All about 15th Doha Asian Games 2006

The 15th Asian Games is going to be held from Dec 1 – Dec15, 2006 in Doha, Qatar. This is the first time, the country is going to organize Asian Games and for the second time Asian Games will be held in West Asia since Tehran, Iran in 1974 in the 7th Asian Games. Though this event is a regional event, it has a great attraction worldwide and is one of the mostly observed multi-sports events in the world. Asian Games are held in every four year traditionally.

Doha has gone through a hard competition to be elected as the host city. Other competitor cities were Hong Kong (PRC), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and New Delhi (India). Earlier, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur had the most probability to be elected but Doha, at the end, has been elected for hosting the 15th Asian Games. It is thought that all of the West Asian countries gave their vote for Doha as this is just the second Asian Games to be held in West Asia. Competitors from 45 countries will be participating in 39 sports and 46 disciplines.

For this second largest sports tournament in the word and largest sports tournament in Asia, the authority of Doha has been working since 2003 to present a successful and glorious tournament to the world. For this purpose, 14 multi-sports stadiums have gone through a refurbishment program to organize this large competition. Lots of volunteer and worker are trying to make the Asian Games village or Asian village prepared for the tournament.

Qatar is a country of 11,437 square kilometers with a good economic background. It is also expected that through this event Qatar will be able to make a good profit which will definitely help its economy and which is most important is that through for this large tournament the sports of Qatar has already seen a huge infrastructural development which will also help the country to organize another large tournament in future. If this tournament is organized successfully then the country will get priority to be a host nation for other international competitions.

History of Asian Games:

The first initiative to organize a multi-sports tournament involving Asian Athletes was first taken in 1913 which is known as Far Eastern Championship Games which was first held in Manila, Philippine. Some East Asian countries along with Empire of Japan, Philippine Islands and Republic of China participated in the tournament. The initial objective of this tournament was to develop the unity and cooperation among three countries. However, just before the World War II in 1938, the tournament was stopped. After the World War II, many Asian countries got independence and the first attempt of today’s Asian Games was taken by Guru Dutt Sondhi, the representative of Indian IOC, during the 14th London Olympic Games in 1948. He first came up with the idea to organize a competition incorporating the athletes from all over Asia and he expressed his idea to other leaders of the Asian teams. Initially the leaders formed a organization named Asian Athletics Federation and in 1949 the organization was formerly named Asian Games Federation under which the first Asian Games was held in 1951 in New Delhi, India. The organization also took the decision that Asian Games will be held in every four years. Due to some unavoidable political incidents, the NOC (National Olympic Committee) leaders from different Asian countries decided to from Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) conducting some necessary changes in the constitution of Asian Games Federation and the Asian Games have been organizing under the regulation of OCA since 1986 South Korea Asian Games. From 1994 some west Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan who were the part of former Soviet Union, started participating in the Asian Games.

In terms of Gold medal the most successful country of Asian Games with 840 gold medals which is followed by Japan with 812, South Korea with 482. However, in terms of overall medal count Japan stands in the first place with 2,233 medals.



Participating Countries:

Countries form different parts of Asia will be competing in the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006. It is expected that 45 countries will send athletes to represent their countries. I am giving a short overview of each of the country including their past records and special event etc. below:

Afghanistan:

This south Asian country has not a decent record in this competition. Though it has a long tradition of sports, it could not achieve so much success in the international sports due to its political unsettle and some wars within the country. Afghanistan first competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. However, recently Afghanistan got some successes in the international event. They got a bronze medal in the Busan Asian Games 2002 while Roia Zamani secured third position in the womens 72kg taekwondo. For the first time Afghanistan sent women in the 100 m track event and judo in the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. Afghanistan won 1 silver and 1 bronze medal in Asian Games.

Bangladesh:

Bangladesh first participated in the Bangkok Asian Games in 1978 and first sent athletics in Olympic Games in 1984 in the Los Angles Olympic Games. Bangladesh is a good competitor in Kabaddi and in the last Asian Games their Kabaddi team secired silver medal. They are getting success in Shooting. Their Hockey team is ranked 7th in Asia.

Bhutan:

Bhutan is a small south Asian country. It first competed in the 1984 Los Angles Olympic Games. The country has not found any success in the Olympic and Asian Games. However, they are doing well in Archery in the international level. Archery is the most popular and national sport in Bhutan. In the team event they became fourth in Archery in the last Asian Games in Busan in 2002. So, they have chance to win their first medal in Asian Games in the incoming Doha Asian Games. Football is also very popular in Bhutan and they got success in the 2002 Alternative World Cup.

