RP boxing officials begin plans for London Olympic gold bid

MANILA, Philippines – The new leadership in the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) is asking the entire nation to be patient as they chart the course for a possible first Olympic gold medal the in 2012 London Games.

“Our quest for the first Olympic gold will be a long journey that will have its ups and downs, heartaches and we’ll be at our lowest point. But we can reach our vision if we all unite," said ABAP president Ricky Vargas, who replaced Manny Lopez.

Vargas said he would like to see Filipino boxing supporters and sports leaders to veer away from the usual ‘gold or nothing’ approach and instead join ABAP in trekking a long and hard journey that may lead to Olympic success in London.

“We have put too much emphasis on the ‘gold or nothing’ approach but we failed to realize that to achieve the gold, we have to create a road which is a good program," said Vargas.

Boxing was once the country’s source of gold medals in international tournaments but the sport suffered heartaches one after the other during the 2007 Thailand Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Only one gold medal was won in the 2007 SEA Games after the old ABAP leadership ordered six of the seven male boxers who reached the gold-medal round to concede their matches to Thai rivals in protest of what they deemed as biased officiating.

The Philippines had a disastrous campaign in the Beijing Olympics as only Harry Tañamor survived the qualifying events but absorbed a first round defeat against unknown Manyo Planque of Ghana.

Vargas also made known that ABAP will continue its grassroots development hoping to find new talents from the provinces.

He said that ABAP is ready to give potential young boxers, age 15 to 18, the right training and support needed since they will be tasked to carry the drive for the gold in the London Olympics. “Boxing, just like basketball, has many talents and I want to see new faces competing in the Olympic qualifying tournaments for the London Games."

The Laos SEA Games is the country’s stepping stone to realize that Olympic gold dream and ABAP plans to send the best new and veteran boxers to compete in the December Games.

Vargas added that he would fight for the inclusion of the young boxers to the Philippine team in the Laos SEA Games, which is not possible based on the Philippine Olympic Committee’s approved criteria that members assured of a spot are those who have won either a gold or silver medal in the 2007 Thailand edition.

“The POC should give NSAs some leeway in the selection for us to give our up-and-coming athletes the chance to compete. Otherwise we will find ourselves sending rehashed boxers to the London Olympics," said Vargas. – GMANews.TV

Vietnamese kick-boxers look to 3rd Asian Indoor Games

ietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam aims to win several medals in Muay Thai at the upcoming Asian Indoor Games 2009.

Nobody knows when Muay Thai came to Vietnam but some senior martial art masters say it appeared in South Vietnam in the early 1950s.

In 1994-1995, HCM City sent kickboxers to some international Muay Thai tournaments, the SEA Games and ASIAD. At that time, Muay Thai was a performance sport.

In October 2004, the Southeast Asian Sports Federation agreed to add Muay Thai to the list of official sports for the 23^rd SEA Games in Philippines in late 2005. Vietnam considered the establishment of a national kick-boxing team by taking some members from the national Pencak Silat, boxing, and traditional martial arts teams. However, such a team was not set up.

Muay Thai has become an official sport at the 24^th SEA Games. It will be also an official sport at this year’s 3^rd Asian Indoor Games and 25^th SEA Games.

The HCM City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has decided to have a special training period for its Muay Thai team as of July 2008. The team’s members were previously members of boxing and traditional martial arts teams.

The HCM City Muay Thai team is practicing at the Phu Tho Sports House, under the guidance of coach Giap Trung Thang and Cao Van Tai. Coach Thang won a bronze medal in Muay Thai at the World King Cup 1996 and a silver medal at ASIAD 1998. He is also an international referee of the Southeast Asian Muay Thai Federation.

The team will represent Vietnam at the World Muay Thai Championship 2009 in Pataya, Thailand this March.

The HCM City Muay Thai team was established three years ago and has participated in many international events. Currently eight kick-boxers are participating in a two-month training course in Bangkok (Thailand).

HCM City plans to send some Muay Thai referees to international referee training courses.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand is number one in Muay Thai. This sport has also developed in Singapore, the Philippines, Laos and Cambodia. However, Vietnam still has a chance to take medals at Asian Indoor Games and SEA Games.

At the 3rd Asian Indoor Games, Muay Thai competition will be organised at the Rach Mieu Sports House, Phu Nhuan district, HCM City from October 26 to November 3, 2009 with 11 weight categories (8 male, 3 female artists). Each match will include four 2-minute rounds, 1-minute break between rounds.

