Incheon, September 17
The flight into Incheon is provided gaiety by Afghanistani cricketers, who had won a silver medal at the Asian Games four years ago. They've got profound love for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and some jokes which, they say, indicate that Afghans and Punjabis aren't much different from each other — 'both act first think later', they say.

However, we're informed that Koreans themselves aren't much fond of smiling. “Koreans don't smile much,” says Hyeim Park, a sales executive returning home from a vacation in Europe. As if to illustrate this, she motions to indicate tears falling from her eyes, mourning that she's had only a week's holiday.

But this verdict turns out to be overly pessimistic: The Korean populace, especially the ones welcoming the Asian Games guests, turn out to be very willing and frequent smilers. They've also got springy backs and bow repeatedly out of politeness and respect, each time they thank you or address you or hand back your accreditation card or passport.

Passage into Incheon isn't speedy, and the queues seem to crawl a few inches every 15 minutes, but it's not bereft of smiles.

They've also got a rather surprising welcome for the Indians — it makes you rub your eyes and wonder if you read right — in English letters, they've got a sign that says 'Incheon Maan Swagath Ho'.

The Indian hockey teams have felt extremely welcomed. The wealthier is delightful, with temperatures below 30 C and just a hint of nip in the air in the evenings, and the two teams have had good practice, they say. “The weather is good and we have acclimatised to the conditions here,” says midfielder Navjot Kaur.

The economic weather is good, too. Incheon, the twin of the capital Seoul, is reaping the fruits of rapid commercialisation over the last 11 years. It became South Korea's first free economic zone in 2003, and now presents an awe-inspiring, glittering skyline. It seems trillions of tons of concrete have been poured every square metre. Incheon means 'Kind River', and the river of opportunities seems to have benefitted Koreans much.

In contrast, South Korea's estranged sibling, North Korea, lives in rather deprived conditions. The two siblings, existing on the extreme side of the economic philosophy, are sworn enemies now. The flights between the two countries are rare, but now they've been put in operation to bring in over 150 athletes down from the North. There's a ban on carrying the North Korean flag in South Korea, as a government spokesperson reminded his countrymen today.

Some people hope that the Koreas would be reunited some day. “That won't happen,” says a young salesperson who gives his name as only Lee. “That can happen only if the entire North Korean population has a change of heart, or the top leadership is wiped.”

Yet, South Korea still has got a Reunification Ministry — the hope of joining another country is quite in contrast with the hope of another people halfway around the world, the Scottish who are set to vote to become independent of the United Kingdom. Sport and politics are inextricably linked — as the Commonwealth Games in Scotland became a vehicle for nationalistic sentiment, so have the Asian Games become a symbol of hope for some Koreans, a symbol of division for other.

After their rich medal haul at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Indian weightlifters will approach the Asian Games with a renewed vigour.

The Indians produced their best ever performance at the CWG, winning 12 medals (three gold, four silver and five bronze medals).

But replicating that feat at the Asian Games, where the field includes Olympic champions, will need the Indians to perform out of their skins. India, which didn’t win a single medal in last edition, has not won a gold medal in weightlifting at the Asian Games till now. And to win it this year, India will have to outdo countries such as China, Kazakhstan, Iran and North Korea — the top four medal winners at the 2012 London Olympics.

The Indian Weightlifting Federation is aware of the tough competition is not bursting with optimism. If lifters K Ravi Kumar and Sathish Sivalingam replicate their CWG form, they might be in contention for a medal.

A 10-member team was pruned to seven by the Sports Ministry. Sukhen Dey (56kg), Sathish Sivalingam (77kg), K Ravi Kumar (77kg) and Vikas Thakur (85kg), who bagged medals at CWG, made the cut for the Asian Games. In the women’s contingent, Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (both 48kg) have a decent chance of winning a medal if they come up with their best performances.

Admitting that winning a medal at the Asiad is much tougher than winning at CWG, Indian Weightlifting Federation vice-president Sahdev Yadav said, “We are keeping our fingers crossed, hoping to clinch a medal, especially considering the fact that the players did not get any time to rest after the Commonwealth Games. It certainly affects their performance. Playing two major competitions back-to-back in less than two months is never easy. We are just hoping that the lifters continue their winning spree.” Sahdev expressed delight at the fact that all weightlifters who won medals at the Commonwealth Games have cleared their dope tests.

“We have been working really hard to make weightlifting dope free in India. Apart from their practical training, our coaches and other experts are continuously working on making them aware of the banned substances that may land them in trouble and I am glad that their efforts have been suitably rewarded. India has earned back its pride, and to ensure that it continues, we are regularly doing tests and thorough medical check-ups of all India campers,” he added.

New Delhi, September 17
Caving in to the sustained international pressure, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Wednesday relaxed ban on turbans and other religious headgears on a trial basis in some competitions.

FIBA has changed the rule for a two-year testing period before making it permanent across all formats of the game. The development means the players will be allowed to wear hijabs and patkas during competitions while playing professionally.

The previous FIBA rules allowed players to wear a 5-centimeter headband to control hair and sweat. That drew objections that it was discriminatory against Muslim and Sikh players, who wear head coverings for religious reasons. Two Sikh players from Punjab -- Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh -- were asked to remove their turbans minutes before India were to take on Japan on July 12 at Fiba Asia Cup in Wuhan in China.

