Former Argentine Olympic cross-country skier Ines Alder praises Beijing 2022 as a showcase for China’s organizational know-how and rich culture.

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are a showcase of both China’s organizational know-how and rich age-old culture, according to former Argentine Olympic cross-country skier Ines Alder.

Alder, who competed for the South American country in four events at the 1992 Winter Olympics held in Albertville, France, said Beijing’s opening ceremony wowed viewers with fireworks, scientific, technological and environmentally-friendly innovations, and a spectacular show produced under the direction of Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou.

“I enjoyed watching the ceremony because China has tradition, mysticism and an ancient culture,” Alder said in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday.

“The ceremony … had everything,” she said, adding “I watched the whole thing and then I watched it again a couple of more times.”

Alder and her family are diehard Olympic fans, getting up in the middle of the night in Argentina to watch the games, due to the time difference with Beijing.

Argentine delegation marches into the Bird

“We postponed several outings to stay at home, where we have a better Internet signal compared to outdoor places and be able to closely follow the events,” said a smiling Alder.

Alder and her husband, Jorge Dal Farra, have a special reason to follow the games closely, as their son Franco Dal Farra is in Beijing as a member of the Argentine delegation, competing in cross-country skiing.

The opening ceremony brought together delegations from 91 countries and regions at Beijing’s striking National Stadium, better known as the “Bird’s Nest,” and turned China’s capital into the only city ever to host both winter and summer (2008) Olympic Games.

Franco Dal Farra led the Argentine delegation into the arena, as one of the two flag bearers, along with Francesca Baruzzi, who is competing in alpine skiing.

“Watching the ceremony was very moving… seeing him there was very exciting, we had the feeling that Franco was enjoying it,” Alder said, adding “Franco’s eyes said it all.”

Argentine athletes are competing in four sports: Baruzzi and Tomas Birkner in alpine skiing, Dal Farra and Nahiara Diaz in cross-country skiing, Veronica Ravenna in luge and Victoria Rodriguez Lopez in speed skating.

“Franco traveled and is getting to know, interact with, meet members of delegations from South America, the representatives of Chile, of Brazil. The Olympic Games have a social and cultural aspect, in addition to sports,” said Alder.

The Winter Games run until Feb. 20.

Published : February 10, 2022

By : Xinhua

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The women’s Freeski Big Air of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games shown on TV aroused cheers from a Turkish eatery in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, which features cream-yellow arched windows and decorated walls with rustic tapestry lighted by multicolor glass lamps.

The women’s Freeski Big Air of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games shown on TV aroused cheers from a Turkish eatery in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, which features cream-yellow arched windows and decorated walls with rustic tapestry lighted by multicolor glass lamps.

“I am really looking forward to feeling the ice and snow in the ‘Snow Ruyi,'” said the restaurant’s owner, 31-year-old Turkish Alp Nogay Yavrucuk.

As one of the Beijing 2022 outdoor venues, the National Ski Jumping Center earned this nickname for it resembles the shape of “Ruyi,” a traditional Chinese ornament symbolizing good luck.

Apart from the “Snow Ruyi,” the amateur skier is crystal clear about all the ski fields in Chongli District of Zhangjiakou City in north China’s Hebei Province, and he could not wait to rush there with his ski boots.

“I’ve skied since I was three years old. And skiing with my family on winter weekends was one of my fond childhood memories,” he recalled, pouring black tea from the slender spout of a silver-colored teapot.

Yavrucuk was born into a sports family in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. “My grandfather and father were both engaged in sports, and my father was a professional skier,” he said.

Stepping on the boards, edging, carving, then braking. These beautiful moves are so riveting to Yavrucuk. “I’m really into alpine skiing. I enjoy sliding on the snow, especially the speed that makes me feel exhilarated,” he said.

Yavrucuk used to spend a few weeks at some famous ski resorts in Europe to compete with skiers from all over the world every year.

Yavrucuk then chose to go to fast-developing China and open a Turkish restaurant in Tianjin. “Compared with Beijing and Shanghai, Tianjin sees more space for development.”

In the past seven years in China, he has seen the burgeoning boom for snow sports and more and more ski resorts have sprung up in many cities.

“Spurred by the Winter Olympics, the recent snow seasons have seen more and more skiing learners. I found some kids tried and fell again and again with their little snowboard on an outdoor ski slope in Tianjin,” he smiled.

