D-Brief
Edition 19
Sports Around the Region
D-Brief Bangkok, 29 March 2012
Dear Partners, Asia attracts its fair share of big names in sporting events such as Singapore‟s Grand Prix Night Race, the 2012 South Asian Games in New Delhi and the Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong. In this month‟s D-Brief we unveil these mega events and suggest itineraries around them. Would your clients like to combine their Malaysian beach holiday with three days of Formula 1 racing? No problem, we will make it happen. We are also looking at traditional Asian sports, including Sepak Takraw, a mix of volleyball and football, which is played in international competitions and dominated by Thailand and Malaysia. Sri Lanka‟s most popular sport, played by all ages and with fanaticism, is without doubt cricket. Former underdog Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 and was, to the delight of its fans, runner up in 2007 and 2011. Dress up in your team‟s colours and experience the region from its athletic side! Sincerely,
Your Diethelm Travel Team
Sports Around the Region With the Asian Games being the second largest multi-sport event right after the Olympic Games, nobody can say that Asia is lacking a sporting heritage. Nevertheless, when taking a holiday in Asia, sporting activities are easily forgotten in comparison with the rich culture, natural attractions and stunning beaches the region offers. We have picked the most exciting sporting events in Asia and advise where and when they are taking place. Additionally, we will introduce you to Sepak Takraw, South East Asia‟s fastest growing sport, and take you to Sri Lanka for an introduction to one of the world‟s best cricketing nations. Browse through your preferred sports or mega events on our index on the right to discover the region‟s athletic side!
Rugby Sevens, Hong Kong Thomas & Uber Cup, China Cricket, Sri Lanka Formula 1 Grand Prix, Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, Malaysia Sepak Takraw, Malaysia & Thailand
King’s Cup Regatta, Thailand Muay Thai, Thailand
Rugby Sevens, Hong Kong The Hong Kong Sevens is probably the most anticipated sporting event in Hong Kong. During the three-day event, Hong Kong brings you brilliant rugby and all night celebrations involving the world‟s entire rugby playing community. What started in 1976 as a small event with Asian and Pacific teams only, is today a worldwide phenomenon attracting the world‟s best players. The Sevens series derives its name from the fact that only 7 players per team are on the field, instead of the normal 15-a-side rugby tournaments. Taking place on the last weekend of March, fans from all over the world arrive in Hong Kong to cheer and party in the 40,000-seat stadium. Public tickets for the event usually sell out within a day. If you are one of the unlucky ones without a ticket, don‟t worry. We recommend watching the matches on giant screens at the „Sevens Village‟ outside of the stadium, where fans gather to eat, drink and party. Dates: 23 – 25 March 2012 and 22 - 24 March 2013 Hong Kong Stadium
Thomas & Uber Cup, China We bet you did not know that badminton is the world‟s fastest racket sport? A shuttle can leave the badminton racket at a speed of up to 300 km/h and players cover more than 2 kilometres in a single match. Asia dominates badminton with the top-ranked players being from China, Indonesia and Malaysia. In particular, China and Indonesia have dominated the professional circuit for years and have won 70 percent of all events organized by the International Badminton Federation. There is no better destination to watch a world-class badminton match than Asia, where crowds of up to 10,000 people are common.
The Thomas & Uber Cup, also sometimes called the unofficial team world championships, will be hosted in Wuhan city, China, this year. Don‟t miss out this May, when the world‟s best badminton teams will draw fans and press to the capital of Hubei province. Dates: 20 – 27 May 2012, Wuhan, China
Cricket, Sri Lanka The English not only brought tea to Sri Lanka but also one of the county‟s muchloved pastimes: cricket. The island‟s rich cricket history and numerous historic venues make this cricket crazy nation a perfect country for any cricket fan. Even though cricket is a legacy from Britain‟s colonial rule, the game is loved and played with incredible enthusiasm. Sri Lanka belongs to the world‟s leading cricketing nations and is one of only 10 approved nations belonging to the ICC‟s (International Cricket Council) approved „test cricket‟ countries. Domestically, the island nation has established a successful league and a number of cricket clubs and schools, producing a steady flow of topclass players. So if you are on holiday in Sri Lanka and plan to join in a cricket match, do not be surprised if you leave the field a loser.
