Asian Games Doha 2006

Asian Games end with spectacular Closing Ceremony

2006-12-21T23:18:00.000-08:00

An ocean of fans streamed into Khalifa Stadium for the Closing Ceremony of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 where all Qatar and all Qataris gave a huge thank you to the world, to the athletes, officials and spectators who made these the Games of your Life.

In fact, personalities from every one of the 45 nations and regions taking part strode eagerly through the gates to get to the show in great time, some arriving before 15:00 for a show that started at 20:00. Meanwhile thousands more waited outside in the vain hope that some last-minute tickets for the sell-out show might become available in the hours before it begins, or perhaps just to absorb some of the atmosphere.

"I hope you had a very great time, I hope these games were great," a fan claimed. "Do you practice any sport? You should, sport is so important."

It's interesting to know that Saji Kumas, a resident in Doha for the last five years was outside the Khalifa Stadium taking photographs with his wife and young son. He expressed, "I think that the Closing Ceremony will be one of the greatest shows of our life. We couldn't go to the Opening Ceremony, but we have been to so many events over the last 15 days and expect something more from the Closing Ceremony.

"This will be a nice memory for our son. I remember seeing fireworks as a five year-old and I want him to remember this experience like I did."

What's more, Rami G Saba from Lebanon came with his family and is extremely fired up for the Closing Ceremony, "The Opening Ceremony was extremely fantastic, so I'm hoping this will be just as great.

The Khalifa Stadium is boiling and high atop the Sports Tower the flame burns more brightly. Inside the stadium, the Games Flame in its stunning, articulated Cauldron sends its golden flames into the darkness, lighting the gold rings in which it is suspended.

And the lights of Sport City come alive; the blues of ASPIRE, the violet of Sports Tower and the twinkling white of the stadium itself. Thousands of spectators stream to their seats and sit to watch some of the cherished moments of the Asian Games on the huge screen above the seats.

Accompanied by a dramatic, full orchestral score the most memorable sporting moments of the 15th Asian Games were once more shown to responsive and appreciative spectators.

It's great to mention that ten thousand athletes and more have given Asia and the world countless moments to treasure, now it is the turn of 1,500 performers to do the same.

As we know, names like Liu Xiang, Park Tae Wwan, Shami and, tonight, Bilal have dominated our attention, now, in the time of the One Thousand and One Nights, it is the turn of Ali Baba, Aladdin, Sinbad; Scheherazade.

The atmosphere crackles backstage as dancers, singers and acrobats prepare to round off Doha 2006 with their skill and talent. The athletes mingle as they get ready, as each individual readies themselves for the performance to come. Some lie alone in their thoughts, others listen to music, some pace restlessly or limber-up, stretching and twisting to ease the tension.

Though darkness has descended on Doha, backstage it is anything but a black night. Shimmering costumes of purple, blue, red and green; indeed every colour imaginable, hang on the rails ready to be shown to the globe.

A group of kids from the Ministry of Education Services, who will be the little genies in the show, generate a playground atmosphere. Some are playing with a football – being Bilal no doubt – others run excitedly, girls compare costumes.

Also backstage, a cast from the host city of the new Asian Games, Guangzhou made their final preparations for their 10 minute hand-over section of the show. One person quietly irons a Chinese flag, while another twirls an Orry soft toy in his hands and eyes it speculatively.

Audience expectation increases as they are instructed on how and at the time to use their participation pack during the spectacle.

A light star, a lantern promises a son et lumiere spectacular to take the breath away.

And indeed it left you breathless. The creators had cooked up a magnificent feast of sight and sound by concocting a recipe from music, dance, acrobatics, cabaret and high wire acts.

Part circus, part Broadway extravaganza, the Closing Ceremony began with a magic carpet that brought a torch to the Asian Games Flame and carried the Flame away as the Doha 2006 Cauldron was extinguished.

Then Scheherazade, perched improbably on a sliver of moonlight , floated over the stadium as the story of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves opened the show.

During the performance there was a spectacular display of aerial dancing, of performers who were suspended from a fleet of ethereal white boats above the arena. This was the aerial ballet that had been prevented from being used during the Opening Ceremony thanks to the high winds at that time – but conditions were perfect on the Closing Ceremony moment.

That story segued perfectly with Sinbad running to Ail Baba’s rescue and then fighting the thieves. Just as the fighting reached its heaviest, Aladdin summoned the Genie of the Lamp to restore peace.

And as peace descended on the stadium, the Genie gave Aladdin the Astrolabe that had been such a feature of the Opening Ceremony with the representation of the Games Flame within.