Official data indicates that the number of Chinese people who have participated in winter sports training, amateur or professional competitions, and winter sports-related leisure activities has reached 346 million — about a quarter of the country’s population. It surpassed the goal of 300 million set in 2015 when Beijing won the Olympic bid.

Yavrucuk gathered with his Turkish friends on the evening of Feb. 4 to enjoy the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Turkey has sent seven athletes to compete in short-track speed skating, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and ski jumping.

When Turkey was first to follow Greece to enter in the stroke order of the team names as written in the Chinese characters, Yavrucuk stood up and cheered up with friends.

Athletes walked past the “China Gate” inlaid with traditional Chinese patterns used on windows and doors, and onto the “China Window” with changing pictures of magnificent scenery and landscapes in China.

“We are so overwhelmed by all these cultural and nature elements,” he believed that the overall creativity reflects the values and philosophies of the Chinese people.

Olympic sports have become the main conversation topic of the young diners in this Turkish restaurant whose walls were inspired by the signature rock formations of Turkey’s Cappadocia. The roofs decorated with continuous silk tapestries remind the visitors of the traditional roofs of Istanbul’s bustling Grand Bazaar.

“I feel really great to witness the breathtaking Olympic moments with my guests and talk about the stories of athletes from all over the world while serving them these Turkish local delicacies,” Yavrucuk said.

Published : February 10, 2022

By : Xinhua

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Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty is entering his next bout full of confidence. The 24-year-old is excited to make another run at the world title, and feels he needs to make a statement in his next fight.

Haggerty returns to the Circle to face Mongkolpetch Petchyindee in a ONE Super Series flyweight Muay Thai bout at ONE: BAD BLOOD. The event broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 11 February. 

The #2-ranked flyweight says his opponent is an easy one, and that he should have no problems taking care of business against the former Lumpinee Stadium champion.
 
“I’m going to be totally honest. I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot, but I think he’s an easy opponent. I just think that with his style, he isn’t going to be able to deal with what I’m going to bring,” Haggerty said.
 
“I think he’s a slow starter. He’s used to the [Bangkok] stadiums. He can’t change his strategy just for me because, if he does, he is not going to be used to it, and it’s not a very good idea.”
 
The English fighter also thinks his technique is much more crisp compared to his opponent’s, and that will mean the world of a difference when they lock horns.
 
“The way I go in there to fight, it’s just what I do and that’s how it comes off, like a showman. There’s no game plan to look flamboyant and all that sort of stuff, I just am,” Haggerty said.

“I’m going to be totally honest again. I don’t know if I’m being overconfident, but it’s not a bad thing. I think I’m going to knock him out in the first round. I don’t think he’s going to be able to handle the movement.”
 
But despite his overflowing confidence, Haggerty is wise enough not to look past Mongkolpetch’s strengths. Breaking down his opponent’s skill set, Haggerty identified the Thai warrior’s strengths and weaknesses.
 
“I’ve got to avoid his clinch, his low kick, and his right hand, and I think that’s all he’s really got. He’s got one shot. He doesn’t throw combos. He just throws one shot and hopes,” Haggerty said.
 
“I think he’s coming to ruin the fight. He’s not going to stand and fight, I think he’s got a strategy to hit and grab. He’s a clinch fighter, but he’s quite messy. I don’t think ONE Super Series really allow the clinch to go on too long. As long as he doesn’t get my lower back, then I should be fine, the ref will break it, and I’ll stay on the outside again.”
 
A victory over Mongkolpetch will certainly stamp a great case for Haggerty to challenge for the world title once more, or at least take on #1-ranked contender Superlek.
 
“The General” feels he’s in the perfect position to send shockwaves once again through the division.
 
“The maturity that I’ve gained is just unreal. And I just feel like I’m stronger, I’m faster, I’m fitter, I’m smarter, and I know how to play the game a bit more now. Instead of just going in for the knockout, I’ve got game plans. And I’ve got visions – visions to be at the top again,” Haggerty said.

Published : February 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

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The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2021 is “100 per cent ready” to go ahead on February 26 and 27, Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed on Tuesday.

Pipat told a press conference at the Sports Authority of Thailand in Bangkok that the event was certified by World Athletics as one of the best marathon events in capital cities.

He said the event is held to “build trust among every sector” public and private. It will also be an announcement to the world that Thailand is capable of holding a global event in the present Covid-19 situation.