VietNamNet/TP

from:http://english.vietnamnet.vn/sports/2009/02/829220/

Asean U-16 womens soccer tournament to be held in Myanmar

Asean U-16 womens soccer tournament to be held in Myanmar

YANGON (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) U-16 women's soccer tournament will be held in Yangon, Myanmar in October, local media reported on Tuesday.

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) held a meeting, attended by Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) chairman U Zaw Zaw, in Indonesia on Monday and decided the ASEAN U-16 women's soccer tournament to be hosted by Myanmar, the Forever sports journal said.

The AFF meeting made confirmation to hold the tournaments and trainings in 2009 and chose the host countries to feature them, it said, adding that the meeting also decided to hold the ASEAN U-19 men's soccer tournament from Aug. 5 to 15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Myanmar national women's soccer team, which ranked 3rd in ASEAN, 9th in Asia and 43rd in the world in December 2008, grabbed bronze medal in the 24th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand in December 2007. Myanmar was defeated by Vietnam women's soccer team 2-1 in the semifinals and beat Laos 5-0 in the third-place play off.

Myanmar hosted for the first time the 2007 ASEAN Championship women's soccer tournament, participated by eight national women's soccer teams from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, at the Thuwunna Youth Training Center here in September 2007 and Myanmar were crowned in the tournament after beating Thailand 5-2 in the penalty shootouts in the final.

Myanmar also triumphed in the first ASEAN Championship tournament in Vietnam in October 2004 by defeating hosts in the final with penalty shootouts.

However, Myanmar lost to Vietnam in the final of the 23rd SEA Games in Manila, the Philippines, in 2005. Enditem

Asean U-16 womens soccer tournament to be held in Myanmar

Asean U-16 womens soccer tournament to be held in Myanmar

By Thet Khaing

MYANMAR plays a key role in plans by New Delhi and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to strengthen economic ties because it is the only ASEAN member to share a border with India, a conference in the Indian capital was told last month.

Myanmar also has the potential to benefit from a forthcoming free trade agreement between ASEAN and India, which will create a market of more than 1.5 billion people, the “Delhi Dialogue I” conference was told on January 21.

The ASEAN secretary general, Mr Surin Pitsuwan, told the conference that the free trade agreement would be ready for signing by the two sides at a summit due to be held in Thailand in April.

He said every ASEAN member would benefit from the agreement, which has been under negotiation since 2004.

This was because ASEAN exported “more to India than India to us,” Mr Surin said, adding that trade volume between India and ASEAN last fiscal year was US$37 billion, of which ASEAN exports accounted for more than $24 billion.

ASEAN hoped that trade volume would reach $50 billion by 2010, Mr Surin said, adding that he believed the figure was “not too ambitious, taking into consideration the positive impact of the FTA and the economic downturn everywhere else except us; we are better prepared.”

Another factor was the size of the market, he said, noting that India and ASEAN had a total population of 1.7 billion and a combined GDP of $2.4 trillion.

India has been placing emphasis on increasing economic ties with ASEAN for developing infrastructure and to meet its energy needs.

India and Myanmar are working to establish a new trading route across the Kaladan River, under the terms of an agreement reached last April.

The $132 million deal provides for upgrading port facilities at the Rakhine State capital, Sittwe, where the Kaladan River enters the Bay of Bengal, as well as building a 117-kilometre highway from Kalewa in Sagaing Division to the Indian border.

The Indian government is funding the project, which is expected to take five years to complete.

“The Kaladan project, the trilateral India-Myanmar-Thailand transport link and the Delhi-Hanoi rail link are three very important projects which will facilitate inter-connectivity between Southeast Asia and onward to West Asia and beyond,” India’s External Affairs Minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee told the conference.

Mr Mukherjee said India’s energy needs and ASEAN’s energy reserves were factors that could help to promote closer ties.

“Simultaneous attainment of energy security, market rationalisation and environmental preservation in Asia requires the best ‘energy mix’ for each country,” Mr Mukherjee said

“India’s own energy linkages with the ASEAN member states have enormous potential for our relationship to get even deeper,” he said.

However, business experts say more time and interaction between the two sides are needed to reap the full potential of the economic and political ties between India and ASEAN.

