Category: Sports

(Xinhua)11:10, March 30, 2019

BERLIN, March 29 (Xinhua) — Arjen Robben seems to have given up hope of returning in time for the German Clasico on April 6. The game could not be more significant, as the 2019 Bundesliga title will most likely be at stake.

The Dutchmans injury problems will likely keep him sidelined when Bayern Munich cross swords with rivals Borussia Dortmund on home soil.

It is going to take a while, the 35-year-old acknowledged, adding that he is in a good way, but not yet training with the team.

The winger has seen better days, having made his last appearance for his side back in November 2018, being dogged by a string of injuries since then.

But things could be worse. With only two months left of the 2018/2019 season, one of footballs greatest players is in danger of facing a bitter end to his career without returning for his farewell game.

The decision has been made that the Bavarian club wont extend his contract after a decades service. I only have two months left in this club I played for ten years. I am desperate to wear the shirt at least once more, the former Dutch international said.

To return once more is the most important thing for me. I dont care when.

Fans are aware that Robben is far from a regular performer, but he is one of the clubs legends having scored the winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final and has delivered 143 goals and 101 assists in 305 games.

Few attackers have influenced Bayerns game over the last decade as he did by inventing a signature move. The so-called Robben is his party piece, the acceleration infield and arrowed left-footed finish that has exposed dozens of opponents over the years.

I can be proud of that because people say its like your own move, running inside and scoring a goal, he says. Its something I have been doing throughout the years and its still successful.

To speak about Robben is to not only mention the seven national championships in Germany. He also won titles in the Netherlands, England and Spain, and reached the Champions League final three times.

He was one of the key figures in the Dutch national team that finished runners-up at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and third at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Robben played for Groningen, PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Real Madrid before joining Bayern in 2009.

Currently, it seems a race against time for Robben to make his wish to say goodbye on the pitch come true. Several times he appeared ready for full training again before encountering setbacks. It wasnt easy to always start again over the last few months, Robben said.

Robben might have learned to be patient over the years as it doesnt make sense to force the issue. The winger emphasized he has accepted to keep on working hard and hoping for the best.

Fans say they are keeping their fingers crossed for their heros return, while Robbens remaining options seem to be listening to his bodys signals.

He recently said he intends to continue playing football after his Bayern chapter closes. But for the time being, the most important goal is to return for one last hurrah in Bayerns shirt.

(Xinhua)11:13, March 30, 2019

QINGDAO, China, March 29 (Xinhua) — Two-time Olympic champion Ye Shiwen confirmed her new speciality as she won the womens 200m breaststroke at the Chinese National Swimming Championships here on Friday.

Ye, who swam to a personal best in the semifinal with a time of 2:25.32, improved on that in the final by winning her first breaststroke national title in 2:23.46. Yu Jingyao and He Yun came second and third in 2:24.61 and 2:25.18 respectively.

I was confident that I could produce a career-high in the 200m breaststroke because I had saved my energy in the semifinal. I was a breaststroker when I was young. I am happy that I have rediscovered the interesting part of that stroke, said the 23-year-old, who also claimed victory in the 200m individual medley.

World champion Xu Jiayu overcame illness to breeze to the mens 200m backstroke title in 1:55.65, beating Li Guangyuan in 1:57.07 and Jin Yan, who swam 1:59.08.

I did not feel well before the competition. I tried my best, but it was not the result I expected, Xu said.

Qin Haiyang, national record holder in the mens 200m breaststroke, topped the field in 2:08.66, followed by Zhang Ruixuan and Yan Zibei.

I was torn between the 200m individual medley and the 200m breaststroke, since the two events clashed according to the current World Championships competition schedule. I had to make a decision and choose one event, Qin said.

After winning the 200m freestyle, Yang Junxuan swept to her second title in the womens 100m freestyle in 54.28. Team Shandong dominated the mens 4x200m freestyle, winning in 7:17.37.

