Showing posts with label 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2014. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Published on 2014 Incheon Asian Games official blog on October 2, 2014: http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/iag-people/
With the participation of over 13,000 athletes and officials, as well as around 7,000 media outlets spanning 45 countries for such a grand event, another unspoken yet highly important component underpinning the success of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games are the 30,000 people who have been associating in various parts of the Games.
Including volunteers who play a massive role in ensuring the smooth operation and running of this large-scale sporting event, all the people have been working hard for the succecssful hosting of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Now let’s hear their views on their work.
Incheon Asian Games blog writers, “IAG Crew”
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| Benjemar-Hope F. Flores, the Philippines |
- Why did you apply for the IAG Crew?
“More than anything else, I feel privileged to be given a chance play my part in such a historical event for all of Asia and for my country as well. I applied to the IAG because I can represent my country by covering the games and writing relevant articles to promote various sporting events” – Benjie Flores, IAG crew from the Philippines. He was one of the torch bearers during the torch relay ceremony of the IAG.
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| Nick Bedard, Canada |
“It gives me an insider’s perception on how international games are organized. I took this gig because it will give me the necessary experience to advance in my field which is sports media. For me, the 2014 Incheon Asian Games is a big stepping stone.” – Nick Bedard (on the left), IAG Crew from Canada who covers basketball games. He is also the editor of www.basketballbuddha.com.
“I really wanted to do something for the Asian Games because this is such a big event for the world. So I do want to be a part of it.” – Diana Huh, IAG Crew from South Korea.
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| Naoko Dasuze, Japan |
“Volunteering is part of my life. I receive a salary that is sufficient to live then I have no need to work for something I don’t want to do. Being part of IAG Crew was a perfect opportunity for me because 1) I’m a sports fanatic and had long wanted to be part of a big sports event; 2) I’d been studying Korean for a while so it was a great chance to brush up my skills while doing a home stay.” – Naoko Dasuze (left), IAG Crew from Japan.
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| Norris Pritam, India |
“Volunteering keeps me with the games even though I may not be an athlete, official, journalist or anything. Many people go for sports can’t perform well at the highest level, so volunteering gives them the chance to recall their younger days by meeting sports people and journalists and people connected with the games,” expressed Norris Pritam (center) who is a former national runner from India. He has been appointed as the IAG Crew. In Incheon, he is working as a journalist, reporter on radio and photographer for the IAG.
- What did you earn from being a member of the IAG Crew?
“It gave me an opportunity to share the diversity of Asian games. It helped me find amazing friends from around 45 countries. It has been a golden opportunity for me to let the world know about sports, culture and traditions of Pakistan. People in my country consider me a true ambassador of Pakistan in Korea. The exposure is just amazing and I am enjoying it,” shared Fakhar.
“Many ways! Firstly, because I’m a freelance photographer there was no way I could receive a media pass for AG without being part of a media organization, this has given me such a huge opportunity…to be part of the Games, to feel part of a team and to feel totally accepted considering I live in a non-Asian country. I’m honestly not usually a team player; I usually prefer to work on my own, but I’ve LOVED being part of the team, loved having other members to talk to and it’s so special that we all got to attend the Opening Ceremony together…..so many experiences that I’ll never forget and always be thankful for,” said Elisa.
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| Nick Bedard (left), Canada |
“It’s given me a good insight on how international sporting events are organized. I’ve learned a lot of inside information on how things run to make the games successful.” said Nick.
“The dedication, commitment and hard work of Korean people are indeed a key to success to hosting and running of IAG. I am an eyewitness of the struggle that the Korean people have endured to make it a success,” stressed Fakhar.
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| Some of the IAG Crew members |
Volunteers
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| Kang Young Lae |
“I started to work as a volunteer in 1988 for the Seoul Olympic Games. For me, it is for the good of people and countries. This is a lifetime experience in my life. I am passionate towards sports and volunteering. Thus, I applied to volunteer.” – Kang Young Lae, a volunteer for the 17th Asian Games. He has actively volunteered in numerous sports games and received his pins and badges from various countries, as shown on his lanyard. The countries include Qatar, Macau, Iran, Iraq, China, United Arab Emirates and more!
