That places him on top of the rankings when it comes to bot earning.

Footballers with the most fake followers on Instagram and how much they earn from them:

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo: 92,460,000 fake followers – £388,570 per post
  2. Lionel Messi: 70,610,000 fake followers – £287,210 per post
  3. Neymar: 34,000,000 fake followers – £140,885 per post
  4. Kylian Mbappe: 12,616,000 fake followers – £52,113 per post
  5. Sergio Ramos: 11,362,000 fake followers – £47,101 per post
  6. Gareth Bale: 11,040,000 fake followers – £45,747 per post
  7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 10,962,000 fake followers – £45,520 per post
  8. Karim Benzema: 10,920,000 fake followers – £45,136 per post
  9. Mohamed Salah: 10,101,000 fake followers – £41,833 per post
  10. Luis Suarez: 9,438,000 fake followers – £39,000 per post

The above figures are estimates and the players themselves are not responsible for the swathes of fake followers they have.

Published : February 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

Man Utd set to clash with Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12

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Event organiser Fresh Air Festival has announced Manchester United and Liverpool will play an exhibition match at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on July 12.

Man Utd set to clash with Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12

Fresh Air Festival CEO Vinij Lertratanachai said he has signed a contract for the game, which will be named “THE MATCH Bangkok Century Cup 2022”.

Vinij said both Premier League teams would send their main squads to play in front of fans in Thailand.

He added that the game would showcase Thailand to an international audience, attracting tourists to stimulate the economy.

The press conference for the match will be held at 3pm on March 9 at Siam Paragon.

Early-bird tickets will be available on March 10. Normal tickets will go on sale on March 11, priced 5,000 baht to 25,000 baht. Each purchaser can reserve up to four tickets.

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Liverpool plan to challenge Utd in Bangkok on July 12 before moving on to Singapore for a match against Crystal Palace on July 15.

Premier League teams have skipped their lucrative pre-season tours of Asia for the past two years due to the pandemic.

Man Utd set to clash with Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12

Published : February 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

Leicester City to erect statue of Vichai at King Power Stadium

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A statue of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha will be unveiled at King Power Stadium this April to honour the late Leicester City chairman.

Leicester City to erect statue of Vichai at King Power Stadium

The club said the project is a commitment made by Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, Vichai’s son, in the days following his father’s death in a helicopter crash at the stadium in 2018.

The statue will be “an eternal tribute to the most influential figure in Leicester City’s 138-year history”, said the club.

“Vichai was Leicester City chairman from 2010, overseeing the club’s return to the top flight of English football. Under his leadership, the Foxes shocked the world in 2016 – defying pre-season odds of 5,000/1 to become Premier League champions in one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time,” said the club’s announcement.

Leicester City chief executive, Susan Whelan, said: “We are very pleased to be sharing this news with our supporters, with the city of Leicester and with football fans all over the world, whose kindness in the wake of Khun Vichai’s passing demonstrated what an inspiration he was to so many people.

Leicester City to erect statue of Vichai at King Power Stadium

“Khun Vichai’s contribution to this club and this city – his vision, his generosity and his belief in people – are immortalised in the memory of every person touched by our story. The statue will be a place for people to remember, to celebrate his life and to share those stories for generations to come.

“He helped the club scale the heights of the game, including an unforgettable run to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2017, all while building a long-term vision that was to become his legacy.

“That vision was underpinned by a bond forged with Leicester’s supporters and communities, who were regular beneficiaries of Khun Vichai’s celebrated generosity. While better facilities, gifts and free beer improved the matchday experience for fans, personal donations of over £4 million [Bt175 million] to causes including children’s health services and local charities improved the lives of countless people in Leicester,” said the announcement.

Vichai’s statue will be positioned in the north-west corner of the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, welcoming supporters approaching the stadium from its primary pedestrian routes along Raw Dykes Road. On-site works are expected to commence imminently.

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Published : February 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

Thailand thump Singapore at AFF U23 Championship

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Thailand’s under-23 national football team trounced Singapore 3-1 on Wednesday in the group stage of the AFF U23 Championship 2022 at Prince Stadium in Cambodia.

Thailand thump Singapore at AFF U23 Championship

Singapore scored first courtesy of Ilhan Fandi in the 16th minute. However, Teerasak Poeiphimai handed Thailand the equaliser in the 43rd minute.

Thailand grabbed the lead in the second half with a goal by Niphitphon Wongpanya in the 56th minute and Teerasak put the country on the road to clear victory when he scored his second goal in the 62nd minute.

With this win, Thailand has received three points to become the leader of Group C.

The Thai team will have to play another match in the group stage – this time against Vietnam.

Catch the match on Tuesday at 7pm on True4U or the TrueSports2 channel.

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Thailand thump Singapore at AFF U23 Championship
Thailand thump Singapore at AFF U23 Championship

Published : February 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

Thai family’s dream comes true at Beijing Olympics

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Beijing 2022 is a dream come true for Thailand’s Boonchan Chanloung and his family, with his son Mark and daughter Karen competing in cross-country skiing, while he serves as the team’s manager, and his wife as physiotherapist.