But that was not it. In a moving and surprise ending, Aladdin presented the Astrolabe to HH The Emir and the audience was left to catch its breath.

But not for long. The crowd went ballistic with the arrival of most of the athletes parade and then the stunning presentation of dance, song, costume and even calligraphy to celebrate the passing of the Asian Games Torch and the Asian Games flag to the representatives of the 2010 host city, Guangzhou.

As the spectacle concluded in an almost unbelievable fireworks display, the crowd was ecstatic. Each explosion of sound and colour marked a counterpoint to the music and lifted the cheering crowd to their feet, as the Closing Ceremony brought the Games of your Life to a stunning climax.

Iraq celebrate as they reach Soccer Final

2006-12-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

They are one of the biggest surprises of the Games. Iraqis celebrated with gunfire and cheers in Baghdad on Tuesday after the national soccer team advanced to the final at Doha 2006.

Indeed, Iraq defeated South Korea 1-0 in the semifinals and will compete Friday against host Qatar for its first gold medal in soccer in more than two decades. Qatar defeated defending champion Iran 2-0 in the other semifinal.

This win offered some relief from the daily violence in their country: "All of us gathered in one home to enjoy watching our team, such a result will make everybody happy, despite the hard security situation," Iraqi tennis player Akram Mustafa Abdul Karim expressed.

According to the records, Iraq scored 24 minutes into the game, when Ahmed Mohammed slipped a long pass beyond Kim Chi-gon to captain Younes Khalef, who raced down the field and faked out the keeper only to have his shot blocked by defender Kim Jin-kyu.

We must mention that Samer Mujabel picked up the deflection and headed it for the goal.

It's interesting to know Salam Abdul Wahed, who owns a convenience store in Diwaniyah, 130 kilometres south of the capital. He plans to follow through with a promise to treat his friends to lunch if the squad won.

Korean Rider suffered a tragic death

2006-12-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

The 2006 Asian Games had a terrible shock Thursday with the death of South Korean rider Kim Hyung-chil, crushed by his horse during the equestrian event on a rainy sixth day of competition.

That's why a minute of silence was observed at all competition venues shortly after Kim's death, the first to occur during competition in the Asian Games' 55-year history.

But it's good to mention that Japan won three gold medals on the final night at the pool to finish the Games even with China in swimming.

What's more, dual Olympic champion Kosuke Kitajima took gold in the 200-metre breaststroke, Junya Koga won the 50 backstroke and the Japanese men won the 4x100 medley relay.

"I feel kind of relieved because I won the gold medal," Kitajima admitted. "I couldn't swim a great time, but I am happy to contribute to the team."

In fact, China's only gold of the night came from Qi Hui in the women's 200 individual medley. Going into the last night of swimming, China had a 15-13 cushion on gold medals over Japan, having started the program with five victories in six finals on the opening night.

South Korean Park Tae-hwan earned the gold of the men's 1,500 with a time of 14 minutes, 55.03 seconds for his third gold of the meet, while Tao Li of Singapore won the women's 50 butterfly.

It's important to notice that Jordan won its first ever Asian Games gold medal when Mohammad Al Bakhit beat Vasavat Somswang of Thailand in the men's 54-kilogram taekwondo final,

Furthermore, the track and field program got underway Thursday with Han Yucheng of China shrugging off the wet conditions to win the first athletics gold medal of the games in the 20-kilometre walk.

As for Han, the 2003 Asian champion, he did not collect a single warning on the way to his time of 1:21:41 seconds, ahead of silver medallist Kim Hyun-sub in 1:23.12, who earned South Korea's first ever medal in the event.

Also China's Liu Hong won the women's walk in 1:32:19, ahead of Ryoko Sakakura of Japan and He Dan of China.

The main track and field program begins Friday at the great Khalifa Stadium.

Japanese athletes won the men's four rowing event and Shin Eun-chul took gold in the men's single sculls for South Korea to break up a Chinese sweep at the rowing.

And in the popular baseball events, Taiwan won its first Asian Games gold medal after first baseman Lin Chih-sheng's two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning earned an 8-7 victory over Japan.

South Korea put 10 unanswered goals past Oman goalkeeper Dawood Siddiq to firm its claim for a semifinals place in the men's field hockey.

It's important to mention that Thursday's men's and women's team tennis final and the soft tennis were postponed by the rain in this desert city, with more heavy showers forecast for Friday.

China advanced to the quarter-finals in men's basketball

2006-12-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Asian powerhouse and current champion China stormed into the quarter-finals of the Doha Asian Games men's basketball tournament after beating Chinese Taipei 101-65 on Wednesday.