Around 900 swimmers from 25 teams are competing at the meet which runs from March 24 to 31, and also serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2019 FINA Swimming World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea in July.

(Xinhua)13:48, March 30, 2019

BUENOS AIRES, March 29 (Xinhua) — Lionel Messi has reiterated his commitment to Argentinas national team and hit out at lies about him in his homeland.

The 31-year-old ended an eight-month self-imposed exile from international football against Venezuela last week but could not prevent a 3-1 defeat in Madrid.

He then missed the Albicelestes 1-0 win over Morocco on Tuesday because of a groin complaint.

His absence stirred controversy in Argentina with some media outlets pointing out that Messi attended the baptism of Cesc Fabregass children on Sunday and trained freely with Barcelona on Wednesday.

People said I went back because of a baptism, Messi told Argentinas Radio 94.7 Club Octubre. Its nonsense. It hurts me that people lie. I dont hear or see these things, but my family suffers. Some will make up anything and people buy it. They say my father runs AFA (the Argentine Football Association) and that he does what we want. Its all lies.

Of his fitness, the Barcelona No. 10 said: The truth is that I have had this pubis problem since before the break in December. I have been playing less. In the last few years, I have been taking care of myself.

(Argentina coach Lionel) Scaloni knows that and thats why he decided I shouldnt travel (to Morocco), that the rest would be good for me.

Messi also spoke of Argentinas disappointing 2018 World Cup in Russia, where the team was eliminated in the last 16 by eventual champions France.

He said he is determined to win a major trophy for the Albiceleste, having lost the finals of the 2014 World Cup and the Copa America in 2015 and 2016.

If I didnt want to (win titles), I wouldnt play for the national team, he said. Nobody is forcing me to. I want to win something with this team. I want to be here and I want to play in all the important competitions.

When I decided to go back, a lot of people were against me. My son said: why do they crucify you in Argentina? I tell him its only some people, that there are others who love me. I show my affection for the national team in a different way and to anyone who says differently, I have nothing to prove.

(Xinhua)08:27, April 01, 2019

Sun Yang celebrates after winning the 1,500m freestyle of the Chinese Swimming National Championships held in Qingdao, Shandong Province, on Sunday, March 31, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua)

Olympic champion Sun Yang fired off his personal-best 1,500m freestyle in four years and collected his fourth title on the last day of the Chinese Swimming National Championships on Sunday.

Sun, who stormed three world-best time this season in 200m, 400m and 800m, led the field to win the 1,500m freestyle in 14 minutes 55.00 seconds, his personal-best since 2015.

Ji Xinjie came to second in 15:03.38 and Cheng Long third in 15:10.80.

It was the event I felt the most satisfied among all the four events I have competed. I beat the barrier of 15-minute and clocked my best time in four years since I changed my focus to the middle distance after 2012 Olympic Games, said the 27-year-old, the eldest one at the meet.

I was so excited and happy because I found back my endurance for this marathon event and felt more confident in the mid-long distance events, Sun said.

Olympic champion Ye Shiwen continued her winning comeback in the 400m individual medley by claiming gold in 4:37.57. Compared with 200m IM and 200m breaststroke, 400 IM was the weakest part of my events. But it was a good sign that I am a reborn swimmer, said the 23-year-old.

Asian record holder Liu Xiang crowned in her favorite 50m freestyle in 24.70, beating Wu Qingfengs 24.77 and Zhu Menghuis 24.92.

I did not feel good since this was the only event I competed in this meet. I expected a better time, said the 50m backstroke world record holder.

Xu Jiayu completed a golden-triple in the mens 50m backstroke with a time of 24.47 after he swept victories in 100m and 200m backstroke. Wang Peng took a silver in 25.17 and Li Guangyuan finished third in 25.28.

Team Zhejiang wrapped the mens and womens 4X100m medley relays in 4:02.50 and 3:37.51, respectively.

The eight-day competition, which attracted about 900 swimmers from 25 teams from March 24 to 31, serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2019 FINA Swimming World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea in July.