Thai family's dream comes true at Beijing Olympics

For Thailand’s Boonchan Chanloung and his family, the Winter Olympics once seemed like a distant dream that they are now fulfilling at Beijing 2022.

Boonchan’s son Mark Chanloung and daughter Karen Chanloung are competing in cross-country skiing for Thailand at the Beijing Winter Olympics, while he himself serves as the team’s manager, and his Italian wife as the physiotherapist.

“We came as a whole family of four. I’m afraid there might be few families like ours at the Games,” Boonchan proudly told Xinhua in a video interview.

The Thai father in his 50s is an enthusiast for sports. He once cycled 15,000 kilometers around Thailand in 126 days. Longing for ice and snow, he even planned to cycle from Thailand to Italy, his wife’s hometown.

With her father’s influence, Karen started skiing at just three and began to focus on cross-country skiing when she was 10, while Mark began to take part in various skiing competitions at the age of 12.

Karen Chanloung collapses after the finish line of the cross-country skiing womenKaren Chanloung collapses after the finish line of the cross-country skiing women

The Italian-born brother and sister made their Olympic debut in cross-country skiing at PyeongChang 2018. Together with two other athletes, they reached a new high in the number of Thai participants in the Winter Olympic Games.

Now the family of four is pursuing its Winter Olympic dreams in Beijing. “I’m very proud to be part of the Thai team. It not only makes our family more harmonious but also brings together Thai people around the world to cheer for our team,” Boonchan noted.

Karen, 25, served as one of Thailand’s flag bearers at the opening ceremony of Beijing 2022. She described the experience as “a dream”.

“I think I did one of the best sprint races in my career. And I am very happy because I gave my 100 percent,” Karen said with visible pride in her eyes, after finishing the cross-country skiing women’s sprint free qualification at Beijing 2022.

Mark, who entered four events, the most to compete for Thailand at the Beijing Games, admitted that he “felt great pressure” as he was supposed to “make a good start” for his teammates.

“But I was really happy to open the competition for Thai athletes. I think I took the pressure and made it the strength for myself to do well,” said Mark, adding that he is willing to represent Thailand in as many races as possible to show that there are Thai athletes in winter sports.

Mark said that he spent his 27th birthday in training in the Olympic Village in Zhangjiakou, and his result in the sprint free the previous day was his “present for himself”, in which he finished 52nd.

“I’ve been practising cross-country skiing for 18 years,” Mark said, adding that his athlete’s life is quite good, as many people do sport as a hobby, while he does it full-time.

When it comes to future plans, Mark said he still needs to seriously consider whether to continue competing in the next Winter Olympics. He is currently studying physical education at a university in Milan, and after graduation, he may choose to become a ski coach.

“If I want to be a coach, I think the best place is in Thailand,” says Mark, who hopes to teach Thai children skiing to develop winter sports in the tropical country. “Even if there is no snow, there is roller skiing,” Mark added.

Published : February 17, 2022

By : Xinhua

Honda LPGA to tee off on March 10 with field of 70 golfers

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The Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 tournament is all set to host top women golfers and offer a prize purse of $1.6 million (THB52 million) as it celebrates its 15th anniversary, Honda and IMG announced in a press release.

Honda LPGA to tee off on March 10 with field of 70 golfers

The tournament will be held at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya from March 10 to 13.

The tournament is expected to feature a field of 70 golfers, including 56 professionals from the 2022 LPGA Priority List. The list includes major champions like Chevron Championship 2021 winner Patty Tavatanakit, a rising Thai golf star. The line-up also includes the tournament’s first Thai winner and current defending champion, Ariya Jutanugarn.

Fans can also look forward to participation by up-and-coming Thai golf stars like Atthaya Thitikul, Moriya Jutanugarn and Chanettee Wannasaen. Additionally, the tournament has given rising golfers Pornanong Phatlum, Jaravee Boonchant and Rina Tatematsu the opportunity to compete.

“We look forward to one of our most exciting tournaments yet to mark our 15th anniversary,” said Pitak Pruittisarikorn, chairman of the Honda Automobile (Thailand) board.

“This tournament has been an important platform for the past 15 years and counting, and has been a launching pad for young Thai golfers to prove themselves on a world stage,” he said.

“The all-new Honda HR-V e:HEV, the e:HEV RS variant, valued at 1,179,000 baht, will be gifted to the first player to make a hole-in-one on the par-3 16th hole.”

The tournament is also dedicated to continuing support for charities, with money being donated to Siriraj Foundation in Bangkok and the National Qualifiers’ registration fees that will directly benefit Pong Primary Hospital in Chonburi, the press statement said.

The championship will adhere to Covid-19 guidelines, which only allow a limited attendance this year with no tickets available.

“Winning the Honda LPGA Thailand 2021 trophy was one of my greatest achievements because it was in my home country,” Ariya said. “I look forward to once again giving my all at Honda LPGA Thailand 2022.”