For non-cricket addicts and accompanying families, the island has stunning beaches, national parks, tea plantations and a rich, cultural heritage to explore and is definitely worth a visit! Test cricket is played amongst national cricket teams accorded „test status‟. It is the longest game of cricket taking up to five days to complete a match. The name „test‟ evolved due to the patience and playing ability required over such a duration. Teams holding test status are England, Australia, South Africa, the West Indies, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
This year the fourth ICC World Twenty20 competition from 18 Sep – 08 Oct 2012 will be hosted by Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Most Important Cricket Venues Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo Located within the grounds of Cinnamon Gardens, the Sinhalese Sports Club is a fantastic venue. The pitch is kept in great condition and the club has an inviting atmosphere, where Sri Lankan tradition meets first-class facilities. Cinnamon Gardens also offers a lot for non-cricketing visitors, including a refreshing pool as well as shops and cafes nearby. Galle International Stadium Some of Sri Lanka‟s finest cricket moments were celebrated at Galle International Stadium. The Galle Fort at one end of the pitch and the Indian Ocean on the other provide a stunning backdrop and Galle‟s beautiful beaches can be easily reached from here. Rangiri Dambulla International Ground This remarkable stadium with 30,000 seats is said to be one of the most stunning cricketing sites in Asia. Located in the centre of the island, where the weather is generally drier, the stadium was originally built to be able to hold one-day matches without rain all year around.
Cricket Heritage Sri Lanka‟s cricket heritage can be traced back to the British colonisation of the country. The first ever recorded match of cricket was played on the island in 1832, but it was not until 1981 when the Sri Lankan national team was officially awarded „test status‟. Being an expensive sport requiring pitches, coaches and equipment, cricket was introduced to the wider public through the English school system. As more and more cricket clubs were founded, the first domestic cricket league was formed in 1938. Former underdog Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 and was runner up in 2007 and 2011. The impact of the victory in 1996 was enormous, connecting Sri Lankans with one collective passion. The game opened up to the masses, as children in remote areas and government schools picked up the sport too. A wave of new talent brought innovation, passion and power to the game, making their play truly and distinguishably Sri Lankan!
Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix Probably one of the more spectacular Formula 1 events, the Singapore night race offers the perfect opportunity to spend a long weekend in the city. With celebrations, music events, shopping and dining experiences and parties taking place all over the city, why not enjoy a cocktail atop the Marina Bay Sands with the best views over the race course? Since its inauguration in 2008, as the first night race ever in Formula 1 history, the event has become an iconic part of Southeast Asia‟s sporting calendar with around 110,000 tickets selling each year. It was decided that the race would be held at night, as this would allow European TV stations to broadcast the event live at a convenient time. Viewers can consider themselves lucky as during the night the temperatures are much more agreeable, and who would not be awed by the race‟s backdrop of Singapore‟s ultra modern, illuminated skyline. It is advisable to book your room and tickets early. Dates: 21 – 23 September 2012, Singapore
Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix The Malaysia Grand Prix track at the Sepan International Circuit, located 60 km south of Kuala Lumpur, is not only a visually stunning track, but is said to be one of the most challenging tracks for race car drivers. The first Formula 1 race on the track in 1999 was one of the most memorable ones in history as both Ferrari drivers, crossing the finish line first and second were disqualified because of an illegal manoeuvre, putting the race in the news. A good deal of action is guaranteed at the Sepan International Circuit, especially as Malaysia is known for its unpredictable weather with extreme heat one minute and a monsoon storm the next. Not only are racing teams challenged by these conditions, but they also make sure that each competition is full of action and surprises. Why not combine the 3-day race weekend with a culturally enriching post or pre-trip to the jungle and beaches of Borneo? Diethelm Travel Malaysia will be happy to put a package together for you. Dates: 23 – 25 March 2012 and 22 – 24 March 2013 (tentative)
Sepak Takraw – Malaysia & Thailand If you have travelled through rural Southeast Asia, you must have come across a group of men either athletically bouncing a hand-woven rattan or bamboo ball from player to player. This is Sepak Takraw, one of the most explosive games played in the region; an electric mix of volleyball, football and martial arts. Top players who kick the ball with the most acrobatic and breath-taking moves make every Sepak Tawrak game a great match. Coordination, speed, flexibility and power are needed to pull off feats such as the roll spike. Here, the striker performs a movement similar to the scissor kick in football, but instead of falling on his back after the kick, the player finishes the roll and lands on his feet.
There are several variations of the game, depending on the country in which it is played, and even sometimes between villages. In one variation, there are not two teams playing against each other, but the winner of a casual match is the person who shows the best tricks.
Sepak Takraw has been around for centuries but is only now starting to be appreciated by a wider international audience. Read more about the history of Sepak Takraw and learn how it is played over the following two pages. The sport‟s official name „Sepak Takraw‟ was established in 1960 after long and heated debates. „Sepak‟ means kick in Malay, while „takraw‟ is the Thai word for a woven ball. Therefore, literally translated, Sepak Takraw means kick ball.
History of Sepak Takraw The earliest form of Sepak Takraw, a game played to exercise the body and loosen up the limbs, is thought to have found its way to Southeast Asia through contacts with Chinese traders. Many nations including Thailand and Malaysia claim that the later, more competitive form of the game originated in their country. The topic remains, even today, a hot topic among Sepak Takraw enthusiasts. It is known that around 200 years ago the Siam Sports Association came up with the first rules and introduced a volleyball-like net to the game. In the 1960s, the first international competitions were held and since then the sport has become fiercely competitive, with Thailand and Malaysia being the powerhouses. The region is currently lobbying for the sport to be included in the Olympic Games, hoping that the regionâ€&#x;s favourite past-time will get more international recognition. Last yearâ€&#x;s World Cup final organized by the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) was viewed by 13 million Thais and 5 million Malays.
