Wait. This is a sports story - and nothing to do with POTUS.
Back to the story.
Now, you tell us.
Last November and early December - India hosted a World Cup hockey (field) turnament. India and Pakistan used to own this sport - but now can barely advance out of prelims.
The Europeans have taken over - and the Cup was won by the Belgians - most of them "amateurs" - and most of them without tattoos.
But China is making a concerted effort here too.
While November and December were supposed to be cool months - temps were in low 90's. - and muggy and heavy pollution.
I had noticed Chinese players - who made a good showing by tying with England (once a power House) - were in long sleeves.
Indian media does not pay attention to these details - but now I know at least a possible reason.
Incidently, when it comes to jerseys - India is the only country that allows players to choose whether to put first or last name on the back. The regs are only last names.
So, it is confusing when a team is announced and listed with all last names - but in the field, they are not there.
Very strange.
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“This is only a detail; I don’t really want to talk about this,” Lippi said through a translator.
Anyone who cares about the matches would give the same answer. 10 days of the Asian Cup has passed and this is the only point that NYT finds that is worth asking questions on the conference and writing an article about.
Nice and smart propaganda. I feel sorry for western readers in the Brave New World.
Every time I think that the U.S. is acting stupidly and is once again about to surrender the mantle of global leadership, I read an article like this one which reminds me why China hasn't moved as far as one would have expected over 3,500 years of recorded history.
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i bet donald trump could negotiate a better deal than the horrible unfairness these soccer players are being subjected to. some say the worst deal in history. i don't know. we'll take a look.
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Fantastic. Get rid of all tattoos.
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From Long March to "Long Sleeve March."
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Seems to be a metaphor for modern China: if you cannot see it, then it must not exist.
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@Shantanu nicely summed
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What will take down China will be Western culture. It sells well. Tats are popular hence Chinese players have them. What will they do when somebody shows up with a tat that can't be covered who is a great soccer player?
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@JDSept usually they will just give them two choices: surgically remove it with laser, or lose your spot on the team. 99% of the time, the athletes will do what they are told in this totalitarian state. you got little choice. americans unfortunately do the same thing. shut up about police brutality or face not playing for a team. just look at what they did to Kaepernick.
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The urge to dominate and control the actions, beliefs, and expressions of others is the essential dark underbelly of human nature. I am grateful everyday for my freedom.
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I am sure that the players and people will blame Xi Jingping if China fails to reach the World Cup. After all, this is just a small distraction on the road to World Cup. They have more pressing and urgent needs to build up the competitiveness and team work. Individual talent is important but not necessary to win the games in World Cup.
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