It's great to see that NBA prospect Yi Jianlian produced his best performance so far, scoring 28 points to lead the Chinese secure its third straight victory and a top four finish from its round-robin group with two matches remaining.

Actually Chinese Taipei fought bravely in the first quarter, jumping to a 12-6 lead and held it to 13-11. China overtook the lead 24-23 at the end of the quarter before pulling away with a 19-0 run early in the second quarter to go up 45-25.

Yi, the 2.12-meter power forward who had announced for the next year's NBA draft, shot 9-for-10 from the field in 16 minutes to rise China to a 52-33 lead at the half time.

We must consider that as his side improved to 80-46 at the end of the third quarter, China head coach Jonas Kazlauskas rested his starters in the fourth.

In the end, the records say that Zhu Fangyu and Hu Xuefeng added 18 and 16 points respectively for China.

China's Guo Yue win in Table tennis semifinal

2006-12-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

The table tennis events were full of emotion. Despite the expectations, Singapore bagged another bronze in the Asian Games in Doha, after paddler Li Jiawei lost to China's Guo Yue in the women's singles semi-final encounter.

Indeed, Guo beat Li 11-7, 6-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-7 to go into the final.

25-year-old Li is seeded 4th while 18-year-old Guo is seeded second for the championship. And Guo lived to her billing, taking the first game 11-7 in just five minutes. But Li fought back to take the second game 11-6.

Play was more even in the third game, but Guo went on to win 12-10. Guo piled on the pressure as she took the next game, 11-5.

It is fair to say that Li was still determined to give a good fight, but succumbed 11-7, giving Guo a 4-1 victory and a place in the final match.

Historical moment for Malaysian Shu Wai

2006-12-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

It was a really touching moment for Malaysia. Artistic gymnast Ng Shu Wai had blisters on his hands and opted out of the individual all-around finals. And his move paid off handsomely when he vaulted his way into the history books as the first Malaysian to earn an Asian Games medal in gymnastics.

As we said, Shu Wai bagged a silver in the vault final at Aspire Hall 2 yesterday with a average of 16.487.

Actually, it could have been a gold had Shu Wai executed a better first vault. We must consider that Shu Wai was the sixth of the eight gymnasts out to perform the two vaults.

Amazingly, his first attempt, a two-and-a-half twist, was only worth 16.325. But the 21-year-old nailed a podium finish with a superb second attempt, earning the second highest point of 16.650.

Ri Se-gwang gave North Korea their first-ever gymnastics gold medal with a flawless second try of 16.675 for a winning average of 16.625.

Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s Yernar Yerimbetov, who was fourth in vault in the World Championships and the first to start yesterday, took bronze on 16.300.

WE can say that Shu Wai wore a nervous look before the start of the competition but was all smiles after he completed his routines.

“I stepped outside the mat a bit when I landed in the first attempt and it affected my score. But I’m still happy with what I have achieved. It’s still the first medal for Malaysia in gymnastics,” said the Taiping-born lad, who had difficulty getting a coach to train him in China in the run-up to the Asian Games.

Thongsuk sets new weightlifting record

2006-12-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

Good news for Thailand, because their Olympic champion Pawina Thongsuk set a clean and jerk new world record yesterday on her way to the Asian Games 63kg weightlifting gold medal.

Amazingly, Pawina lifted 142kg in the clean and jerk to improve on Russian Svetlana Shimkova's record of 141kg set at Wladyslawowo, Poland earlier this year.

In fact, the Thai weightlifter eclipsed her own Asian record of 140kg and now holds all three world records in the 63kg class.

We must make clear that Pawina hoisted 110kg in the snatch for a combined 252kg.

South Korean equestrian team get the gold

2006-12-04T22:47:00.000-08:00

South Korea's amazing equestrian record at the 2006 Asian Games continued Monday when it won the team dressage event for the fourth time in the last five encounters.

In fact, the South Korean team, composed of Choi Jun-sang, Kim Dong-seon, Shin Soo-jim and Suh Jung-kyun, picked up 65.777 points. Malaysia was second with 64.222 while Japan won the bronze with 64.188.

We can say that in dressage, the horse performs set movements or tests in response to its rider's signals over three rounds.

In the first two, the horse and rider perform a set routine of dressage movements, including passages, pirouettes and piaffes in a walk, trot and canter. The third round is freestyle, with routines individually choreographed and performed to music.

As we know, Choi and Suh are also the defending individual gold and silver medalists from Busan, South Korea in 2002.

It's important to remember that Suh's gold was his sixth at the Asian Games in his career. He had previously won gold medals in 1986 and 1998 — both team and individual — and in 2002 (team), making him the most successful rider in the history of the games.

