Sport & Culture – The Diplomat

Much Homework for Australian Cricket After India Tour

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:43:37 +0900

“Homework-gate” has led to the sacking of four Australian cricketers. Will the team learn its lessons?

China: No Longer Largest Art Market

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:32:58 +0900

The U.S. regained its status as the world’s largest art market in 2012, after sales in China fell by nearly a quarter.

Holi: India’s Festival of Colors, Minus the Water

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:53:29 +0900

Across India, Hindus are flinging colored powder but less water than usual at this year’s Holi.

World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance for Japan, Australia

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:32:48 +0900

Japan and Australia had their World Cup hopes put on hold last night by Jordan and Oman.

Weibo: The Real People’s Daily

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:13:34 +0900

China’s popular microblogging site Weibo has become the nation’s premier online outlet for public opinion.

The Steve Jobs Manga: Apple’s Founder Lives On in Illustrated Form

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:12:38 +0900

A manga series that tells Steve Jobs’ story hit stores yesterday in Japan.

Japan Set to Book Ticket to World Cup

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:26:51 +0900

Japan is on the verge of securing its slot in the 2014 World Cup. Other places are up for grabs.

Navneet Kaur Dhillon Crowned Miss India 2013

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:54:25 +0900

Navneet Kaur Dhillon won the Pond’s Femina Miss India 2013 contest in Mumbai last night.

MTV’s Korean Drama Butterfly to Raise Awareness on Human Trafficking

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:55:40 +0900

MTV and Korean drama join the fight against modern slavery.

Sanjay Dutt to Finish Jail Term for Illegal Arms Possession

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:26:22 +0900

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt must finish his five years in jail for weapons possession linked to terror group.

Honda Eyes Return to Formula One

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:04:26 +0900

With Hyundai also considering involvement, Asia’s influence in Formula One could soon be greater than ever.

A Dream Denied for Japan at World Baseball Classic

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:46:25 +0900

Japan’s aim for three consecutive winning championships would be denied at the WBC.

Psy Changes Tune on ‘Assarabia’ to Avoid Upsetting Middle East

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:43:07 +0900

Psy has pulled back on the title and lyrics of his next single to avoid offending the Arab world.

David Beckham in China as Football Ambassador

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:14:38 +0900

Beckham says he hopes to inspire Chinese youth to take up the sport. Could he play in China one day?

Japan Fashion Week Nods to Tradition, China

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:36:49 +0900

In Tokyo this week, Asian designers are showing the future of traditional fashion.

Demi Lovato Performs in Singapore

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:54:09 +0900

Pop star Demi Lovato performed in Singapore and shared her message of hope for women.

Manila Opens $1 Billion Casino

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:47:24 +0900

The Philippine capital is building an “Entertainment Island” in Manila Bay. The earnings could be huge.

37th Hong Kong International Film Festival Kicks Off

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:39:46 +0900

One of Asia’s largest film festivals is underway, with a varied cinematic mix.

Kim Yu-na Dazzles at 2013 World Figure Skating Championship

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:29:33 +0900

After an extended absence from skating, “Queen Yuna” makes a triumphant return.

Tan Twan Eng Wins Man Asian Literary Prize

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:57:57 +0900

The Man Asian Literary Prize may be losing its sponsor, but Asian literature is ascending.

New Pope Hails from Latin America, Signals a Shift

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:36:45 +0900

The newly appointed Pope Francis hails from Argentina – a break with the church’s Euro-centric past.

Vietnamese Coffee Brews Global Dreams

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:16:51 +0900

Vietnam has a unique coffee culture with an alluring story. The challenge is finding the right way to tell it.

Asia-Pacific Tourism Hits Record Highs in 2012

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:56:01 +0900

Tourism in the Asia-Pacific region grew for the third consecutive year in 2012, up more than 5 percent on year.

Sendai: A Tale of Football and Hope

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:10:23 +0900

A film tells the story of football’s role in rebuilding Sendai after the March 2011 earthquake.