“At first, I didn’t know about squash. After joining the Asian Games, I learned about sports history and the cultures of India and some Arabic countries,” Kang Young Lae conveyed. He also got to know the development of squash in India and the Arabic countries by mingling with athletes and officials during his duty for the games.
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| Kim Soo Young, South Korea |
“Responsibility. I major in politics and international relations in Korea. During these Games, I can meet lots of people from other countries. Every day, I converse in English so I think my English is gonna get better. You know, I really love sports so during this game, I get to know the specialities of athletes and games and all of these are really interesting and interactive to me. This is the first big event in Incheon. So it’s not just for me, but for the city - it will be a great experience for the next international event,” said Kim Soo Young, from South Korea. She stays in Seoul but applied to live in Incheon during the games for her ease of work.
As a matter of fact, the volunteers are striving to provide high-quality assistance in the games despite some circumstances like language barrier, as pointed out by some of the media. Personally, I do find that the local volunteers—especially those stationed at the Yeorumul Squash Courts and Tennis Courts—are doing a great job. I spend most of my time at these venues and see their wholehearted volunteering day in and day out.
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| Jo Min Ji, South Korea |
Jo Min Ji is one of the most dedicated volunteers at the squash courts. Every time I went to the courts, she was there greeted me at the entrance regardless of early in the morning or late at night. She never fails to smile and greet those passing by. This photo was taken at night when the squash events had officially ended.
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| Some volunteers are encouraging others by doing their best regardless of their age. |
Thoughts on the local volunteers…
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| Diana Huh Dami, South Korea |
“I rarely had a chance to talk to them in person. However, I saw many of them when I go there to watch the matches. They were kind and helpful. Recently, there is a controversy that some volunteers are not helpful because they just want to see the matches and meet famous athletes in person. However, I can see manypeople are very proud of what they are doing and trying to do their best,” expressed Diana Huh.
“They have been very helpful. I was lost a couple of times while looking for the venues, and it was a good thing that I was able to ask for directions from the local volunteers. They have been very kind and accommodating,” said Benjie.
“Some of the volunteers have been helpful but perhaps they needed a little more training to be more organized. For instance, at the badminton venue, the volunteers just sit at the information desk and didn’t know how the matches were proceeding, so they couldn’t answer questions that the spectators had,” commented Naoko.
“Well, volunteers are there and they are very warm and respectful. But I think they have not been trained properly. Most volunteers are young and have very little experience of working in a big sporting event like the Asian Games. Therefore they needed good training, especially the volunteers who have no clue about sports. For instance, one day at the shooting venue I asked one volunteer the way to the 10m range. She looked at me as if I was talking French or Latin! She had no clue about shooting. What is the purpose of having such volunteers? But it is not their fault,” said Norris.
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| Kamarul Arrifin, Malaysia (photographer) |
“They are very helpful, but sometimes it’s a little bit difficult for me to communicate with them,” commented Kamarul Arrifin, photographer of The Star publications from Malaysia.
“They are very helpful, but some of them are not good at English. If you can find someone who can speak English, they are extremely helpful!” expressed Tsui Ka Lok, iCable Sports reporter from Hong Kong .
“Local volunteers have been great!!! At first they were quite reserved and quiet….but now they are all very chatty and enjoying being part of such an amazing event,” said Elisa Alcoba from Uzbekistan who resides in London. She is covering tennis for the Games.
“The volunteer network of IAG is the biggest network I have ever seen in my life. Of course they are helping people as much as they can,” Fakhar told.
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| Max Lee Ho Yin, Hong Kong (squash) |
“They are friendly. You can ask for anything from IAGOC and they will try their best to fulfill our request. Sometimes they don’t really speak much, but they provide help around the squash courts,” added Max Lee Ho Yin, the Hong Kong top-seeded squash player who just bagged bronze medals in both men’s singles and team event.
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| Ivan Yuen Chee Wern, Malaysia (squash) |
“They are very nice and very friendly,” articulated Ivan Yuen Chee Wern of Malaysia, who gets along well and found chatting with the volunteers at the venue when I approached him for interview. He is a rising squash player who clinched a silver in men’s team event during the Asian Games.
Thank you,volunteers!
