Saturday, February 5, 2022

White Snow on Red

24th Winter Olympics began today in Beijing, China. 

Here are my observations. 

I saw the opening ceremony. My impression: Spectacular. 

Total of about 84 countries participated in the opening ceremony. 

USA has the greatest number of athletes – 224. China (host country) was second with 173 athletes. 

There are many countries with only one athlete participating. This includes India and Pakistan. All these athletes are competing in Alpine Skiing. 

India has one athlete (Arif Khan) in the Alpine Skiing event. But there were 4 people in the march-past. Who are the other 3? Coach, trainer, doctor? Or some Joint Secretaries from the Government of India? 

Pakistan has one athlete (Muhammad Abbas) in the Alpine Skiing event. But there were 4 people in the march-past. Who are the other 3? Coach, trainer, doctor? Or some senior officers from the army? 

USA boycotted this Olympics because of human right abuse in China against Muslim minorities Uighurs. But sent the athletes. India boycotted this Olympics for a different reason. It is because one of the Chinese commanders involved in the border clash was selected as a torch bearer. But sent 1 athlete. 

I was surprised Taipei (China) and Hong Kong were allowed to participate separately. 

NBC network is broadcasting this Olympics for USA. They are very shrewd. Here are the 3 things I noticed. 

1. They cut the program to show Chinese President Xi Jinping clapping hands when the Hong Kong athletes were marching. 

2. They cut the program to show Vladimir Putin sleeping when the Ukraine athletes were marching. 

3. I am irritated they were showing USA athletes more often than necessary. 

Will the Chinese leave anything without making their own propaganda? One of the 2 athletes who were torching the Olympic flame is a Uighur. 

I personally am interested to see only two events. 

Karen Chen from our own Bay Area (Fremont) is participating in the Figure Skating competition. 

USA vs Russia in Ice Hockey. This is analogues to India vs Pakistan in a cricket match.

Here is a video clip:  Unfortunately, NBC TV has disabled this video.  But you can watch it on YouTube.

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13 comments:

  1. Destination InfinityFebruary 5, 2022 at 2:56 AM

    I have never watched winter Olympics. Actually, living in chennai, I have not watched winter itself ;)

    Destination Infinity

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SGFebruary 5, 2022 at 7:32 AM

      Thanks for your comments Rajesh. Having lived in Chennai I understand. The weather there is hot, hottest, and murder.

      Delete
  2. Anita SabatFebruary 5, 2022 at 9:03 AM

    Interesting observations! :)
    They sure know when to cut the programme and who all are important and should get the eye-balls! :)
    What is the real identity of those marching with the lone participant-representatives of nations like India & Pak? :)

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    Replies
    1. SGFebruary 5, 2022 at 9:39 AM

      Thanks for your comments Anita. I have no idea. I hope they are the trainer/coach/physical therapist and not any government or military officers.

      Delete
    2. SGFebruary 5, 2022 at 11:28 AM

      Just read in a Pakistani newspaper. The 3 non athletes who marched with the lone athlete for Pakistan are:
      Pakistan’s Chef de Mission (Vice Chief of Air Staff), Pakistan Team Leader, and Covid-19 liaison/coach

      Delete
  3. DeeFebruary 6, 2022 at 8:00 PM

    Interesting read SG...I am so disconnected from current news that your blog is good informative quick and detailed for a person like me....thank you for that..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SGFebruary 6, 2022 at 8:05 PM

      Thanks for your comments Dee. Thought of a joke? Who said nothing is impossible? I have been doing nothing for the past so many years. That is the reason for so many of my blog posts.

      Delete
  4. GOWRISHANKARFebruary 6, 2022 at 8:54 PM

    I observe your observations are very interesting and informative. I am tempted to watch, because of your blog, the ice hockey event between USA and Russia, though I come from 365 days summer summer place Chennai.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SGFebruary 6, 2022 at 9:20 PM

      Thanks for your comments Gowri. I understand you come from Chennai where the weather is hot, hottest, and murder.

      Delete
  5. rudraprayagaFebruary 13, 2022 at 11:26 PM

    China always does what it wants, may it be politics, business or sports. Nice topic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SGFebruary 17, 2022 at 2:15 PM

      Thanks for your comments Sarala. You are right.

      Delete
  6. Pradeep NairFebruary 17, 2022 at 11:11 AM

    Unfortunately, here neither Sony nor Hotstar not Doordarshan is telecasting it. I think it's only on Eurosport. I don't want to pay for it to watch only this.
    It's available on Youtube's Olympics channel. But not sure if all events are shown.
    I too like figure-skating.
    Your observations are really good! Many government-owned broadcasters tend to do that.

    ReplyDelete

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