How is Sepak Takray played? Sepak Takraw is played on a field about the size of a badminton court, with a 1.5 metre high net separating both teams. The opposing teams each have three players on the court, one server, one striker and one feeder. The rules are similar to those of volleyball, with the exception that the ball cannot be touched with the hands or arms. After the service of the ball, the opposite team is allowed to touch the ball three times. The server and feeder bring the ball into position in order for the striker to smash it into the field of the rival team. A match is played in 5 sets with the team winning a minimum of three of the sets becoming the winner. Sepak Takraw games enjoy wide popularity in Southeast Asia, with Thailand and Malaysia being the dominant countries of the sport. International elite tournaments take place all over Asia regularly, with the ISTAF Super Series Finals being held in China in May 2012 and Beach Sepak Takraw being featured as one of the highlights of this yearâ€&#x;s Asian Beach Games in Haiyang, China, from 16 to 22 June 2012.
King’s Cup Regatta, Thailand Asiaâ€&#x;s premier yachting event is held every year in Phuket. What started out in 1987 as an event to honour and celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, has become a first class international sailing event. Taking place during the first week of December, the racing week, combined with lively beach parties and a lot of entertainment, is also a fun experience for nonsailors. Every year, crews from all over the world join the race with two thirds of the skippers hailing from outside of Thailand. In 2011, 170 competitors sailed in keelboats, catamarans, multihulls and dinghies for the big prize. It was the first year 20 kite boarders were also invited to join the race and compete. Over 2,000 sailors are expected to attend the event, from destinations as diverse as Russia, Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea and the United States. Dates: 01– 08 December 2012, Phuket, Thailand
Muay Thai, Thailand Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and is also practiced in the Kingdomâ€&#x;s neighbouring countries Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia. Considered a martial art, Muay Thai fighters can gain a lot of fame and training facilities where young fighters train from dusk until dawn can be found everywhere in the Kingdom. Watching a Muay Thai fight is not only a must for boxing enthusiasts, but also a very interesting experience for visitors who are generally interested in Thai culture. Each match begins with a dance during which the fighters wear amulets and pay homage to their trainer and boxing spirits. A music band sits next to the ring and plays traditional Thai instruments. The faster the fight, the more intense the music becomes. The two venues to watch a boxing match in Bangkok are the Lumphini Boxing Stadium (Mon, Wed, Thu and Sun) and the Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium (Tue, Fri and Sat). It is advisable to call ahead and find out the exact fighting times, especially since it can get very packed for big name fights.
Dong Po (Chinese Pork Belly) Preparation Method Ingredients (serves 6) 455 g raw pork belly 45 ml vegetable oil 60 ml light soy sauce 60 ml dark soy sauce 120 ml Chinese rice cooking wine 100 g Chinese rock sugar 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 8 spring onions, sliced • • • • • • •
Footnotes Chinese rock sugar is available at specialty
and Asian grocery stores. If you can't find it, substitute it with brown sugar. Serving suggestion: Quickly stir-fry some vermicelli with the remaining liquid and serve the pork on top. Recipe source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/dong-po-chinese-pork-belly
1.
Slice the pork belly into 2-inch wide strips. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and stir in the pork slices; reduce heat to a simmer, and cook the meat for 10 minutes. Remove from the water, and blot dry with paper towels.
2.
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large wok, and brown the pork strips well on all sides. Pork will splatter - use a splatter shield for this step.
3.
While pork is browning, mix together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, rock sugar, ginger, and spring onions in a large soup pot or stockpot. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and lay the pork strips into the liquid. Cover, and simmer until the meat is very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add water as needed to keep the liquid from going completely dry.
Recipe
Coming Up: Tadau Ka’amatan – 30 to 31 May 2012 Locally known as Tadau Ka‟amatan, Sabah‟s Harvest Festival is one of the state‟s cultural highlights of the year. Not very long ago, Sabah‟s indigenous people heavily depended on their rice harvest and thus every year in May, all local communities express their thanks for a good harvest through huge celebrations of their heritage. Tribes dress up in their traditional attire, songs are played and dances performed, sports and building competitions take place, as well as cultural shows. The festivities start at the beginning of the month in every village, followed by events and celebrations at a district level and peaking with a state-wide carnivallike party on 30th and 31st May. What used to be a festival traditionally celebrated by the indigenous people is nowadays an event where people of all races, colour and cultural backgrounds join in. If you want to experience Sabah‟s many ethnic groups and take in the true heritage of the „Land Beneath the Wind‟, this is the time to visit!
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D-Brief
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