Some 20,000 runners are expected to participate in the 10km and 5km events. The February 26 marathon is expected to see 7,000 runners competing, and 13,000 will take part in the half-marathon on February 27.

The total prize pool is 1,729,500 baht.

The event has been approved by Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang, but it must strictly follow Covid-19 prevention measures.

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The February 26 marathon will take to the road at Loha Prasat on Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the February 27 event will start at Rajamangala National Stadium.

Published : February 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Marc Overmars has quit as director of football for Ajax after apologising for sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.

Overmars’ contract with the Dutch champions had been due to run until 2026, but he agreed to leave the club after discussing his position with fellow football great Edwin van der Sar, now CEO of Ajax.

Overmars, 48, joined Ajax as football director in 2012.

“I am ashamed,” he said, revealing he had been confronted about the messages last week.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that I was crossing the line with this, but that was made clear to me in recent days. I suddenly felt enormous pressure. I apologise.”

The contents of the messages he sent to female colleagues at the club have not been revealed.
“Certainly for someone in my position, this behaviour is unacceptable,” he added.

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“I now see that too. But it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax. This also has a major impact on my private situation. That is why I ask everyone to leave me and my family alone.”

Overmars married Chantal van Woensel in May 2013 and the couple have two sons.

Supervisory board chairman Leen Meijaard said: “This is a dramatic situation for everyone who is involved in any way. It is devastating for the women who have had to deal with the behaviour. When we heard news of this, we immediately acted, carefully deliberating and weighing what was the best thing to do – all in consultation with CEO Edwin van der Sar and assisted by an external expert. Marc is probably the best football director that Ajax has had. We upgraded and extended his contract for a reason. But, unfortunately, he has really gone over the line, so continuing as director was not an option, as he recognised himself. It is extremely painful for everyone. I want to express the wish that everyone involved is given the peace and privacy to process this.”

CEO Edwin van der Sar said: “I find the situation appalling for everyone and I agree with Leen Meijaard’s words. In my role, I also feel responsible to help colleagues. A safe sport and working climate is very important. We will pay even more attention to this in the near future. Marc and I have been playing together since the early 1990s, first at Ajax and then with the national team and we have been colleagues in the management of Ajax for almost ten years now. That has now come to a very abrupt end. We are working on something very wonderful here at Ajax, so this news will also be a blow to everyone who cares about Ajax.”

Overmars enjoyed a stellar playing career as a winger, joining Arsenal from Ajax in 1997 and scoring 41 goals over three seasons for the Gunners. He then played for Barcelona for four years before shifting his focus to coaching and management. He also scored 17 goals in 86 appearances for the Netherlands. He won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and the Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal in ’98.

Published : February 07, 2022

By : THE NATION

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China claims its first gold medal at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 in the 2,000m mixed team relay of short track speed skating.

BEIJING, Feb. 5  — China won its first gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games in the 2,000m mixed team relay of short track speed skating on Saturday, while Norway pocketed two of six gold medals on offer on the first competition day after the opening ceremony.

China, with a team of Fan Kexin, Qu Chunyu, Wu Dajing, and Ren Ziwei, withstood late challenges from Italy to finish first in two minutes and 37.348 seconds in the event’s debut at the Games.

Italy took the silver by 0.016 seconds. The bronze medal belonged to Hungary, which clocked two minutes and 40.900 seconds.

China finished third in the semifinals before the United States was disqualified after receiving a penalty, thus letting China march into the final.

In the women’s 7.5km+7.5km skiathlon held at the National Cross-Country Skiing Center in Zhangjiakou, Norway’s Therese Johaug, winner in the 4x5km relay at Vancouver 2010, claimed the very first gold medal of Beijing 2022 by finishing in 44:13.7.

After missing the PyeongChang 2018 due to a doping ban, the reigning world champion won her first individual Olympic gold medal with a margin of 30.2 seconds.

“I’ve never had an [individual] Olympic gold medal, it’s my first one. I’m so happy,” said Johaug.

Natalia Nepryaeva from the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) took the silver in 44:43.9, while Teresa Stadlober of Austria won the bronze in 44:44.2.

The other gold for Norway on Saturday came from biathlon, where the Nordic powerhouse beat defending champion France to win the 4x6km mixed relay title.