“I think the most memorable experience I had with them was in watching them perform during the opening ceremony. Even though it is an indirect encounter, I felt touched just by watching them perform as one community in front of the international audience. It is just amazing to see children, adults and old people alike, doing their share in hosting the Asian Games. I know they really put a lot of effort in practicing and preparing for their presentations,” Benjie, highlighted.
“The people I’ve met here in Incheon from different countries are really cool. It’s a great experience to pick the brains of reporters from different countries to see what views they have on different situations. I’ll forever remember that,” expressed Nick.
“I haven’t had any chance to get a big help from volunteers directly. However, I saw them smiling all the time to the people and speaking English enough to help people from other countries as well. It was quite impressive to me,” Diana told.
“Last night I left the Main Press Centre at 12:40 at night. There was no taxi in sight. There was a young volunteer passing by. He came to me and asked whether I needed help. He called the radio taxi and explained to the driver the directions to my hotel. I was quite touched by this gesture,” Norris remarked.
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“The volunteers cheered for the Hong Kong team during the football match versus Afghanistan and I was really touched. I am surprised that some of the volunteers are able to help out with general inquiries in Chinese and English,” Tsui told.
“I have lots of memorable experiences!!! I’ve gotten to know all of the volunteers here at the tennis venue pretty well. I have a friend in the scoring office and the girls working in the media room are always sweet and kind. The security guards have been great and everyone is so polite and friendly! I also found the ladies at the squash courts very sweet, too. They kept holding my hand every time they were talking to me. Everyone has been fascinated that I’m from London and that I come here especially to be part of Asian Games,” Elisa shared her experience.
“There are a number of experiences I have been through with the IAG volunteers, which include asking for the right way to catch a bus, stadium or any specific place and, believe you me, I have found them professional in attitude and behavior. This always makes me proud for being one of them,” Fakhar articulated.
“I did feel the warmth when they greeted me and wished me good luck. After the game, they talked to me and I feel like they were supporting and watching me, so I feel good,” Max Lee told.
“With their support, friendliness, and everything, it’s really nice to be here. They are so helpful and all these make me feel the warmth. No complaints!” Ivan Yuen expressed.
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| Kang Young Lee, South Korea |
The foreign media, volunteers and athletes expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the efforts by the native volunteers.
Comments on the Asian Games
On the other hand, a few issues were raised during the interview by the media and athletes were deemed inadequate in the Games. But most were satisfied with their stay.
“The Asian Games is one of the best tournaments that I’ve ever played,” Max Lee commented.
“I’ll definitely apply to volunteer again if there’s another opportunity!” Kim Soo Young added.
Volunteers receive small gifts as a token of appreciation for all of their hard work operating the Squash courts.
｜The Official 2014 Incheon Asian Games Writer ‘IAG-Crew’ㅣThoong Kit Yee
- Edited by Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee
- Edited by Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee
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| “Keep up the great job, volunteers!” the writer Kit Yee lastly added with her own pictures with 2014 IAG volunteers. :) |
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Published on 2014 Incheon Asian Games official blog on October 2, 2014: http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/squash-malaysia/
Malaysia squash team wrapped up a remarkable performance by achieving two golds, two silver and one bronze as the squash events came to an end on September 27, 2014 at Yeorumul Squash Courts.
Malaysians (from top left) Azlan Iskandar, Ong Beng Hee, Mohd Nafiizwan bin Mohd Adnan and Ivan Yuen Chee Wern of men’s team; women’s team include Datuk Nicol David (from bottom left), Delia Arnold, Low Wee Wern and Vanessa Raj Gnanasigamani posing with their medals after the victory ceremony.
The women’s team presented their incredible reign at the Asian Games, winning over India 2-0 while the men’s team secured the silver medal and lost 0-2 to India. Delia Arnold started off the Malaysia women’s team finals, taking down Anaka Alankamony in three sets, scoring 11-9, 12-10 and 11-2 in 43 minutes. World-renowned Datuk Nicol David then defeated Dipika Rebecca Pallikal 11-7, 11-6 and 11-3 to secure the gold. The final match lasted for only 29 minutes.
With this victory, Malaysia has won six of the seven gold medals in women’s squash since the introduction of the event into the Asian Games in 1998.