The chairman of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar, welcomed the FTA, saying it was a good arrangement by the two sides in light of the global economic slowdown.

“The agreement will strengthen the market, exports and investment flows, in a sense you create an island which has lesser dependence on the volatility in the West,” Mr Chandrasekhar said.

However, Mr Krishan Kumar Modi, the chairman of Modi Enterprises, a big Indian conglomerate, said the FTA might not meet expectations for an increase in trade between India and ASEAN because New Delhi had little influence over where exporters should be doing business.

The conference was jointly organised by the FICCI and the Singapore-based Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.
from:http://www.mmtimes.com/no458/n007.htm

Ironman Edge Treadmill

Ironman Edge Treadmill
Ironman Edge TreadmillProduct Description
Boasting the perfect combination of innovation, performance, and design, the Ironman Edge treadmill offers an ideal way to stay in shape without leaving the home. The Edge is equipped with a quiet 2.5-horsepower continuous-duty motor and a large 20-by-56-inch running surface. As a result, you have plenty of room to run regardless of your height. The built-in console, meanwhile, features four independent readouts to track your incline, pulse, time, distance, calories, speed, pace, and body fat, with several intuitive, easily identifiable buttons along the sides. And it's a breeze to design an effective workout routine thanks to the 15 built-in programs, which include 13 preset programs and two heart rate programs. The treadmill even offers remote speed and incline controls in the handlebars, so you can set your own pace while jogging. The speed range varies from 0.6 to 10 miles per hour, while the incline range is 0 to 12 percent.

Users on a strict training regimen can turn to the built-in workout software, which monitors your body fat percentage to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. In addition, the Edge is built for safety, with EKG pulse grips for monitoring your heart rate and a tethered safety magnet clip that stops the unit in case of a fall. Other features include a two-speed cooling fan to keep you cool and motivated, a two-ply heavy-duty treadmill belt, designated foot platforms for added safety while getting on and off the treadmill, performance-designed rollers and machined pulleys, and a fold-up frame with a two-stage shock system for easy raising and lowering.

The Edge's built-in console includes 4 independent readouts.

The oversized 18.5-inch cushioned footpads keep you comfortable and secure.

The Edge measures 34.8 by 71.7 by 63.8 inches (W x H x D), offers a 300-pound capacity, and carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame, 10 years on the motor, two years on parts, and one year on labor.

Specifications:

• Quiet and powerful 2.5 horsepower continuous duty commercial grade motor
• 15 programs include 13 preset and 2 heart rate programs
• Four independent readouts showing incline, pulse, time, distance, calories, speed, pace, and body fat
• Integrated body fat monitoring system monitors your progress
• Remote handlebar mounted speed and incline controls
• EKG pulse grips
• Large 20- by 56-inch running surface gives you maximum running room even for taller users
• Two-ply heavy-duty treadmill belt
• Two-speed console mounted fan keeps you cool and motivated
• Designated foot platforms for additional safety while getting on and off the treadmill
• Performance designed rollers and machined pulleys
• Tethered safety magnet clip stops the unit in case of fall and provides a safeguard against unsupervised child use
• Fold-up design with a 2-stage shock easily lowers the deck slowly from the fold-up position for added safety
• Speed range: 0.6 to 10 miles per hour
• Incline range: 0 to 12%
• 110v plug-in required
• Weight limit: 300 pounds
• Assembled dimensions: 71.7 inches long by 34.8 inches wide by 63.8 inches tall
• Folded dimensions: 46.1 inches long by 34.8 inches wide 63.8 inches tall

Manufacturer's Warranty
Frame - lifetime, motor - 10 years, parts - 2 years, labor - 1 year

About Ironman Fitness
Engineered for endurance, strength, speed, stamina, and performance, Ironman Fitness is continually striving to define the fitness industry. Their collection features top-of-the-line treadmills, stationary cycles, elliptical trainers, weight benches, and single- and multi-station exercise machines. The features on Ironman's fitness equipment introduced over the years have become the standards of today. With superior components, multiple patents, and award-winning products, Ironman's fitness products have consistently exceeded the expectation of customers and are the heart of a true champion.

About Treadmills
Walking is still considered one of the most beneficial cardiovascular exercises for people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. As a fundamental form of aerobic training, walking has numerous physical benefits for the heart, lungs, and circulatory system, while also increasing muscle tone and burning fat calories. Treadmills provide a convenient way to regularly exercise in all weather conditions in the comfort and safety of your own home.