Suh could soon make it seven — after qualifying Monday for Tuesday's individual medals in dressage, Suh led aboard Caleostro.

Also Japan's Yukiko Noge on Lanchester Kouko was second and Mahamad Fathil of Malaysia, riding Charming, was third.

Suh admittedhe held a bit back Monday: "I really did not want to push my horse, I only went 70 percent."

Noge, whose performance on Lanchester Kouko saved the bronze medal for Japan, said she felt confident going into the individual challenge.

"I think he was so concentrated ... the canter was great today, and the pirouettes even more," Noge said of her horse. "After the second pirouette I felt so happy I had to remember to concentrate on the rest."

Doha 2006 Opening Ceremony Video

2006-12-04T22:38:00.000-08:00

Watch this amazing part of the 2006 Asian Games opening ceremony. This video is really interesting.

Most important results: Japan crushed Jordan 13-0

2006-12-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

Japan football team was really close to set a new Asian Games record, when they trashed Jordan 13-0 in the women's competition. The result is the third-highest winning margin in the history of the competition. Only China (16-0 against India) and North Korea (15-0 against Thailand) have registered higher scores. We must keep in mind that Japan also had three goals disallowed and hit the bar three times.

It's good to mention that Mizuho Sakaguchi top-scored for Japan with five second-half goals.

It's important to look at the athletics disciplines now. Local favourite Saif Saaeed Shaheen withdrew from the Asian Games. The Kenyan-born athlete, who now competes for Qatar, was favoured to win the 3,000 metres steeplechase, as well as the 5,000 metres for a rare double for the hosts.

He had to withdraw after an Achilles tendon injury, for which he had been receiving daily treatment over several months, had not healed sufficiently to allow him to participate.

Shaheen's withdrawal leaves China's Liu Xiang as the only current world record holder competing in the athletics competition in Doha. Liu holds the world record for the 110m hurdles.

In Badminton, South Korean badminton player Lee Hyun Il, who is ranked 7th in the world and is one of the favourites to take the gold in the singles, crashed to an upset 2-1 defeat against Vietnam's Quang Minh Nguyen in the men's team event. Although South Korea comfortably won 4-1, Lee's defeat was not expected. The Korean won the silver medal at the last Asian Games.

Now lets talk about baseball, because Chinese Taipei took a giant step towards winning their first-ever gold medal in baseball when they stunned the defending champions South Korea 4-2. As the competition is being played on a round-robin basis without a final, Taipei must now be considered as favourites to take the gold medal. In their three previous starts in the baseball competition at the Asian Games, they have got medals: silver (2002) and bronze (1998, 1994).

The Games begin with spectacular Opening Ceremony

2006-12-01T10:26:00.000-08:00

It was a real pleasure for the eyes. A spectacular Opening Ceremony to mark the official start of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 took place today at the Khalifa stadium in the city of Doha, Qatar.

The highly expected Opening Ceremony commenced at the 50,000-capacity stadium at 7.10pm local time Friday after more than two hours of pre-show entertainment.

And fusioning elements of desert and sea, the audience was taken on a journey of Arab traditional culture and high-tech wizardry to reflect the young and progressive Qatar that wants to be seen as part of Asia while being proud of its place in the Islamic and Arab world which was once a scientific and trading giant.

We must say that His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, opened the Games, and as well as a large array of world leaders and dignitaries, was joined from the world of sport by President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge.

At 9.45pm, the 15th Asian Games Doha was declared open in a display of pyrotechnics and laser by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, following speeches by chairman of the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sheikh Amad Al-Fahed Al-Sabah.

In fact, ahe Athletics programme takes place in the Khalifa stadium and will last for six days beginning on Thursday 7 December 2006 with the 20km Race Walking events. My site here will be providing daily news, results and photographs of the different disciplines.

Doha 2006 Opening Ceremony: the greatest in history

2006-11-29T13:19:00.000-08:00

With millions of dollars invested, Doha wants the world to know that the Asian Games opening ceremony tomorrow will be the best in history.

We can comfirm that the ceremony will last three hours and 20 minutes and it is produced and directed by the man responsible for the spectacular Sydney Olympics opening ceremony. So Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) say they have produced the most technologically advanced ceremony ever.

In fact, artistic director David Atkins said the event was two years in the planning and will be the most multi-cultural and multi-national opening ceremony ever.

"I don't believe you could have done this ceremony in Sydney because of the level of commitment that was required from DAGOC," he expressed.