Bahrain:

Bahrain is located in west Asia. The country does not have a long tradition of sports especially in the Olympic and Asian Games. Though they have not got any medal in Olympic Games since its first participation in 1984 Los Angles Olympic Games, they are doing well in the recent Asian Games. They got 7 medals in the last Busan Asain Games in 2002 including 3 gold, 2silver and 2 bronze medals. It is also expected that they will be able to continute their success in the Doha Asian games too as some potential and skilled athletes like athlete Rashid Ramzi and bowler Nadic Al Awandhi will take part in the competition. Rashid Ramzi is now of the most famous names in the long distance racing competition. He made a record in the athletics world winning both 800 m and 1500 m in the world athletics championship in Helsinki for the first time. Nadic is the current glod medal holder of women’s blowing. So, Bahrain can have some anticipation with the incoming Asian Games.

Asian Games 2006 Village:

Doha Asian Games Village will be providing world class services to the athletes and also to the fans. The games village will be the permanent residence for all of the participating athletes from 45 counties. Asian Games village has been adorned with all of the modern amenities and will serve modern facilities including medical treatment, shopping mall, transportation system, cinema hall, mosque, gymnasium, discothèque and a religious convention center etc. The Asian Games Village will be divided into three parts- residential, international and public.

There will have 32 blocks and nine and five-storied buildings will have 811 flats. Electricity and water will be available all the time in each of the flats. The shopping mall is expected to offer postal, car rental and banking services. Experienced and quality doctors as well as nurses will offer the modern treatment and latest medical technologies will also be available in the center. The parking area in the village has capacity of 2500 cars for parking and 70 buses have been allocated for the athletes to from the venues. All the time athletes will get assistance in any case of problem.

Asian Games Doha 2006 Venues:

Asian Games 2006 will be held in Doha in 16 venues. The opening and the closing ceremony will be organized at Khalifa International Complex where the torch of the Asian Games will also be lit. I am giving a short description on each stadium including its location, capacity, events and many other things.

Al-Arabi Sports Club:

Located in Southern Doha, this stadium has the capacity of 13,000 spectators. This stadium will host rugby sevens tournament and some football matches of the 15^th Asian Games 2006. Besides, its indoor hall will also host fencing and table tennis of this tournament. The table tennis competition will be started two days before the opening ceremony. The stadium is located in between the C and D ring roads of southern Doha. Fans can reach this stadium via DohaLink 102 bus line.

Al-Gharrafa Sports Club:

This sports club is situated in the Al-Gharrafa district, northwest of Doha. The club was founded in 1979 with the name of Al-Ittehad. Al-Gharrafa sports club will host some of the most important matches of the 15^th Asian Games 2006. The football tournament of this Asian Games will be held here four days before the opening ceremony. The handball final of the tournament will be held in the newly made indoor hall of Al-Gharrafa sports club. Its mail stadium holds the capacity of 25,000 and the indoor hall made for handball holds the capacity of 3000. Its main stadium is the second biggest stadium in Qatar jointly with the Al-Rayyan Sports Club in terms of its capacity. Al-Gharrafa district is situated 10 km northwest of Doha. People can reach this stadium through DohaLink 102 bus line.

Al-Rayyan Sports Club:

Al-Rayyan Sports Club will host football, volleyball, softball and hockey of the 15^th Asian Games Doha 2006. Four days before the opening ceremony of this tournament the football competition will be started here. Its main stadium with 25,000 capacity is the

second biggest stadium in Qatar jointly with the Al-Gharrafa sports club. Its indoor hall with 3000 capacity will host volleyball and its temporary outdoor venues will softball, hockey and baseball. The stadium is situated in the west of Doha and north of Dukhan road and 25km from the city centre. For transportation, DohaLink 104 bus line is available for the spectators to reach at the stadium.

Al-Sadd Sports Club:

This traditional sports club in Qatar is the home of the country’s most popular football club Al-Sadd football club where some of the international football stars like Romario, Abedi Pele played. It is also the oldest sports club in Qatar which was founded in 1969 by the local students. The club built a new ground in 1988 when they became the first Arabic team to win the AFC Champions league. The stadium was rebuilt for the 15^th Asian Games 2006. The indoor hall has been renovated whereas a new aquatic and a multi-purpose hall have been built ahead of this tournament. Its main stadium will host football matches, aquatic centre will host water polo, and indoor hall will take place sepaktakraw and the multi-purpose hall will host snooker, billiards, pool and carom. The stadium is situated 6km south-west of Doha, near the sports city and off Al-Wabb Street. DohaLink 32 bus line is available for the people to reach at this sports club.

