I must say that the Games have been exciting so far, having watched quite a number of events live or recorded. Notable particularly, is none other than World Record breaking stunts performed repeatedly by Phelps.
Tonight, up to 28 million people in Malaysia and Singapore would be glueing their eyes on their respective countries' attempt to upset the almighty Host country for the Gold medal on 2 different events:
Table Tennis Women's Final: Singapore vs China; 7.30pm, Channel 5
Badminton Men's Single Final: Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) vs Lin Dan (China); 8.45pm, RTM 1
For Singapore, it is unprecedented. They've waited for a long 48 years before getting a second Olympic medal, and there's no better reason to celebrate the cause. The Singapore team would have my best wishes to clinch their first Gold for Singapore in the coming Final.
For Malaysia, it has been a very very exhilarating moment. 12 years of Olympic medal drought, and if Lee Chong Wei managed to pin down his World No.1 opponent tonight, it will also be an unprecedented first Olympic Gold ever for Malaysia. And I personally think this match would be extremely exciting, given that Lee Chong Wei's world ranking is not far away at all.
Recently, the image of the host has been badly marred by allegations over the sending of a fake singer on stage, using fake recordings of fireworks during the opening ceremony. One do not need to mention how many people, including both the young girls, are disappointed by these incidents.
[And there, Phelps just got his 8th Gold.]
However, I have my qualms against the attitude of the Western media insofar. Despite the spirit of Olympics being the foster of friendships before all, they've time to time been focusing on the so-called atrocious Human Rights Record of the Host Country. I do not understand the logic and connection between Sports and Human Rights: were anyone of them denied the right to participate in the Games? I was so sure that after the impressive Opening Ceremony, they would have been even more sour and ever to find more setbacks to criticize the Host.
I personally think that sometimes they should really study how things in other side of the world work before plunging blindly into harsh criticisms looking only from a biased and skewed perspective from a very different Western culture. I am sure the Eastern culture and cilivization deserves some respect too.
And if need be there, just go ahead and emerge by all means as the new sports superpower. Certain people's ego needs to be punctured now and then so that they could appreciate the virtue of humility.
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