"We have been really ambitious and have very, very grand aspirations. There are four ground-breaking key elements to the ceremony that have never been seen before." Media were banned from the final rehearsals last night under a cloak of secrecy. It was announced yesterday that the 500 Qatari riyal tickets to the 40,000-seater Khalifa stadium were completely sold out.

It's good to mention that International Olympic Committee President Dr Jacques Rogge will be a guest of honour.

And the city of Doha, which has made no secret of its desire to host the 2016 Olympics, will be hoping he is paying attention to exactly what a small, yet ambitious Gulf nation can achieve.

Despite the great expectations, Sharif Hashisho, DAGOC's director of ceremonies and cultural affairs, insisted that they were taking things one step at a time. "It's too early to be talking about the Olympics," he told the press.

Sunidhi Chauhan will perform at the Asian Games Opening Ceremony

2006-11-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

The Asian Games are just about to start and we can feel the emotion already. In fact, Indipop artist Sunidhi Chauhan will make us feel it, since she will perform at the Doha 2006 opening ceremony here along with select artistes picked from the across the globe.

As we said before, the organising committee announced that Sunidhi Chauhan, Hong Kong's pop superstar Jacky Cheung and Lebanese artiste Magida El Roumi will be a part of the ceremony.

It's good to mention that Sunidhi will sing Reach Out, written by Australian composers Paul Begaud and Vanessa Corish. It is going to be a salute to athletes from 45 countries participating in the Games. Sunidhi is coming from a 12-stop tour of the United States.

We will also be able to see Magida El Roumi and José Carreras, who performed at the 1990 World Cup football. They will sing Light The Way to herald the arrival of the torch into the Khalifa Stadium.

amazingly, there were rumours that Madonna may be among the performers, but if she or any other star at that level turns up, it will be a last minute surprise sprung on spectators at the great stadium.

Ha Seung-jin will be part of South Korean Basketball team

2006-11-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

In a great announcement for the basketball fans, Ha Seung-jin, the first Korean to play in the NBA, will join South Korean national team for 2006 Asian Games after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Indeed, the towering 223-centimeter (7-foot 3-inch) centre missed much of the pre-season with sprained knee ligaments and was released by the Bucks last week, according to a newspaper version.

We must keep in mind that after two seasons with Portland, Ha was traded to the Bucks this year as part of a four-player deal that included sending Jamaal Magloire to the Trail Blazers.

It's important to know that Ha averaged 1.5 points in 46 matches with Portland.

The Asian Games' Torch is in Macao

2006-10-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

The flame's path says that Macao is the next stop. Indeed, the torch of the Doha 2006 Asian Games arrived in that location on Thursday and will depart for Hong Kong Friday.

In fact, Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, official ambassador of the Doha 2006, carried the flame in a lantern to Macao on Thursday morning and was received by a welcome party headed by Laam Wah Ying, president of the Macao Olympic Committee, at the Macao International Airport.

The traditional torch traveled 8.3 km in Macao and covered a route passing by a dozen historic spots which were logged on the World Heritage List.

We must mention that some 40 local celebrities and athletes were chosen as the torch bearer, including a nine-year-old tennis player Kuan Chio Gei.

We must keep in mind that the Marathon torch relay was scheduled to travel 15 Asian countries and regions in 55 days. We just can't wait for it to arrive in Doha.

Indian Fencers in Doubt

2006-10-22T00:37:00.000-07:00

Elite fencer Rupaya Langojam’s disappearance and the subsequent asylum request in the United Kingdom has had an immediate fallout, with the sports ministry putting the Indian camp for the Doha 2006 Asian Games on hold. We mut remember that Rupaya disappeared during the Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championships last month at Belfast.

Indeed, it is learnt that the sports ministry has also questioned the officials of the Fencing Association of India (FAI) about Rupaya’s deserting the team. FAI secretary Arun Vij had requested the government (read SAI) to let them conduct the camp at Patiala, but no clearance has been forthcoming.

Vij expressed that he was yet to reply to the sports ministry on the issue. “Since I was away at Doha as an Indian Olympic Association (IOA) delegate, I couldn’t respond to the message. But will do it shortly,” he told a local media.

It's important to mention that the FAI has forwarded the list of players for Doha to the IOA, but it is not certain if the clearance will be available from the ministry. Vij, though, said that all fencers must not suffer because of the folly of one.

In fact, FAI president Arvind Khanna, it is learnt, has set up one-man committee to look into the disappearance episode. So far, elite fencers, in their build up for the Doha Games, have had at least three exposure trips including the Belfast Commonwealth Fencing Tournament.

According to unofficial sources, the World Cup in Italy and Asian Championships in Qatar were the other two competitions the fencers participated in. there was also a Bangkok trip. In none of the tournaments has the team’s showing been encouraging.