Corniche:

This is one of the nicest waterfront sites in the Middle East. Its natural scenario attracts many tourists every year. Corniche will host triathlon, the cycling road events, the marathons and the race walk. It is situated at the Doha city on the Doha Bay waterfront.

Doha Golf Club:

Doha golf club is famous in the golf world as it regularly hosts Qatar Masters since 1998. Many international stars of golf participate in this tournament and Ernie Els is most famous among the participants of this tournament. This ground is one of the famous desert courses. Millions of gallons of water are needed to keep this ground green and 8 artificial lakes were built here. It is situated 8km north of the central Doha and close to West Bay Lagoon. Desert wind makes the tournament interesting. The golf competition of this 15^th Asian Games will be held here in this ground. People can come to this golf course via DohaLine 102x bus line.

Doha Sailing Club:

This club is situated at south end of Doha Bay and between the Marriott and Oasis hotel. The sailing competition of this 15^th Asian Games Doha 2006 will be organized at this sailing club. The club was founded in 1959. Ahead of this Asian Games the club has gone through a huge renovation program to increase its facilities according to the international standard. 13 sailing events will be held at this ground. DohaLink 76 bus is available to reach at this club.

Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex:

This venue has international standard for hosting ATP mens’ professional tennis tour. Qatar open is held in this complex. Roger Federer won the tournament in 2006. Eight new practice court for tennis and four squash courts was built for the 15^th Asian Games 2006. Its original tennis court has the capacity of 4,106 and each of the squash court has more than 1,000 seating capacity. Squash, tennis and soft tennis competition of this multi-sports Asian Games will be held in this complex. This Khalifa International Tennis and Squash complex is just to the next door of the Qatar sports club near to the Oryx roundabout off the Corniche. DohaLink 76, 101, 101x, 102 and 102x bus lines are available to reach at this complex.

Back to Blogging

For the last five days, I could not write anything for a personal reason. In fact, I had to make a long trip and that is why I could not write anything for any of my blogs. Hopefully, from today (13 November 2006), I will start blogging again.
It’s great to see that blogging is expanding so fast. I guess that I have joined blogging at the right time. I have managed to get some decent amount of success in it. Hopefully, I can continue it and become a very successful blogger in future.

Sharapova Ends Her Season through a Semi-final Defeat in the Madrid Open

Maria Sharapova could not continue her tremendous performance in the season ending WTA championship, Madrid Open. This year was very successful for this 19-year old tennis star as she bagged 5 titles including U.S. Open in this season. Sharapova was on the verge of another great achievement before this tournament. She could have ended this season as no. 1 player in the ranking if she could win this tournament. However, she lost the chance being defeated to Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne at the semi-final. Nevertheless, she is happy with her performance of this season and her consistency in the tennis court. Though this defeat, Sharapova’s 19 match winning streak ended. I am quoting her after match speech from a Hindustan Times report:

"I had a bad day. I struggled to concentrate for more than two points at a time. I don't know why," said the Russian.
"I was a bit tired but I don't think that was decisive. It was just one of those days."
"Not being number one is not really a disappointment. I'm disappointed I lost, that's all.
"Justine deserves to finish the season as number one. She was a finalist in all the Grand Slams, she was very consistent.
"I've had a fantastic year. I'm really pleased with the way I played these last few weeks. I hope to continue like that in 2007."
Though she could not fight well in the last match of this season as she was defeated by Justine Henin by 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), she is confident to do well in the next season. On the other hand, Clijsters is going towards the end of her career after loosing to Amelie Mouresmoe in the other semi-final by 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. This tennis star has been suffering from a wrist injury for a long time. Indicating her unpleasant and disappointing performance of this year she does not want to make her career longer, rather expressed her desire to start family life as it is known to all that she is now engaged with American Basketball Player Brian Lynch. She said,

"I enjoyed playing tennis this week but it's been a very frustrating year," said Clijsters.
"And there were definitely days and weeks even where I wanted to stop (my career) already.
"Never say never but I'm going to stop after next season. This is something that I've thought abbout for a long time.
"It's been hard. My wrist will always be the weakest part of my body. I'll be very happy to not have to do all that other stuff anymore.
"I would love to start a family. There's lot of things I want to do. I enjoy working with kids. We'll see."
Sharapova and Clijsters expressed their own desire regarding tennis and it is worthless to say that both of them are now standing in two different edge of the world. Sharapova expressed her confidence over the next season while Clijsters seems to be a outgoing person of tennis world.

Madrid Open Tennis: Sharpova to Be the No. 1?