Baseball Slugger Manny Ramirez to Play in Taiwan

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:57:23 +0900

Former Major League Baseball star Manny Ramirez is set to sign with the EDA Rhinos of Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Australian Men’s Swimming Team Admits to Stilnox Use

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:53:27 +0900

Australian swimming squad lets down fans with confession of drug use at the London Olympics.

City as Canvas: Bangkok’s Bukruk Street Art Festival

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:37:13 +0900

Artists have splashed colorful murals across Bangkok for the city’s first international street art festival.

IOC “Hugely Impressed” by Tokyo’s Olympic Bid

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:29:33 +0900

With support from government, business and the public, Tokyo’s Olympic bid is gaining momentum.

Kumbh Mela: Consuming the Greatest Show on Earth

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:08:14 +0900

Have mass media and consumerism hijacked India’s holiest event?

Chinese Super League Hires Beckham as Ambassador

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:05:11 +0900

Chinese football has a long way to go, but a serious effort to raise its profile is underway.

Could the Next Pope Be Asian?

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:49:21 +0900

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle is the Philippines’ hope for a homegrown pope.

Shinji Kagawa’s Historic Hat-Trick

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:28:28 +0900

Shinji Kagawa becomes the first Asian player to score a hat-trick in the English Premier League.

Political Kung Fu: Jackie Chan at the CPPCC

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:25:12 +0900

Jackie Chan is drafted by Beijing to help with its soft power push.

Why Rodman’s Trip Isn’t Ping Pong Diplomacy

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:48:45 +0900

Dennis Rodman may be winning the hearts of North Korean fans, but this trip isn’t statecraft.

Thailand’s Makudi to Run for AFC Presidency

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:24:04 +0900

Thailand’s Worawi Makudi wants to head the Asian Football Confederation. Will his past get in the way?

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Revealed

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:41:57 +0900

S. Pellegrino released its list of Asia’s top eateries in Singapore on Monday. Japan claims the top spot.

World Baseball Classic Begins March 2nd

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 06:33:12 +0900

Will Japan repeat a third time? Can Korea avenge its second place finish in 2009?

Dennis Rodman in North Korea: Tourism or Diplomacy?

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:13:01 +0900

Dennis Rodman is in North Korea for “basketball diplomacy.” Is the trip ethical, let alone effective?

Asian Golf: It's a Woman’s World

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:07:38 +0900

In the world of Asian golf, women dominate while men remain stunted by competing tours.

Running for Life: Fauja Singh

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:31:28 +0900

Centenarian marathon runner Fauja Singh has retired from competition, but has no intention of stopping.

Argo, Ang Lee Win Big at the Oscars

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:54:12 +0900

Argo took the best picture award, while Ang Lee was awarded best director at the 85th Academy Awards last night.

Japan: A Football, Rugby Powerhouse in the Making?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:48:09 +0900

More Japanese football and rugby players are moving to Europe and Oceania. Media frenzies ensue.

Donald Richie: 1924-2013

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:10:22 +0900

Donald Richie, American writer on Japan, mentor and humanist, has died at 88.

Rival Indonesian Football Leagues to Merge?

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:21:27 +0900

Indonesia’s pro football leagues must shape up or risk suspension from international competition.

Buzkashi Boys Afghan Star Heads to the Oscars

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:40:42 +0900

At 14, unlikely Afghan actor Fawad Mohammadi has arrived in Los Angeles to attend the Oscars.

Thai Transgender Community Finds its Voice

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:58:00 +0900

A recent Thai political campaign video appeals to transgendered voters. But is it enough to draw them to the polls?

Sumo Champ Taiho Gets Posthumous Award

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:54:36 +0900

The Japanese government has chosen Taiho for the People’s Honor Award.

Haruki Murakami’s New Novel Set for April

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:29:00 +0900

Bungeishunju has announced that Haruki Murakami’s next novel is slated for April. Diehard fans rejoice.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Film in Australia?

