Talking Balls: Nuns On The Run, The Great Hall Hosts Kabbadi & Bodybuilding
The most interesting thing to happen in a marathon since Paula Radcliffe's spate of "embarrassing necessities" is coming to Beijing. Fifty-two nuns, yes, fifty-two nuns, are touching down for the Beijing Marathon next month. The sisters are taking part in the Sisters' Run 2011 to raise money for 14 different rural charitable concerns. We'll have more on this when we get it but it sounds spectacular if the film is anything to go by.
Another fine spectacle was the recent bodybuilding tournament in Anhui. There's no need for me to type any more. Look at the photo below and then click through to the slideshow.
Also quite spectacular is the fact that yesterday the Great Hall of The People was host to kabbadi. Kabbadi, for those who don't know is tag for real men, and youth delegates from India decided to teach their Chinese hosts. We wish we had a video to share of "Indian delegates dressed in dhoti and turbans introduced the game to their curious Chinese counterparts." This report is enough, and another interesting fact - kabbadi was an exhibition sport at the 1936 Olympics.
China's desire to host another Olympics will not be reached for at least 20 years according to IOC Chief Jacques Rogge. In his interview with China Daily he also mentioned the importance of Chinese grassroots sport to the sporting world.
In basketball news, Team China are on the way to qualifying for the London Games and their current games are getting more viewers thanks to Yao Ming's presence in the commentary box.
In tennis, the end of the season is coming up with the Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix in Nanjing. China’s best players will feature – not Shuai or Li Na though. The real tennis stars will be at the Shanghai Masters, unless Andy Murray leads a strike.
In football, Guangzhou finally lost after 24 matches but that doesn't really mean anything as they have the league sewn-up. Beijing Guoan can still come a creditable second. Meanwhile, local football received a shot in the arm as a new fund was announced to develop players. Finally, China Sports Review has an article on how much trouble Carson Yeung's dodgy finances have led to for Birmingham City.
China's hopes of playing in the Hong Kong Sevens were dealt a blow as they were drawn with South Korea in the Borneo Sevens. Defeat will cost them a weekend of dressing-up next year.
And finally, the Ethnic Games have ended. Full results and photos here.