The players, who have always played in turbans, were told that they were in violation of one of FIBA’s official rules, which states, “Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players”.

“We welcome this rule change by FIBA because it allows Sikhs and Muslims to wear their religious head coverings in international competitions. It’s the victory of all faiths,” Tarlochan Singh, senior vice-president of the IOA, told The Tribune.

“FIBA will evaluate the rule again in 2015 and a full review will be done in 2016 before making a permanent rule change. The international body will allow players to wear head coverings in its 3-on-3 competitions which is a welcome development,” Tarlochan informed. Basketball Federation of India welcomed the decision, calling it a step in right direction.

However, at Incheon, the the new rulings won’t come into play.

Incheon, September 17
The Indian women's team went down 0-10 to a superior South Korea in their second Group A match of the women's football competition in the Asian Games here on Wednesday.

Korea led five-nil at the interval. Four goals from Yoo Younga, a hattrick from Jeon Gaeul, a brace from Jung Seoblin and one from Park Heeyoung saw the Asian heavyweights brush aside their Indian counterparts.

The match was a totally one-sided affair as Korea dominated the proceedings right from the kick-off, so much so that they surged into a 2-0 lead by the ninth minute itself. Thereafter, there was a barrage of attacks on the Indian defence.

To make matters worse, captain Bembem Devi was given marching orders for her second yellow card of the match in the 53rd minute. India, who had thrashed Maldives 15-0 in their first, next play Thailand in the last Group match September 21. — IANS

Incheon, September 17
Asian Games organisers today kicked out an Iranian official for sexually harassing a female volunteer and issued strong warnings after two alleged cases in two days. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) banned football equipment manager Amereh Ahmad from Games sites and asked the Iranian team to send him home for verbally harassing the volunteer on Monday. Also on Wednesday, police were investigating a Palestinian footballer who was accused of groping a female worker in an athletes' village laundry room the day before. The player was banned from leaving the country.

The incidents prompted the organising committee to put up signs in Games accommodation warning against harassment, while the OCA said it had "zero tolerance" for such cases. "It was not a matter of a physical attack; it was verbal sexual harassment," OCA director general Husain Al-Musallam said in a statement, referring to the Iranian official.

Mohali, September 17
Kings XI Punjab will have to open their campaign against Hobart Hurricanes in the Champions League T20 without their strike bowler Mitchell Johnson. The Australian pacer has been ruled out for the first two games due to a rib injury. Punjab speedster Sandeep Sharma is the other casualty, due to a side sprain, that has taken the bite out of Kings’ attack in the opener on Thursday. On the batting front, Shaun Marsh too will not be there due to an elbow injury.

Kings XI were runners-up in IPL-7, losing the final to Kolkata Knight Riders after finishing first in the league stage. Johnson took 17 wickets in 14 matches at 26.11 apiece. Cricket Australia Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Mitch had some rib pain during the recent ODI tour of Zimbabwe. Since returning to Australia, he has had some scans that have confirmed some irritation on a rib. He hasn’t fully recovered yet and will be reviewed over the next week.”

In Johnson’s absence, either Lakshmipathy Balaji or Thisara Perera is likely to take the role of the strike bowler.

Hobart Hurricanes, a Tasmania-based team, is being led by Tim Paine and is hoping to strike rich in the tournament on the strength of their IPL players. Interestingly, Kings XI Punjab’s skipper George Bailey is a key member of the Hurricanes but has chosen to play for the Kings. Dimitri Mascarenhas is another player who has represented Kings XI Punjab in earlier editions.

Hurricanes coach Damien Wright said, “It is our first time here as a team, to be in the championship like this is wonderful for everybody. We have got some very experienced players. It’s always nice to come to big tournaments with experienced players. We have got lot of guys who have played IPL, have played for Australia,” he said.

Paris, September 17
Steven Gerrard was Liverpool’s hero with a stoppage-time penalty as the Reds marked their return to the Champions League with a win, while Arsenal endured a torrid evening against Borussia Dortmund.

Gerrard struck from the spot right at the death to hand Liverpool a 2-1 win in their Group B opener against an awkward Ludogorets Razgrad at Anfield yesterday.

New Delhi, September 17
Forced to take the legal route after being denied the honour initially, boxer Manoj Kumar will be bestowed the Arjuna Award as the Sports Ministry has finally accepted his nomination.

Manoj, a 2010 CWG gold-medallist, said that he was informed of the Ministry’s decision this morning.

The controversial recommendation of boxer Jai Bhagwan for the Arjuna Awards had led to Manoj approaching the Sports Ministry officials, who, he said, had assured him that his name would be added to a list of 15 athletes in a review meeting.

But after being snubbed for a second time in the review meeting, Manoj took the legal route and filed a case in the Delhi High Court.

“It is not pleasant at all that I had to approach the court but there was no option left for me. I am glad that I have been proved right and it has lifted my morale ahead for the Asian Games,” said the light welterweight category boxer, who was a quarterfinalist at the recent Glasgow CWG. — PTI

Granada (Spain), September 17
The Indian contingent finally had something to cheer about as young shooter Pradeep bagged a bronze medal after the seniors’ none-too-impressive showing in the 51st Shooting World Championships here.

Pradeep won the honour in 25-metre standard pistol event for junior men yesterday. Pardeep, who also helped the three-men Indian team to finish fourth overall, ended with a score of 561. — PTI