Sports around the Web: Empty stadiums, women's soccer signing, winter games
Los Angeles Sol signs Chinese player
The Los Angeles Sol of Women's Professional Soccer signed Chinese striker Han Duan (韩端）. She will be playing with, among others, Brazil's Marta Vieira da Silva, the world's top female soccer player.
Stadium disuse a pan-Asian problem?
The Bird's Nest, the most iconic symbol of the Beijing games, has just one sporting event booked for the future—the Italian Super Cup on August 8 of this year. Apparently, stadiums falling into disuse is a trend in Asia, according to this Q & A on stadium industry Web site StadiaTech.com with Marnix Drysdale of SMI Sports Match International, in which Drysdale answers questions about stadium marketing in Asia. Among Drysdale's observations: "Another challenge will be for venues to host continuous quality content, generating audiences and by doing so being able to deliver profitable partner packages."
Chinese Super League back on TV
China's professional soccer (football) league will be back on TV next month when the 2009 season starts. The Chinese Super League had been suspended by CCTV because of violent on-field incidents.
Winter Universiade in Harbin
The 24th Winter Universiade is taking place right now in Harbin, in China's far north Heilongjiang province. The event includes 12 winter sports from figure skating to ice hockey and runs through February 28. China Sports Review writes that the Chinese are giving the games the cold shoulder. But judging by the fact that China is currently leading the medal count despite its lack of strength in winter sports, it seems likely that most of the world is pretty uninterested. However, there are rumors that China is grooming Harbin for a Winter Olympics bid, which would make the staging of this event pretty important to the powers that be.
China men's volleyball to play series in USA
USA Volleyball announced the cities that will host this summer's 2009 FIVB World League matches. Games between the national men's teams of China, the United States, Italy and the Netherlands will take place in San Jose, Wichita and Chicago. The U.S. competitions will run from June 12 to July 18. The finals go down in Belgrade July 22 to 26.
New president for Chinese Badminton Association
Cai Zhenhua replaced Li Furong as president of the Chinese Badminton Association. Cai had been the deputy director of China's State General Administration of Sport. China dominates international badminton, but the sport could use a shot in the arm to generate more popularity among young fans and athletes in the face of growing competition from sports like basketball and soccer. The announcement of Cai's appointment came shortly after news that China's professional badminton league would relaunch after a seven-year hiatus.
For more Chinese sports news, check out China Sports Today.
Han Duan image: Myxl.cn