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:09:00 +0900

Disney is in talks with the Australian government on tax incentives to shoot a remake of a classic film down under.

Iran, U.S. to Fight IOC’s Wrestling Cut

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:01:23 +0900

Iran and the U.S. are setting politics aside to save wrestling’s place at the 2020 Olympics.

Anoushka Shankar Joins One Billion Rising Campaign

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:56:00 +0900

Ravi Shankar’s daughter said she was sexually abused by a family acquaintance as a child.

South Korean Footballer Park Jong-woo Gets His Bronze

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:52:41 +0900

Park Jong-woo has been forgiven for fanning political flames at the London Olympics.

Valentine’s Day in Asia: Love and Business

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:20:00 +0900

Asia’s take on Valentine’s Day turns the Western view of the holiday on its head.

The Legacy of Ping-Pong Diplomat Zhuang Zedong

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:18:00 +0900

Ping-pong legend Zhuang Zedong, who helped open U.S.-China diplomatic relations, has died at 72.

Judo Scandals Rock Japan

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:14:26 +0900

As Tokyo revs up its Olympic bid, a succession of sporting scandals has clouded the effort.

The Year of the Snake Slithers In

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:58:00 +0900

The most important holiday in the Chinese calendar kicked off last weekend.

Match-Fixing and Doping Investigation Shocks Sports Fans

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:54:02 +0900

Investigations into widespread doping and match-fixing are underway in Australia and Europe, respectively.

Berlinale Kicks Off with Wong Kar-wai’s Grandmaster

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:03:00 +0900

Asian movie might is on full display at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, with Wong Kar-wai at the center.

Brad Pitt Thaws China Ties

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:52:00 +0900

Brad Pitt, who is banned from entering China, has opened a Weibo account and is studying Mandarin. Why?

Kashmiri All-Girl Rock Band Quits After Fatwa

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:37:00 +0900

A fatwa against Kashmiri rock band Praagaash has sparked debate about religious intolerance.

Ban Lifted on Vishwaroopam Film in Tamil Nadu

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:23:00 +0900

After ten days in legal limbo, action flick Vishwaroopam has cleared censors in Tamil Nadu.

AKB48 Starlet Humiliated for Breaking “No Dating” Rule

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:13:00 +0900

AKB48’s Minami Minegishi shaved her head and made a tearful apology online for having a boyfriend.

Psy’s Global Ambitions

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:08:00 +0900

With performances in Malaysia, Brazil and South Korea, Psy is stepping up his sonic onslaught.

Shahrukh Khan’s Muslim Remarks Ignite Controversy

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:51:00 +0900

Muslim comments from Bollywood have sparked a verbal spat between India and Pakistan.

Asian Footballers Speak Out Against Racism

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:21:17 +0900

Racism in football is an ugly reality, but a growing number of Asian players are speaking out.

Philippine Street Artist Jailed for Offending Church

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:06:00 +0900

Carlos Celdran has been sentenced to prison for 13 months for his pro-contraception activism.

Asian Films Dominate at Sundance

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:06:00 +0900

Four films from the Asia-Pacific took home awards from this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Is China's Football Boom Already Over?

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:57:08 +0900

Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba have left Shanghai Shenhua, raising questions about soccer in China.

Chinese Painters Meet the Masters in Madrid

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:03:00 +0900

Chinese oil painters spending two weeks at the Prado Museum are taking lessons home from the Old Masters.

Miss Wu Trademark Gets Second Look in Taiwan

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:40:00 +0900

Fashion designer Jason Wu has another chance to justify his Miss Wu trademark in Taiwan. Can America’s First Lady help his case?

Li Na Finishes Second in Australian Open

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:52:07 +0900

Chinese tennis star Li Na lost to Victoria Azarenka, but she won fans’ hearts.

Salman Rushdie in India for Film Premiere

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:15:00 +0900

Salman Rushdie has arrived in India for the premier of Midnight’s Children. Predictably, controversy has followed.