(Xinhua)09:16, April 01, 2019

Chinese government issued the Guidance on Taking the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as an Opportunity to Develop Winter Sports here on Sunday, trying to seize the opportunity of Olympics to usher winter sports into a new page in the country.

The Guidance lists main goals of Chinas winter sports by 2022, including that the development of winter sports in China will be more balanced; the popularity will be significantly improved; the participation will increase by a large margin, and the influence will be more extensive.

According to the Guidance, China will compete in all events at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, and will improve athletes competitiveness, thus ensuring breakthroughs in performance.

The Guidance stresses the importance of preparation of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

To provide better facilities, relative departments and institutions should push forward scientific research, set green channel for procurement of training equipment and construction projects for the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics, optimize procurement procedures, and improve procurement efficiency.

To ensure a well-rounded environment for training, relevant authorities should undertake training and supporting tasks when conditions permit, strengthen the construction of training venues and facilities for national teams, and speed up the establishment of the training and supporting team.

To build an incentive mechanism, local governments should formulate education and settlement policies after retiring that conform to the characteristics of winter sports athletes, ensure the treatment and fully mobilize the enthusiasm of athletes, coaches, and other relevant personnel so as to address their concerns and better prepare for the Beijing Winter Olympics.

The Guidance shows the Chinese governments determination to popularize mass winter sports. Local governments should perfect the system, construct more facilities, diversify sports activities, strengthen publicity, and carry out extensive activities for youth such as sports events and school activities.

The Guidance also calls for the development of winter sports industry.

First is to cultivate the main body of the market. Local governments should implement the brand strategy, establish industrial areas with relatively large scales, develop companies with relatively large influence and strong market competitiveness, and build composite bases for tourism and sports.

Second is to optimize industrial structure. Local governments should promote the fitness, leisure, and tourism industry, integrate winter sports industry and related industries, and provide diversified products and services. Besides, local governments should innovate in the manufacturing industry of winter sports equipment and promote the synergy between upstream and downstream of the industrial chain. High-tech enterprises with independent intellectual property will be strongly supported.

Third is to expand the market of competition and performance. Local governments should arrange the bid for holding international high-level sports events in an orderly manner. For highly spectacular winter sports like figure skating, ice hockey, curling, snowboarding and short track speed skating, local governments should support social forces to create high-quality events and activities.

Also, they should support the application of new technologies such as ultra-high definition video and virtual reality in the live broadcasting and relay of winter sports events, thus developing relevant industries at the same time.

(Global Times)13:40, April 01, 2019

Christopher Loch, FC Bayern coach of international programs, is directing soccer teachers at Bayerns Football School in Qingdao, East Chinas Shandong Province. Photo: Li Hao/ GT

Chinas top education authority has decided to set up some pilot kindergartens that will specialize in soccer training as part of the countrys efforts to have 50 million children and adults playing the sport by the end of this decade, with the ultimate goal becoming a world soccer superpower.

Provincial education authorities could recommend 50-200 kindergartens for the project. The number can be adjusted based on the actual situation and the top priority is to ensure the kindergartens soccer activities are developed appropriately, according to an announcement posted Friday on WeChat account zhongguoxiaoyuanzuqiu (China school soccer), an official account under the Ministry of Education.

The kindergartens chosen need to develop childrens interest in soccer and promote their physical and mental health by developing various soccer games, and encourage children to participate in activities including running, climbing, throwing and ball play to promote basic sports ability.

Kindergartens should prioritize childrens health and safety and improve childrens ability to perceive and avoid danger and injury through soccer related games, said the account.

Teachers could use foam balls instead of real soccer balls as they are softer and will not pose a risk to the children, said Liu Lu, a kindergarten teacher in Wuqing district of Tianjin Municipality.

More than 20,000 primary and high schools nationwide offer soccer coaching, and these schools have become mainstays of the countrys soccer program, the ministry said in 2018.