“I’m happy we’ve won back-to-back team gold medals because this is a real team effort,”
commented Nicol, referring to her teammates Delia, Low Wee Wern and Vanessa Raj.
The opening match of the men’s team went down 8-11, 6-11, 11-8, 4-1 to India. It was played by Mohamad Azlan Iskandar against Sandhu Harinder Pal Singh, and lasted 58 minutes.
Malaysia men’s squash team taking selfie: Azlan Iskandar (from left), Ong Beng Hee, Mohd Nafiizwan bin Mohd Adnan and Ivan Yuen Chee Wern (Photo courtesy of The Star)
Ong Beng Hee played out of his skin with the hope of reversing from a game down by winning the opening set brilliantly but Saurav Ghosal manage to dip deep and win over the match in a grueling 88-minute clash by 6-11, 11-7, 11-6, 12-14 and 11-9.
Saurav Ghosal (from left) and Ong Beng Hee during the men’s singles semi-finals (Photo courtesy of Malaysia Squash)
“We are really disappointed not to get the gold. It was so close and, at the same time, we credit India’s number three player who played very well to beat Azlan.”
“I gave everything I could today, but was a little bit unlucky not to win the fifth game. Probably, the pressure came down one me a little bit after Azlan lost. As team captain, I was really disappointed that my teammate and I did not get the gold today,” commented Ong Beng Hee who bagged his sixth medal in the Asian Games.
The men’s team retained the silver medal that they achieved back in 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, however.
It was a thrilling all-Malaysian women’s singles final when squash queen Datuk Nicol David edged Low Wee Wern 9-11, 11-6, 11-5 and 12-10 in the summit clash to claim gold. It was a neck-and-neck battle between Datuk Nicol and her compatriot Low Wee Wern—the closest of all their meetings. Nonetheless, it was the 24-year-old Wee Wern’s best-ever performance against the 31-year-old Nicol.
Low Wee Wern (from left) and Datuk Nicol David celebrate silver and gold medals in the women’s singles. (Photo courtesy of Malaysia Squash)
“I’m really glad to have won… it was tough. Wee Wern really put everything into the match and she gave me a good fight,” said Nicol, a seven-time world champion. Datuk Nicol David rose to become not only the Malaysia’s most successful Asian Games athlete after earning her 5th gold medal in the women’s squash individual, but also as the most successful squash player in Asian Games history.
“It was unbelievable to win. I was not focused on the record, just trying to win the match,” expressed Nicol at Yeorumul Squash Courts after the first all-Malaysian Asian Games women’s squash final.
“It’s probably the best I’ve played against her,” said Wee Wern, who is now ranked fifth in the world and also the individual bronze medalist from Guangzhou four years ago.
Low Wee Wern playing against Nicol David in women’s singles final (Photo courtesy of Team Malaysia)
In the men’s singles, veteran Ong Beng Hee put up a tough fight before losing to Saurav Ghosal 9-11, 4-11 and 5-11 in the semi-finals. He picked up the bronze medal in the event.
Ong Beng Hee (from front) playing against Saurav Ghosal (Photo courtesy of Berita Harian)
Ong Beng Hee won his first gold medal in the 2002 Busan Games and again in the 2006 Doha Games, as well as bronze in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.He is the most successful Malaysian men’s squash player in the Asiad, who bagged six medals since his participation in Asiad in 2002.
The 34-year-old Ong agreed that he is at the tail end of his career, but retirement is not on his mind at least for the next three months with the World Open in Doha approaching this upcoming November.
He expressed his hope that the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) and National Sports Council (NSC) will discuss the program for the future of squash players, like Ivan Yuen and Mohamad Nafiizwan Mohd Adnan, for the development of young players.
“We both won’t be around but there are still two good young players: Ivan Yuen and Mohamad Nafiizwan. But what about their back-ups? We need another one or two good players to help Malaysia win medals.”
“I think the coaches will have a lot to think about now. They cannot rely on me and Azlan again and I might retire. SRAM might have to think about funding for the young generation to get the necessary exposure and proper coaching,” he added.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin taking a selfie with the women’s squash players: Low Wee Wern (from left), Datuk Nicol David, Dipika Pllikal and Au Wing Chi (Photo courtesy of Sinar Harian)
Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin expressed that the squash delegation has met the gold medal target set by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
Team Malaysia has retained its title as the top nation for squash events in the Asian Games since 2002.