Queens Park Rangers Draft South Korean Olympic Player

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:07:41 +0900

Queens Park Rangers have drafted Yun Suk-Young. Could he change the ailing football club’s fortunes?

Gangnam Style Earns U.S. $8 Million from YouTube Ads

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:27:00 +0900

Psy’s Gangnam Style, the most watched YouTube video ever, has been a smash hit. What’s next for Psy?

Li Na Rising With a Big Win at the 2013 Australian Open

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:26:37 +0900

With a win over Agnieszka Radwanska to reach the semifinal of the 2013 Australian Open, Li Na presses ahead.

Lance Armstrong's Puzzling Confession

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 23:54:50 +0900

Lance Armstrong, as expected, confessed to Oprah Winfrey. Many feel his confession did not go far enough.

A Disappointing Day for Sam Stosur

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 01:12:59 +0900

Sam Stosur suffers a tough loss at the Australian Open. Can she bounce back?

Lance Armstrong's Oprah Interview

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:28:36 +0900

Lance Armstrong’s interview with Oprah will have the world watching. His likely doping confession has some asking for a “refund.”

Southeast Asia Football Rising?

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:08:53 +0900

Southeast Asia has a passion for football but few indigenous stars. Teerasil Dangda could help change that.

2020 Olympics: Tokyo's to Lose?

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 01:58:55 +0900

While Japan’s capital city seems to be the favorite to host the games, Istanbul and Madrid are in hot pursuit.

"Cricket Diplomacy" for India and Pakistan

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:58:26 +0900

Pakistan’s cricket team returned home from India to a heroes’ welcome. Could a rematch take place in Pakistan?

Asia's Best Prepare for the Australian Open

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:31:10 +0900

Tennis prepares for its first major of the year. Who will come out on top down under?

Jong Tae Se's Big Move

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 02:49:34 +0900

Jong Tae Se is set to sign for South Korea’s club, the Suwon Bluewings.

2013: A Big Year for Asia-Pacific Sports

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:39:48 +0900

The coming year should provide some amazing moments in soccer, boxing, tennis and more.

Asian Sports Year in Review

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:55:51 +0900

The Diplomat’s John Duerden presents his top-ten list of Asia’s year in sports.

The Year Ahead for Women's Figure Skating

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 02:20:38 +0900

Two rivals from East Asia could meet once again on the ice. 2013 could produce some history.

India and Pakistan set for Cricket Excitement

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 01:52:48 +0900

With the first of five games on December 25th, sports ties between both nations seem to be warming.

Hiroyuki Nakajima Signs with Oakland A's

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 06:15:06 +0900

Hiroyuki Nakajima will play shortstop for the Oakland A’s after signing a two year deal worth $6.5 million.

Jeremy Lin Returns to Madison Square Garden

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 01:27:02 +0900

The Taiwanese-American basketball sensation received a standing ovation from the fans of his former team.

Asia Bests Europe to Win Royal Trophy

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:38:13 +0900

For only the second time in the competition’s history, Asia edged out Europe to win Golf’s Royal Trophy.

Manny Pacquiao's Next Move

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 06:15:42 +0900

With many urging him to hangup the gloves, the world will be waiting for his decision.

FIFA Set to Suspend Indonesia

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 02:22:54 +0900

Years of mismanagement and corruption has forced the world soccer body to crack down on Indonesia.

Juan Manuel Marquez Knocks Out Manny Pacquiao

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:31:29 +0900

In the fourth installment of their rivalry it was Marquez who had his hand raised in victory. Could they fight a fifth time?

Olympic Committee Suspends India

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 02:08:42 +0900

A ban by the IOC is a blow to India ‘s hopes of increasing its presence on the global sporting stage.

A Crushing Defeat For New Zealand Rugby

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:05:08 +0900

A tough loss spoils what was an amazing streak for New Zealand Rugby. Can they bounce back?

Pacquiao-Marquez Set for a 4th Showdown

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 06:05:46 +0900

After a controversial ruling, the two boxers will fight again in Las Vegas on December 8th.