We have soccer coaches for kids who are over 5, and many other kindergartens in Beijing run soccer programs too, Li Jianli, director of Mianhua Hutong Kindergarten in Beijings Xicheng district, told the Global Times on Sunday.

(Peoples Daily Online)10:37, April 02, 2019

(Photo/Chinanews.com)

China’s first 50km ultra-marathon took place on March 31 in Lishui City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, attracting a total of 13,500 domestic and foreign contestants to various events including the ultra-marathon, half-marathon, and mini-marathon, Chinanews.com reported on April 1.

Chinese runner Cen Wanjiang and Yao Miao won the men’s and women’s ultra-marathon championship, which has been recognized by the International Association of Ultrarunners.

The ultra-marathon, “2019 Lishui Ultra Marathon”, was jointly hosted by the Chinese Athletic Association, Sports Bureau of Zhejiang Province and Lishui municipal government, and co-organized by the sports bureau of Lishui City and Zhejiang Marathons and Running Association (ZMRA).

Cen Wanjiang claims mens title.(Photo/Chinanews.com)

The marathon covered a variety of landscapes including urban areas, greenways, wetlands parks, and rural areas, which enabled the runners to enjoy the unique charm of the local scenery.

Moreover, a dedicated mini program was launched by the organizers of the event, providing smart services and information about the surrounding scenic spots, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses.

Yao Miao wins womens championship. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

Long praised for its outstanding ecological environment, Lishui has been adhering to the green development path and giving priority to environmentalism for many years. The city has also attached great importance to sport and held many large sporting events and activities, winning itself such honors as “top ten sports cities in China,” “the home of draughts in China,” and “the home of Chinese Go.”

(Peoples Daily Overseas New Media)15:18, April 02, 2019

Opponents on the field, but friends when the final whistle blows. Such is the extracurricular life of many international students in China, as soccer helps bridge the culture gap between the young souls from abroad and the ancient country they study in.

Studying at the International Education School of Shandong Normal University, the favorite sport for Italian student who goes by the Chinese name Li Xian is soccer. At the very beginning, he couldn鈥檛 talk to his Chinese teammates very well, but gradually, as more international students played with them and chatted in Chinese, Li also broke the language barrier. Now, he can discuss soccer games and tactics with his teammates in Chinese.

Like Li Xian, a Guinean student who goes by the Chinese name Li Yang joined the soccer team at the university in 2016. According to Li Yang, through the sport, he now speaks fluent Chinese, which brings him closer to classmates and the nation as a whole. He also makes more friends with his Chinese skills.

Beyond soccer, many more international students are connected to their campuses and to their friends through sports, from tennis to orienteering.

Over 500,000 international students studied in China in 2018, according to China鈥檚 Ministry of Education, and that number is expected to go up in the coming years.

鈥淔oreign students in China are not only learning language, but also want to understand China and the Chinese people. Therefore, it is significant to help international students create opportunities for knowing each other. Through sports, students can accomplish the same mission and fight for the same goal. It鈥檚 only natural to have more intense communication,鈥?said Liu Xiangjun, a Chinese teacher who is teaching Chinese in South Korea.

By HuangShuo (Xinhua)13:01, April 03, 2019

BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) — Jiaqi plays Cuju, ancient Chinese football, with her classmates every week, but when she met David Beckham at her kindergarten, the five-year-old only saw the British football icon as an interesting foreigner to play with, which is exactly what Beckham was hoping for.

Play was the theme of Beckhams recent visit to Xianghuaqiao Kindergarten in Shanghai, one of the seven kindergartens where the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) piloted a new project using play to benefit preschool children between the ages of three and six.

Its so important that we allow time and space for children to have the chance to just be a kid, to be creative, explore and for them to spend time with their friends, Beckham told Xinhua in an interview during the visit last month, also his first official visit to China as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Located in Qingpu, one of the suburbs of Shanghai, most of the children attending Xianghuaqiao Kindergarten are from migrant families, meaning they have to adapt to new friends, a new dialect and a whole new environment.