Way to go, squash Malaysia!
This article was written by an official member of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games bloggers, IAG Crew. Some contents might be different from official position of the Organizing Committee.
｜The Official 2014 Incheon Asian Games Writer ‘IAG-Crew’ㅣThoong Kit Yee
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Everybody (Asians especially) listen up!
It's less than 30 days to go for one of the most magnificent quadrennial event in the region. How well do you know about the 17th Asian Games?
Do click on the link as follow for more details:
http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/asiangames-chinese/ (Bilingual version)
Written by: Kit Yee (Malaysia) & Si Ying (Singapore).
倒数29天，四年一度的体坛盛世抽签仪式正如火如荼地进行。
你，对第17届的亚运会了解又有多少呢？
快点击以下链接，好探个究竟！
http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/asiangames-chinese/ （双语）
Kit Yee（马来西亚）与Si Ying（新加坡）联合撰写。
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Sepak Takraw : One of the Most Unusual Sports in Asian Games
0 comments Posted by ~* kY *~ at 8:30 PM
Published on 2014 Incheon Asian Games official blog on February 25, 2014: http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/sepak-takraw/
First introduced and contested in the Asian Games 1990 in Beijing, China, sepak takraw (kick volleyball) is a sport native to Southeast Asia. The name itself came from two languages: “sepak” defined as “kick” in Malay; Takraw a “rattan ball” in Thai. It is found in the cultures of Southeast Asia as early as in the 11th century: Takraw in Thailand, Sipa in Philippines, Sepak Raga in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Chin Loon in Myanmar, Rago in Indonesia and Kator in Laos. It is also very similar to the “Cuju”, an ancient Chinese ball game and Japanese traditional game, “Kemari” that involves kicking a ball into the air and counting the number of kicks.
Sepak takraw is a spectacular mix of football, volleyball, baseball, badminton and gymnastics. It is a competitive skill ball game which requires the use of the feet and head to keep the ball. Unlike any other sports, it is one of the toughest games in the world that postulates flash reflexes, precise control and gravity-defying leaps.
The Court
Image from Google
The standard Sepak Takraw courts are similar to the badminton court with the following dimension.
Playing Style
The distinctive playing styles have evolved over the years. These are a few notable ball-service styles that are executed today:
Horse-kick: the player kicks the ball using the foot sole
Image from Google
Sunback or Stingray spike: the player jumps and kicks the ball over the same shoulder as their kicking foot.
Image from Google
Roll spike: the player kicks over the opposite shoulder.
Image from Google
Cartwheel: the player spikes with the in-step.
Image from Google
Interesting Facts
- The use of hand during the game is prohibited.
- There is no rotation in the defense position.
- It is counted as a score when the ball touches the net before failing into the opponent court.
- The speed of the ball can be up to 140km per hour.
South Korea Sepaktakraw Team
Picture from Korea Sepaktakraw Association
The South Korean Sepaktakraw national team have been gaining momentum with several wins in recent events. In the 1st Sepaktarkaw ISTAF Super Series competition held last September, Korea defeated top seeded Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to come out victorious.
The ISTAF Super Series is an international sepaktakraw competition organized by the International Sepaktakraw Federation. It gathers the best team to compete in a series of tournaments to see which country is the best.
Another successful outing by the South Korean team both women and men, was at the World Championships. This time, the top seeded national teams were determined to avenge their defeats. However, Korea men’s team did succeed in winning a silver (regu), and 2 bronze (double, team event). The women team won a silver (regu) and bronze (team event).
Sepaktakraw at Incheon Asian Games
Picture from Korea Sepaktakraw Association
Sepak Takraw, also known as one of the strangest games in the world will be featured at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. The Southeast Asian teams are favorite to win but with the home ground support behind Korea’s team, who knows which way the ball will land. Get ready to be amazed by the jaws-dropping movements and the exciting matches!
The official 2014 Incheon Asian Games Writer ‘IAG-Crew’ ㅣKit Yee, Thoong
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