Qatar National Bank's workers to be part of the Games

2006-10-13T02:33:00.000-07:00

Amazing events require amazing efforts. With the start of the countdown for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, around 70 Qatar National Bank's (QNB) staff members have already volunteered for the event.

In fact, the volunteers will be working closely under the umbrella of the Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee (DAGOC) on several sites serving the community and playing a role in making these games the best ever.

"I want to say that we are really proud to be sponsoring the biggest sporting event in Asia,"Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, QNB's Acting Chief Executive expressed. 'We are also proud to have such enthusiastic and fervent employees. They all want to be part of the Games and have volunteered to put all their energy into making this event an international success story. We hope this sports event will be one which both QNB and DAGOC will look back at and be proud of their achievements.'

It's fair to mention that QNB has been involved in sports activities for some time now, sponsoring Qatari talents, traditional sports, the major sports and individual games. Recently, QNB has taken center stage in Qatar's sports arena as it signed a historical agreement with the Qatar National Olympic Committee (QNOC) to sponsor all four major sports in Qatar. QNB hopes that its focus on local sports excellence will be one way of giving back to the community.

The Games torch is in Doha

2006-10-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

The passion of the games is very well represented in the traditional torch. This time, the torch of the 15th Asian Games arrives in Qatar capital tomorrow for the first stop of its relay.

It's important to know that as the host of the first Asian Games in 1951, New Delhi will welcome the flame which will then move on the distant corners of the continent.

We must say that the torch was lighted at a spectacular ceremony in the Qatari capital yesterday and would make its way through 22 cities in 15 nations and regions.

Amazingly, it will light the flame of the 15th Asian Games at Doha's Khalifa Stadium on December 1, when the fortnight-long sporting extravaganza would start.

The torch's three-day visit to India assumes significance as it would be 'married' to the eternal flame of the Olympic Council of Asia resting at the capital's National Stadium, as per tradition.

What's more, covering a distance of 50,000 km over 55 days, the relay will be the longest in the history of the Asian Games. And there will be a about 3,000 torch-bearers, who will carry the baton weighing 1.3 kg.

The torch would be carried on the five km route in Delhi by a host of illustrious sportspersons, which include P T Usha, Milkha Singh, Dhanraj Pillay, G S Randhawa, Dola Banerjee, Zafar Iqbal, Khazan Singh and Kirti Azad.

The torch will then move on to Agra before moving on to South Korea on the next leg of the relay.

Almost than 10,300 athletes and officials are expected to be a part of the Doha Asian Games, which will see 45 countries and regions competing in 39 sporting disciplines. I recommend to buy your tickets as soon as possible, because the games will be espectacular.

Vietnam to send 246 athletes to the Games

2006-09-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Vietnam has a great passion for the sports and they will prove it in the Asian Games. In fact, they will send 354 officials, coaches, doctors and athletes (246 athletes) to the 15th forthcoming Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, this December, according to a local publication.

A newspaper said Minister and Chairman Nguyen Danh Thai of the National Committee for Physical and Sports signed a decision to send 246 athletes to the Asian Games. Accordingly, Vietnam will have seven athletes competing in weightlifting, six in bodybuilding, seven in gymnastics, ten in rowing, nine in canoeing, 21 in shooting, six in trap and skeet shooting, five in boxing, six in judo, 11 in fencing, eight in wresting, four in cycling, 13 in taekwondo, eight in karatedo, three in chess, 12 in wushu, nine in billiards and snooker, four in badminton, four in tennis, eight in table tennis, 16 in sepak takraw, 12 in women’s volleyball, three in swimming, four in diving, four in golf, 20 in men’s football and 18 in women’s football. The passion of the sports in heating up everyday.

Something about the Broadcasting

2006-09-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

These are important news for everybody. The Second World Broadcasters Meeting (WBM2) wrapped up today after delegates fine tuned details of their Asian Games Doha 2006 coverage and toured some of the glittering venues from where televised pictures will entertain the globe in less than 100 days time.

Indeed, in the last three days, delegates from more than a dozen countries have been gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel, hearing about the most advanced and innovative broadcast plans ever seen at an Asian Games.

It's interesting to know that Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, Director General of the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) set the tone when he opened WBM2, saying that soon Qatar would be the "world capital of sports" when Doha 2006 kicks off on December 1.

We must know that DAGOC has used the world forum to elaborate on its ambitious production plans for the Games, while briefing delegates on the International Broadcast Centre (IBC), Broadcast Venue Operations, Telecommunications, Satellite Up-Linking Facilities, Accommodation and Accreditation. In fact, transportation and Games Security have also featured on the packed agenda.