Sharapova is going to participate in the last WTA tournament of this season in Madrid, Spain. She is one of the three players participating in this tournament who have chance to finish this year being the number one in the ranking. She is currently in the second position in the women’s ranking. She is excited with this tournament and happy with her performance of this season as she won her second Grand Slam title in US Open. She also won 5 titles in this year. I am quoting her expression from a Reuters report:

"This has been one of the best years for me. I've won a second major and I've been very consistent,"

"I was very proud to win a second major and to beat Amelie (Mauresmo) and Justine (Henin-Hardenne) in back-to-back matches when I did it."
"It's definitely good to be at the last tournament of the year. I'm tired, excited but really looking forward to it. If I keep winning then the ranking will take care of itself.
"I don't set myself goals, I prefer to go with the flow. If you do and get injured then you get really down. You just have to live life by the day."
Mauresmo, the current title holder of this tournament, has the similar chance to finish this year as no. 1. She got a shoulder injury and now is looking forward to hold the title. She says:
"I'm feeling much better and these few days I've had off have done me good," said the Frenchwoman. "I'm not serving at 100 percent just yet but I am going in the right direction.
"Once I got injured the number one spot went out of my mind. I knew it would be difficult but I'm just pleased to be playing. The good part is that I'm fresh both mentally and physically. "It's very different from when I came last year. I had no confidence and all of a sudden everything came together."
Henin-Hardenne is the third candidate hoping to finish the year with the first positon in the ranking. It is injury she fears might be appeared during the tournament and that is why, injury has been her first competitor.
She says ahead of this tournament:
"I'm just happy to be here. Just a few days ago I didn't think I'd be able to make it," said the Belgian who is returning to action after sustaining a calf injury during the Fed Cup final against Italy in September.
"I'm not here to become number one again. My main goal was to play in the Championships because I missed out on the last two editions. I've got nothing to lose as I've had a great season."
Former world no. one Martina Hingis has anticipation with this tournament as she views it as a chance to prove her full pace again in the international tennis as she was used to earlier in her career.
With so many players, so many hopes and competition over the world ranking has already given an additional dimension in this tournament. Who knows, a new comer may come up with something magical to win the title making all the assumption in veil.

Merchandises for World Cup Cricket 2007 Making Boom in the Cricket World

The authority of ICC world cup 2007 is now taking its fullest advantage marketing a wide range of items as memorabilia of the tournament. Fans across the world are being attracted to the products designed and marketed by the licensing and merchandizing project. The items involve handmade dolls, teddy bears, tournament pins, key rings, plastic mugs, branded cricket gear, beach towels and cushions etc. In these products tournament logo (Mello), team logo of 16 teams and host venues with venue flag and event logo are used which are attracting much and getting popularity among he fans. Companies are trying for license to retail the products both in West Indies and other cricket playing nations.

I am quoting some lines from an Indiantelevision report where regarding this news:

“ICC CWC 2007 project officer – licensing and merchandising (L and M), Stephanie Campbell, says the response to the l merchandise has already been strong with fans across the globe asking where they can purchase the CWC 2007 items which come in three lines – Event Logo and Mascot (Mello); Team Logos (for the 16 teams) and Host Venues (e.g. combination of a host venue flag and the event logo).
She says, “Everyone is very impressed with and excited by the quality and range of items which the L & M Programme is showcasing. A number of Caribbean businesses have signed up as official licensees and – along with our international licensees – are providing a vibrant array of Cricket World Cup products for sale.
“Of course, the apparel is proving very popular and we’re seeing more and more people sporting World Cup shirts, caps and other clothing. Fans are definitely impressed with the designs and the creativity which has been exhibited by manufacturers, both regionally and internationally.”
Two companies from Caribbean region have got permission to retail products recently. The companies are Sun Island Jamaica in Jamaica and Sports & Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
It is a good chance for the Caribbean countries to represent their culture through this product at a profitable state.