According to a UNICEF atlas, it is estimated that over 240 million Chinese people had migrated domestically up to 2017. In 2015, nearly 69 million children were left behind by one or both parents who have migrated, over 34 million children had migrated nationwide, and one out of every five children in Chinas urban areas was a migrant child.

Its a big change for a young child to face, Beckham said, while he was impressed by so much energy the children there showed him.

Under UNICEFs Play for Resilience project, the kindergarten offers different forms of play and reading activities to strengthen childrens confidence, social skills and resilience, which are considered important for all children, including children who have migrated and children left behind.

Beckham played with building blocks, drew pictures and talked with Jiaqi and her classmates about their lives, saying it was amazing to see that all of the children he met looked so happy and comfortable.

Their confidence, creativity and imaginations really shine through even with the stress that their families may face, he said.

UNICEF is working with the Chinese government to support these early learning programs, and I can see what a big difference it makes to a childs happiness.

As a father of four, Beckham has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the past 14 years. In 2015, he launched the 7 Fund with UNICEF, under which a number of efforts have been made to help children across the globe.

I have traveled to meet children all over the world affected by malnutrition, violence or health issues. I think when youve met children suffering in the ways as Ive seen, you cant help but be moved to help, he said.

Being proud of the life-changing ways the 7 Fund is supporting children, the former England captain said there is still much more to do to create a better world for the next generation and provide children with safe homes and schools, nutritious food, places to play and explore and good healthcare.

Its why I started the 7 Fund — to do more, Beckham said.

Paying the visit to China in the year that marks 40 years of partnership between UNICEF and the Chinese government, the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador would like to call on more people in the country to join him in making more efforts for the children.

I would say to anyone reading that they can join me and UNICEF to support us in continuing this really important work, Beckham said. Anyone can join me and become a friend of UNICEF China.

I want to continue to use my voice and platform to draw attention to and change the lives of children all over the globe.

(Xinhua)07:17, April 04, 2019

Deputy minister of State General Adminstration of Sport of China Du Zhaocai, who is in charge of football told FIFA.com recently that Chinese Football Association (CFA) plans to imported 100 foreign youth coaches by 2019 to help educate youth talents, strengthen youth football training system across the country.

Education and sports are intertwined. To promote campus football development, educational departments should focus on the popularization of campus football while professional organizations like football associations, clubs and youth football training centers at all levels should focus on improving football techniques and tactics. With cooperation, we will make youth football training system better and stronger, said Du.

Eager to learn, CFA introduced top-level coaches to upgrade its managerial skills. The Italian coach winning the FIFA World Cup champion, Marcello Lippi was appointed head coach of the mens senior team in 2016 and was replaced by his compatriot Fabio Cannavaro in March 2019.

It is obvious that the keys to joining the international rank are to develop the youth and the local coaches to realize the long-term goals. One is to increase the nationwide football population and the other is to assist the national team qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

As a result, China kicked off the 100 foreign coach project last year, meaning 100 quality foreign coaches will be hired and dispatched to different youth training centers to develop the young talents.

Our football reform is underpinned by youth development, noted Du.

As CFA further lifts the admission standards for professional club league in 2019, by linking the club youth training with admission to leagues at all levels, to league results, club investment, senior team registration and allowed quota. Then each club needs to build up management over youth training. Meanwhile, learning from the practices of the main European leagues such as the English Premier League and the German Bundesliga, CFA requires that squad list submitted by each club in professional leagues at all levels should include at least two U21 players it trained. After a few years, the number will be around six to eight U21 players, to secure enough successors on the play field as well as to finalize a professional youth training model.

The 3+1 mode is a major feature of the 100-strong program, meaning each foreign coach has three local assistants to mentor. Since CFA plans to comprehensively promote youth development, foreign coaches are extended to scouts, fitness coaches and goalkeeping coaches.

This mode will secure a success, added Du. Our local coaches will gain experiences by interacting with these foreign experts. Youth development is a long-term task and CFA will try to complete a youth development system of our own.