We covered all of the areas that are of concern to broadcasters - from accommodation to the International Broadcast Centre facilities and services. And the feedback from all broadcasters as far as the television production is concerned is that they are really satisfied with our progress and our planning."

The Host Broadcaster, Doha Asian Games Broadcast Services (DAGBS) will employ state of the art broadcast equipment and call upon its international line up of production expertise to bring coverage to a level that rises the bar for Asian Games broadcasting. At least 47 countries and regions are expected to take coverage.

Delegates praised Asian Games organisers for being flexible over time differences. Representatives from Tokyo Broadcasting System - with an audience of 120 million - are pleased that the Marathon is now earlier in the day to reduce the impact of the 6-hour time difference with Japan.

Mr. Al Qahtani called on delegates for their full support to ensure the Games of everyone’s life. "We rely on you, The Games broadcasters to transmit the Games and all the attributes Sports represents such as peace, friendship and positive competition to the international world," he told delegates.

As part of the three-day meeting, representatives were taken on a trip around Doha to look at some of the venues supporting the 423 events.

They went to the Corniche and the location of the start/finish points for the Cycling Road Races, the Marathon, Race Walks, the Triathlon and key broadcast positions for the Sailing competition.

The Medals of the Asian Games

2006-08-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

Amazingly, there are 3,200 medals. It might be a mere number for many but it is not. This is amount of medals to be won at the 15th Doha Asian Games. And vying for these will be athletes from 45 nations, displaying their wares in 39 various sporting disciplines and 423 events.

As it happens in any Games, the sweat and effort put in on the field by the competitors is for these gold, silver and bronze medals, given away at the Victory Ceremonies by various personalities. And with Doha Asian Games approaching closer, the man at the helm of managing the show when the athletes step onto the victory podium — Abdulla Ibrahim Al Mirza, Manager of Victory Ceremonies, Ceremonies and Cultural Events Department, Doha Asian Games Organising Committee, understandably is a busy person these days.

“We all know that Victory Ceremonies are an integral part of the Games. And the 15th Doha Asian Games’ ceremonies will be a unique experience for all,” promises Al Mirza while speaking to The Peninsula in an exclusive interview.

It's important to know that the gold medal is made up of 92.5 per cent silver, 7.5% bronze plated by 1.5u m of gold. The silver medal will have 92.5% silver and 7.5 per cent bronze while bronze medal consists of 92.5% bronze and 7.5% zinc. In fact, all these medals are of 60mm diametre with 3mm thickness and 135g except for bronze which weighs 115g. These specifications are abided by as per the Olympic Council of Asia regulations.

Indeed, Al Mirza says that the task of producing these medals has been entrusted to the Australian company, Perth Mint. “Perth Mint is producing the Games medals. The medals would arrive in Doha next month,” he announced.

When it comes to the design of the medals, he said that the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee had invited designs from the public last year and one of them was selected, but there were few modifications incorporated. “The medals design is based on the tradition of Qatar. In the front, Orry, the official Games mascot, runs in front of Zubara Fort, an important cultural landmark in Doha city. Orry is carrying the Doha 2006 Torch. We must consider that on the other side, the Doha 2006 logo is set against a blazing Asian sun which is supported by a semicircle of linked rings. A traditional Qatari pattern is embroidered into the burgundy ribbon, which will be attached to the medal,” he noticed.

We must mention that a special music for the Victory Ceremonies is composed by a German based in Doha. That music is unique and would catch the attention of all, according to Al Mirza. “The music for the Victory Ceremonies is composed by a German musician, who is based in Doha. We have two versions of it, the short and the long one. For individual medals’ presentations which takes five minutes, the shorter version will be played while the team presentations would consume 9 to 12 minutes giving way for the longer form.”

The athletes have an option of getting their names engraved on the medals. Despite it, it would be done after the ceremonies at the request of the winners. The top three placed athletes will also be handed over a Orry wearing a special medal.

In fact, all those medals will reach various venues four hours in advance with a special team escorted by security personnel. “We have formed different teams to transport the medals to various venues with security personnel. All the medals will be at the Dagoc office and prior to the medals bus leaving the premises, it undergoes a thorough check and the exercise is repeated once the bus reaches the venue,” Al Mirza expressed about the arrangements.

Nur Suryani can success in Asian Games

2006-08-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Shooter Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi received a timely boost ahead of the Asian Games Doha 2006 takin gplace in December.