ICC and BMW Come into a Deal Ahead of World Cup Cricket 2007

BMW, a leading motorcar producer in the world, and ICC, the regulatory board of international cricket, has come up with a deal in which BMW has been the “Official Supplier and Official Premium Car of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007” and this is the first time, the motorcar company has been a part of this widely recognized and popular tournament as a part of their promotional activities. Under this deal BMW will give BMW cars required for the VIP personals during the world cup. I am quoting some lines from Jamaica Gleaner report on this deal:
“BMW has been appointed 'Official Supplier and Official Premium Car of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007'. This partnership is a new step for BMW to be associated with one of the biggest sport events in the world that correspond to some of its main values - culture, dynamics and challenge.
The Cricket World Cup games are taking place from the beginning of March until the end of April in the following Caribbean islands: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago. The final of the competition will occur on April 28 in Barbados.”
The motorcar company supplies car through some importer to the Caribbean region. They will provide cars through its respective importers. Its importers’ names are give4n below:
Warrens Motors in Barbados, Stewart Motors in Jamaica, Ultimate Automobiles in Saint Lucia and Bavarian Motors in Trinidad.
No doubt, this deal will help both the parties to achieve their own goal. For BMW, it will be a good chance to reach their messages to the fans and if they can take this chance effectively then they will definitely be able to increase their market in the world specially in Asian region where, as far as I know, they have smaller market compared with other regional market as Cricket has most popularity here and a leading support for cricket comes from this region. On the other hand, ICC, through this deal, will be able to ensure a quality service in motorcar services.

Top Ten Asians Actors and Actresses in Hollywood

By: S M Mehdi Hassan

This is the age of Asian century. Asian countries are now rising in the world economic stage. Asian performedrs are doing great in Hollywood too.

Asian actors have been working in Hollywood movies for a long time. Previously, the actors used to work in small roles but now the scenario has changed. Many films are being produced in Hollywood, where Asian actors are playing the lead roles. Not only actors, directors like Ang Lee, John Woo, M. Night Shyamalan have mesmerized the American audience with their creation. Here is a list of top ten male and female Asian actors and actresses in Hollywood.

Here, I have made a list of top ten 10 actors and actresses of Asian origin in Hollywood movies. I have selected 5 males and 5 females in this regard.

1. Chow Yun Fat:

Image Link: Chow Yun Fat

The guy clad in a black suit enters the night club and next three seconds there was nothing but gun shots, bloods and death. You all remember the first of the movie titled “Replacement Killers.” The film was a not successful but movies like The Corruptor, Replacement Killers, and Anna and the King and finally Oscar winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon established Chow Yun Fat as an international actor. This 6' 1" well built, athletic actor is one of the most successful actors of Hong Kong. Born in the island of Lamma, Chow’s family moved to Hong Kong in 1965. In 1973, he applied in TVB, as an actor trainee and within next ten years he became a very successful TV series actor. He first achieved success as a movie actor with the movie A better Tomorrow. After the success of A better Tomorrow, Chow permanent got into movie business.

2. Jet Li

Image Link: Jet Li

He is the most famous Asian film star after Jackie Chan now. At the age of eight, he started learning martial art in Beijing Wushu Academy, won five gold medals and by the time he was a teenager became a coach. At this time he got his first movie break Shaolin Temple. Movies like Once upon a time in China, Fist of Legend, High Risk or Meltdown (American version) turned Jet Li into a big name in Hong Kong. He turned to Hollywood in 1998. In the sequel of a hit movie Lethal Weapon 4 he played the role of a villain. The movie was successful and it established Jet Li’s position in Hollywood. Gradually, he rose to fame with movies like The One, Cradle to the Grave, and The Hero. Li is now planning to retire.

3. Jackie Chan

Image Link: Jackie Chan

Today, he is the most famous Asian actor in Hollywood. Born in April, 1954, Jackie’s father was a chef and mother was a house keeper. He first learned martial art from his father. Jackie’s parents sent him to China Drama Academy. While he was in that school, he got his first movie break in a film titled Seven Little Valiant Fighters: Big and Little Wong Tin Bar. At the age of seventeen he graduated from the academy and started working as a stuntman in Hong Kong films. He was very successful as a stuntman. In 1978, he became very successful with the movie Drunken Master. The 80’s and the 90’s were the most prolific times in Jackie’s career. He along with his fellow students of China Drama School was working in the film industry and they were very successful. From the beginning Chan does all the stunts of his movies. In 1983, after making a movie titled Project A he formed his own official stunt team. Jackie became a big name in Hollywood after Rumble in the Bronx. Then movies like Rush Hour and Shanghai Knights propelled him into the top position in Hollywood.

4. Bruce Lee

Image Link: Bruce Lee

This man does not need any introduction to the film goers and martial artists. He is a legend both in films and martial art. Born in 1940, Bruce Lee is an American born martial artist, actor and instructor. He introduced the famous style of martial art known as Jeet Kune Do. Since his parents were in acting profession, Bruce was exposed to acting at a very early age. He started learning martial arts at the age of twelve. His first major break came with the mini series Green Hornet in 1974. His success came after Big Boss in 1971. The young people of China liked the new hero, the bringer of justice with his fist. With movies like Fist of fury, Way of the Dragon turned him into a major film star in Hong Kong. Now the Hollywood directors could not ignore him. In 1973, Warner Brothers produced Enter the Dragon, one of the most successful movies produced by the company. While working for this movie, this legendary actor died. Still now, nobody could pin point what really caused Lee’s death at such a young age.