The 2018 silver medalists, Marte Olsbu Roeiseland, Tiril Eckhoff, and Johannes Thingnes Boe were joined by four-time Olympian Tarjei Boe as the third leg for Norway, who skied home in 1:06:45.6.

France had to settle for second place, 0.9 seconds behind Norway. The ROC took the bronze medal 0.6 seconds further behind.

Johannes Thingnes Boe (front) of Norway celebrates after winning biathlon mixed relay 4x6km in Zhangjiakou, north China

In the National Speed Skating Oval, locally known as the “Ice Ribbon,” Dutch speed skater Irene Schouten emerged victorious in the women’s 3,000m with 3:56.93, shattering the 20-year-old Olympic record set by Germany’s Claudia Pechstein, now 49 and competing in her eighth Winter Olympics.

The 29-year-old Dutch is in quest of becoming the second female skater in history to win four golds at a single Olympic journey.

Irene Schouten of the Netherlands smiles after the women

“There was a lot of pressure for myself and for the Netherlands and I’m so happy I made it,” Schouten said.

Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida finished in 3:58.06 to take the silver, while the World Cup silver medalist Isabelle Weidemann from Canada placed third in 3:58.64.

Pechstein, one of Germany’s flag bearers at Friday’s opening ceremony, became the first-ever female Olympian to compete in eight Winter Olympics.

“I was not too fast, but I smiled when I crossed the finish line because today I’ve achieved my goal to race in my eighth Olympic Games and it was important for me,” Pechstein explained.

Slovenian Ursa Bogataj won the first ski jumping gold for her country in the women’s normal hill individual competition.

After registering 118.0 points in the first round, Bogataj collected 121.0 points for her second jump to total a competition-leading 239.0 points.

Ursa Bogataj of Slovenia competes in ski jumping women

Germany’s Katharina Althaus, the silver medalist at the Pyeongchang 2018, was placed second again with 236.8 points. Bogataj’s compatriot Nika Kriznar bagged the bronze medal with 232.0 points.

Walter Wallberg from Sweden garnered 83.23 points from a combination of time, air, and turns, beating defending champion Mikael Kingsbury of Canada and becoming the first Swedish mogul skier to win a medal at the Winter Games.

Kingsbury took the silver in 82.18, and Ikuma Horishima from Japan pocketed the bronze in 81.48.

Walter Wallberg of Sweden celebrates after freestyle skiing men

In curling mixed doubles, Italy stunned the reigning world champion Britain 7-5 to secure a semifinal berth with six straight victories. Host China lost to the United States 7-5 before conceding a 9-6 loss to Norway for their fourth straight loss.

Following a 12-1 shellacking of Switzerland on Thursday, Canada posted another lopsided victory in the women’s ice hockey competition by taming Finland 11-1.

Norway tops the medal table after Day 1 with two gold medals, followed by Slovenia, China, the Netherlands, and Sweden with one gold apiece.

Seven gold medals in Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, luge, ski jumping, snowboard, and speed skating are up for grabs on Sunday.

Xinhua

Published : February 06, 2022

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Vancouver 2010 Olympic gold medalist Therese Johaug of Norway claimed women’s 7.5km + 7.5km skiathlon of cross-country skiing victory, winning the opening gold medal of Beijing 2022 Olympic winter games here on Saturday.

CHONGLI, Zhangjiakou, Feb. 5 — Johaug, who missed the PyeongChang 2018 due to a doping ban, finished with 44 minutes 13.7 seconds. 

Norway

Natalia Nepryaeva from the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) grabbed silver with 44:43.9. Teresa Stadlober of Austria took the bronze medal with 44:44.2.

Norway

China’s Li Xin finished 33rd in 49:07.7

Xinhua

Published : February 06, 2022

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The spectacular financial success of the English Premier League is highlighted in the latest report by global accountants EY.

Their analysis reveals that the EPL contributed £7.6 billion (339 billion baht) to the UK economy during the 2019/20 season despite being suspended for more than three months due to Covid-19.

The league and clubs generated total tax revenue of £3.6 billion in 2019/20, including £1.4 billion paid by players.

The Premier League also generated employment growth, supporting 94,000 jobs across the UK.

Meanwhile the EPL’s global appeal stayed strong during the pandemic with a worldwide audience of 3.2 billion in 2019/20, double that of the UEFA Champions League. Before Covid-19 disruption, stadiums were a record 97.8-per-cent full across the league.

