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International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Squash Olympic Bid

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A video to promote squash, featuring world #1 Ramy Ashour of Egypt and Nicol David of Malaysia. The World Squash Federation (WSF) has been working for a decade for the racquet sport to be included in the Olympic Games (next for 2020)…

For various reasons there are limited numbers of sports that could feature in the Olympics (which are reviewed after every edition). There’s one slot left for the 2020 Games which will be decided by an IOC poll later this year.

While squash makes some fair points the voting is often decided by political and financial reasons. If the sport is not popular in one of the richer (or powerful) countries the chance of inclusion looks dim, regardless of how popular it is elsewhere.

Beijing Olympics roundup (6)

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Some random news about Beijing Olympics 2008…

Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang withdrew from Beijing Olympic Games
Liu Xiang leaving the track

Liu Xiang quits

World and Olympic champion Liu Xiang has withdrew from the 110m hurdle event following a right foot injury.

Liu’s appearance was in doubt when it was reported last weekend that he was suffering from a sore Achilles tendon, but he showed up for the qualifying heat anyway.

The 90,000 crowd at the Beijing National Stadium didn’t manage to catch Liu Xiang in real action though, as he quit after a false start (by another hurdler), limping out of the race track into the tunnel. The Chinese are generally disappointed, but showing plenty of support for the iconic athlete.

Liu Xiang was China’s best (and probably the only) hope for a gold medal at the track and field event.

[Read more…] about Beijing Olympics roundup (6)

Beijing Olympics roundup (1)

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Another day to go before the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics. Some random news and information about Olympics and happenings in Beijing…

The game has started

The women’s soccer tournament of the Beijing Olympics kicked off at 17:00 Beijing time on Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony. It’s common for soccer (and some other team sports) to start the games earlier.

Women soccer games at Beijing 2008 Olympics
Women soccer game, Germany vs Brazil, ended 0-0 (Image from Xinhuanet)

[Read more…] about Beijing Olympics roundup (1)