In the last World Championship ended in Croatia on Sunday, Nur Suryani finished a creditable 12th in both the 50m rifle three-position and 50m rifle prone. It was the greatest result achieved by a Malaysian woman in the championships.

Indeed, in the 50m three-position, Nur Suryani accumulated 579 points. Her performance was even better than the Olympic Games champion Renata Mauer-Rozanska of Poland, athlete that finished 16th with a 578 total.

It's also good to remember that Russian Lioubov Galkina bagged the gold with a 586 total followed by Olga Dovgun of Kazakhstan (585) and Lidija Mihajlovic of Serbia and Montenegro (584).

It's important to quote that among the Asian shooters, Nur Suryani was placed fourth behind Dovgun (585), China's Wu Liuxi (581) and Kazakhstan’s Galina Korchama (579).

Finally, we must say that in the 50m rifle prone, Nur Suryani amassed 592 points to be ranked fifth among the Asian shooters behind Dovgun (597), Kazakhstan’s Varvara Kovalenko (594), Thailand's Paramaporn Ponglaokham (594) and Chinese Liu Bo (593).

Doha Asian Games Organising Committee gets international support

2006-08-01T03:14:00.000-07:00

These were good news for everybody in Qatar. The Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (Dagoc) has received a major endorsement for its efforts in planning the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

Indeed, these news follows a visit to Doha by a delegation from the Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (Gagoc) which is preparing for the 16th Asian Games in 2010. In fact, Gagoc thanked its Doha hosts for their hospitality and impressive organisation for Doha 2006.

"We are absolutely impressed by your well planned, well organised preparation and operation of the 15th Asian Games, quoted a letter to Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, Director General of Dagoc.

Is good to read this lines: "We are firmly convinced that the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 will be a great success."

The delegation announced that they had learnt much from their trip, including a tour of venues such as Athletes’ Village, which will house 10,500 athletes and officials during the December 1-15th event.

Dagoc has received letters from National Olympic Committees and sports federations the world over and this is yet another sign that Doha 2006 enjoys world-wide support.

Philippine Basketball may miss the Asian Games

2006-07-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

It's not a good thing that the ongoing problems between the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the basketball national sports association (NSA) leads the Philippines athletes to skip yet another international meet.

It's very likely that a basketball team won't be sent to the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. That's because of the indefinite suspension of the Basketball Association of the Philippines has not been lifted yet.

The RP team failed to defend its title and even stage a basketball event in the 23rd SEA Games, which the nation hosted last year after the POC, the umbrella organization of all NSAs, suspended BAP. This led Fiba, the international governing body of basketball, to ban the country from joining Fiba-sanctioned international sports events.

We must keep in mind that it also failed to defend the 2005 Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championships title.

In fact, Philippine Sports Commission head William "Butch" Ramirez expressed his disappointment over the disagreement between the two bodies, when in his opinion, the issue could be resolved over a cup of coffee.

Indian pool team getting ready

2006-07-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

This are excellent news for Indian sports. Veteran Alok Kumar and national snooker champion Manan Chandra were today included among the probables for the 8-ball and 9-ball pool events for the Doha Asian Games to be held in December.

It's important to mention that the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) announced 16 probables in the men's and women's section after the camp in Kolkata, conducted under the supervision of coaches Manoj Kothari and Subhash Agarwal, concluded two days ago.

"As we know, Kothari used his scientific techniques to show the movement of ball to the players and that helped them a lot," BSFI Secretary Ravi Tandon expressed.

Indeed, the Federation will conduct two camps for billiards and snooker -- from July 26 to August 4 in Nagpur and in mid-August in Mumbai.

"Since one player can represent the country in one discipline, the senior players can contest in billiards or snooker, giving way to the next best qualifier in the pool events," he finished.

We also remember that Anuja Thakur and M Chitra were the two notable players among the women probables.

Probables:

8-ball pool (Men): Dharmendra Lily, Manan Chandra, Alok Kumar, Sandeep Gulati; (Women): Anuja Thakur, M Chitra, Vidya Pillai, R Umadevi.

9-ball pool (Men): Dharmendra Lily, Alok Kumar, Manan Chandra, Sumit Talwar; (Women): Anuj Thakur, M chitra, Mrinal Thakur, Vidya Pillai.

Asian athletes for the most precious glory

2006-07-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

We are all expecting the Asian Games to begin. The amazing event, also called the Asiad, is a multi-sport tournament held every four years among athletes from all over Asia.

As we know, this games are regulated by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). To understand and live the extreme emotion of this Games, we must follow the sports disciplines from the first seat. I hope my blog helps you to achieve it. The latest news, minute by minute, will be posted here. So, don't forget: this is your ticket to the Asian Games!