5. Sammo Hung Kam-Bo

Image Link: Sammo Hung Kam-Bo

One of the members of The Seven Little Fortunes which included Jackie chan, Yuen Bao, Sammo is a famous Kung fu movie, actor, producer and director. Those of you who remembered the opening scene of Enter the Dragon, where Bruce Lee fights with a chubby looking fighter was Sammo. Like Jackie, Sammo also started his training in Master Yu Jim Yuen Opera Academy in 1959. While studying here, he had an accident which kept him bed ridden for many days and he grew fat. Hung’s ride to success began in 1970, when he started working in the Golden Harvest studio. A movie titled The Fast Sword propelled his career. In 1973, he worked in two movies made by famous Taiwanese director King Hu: A Touch Of Zen and The Fate Of Lee Khan. In 1973, he worked with Kung fu legend Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon. Today, Sammo is one of most established and respected actors in Hong Kong film industry.

6. Gong li

Image Link: Gong li

Looking at her face, one can never understand her true age. She is ever young. Gong Li, daughter of a professor of economics, has excelled in singing and dancing in her school. Despite failing twice, she got admission in Beijing Central College of Drama. In her career, most of the time she acted in movies directed by Zhang Yimou. Zhang’s movies brought her success, name and fame. She was offered by Zhang in 1987, when she was a student, to work in the lead role of his first film Red Shorghum. The movie won Golden Bear award in Berlin film festival. She did not appear in many Hollywood movies. Her latest appearance is in Miami Vice, in 2006. Last year, her performance in Memoirs of a Geisha was widely acclaimed. In the movie she spoke in English.

7. Lucy Liu

Image Link: Lucy Liu

This beautiful “Angel” started her acting career when she was studying in the University of Michigan. In her senior years, she auditioned for a small role, but later, was chosen to play the lead character. From there, she decided to try her luck as an actress. From Michigan, she came to Vegas and started auditioning and worked at a food shop. In the popular mini series “Beverly Hills, 90210” she made a guest appearance. Her break came in 1997. She got to play the character of an Asian Lawyer, Ling Woo, in a TV series titled Ally Mcbeal. Her performance caught the attention of the audience and filmmakers. The year 2000 was very very lucky for Lucy. She landed with a role in the movie Charlie’s Angels that established her as an actress in Hollywood.

8. Michele Yeoh

Image Link: Michele Yeoh

She is among the few Asian women to work in a James Bond Movie. Born in Malaysia, Michele is fluent in English and Malay. Also knows as “Michelle Khan,” she was enlisted on People Magazine’s fifty most beautiful people in the world in 1997. She started ballet dancing at the age of four. In 1980, she went to England’s Royal Academy of Dance. In the beginning, she dreamt of becoming a professional ballet dancer but an injury in her spinal chord ended her dream. Yeoh’s film career started in Hong Kong. She started as model and then got offer in action movies with Jackie Chan. Her performance in Police Story made her very popular. Then she acted in a number of martial art movies. Her first Hollywood movie was Tomorrow Never Dies in 1997. She also acted in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), and Memoirs of a Geisha (2005).

9. Ziyi Zhang

Image Link: Ziyi Zhang

Born to an economist father and kindergarten mother, Ziyi Zhang was very small and weak as a child. Her parents sent her to dance school so that she could grow strong. In her middle and secondary school, she studied dance in Beijing Dance Academy. At the age of seventeen, she got admission in China Central Drama College. Her first film was The Road Home with director, Zhang Yimou. A year later, she landed with a big role in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The character played by Zhang had to do fighting on the screen. She worked really hard and the movie was successful establishing Zhang as a big star. Then she starred in Rush Hour 2 with Jackie Chan. Hero was nominated for Oscar and House of Flying Daggers was nominated for Golden Globe award. Memoirs of Geisha in 2005 was widely praised by the critics.

10. Sandra Oh

Image Link: Sandra Oh

She was born to Korean parents who were immigrants in Canada. In her school years, she played flutes, tried ballet dancing and finally settled down in acting. As a result, she joined the school drama club. After finishing her drama study in National Theatre School of Montreal, she went to London to do a stage play. Sandra Oh’s film career started with two biographical TV films in Canada: The Diary of Evelyn Lau and Clarkson’s life. For her outstanding performance in the Canadian film Double Happiness, Oh won Genie Award. In USA, Oh became popular after starring in Under the Tuscan Sun. She worked in another TV series titled Grey’s Anatomy. For her performance in this TV series, Oh won Golden Globe award and Screen Actor Guild award.

