Bye Bye Beijing: A wish list for upcoming Olympic Games

Bye Bye Beijing: A wish list for upcoming Olympic Games

Cricket: Originated in England in the early 1600’s, now more than 120 nations are recognized as cricket playing countries. Some people complain about the length of the game, but this refers to the traditional “Test” format which runs for five days. Shorter formats have been developed over the years, the latest being the Twenty20 format where a game can be wrapped up in under three hours. After the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, the Cricket World Cup is the most popular sporting event in the world and televised in over 200 countries. The game was last part of the Olympics in 1900 and, though not currently included, it continues to be recognized as an Olympic sport.

Sepak Takraw: This game is best described as volleyball using everything to hit the ball over the net except the player’s arms and hands. Using a rattan ball, the game has some of , https://cakhiatv.coffee/ the most amazing acrobatic stunts this side of the trampoline; including gravity defying kicks, flips, twists and turns, in mid-air. Having gained popularity in the early 1400’s throughout Thailand and Malaysia, today the sport is played in most countries around the world. With regional associations in countries as far as Scotland and Brazil, the game has spread far beyond its Asian roots.

Muay Thai: Literally means “Thai Boxing” when translated. Originating in ancient Thailand (though various similar fighting forms exist throughout South East Asian countries) the sport owes its beginnings to battlefield combat. Like other martial arts, it focuses on body fitness and toughness. Known as the “art of eight limbs”, Muay Thai uses all parts of the body for attacking and defending and has few restrictions. As a result some matches can be quite brutal. The World Muay Thai Council, which is the governing body, includes 120 member countries around the world. With the recent success of the reality television show “The Contender: Asia”, the sport’s popularity is definitely growing.