EY said the on-pitch success had allowed continued and increased investment in communities and football at all levels. The Premier League also provided parachute payments worth £455 million to UK clubs in lower leagues in 2019/20.

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The pandemic has been less kind to Thai League clubs, some of which have been forced out of business.

Many professional players in Thailand have also complained of not receiving their salaries during the Covid crisis.

Published : February 05, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Manchester United were eliminated from the Emirates FA Cup after losing 8-7 on penalties to Middlesbrough, following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Ralf Rangnick’s side dominated throughout but ultimately paid for their profligacy in a tense shoot-out when, after the first 15 penalties had all been converted, United youngster Anthony Elanga blazed over to send 9,000 Boro fans wild.

Jadon Sancho’s 25th-minute goal, shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo had missed a penalty, was scant reward for United’s superiority with Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford both culpable of failing to take golden chances.

Chris Wilder’s Boro kept themselves in the tie, however, and equalised in the 64th minute when former United youth player Matt Crooks converted from close range.

Bruno Fernandes somehow struck the post with the goal gaping soon after that and United then battered away at Boro’s defence in extra time all to no avail.

Boro then showed incredible poise with their penalties to send the 12-time FA Cup winners tumbling out.

It was a hammer blow for United who will wonder how they will not be in the hat for the fifth round after having 30 goal attempts to Boro’s six.

“Incredibly disappointed, we should have won and killed off the game in the first half,” Rangnick said.

“Crossbar, post, missed penalty and numerous chances. It should have been 2-0 or 3-0.”

United almost took the lead in the opening minutes as Sancho clipped the top of the crossbar before Bruno Fernandes missed the target from close range. They then looked certain to go ahead when Boro’s Anfernee Dijksteel clumsily brought down Paul Pogba to give Ronaldo the chance from the penalty spot.

But the Portuguese stepped up and dragged his right-foot effort wide of the post.

When Sancho controlled a Fernandes pass and his angled shot took a slight deflection to beat Boro keeper Joe Lumley it appeared that United were in control.

But Ronaldo, who was having an off night, wasted a great chance when he shot straight at Lumley while Rashford had a goal disallowed and was twice denied by the keeper.

The pattern continued in the second half with Rashford volleying over from Sancho’s cut back and Ronaldo then clipping the side-netting with a snap shot.

Boro began to grow in belief and levelled in slightly controversial circumstances.

Duncan Watmore controlled a lofted pass at the far post clearly with the aid of his arm and then lofted goalwards for Crooks to finish. A VAR check then allowed the goal to stand — courtesy of a tweak to the handball rule this season.

Boro were energised and had chances to go ahead before United took charge again with Fernandes guilty of the worst miss of the night as he was presented with an unguarded goal after a defensive mix-up, but his shot clipped the outside of the post.

Elanga had the chance to win it deep into extra time but headed straight at Lumley and his wild penalty summed up a frustrating night for United but a memorable one for Middlesbrough who kicked off the FA Cup weekend in style.

“The FA Cup is alive and kicking, especially in Middlesbrough,” said Wilder, whose Sheffield United team won at Old Trafford in the Premier League last season.

“I told the players it was all about making memories.”

Published : February 05, 2022

By : THE NATION

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Thailand’s delegation of athletes joined the 2022 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night, as the Games launched at the Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing.

The four Thai skiers will be among 2,900 athletes from 91 countries and territories competing for 109 gold medals, a record in the 98-year history of the Winter Olympics.

The opening ceremony featured children blowing on a dandelion and sending the white seeds into the air. Fireworks then lit up the night sky above the stadium, shifting into the Chinese characters for lichun and its English equivalent, “spring”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping watched on as Thailand’s delegation entered the stadium as 59th nation. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was in the stadium to offer moral support to Thailand’s athletes.

Thailand’s four athletes are competing in two different disciplines:

Karen Chanleuang will compete in the women’s cross-country skiing, with the first race on February 10 at 2pm.

Mak Chanleuang will compete in the men’s cross-country skiing, with the first race on February 11 at 2pm (Thailand time).

Mida Jaiman will take part in the women’s slalom on February 7 from 9.15am.

Nicola Sanon will join the men’s slalom competition on February 16 from 9.15am.

All races featuring Thai athletes will be broadcast live on the T Sport 7 channel and the AIS Play application.

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Published : February 05, 2022

By : THE NATION