Said Patty: “I am truly excited to be able to play in front of an audience again and know that we will all strive to do our best.”

Meanwhile, Nittaya Kerdjuntuk, director of the Office of the Professional Sports Committee under the Sports Authority of Thailand, said: “The Sports Authority of Thailand is excited about this year’s Honda LPGA Thailand. The tournament has been pivotal in developing golf in Thailand while also setting an example for sports excellence at an international level.”

IMG Thailand senior vice president and managing director Winnie Heng said that “in celebration of its 15th anniversary, Honda LPGA Thailand 2022 has introduced a new theme titled ‘Beyond Greatness’, which aims to elevate the standards of golf in Thailand and inspire a future generation of golfers”.

Golf fans can watch the tournament on PPTV HD 36 from 12pm or on http://www.pptvhd36.com, Facebook, YouTube or the PPTVHD36 application.

Honda LPGA to tee off on March 10 with field of 70 golfers
Honda LPGA to tee off on March 10 with field of 70 golfers

Published : February 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

Albon ‘feels amazing’ to return to F1

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Alex Albon has accelerated his way back into Formula 1 with Williams, which hit the track with their new livery on Tuesday.

Albon ‘feels amazing’ to return to F1

Albon had to spend 2021 on the sidelines. He was Red Bull’s reserve driver, supporting Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, while Verstappen drove away with his first title for Mercedes since 2013.

Now with George Russell in the Mercedes driver’s seat, Albon has been roped in by Williams to race alongside Nicholas Latifi this season.

“It feels really good,” Albon said as Williams launched their livery for the season. “It feels, you know, like I spent a while away from the race track, and to get back into it, get back into the thing that I’ve wanted to do my whole life feels amazing.

“The team’s been super nice. They clearly know what they’re doing. On my side, it was going to a team where, yes, you can tell there’s trust and where straight away they believe in me … I’m trying to bring as much knowledge, as much experience as I can to them,” he said.

Both Albon and teammate Latifi will share driving duties, but while Latifi is ready for a third season, Albon admits he has to shake off some “rust”.

Albon ‘feels amazing’ to return to F1

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“It’s different… but there is a feeling that there’s going to be a bit of rust to get rid of. I think the ‘reset’ of a new car, new regulations go in my favour; it’s a reset for everyone. My plan is to hit the ground running as hard as I can!

“… We’re working together, trying to make sure we can attack straight away. And I know I will just get better through the season as will the car – and we’re kind of going together on that,” Albon explained.

And where would he like to see the team finish in 2022?

“Well, I think to begin with, it’s really about where we started; it’s just our starting point. I feel like if we’re in the midfield, if we’re in the upper midfield, that’s great. If we’re towards the back half, that’s fine.

“It’s all about how quickly can we adapt and overcome? How quickly can we progress through the year? Because some teams are going to get it right, some teams are going to get it wrong,” he concluded.

Credit: Formula 1

Published : February 16, 2022

By : THE NATION

Rams clinch Super Bowl after 4th quarter comeback against Bengals

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The Los Angeles Rams staged a fourth-quarter comeback to win Super Bowl LVI, beating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 on home turf at the SoFi Stadium in California on Monday (Thailand time).

Rams clinch Super Bowl after 4th quarter comeback against Bengals

The NFL’s worst team two years ago, the Bengals were looking to win their first Super Bowl after taking quarterback Joe Burrow as first pick.

Meanwhile, the Rams fielded a star-packed roster including veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who joined the Rams this season after 12 years with the Detroit Lions.

The Rams opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 17-yard touchdown by new wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

Bengals’ kicker Evan McPherson slammed a 29-yard field goal to narrow the score to 7-3.

The Rams applied pressure in the second quarter and were rewarded with an 11-yard touchdown from wide receiver Cooper Kupp, showing why he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

However, they failed to convert for the extra two points.

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The Bengals fought back with a 6-yard toss from running back Joe Mixon to wide receiver Tee Higgins for a touchdown.

The Rams suffered a setback when receiver Odell Beckham Jr left the field with a knee injury but took a 13-10 lead into half-time.

The third quarter kicked off with Burrow on his own 25-yard line throwing to Higgins, who ran 75 yards for a touchdown to put the Bengals ahead for the first time, 17-13.

The Rams countered immediately but a pass intercepted by cornerback Chidobe Awuzie led to the Bengals scoring a 38-yard field goal to stretch their lead to 20-13.

The Rams fired back with a 41-yard field goal kicked by Matt Gay to stay in touch 20-16 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

With only 1.25 left on the clock, veteran QB Stafford connected with Kupp in the end zone to complete a 1-yard touchdown and put the Rams ahead 23-20.

Bengals’ desperate effort to push the ball over halfway to score a field goal failed when Aaron Donald sacked Burrow to secure the Rams’ second Super Bowl win.

Super Bowl MVP was Cooper Kupp with eight receptions, 92 yards and two touchdowns.

Published : February 14, 2022

By : THE NATION