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Sharapova Visits Real Madrid Soccer Club

Maria Sharapova, the present no.2 tennis player in the women’s ranking, is now in Spain to participate in the Sony Ericsson Championships at Madrid which is the last tennis tour of this year. Sharapova is now on the verge of a great achievement ahead of this tournament. She can get back her no. 1 place in the ranking since 2005 winning the title of this tournament which would be her sixth in this year.

Prior to this tournament Sharapova recently went at the Bernabeu to watch a Champions League football match between Real Madrid and Steaua Bucharest. After the match she met some of the great players of this famous club including Ronaldo, Beckham, Iker, Casillas and Robinho.

She expressed her feelings regarding this visit to this popular cub of Spain. I am wuoting some from a Tennisnews website:

“It was great to be able to go to a Real Madrid game,” said Sharapova, the 2006 US Open champion. “The crowd was fantastic and so passionate. It was great to meet some of the team after the game. They are players who I have followed as a fan and have a lot of respect for."

Sharapova not is famous for her tennis skills but also a dream girl of many for her physical appearance. She can make this year one of the most successful year in her career winning the title and being the no. 1 in the ranking.

Maria Sharapova Would Like to Become Audrey Hepburn

Maria Sharapova is the coolest name in Tennis today. She has everything- skill, money and glamour. She is very pretty but she is more famous as a top player. She is now the second ranked female player according WTA ranking and soon she may become the top ranked player. Blogcritics has presented a great report on Maria Sharapova with the title Maria Sharapova's Beautiful Life. It was based on a chat with Maria Sharapova. I am quoting from the report:

“After my tennis, I'm not going to stop and retire in Hawaii. There are a lot of things I want to do in my life, and these things I'm doing now are going to help me for my future life. Fashion is one of the thing I want to do after tennis."

The Russian beauty leads a good life, and she knows it. Asked if she would change her life for someone else’s life, she quickly replied "no chance,” but if she really had to, she would have been Audrey Hepburn.”

Image Link: Maria Sharapova

Image Link: Audrey Hepburn

The writer did not explain more about this matter. I wonder why Maria Sharapova would like to become Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn was a great actress but Maria Sharapova is a great player. So, I am still a bit confused. Well here are 3 reasons why:

1. Maria Sharapova is now doing great in modeling. Most probably, some day, she may join acting too and Audrey Hepburn is a great role model in this regard.
2. Maria Sharapova is perhaps a big fan of Hepburn and that is why she wants to be in her place.
3. Audrey Hepburn was not only a great actress but also she worked for humanity. This is the work that separated her from most of the other actresses. While the other actresses were busy about creating scandals and getting married and getting divorced, Hepburn dedicated her life for humanity. Maria Sharapova also does some charity works.

Well, these are my ideas and I am not sure if they are accurate or not. May be, you can correct my mistakes in the comment section. Anyway, I am sure that if Maria Sharapova continues her way of helping the poor people, playing great Tennis and keeping her attractive figure intact, she will become a legend someday just like Audrey Hepburn.

What do you think?

All about World Cup Cricket 2007

World Cup Cricket 2007, the ninth tournament of ICC World Cup, is going to be held from March 11, 2007 to April 28, 2007. Highest number of teams will participate in this world cup tournament. With 10 test teams, another 6 teams will be appeared in the tournament. Among the six teams just Kenya has one day status and other 5 were elected through ICC Trophy. This is also the first time, 5 teams got ticket from ICC Trophy and this is also the incident of joining highest number of teams from ICC Trophy. Ireland and Bermuda are two new comers in this highest event of ODI cricket.

Teams:

Teams with test status:

Australia:
For Australia, this would be the ninth event as they participated all of the world cup events. Defending champion Australia is the only team who has the record of winning highest three world cup tournaments. They won the last two consecutive tournaments held in 1999 and 2003. It is undoubtedly true that Australia will be the hot favorite team for this tournament too and they will try to attain their hat trick championship and their recent performance is well enough to make them hopeful for the next tournament.

West Indies:
West Indies is the in the second position in terms of winning world cup tournaments. The team could win 2 world cup tournaments so far and both the two championships, they won, dated back to the first two world cup tournaments in 1975 and 1979 in the history of world cup tournament. After the first two world cup performance graph in the world cup and also in ODI cricket have been falling down.

That is why many think that West Indies has seen its golden times already; I think, however, they are in the way of another glorious era. Brian Lara seems confidence as a captain and under his captaincy the team also seems more united and playing as a team where individual performance gets less importance.

Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka also played in all the tournaments of world cup. They are also one of the favorite teams in the upcoming world cup tournament. Mahela Jayawardene as captain and Coach Tom Moody have gone through some ups and down with Sri Lanka cricket team since they were assigned in their respective post. However, I believe the champions of 1996 world cup, Sri Lanka, may come up with some extraordinary performance in the world cup as they have some emerging young players like Malinga, Mahroof.

England:
This has been an open secret in the world cricket that England, where cricket was originated and developed, could not win any of the tournaments of world cup though they were finalist in three world cup tournaments. After winning the Ashes series they could show their cricket skill but some recent incidents of injury including the regular captain of Michael Vaughn, has moved them a bit back. However, some fighting players like Flintof, Peterson, Jones, and recent star Monty Panesar can lead England to their untouchable championship of world cup for the first time in the world cup 2007.

New Zealand:
The team is a symbol of a united and idol ‘team’. It is said that though they have not nay high profile star, they could make success playing as a team rather than any sole performance and the captain Steven Fleming is considered to be the hey player of such team spirit of New Zealand. Recently, Fleming expressed his desire to win world cup and I think it is not impossible for a team like this. New Zealand also played all the world cup tournaments but has not won any title yet. Now, it is yet to see what they can attain in the world cup cricket 2007.

South Africa:
South Africa first played their world cup tournament in 1992 just after coming back to the international cricket after a long time suspension of ICC due to the government’s policy of playing only with the white nations. It is also said that they are the most unlucky team of world cup as in their first tournament in 2992 they had to lose in the semi-final against England due to an astonishing calculation of the then method for rain affected match. Under the captaincy of Graem Smith they are doing well in the international competition and they have a potential to win their first world cup in the world cup 2007. They played five world cup tournaments.

India:
India also played all of the world cup tournaments. Under the captaincy of legend Kapil Dev they won their only world cup in 1983. After that they could only reach in the final of the last world cup tournament 2003 under the captaincy of Sourav Gangly. They are also a favorite team for the world cup cricket 2007. However, analyst has put a question mark that whether they could repeat their performance of the previous tournament in 2003 as Chappel, new coach of India, has already been reported with some of the controversy including the dispute with the former captain Sourav Ganguly.

Pakistan:
Pakistan has gone through some in and out of field controversies recently. Due to these controversies many think that these will have a negative impact on the whole team. However, it is also true that Pakistan always play their best under the pressure. They also showed some of this performance under pressure. They won their only world cup in1992 under the captaincy of Imran Kahn and before that tournament they were under a huge pressure. Pakistan also played all of the world cup tournaments in world cup cricket.

Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe played their first ever world cup in 1983 and till playing in the world cup. The Zimbabwean cricket is going through some of its crucial time with the association of the state politics. Protesting the involvement of state politics in their cricket, many former players have resigned from cricket including, Andy Flower, Henry Olonga, Tatenda Taibu, Stuart Carlisle and many more. That is why they are not participating in test matches now-a-days. It is a big question how will be their performance in the next world cup tournament in 2007 as their recent performance in international cricket is not good enough.

Bangladesh:
The upcoming world cup will be the third world cup of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is the latest member of test family of cricket. They have been participating in world cup since 1999. Though their first tournament had some glorious moment as they defeated Pakistan their group match but in the second tournament their performance was poor. For the next tournament, they can hope something better as their recent performance is good in international cricket. Under the coaching of famous Coach Dev Whatmore, they are gradually developing in the cricket world.

Team/s with one day status:

Kenya:
Kenya has played 4 tournaments in word cup. They have only one day status in international cricket. Since 1996 they are playing in world cup. Though they were the semi-finalist of the last world cup, their recent performance is not praiseworthy.

Teams qualified for World Cup Cricket 2007:

Bermuda:
World cup 2007 will be the first tournament for Bermuda in world cup. They have the ICC status of Associate with ODI status.

Canada:
Canada played their first tournament in world cup in1979 and after a long time they played their second tournament in 2003 and the upcoming world cup tournament will be their third tournament. They also have the Associate of ODI status of ICC.

Scotland:
For Scotland, world cup cricket 2007 will be the second tournament. They played their first tournament in 1999. They have the Associate of ODI status of ICC.

Netherlands:
After playing their first world cup in 1996, the next world cup will be their third one in world cup cricket. They also have the Associate of ODI status of ICC.

Ireland:
World Cup cricket 2007 will be their first tournament in world cup. ICC gave them the Associate of ODI status.