From beginners just starting an exercise regimen to advanced athletes looking to maintain their fitness level, anyone interested in getting and staying in shape can benefit greatly from regular use of a treadmill. Treadmills allow you to determine the pace, distance, and complexity of the workout based on your needs, all while watching television, talking on the telephone, or reading a magazine. Much easier on sensitive joints like the knees and hips, treadmill walking and running surfaces are typically long, padded platforms that allow ample room for a long stride and comfortable, low-impact walk or jog without the harsh contact of a concrete surface.

While many different types, styles, and price ranges of treadmills exist, many of them offer unique features like a fold-up design for easy storage, an electronic display monitor showing speed, distance, workout time, incline level, and burned calories, and EKG grip pulses to monitor the heart rate while exercising. Regardless of the simple to complex features you may choose, treadmills offer an array of aerobic exercise opportunities that will provide long-lasting beneficial cardiovascular results without a commute to the gym or a jog in the rain.

Product Description
The IRONMAN Edge treadmill offers the perfect combination of innovation, performance and design. The console features an intuitive layout with large, easily identifiable buttons, 2-speed cooling fan, and an integrated body fat monitoring system to keep you updated on your progress. The quiet 2.5 HP motor powers the large 20 x 56 running surface that folds-up for easy storage. EKG pulse grips and remote handlebar mounted speed and incline controls are right where you need them to provide a comfortable, safe and effective workout. Sleek, contemporary styling completes this value packed treadmill. Exceed your expectations with the IRONMAN Edge.

Laos reveals the official mascot for the 25th Sea Games 2009

These are the official mascots to be used for the the 25th SEA Games in Laos or " Vientiane Games 2009 ". Two white elephants which symbolized Laos once "the kingdom of million elephants" were chosen as it is believed they bring good fortune and prosperity. The names of the elephants Mr. Champee and Ms. Champa represent the national flower of Laos.

ภาษาลาวขำ ๆ

ภาษาลาวขำ ๆ

ท = ไทย ล = ลาว

สถานที่
ท : ห้อง คลอด ล : ห้องประสูติ
ท : ห้องผ่าตัด ล. ห้องปาด
ท : ห้องไอซียู ล : ห้องมรสุม (เพราะว่าถ้าเจอมรสุมแล้วอาจไม่รอด)
ท : นางผดุง ครรภ์ ล : นางประสูติ
ท : ปั๊มป์เชล ล : ปั๊มป์หอย
ท : ตึกกองบัญชาการทหารสูงสุด ล : ตึกกองบัญชาการทหารสูงลิ่ว
ท : ห้ามยื่นแขนออกนอกรถ ล : ห้ามเด่แขนออกนอกรถ
ท : แอร์โฮสเตส ล : นางบำเรอกำปันเหาะ
ท : ร้านถ่ายรูป ล : ร้านแหกตา (- -''
ท : เวลาเค้าจะถ่ายรูปหมู่กัน ล : มาแหกตาสามัคคีกันเถอะ
ท : ไฟ แดง ล : ไฟอำนาจ
ท : ไฟเขียว ล : ไฟอิสระ
ท : บริษัท PEPSI ล : บริสัด น้ำหวานลาว จำกัด (ที่นี่ไม่มีโค้ก)
ท : รถไฟ ล : ห้องแถว ไหล

หรือจะ เป็นภาพยนตร์ก็มีนะคะ
ท : Superman ล : บักอึดถลาลม
ท : Face Off ล : หน้าข้อยอยู่ปู๊น หน้าเปิ้นอยู่นี่
ท : Speed ล : เบรกบ่อยู่
ท : สองสิงห์ชิงบัลลังก์ ล : สองสิงห์ชิงตั่งนั่ง
ท : รักจริงๆ ให้ดิ้นตาย ล : ฮักคักคัก ชักแงกแงก
ท : โลกทั้งใบให้นายคนเดียว ล : โลกโม้ดม้วยให้โต๋ผู้ เดียว
ท : หนูน้อย พเนจร ล :บักหำน่อย ตุรัดตุเหร่
ท : ไททานิค ล : ชู้รักเรือ ล่ม
ท : ศรราม ออกอัลบั้ม อย่างนี้ต้องตีก้น ล : ศ่อนฮาม ออกแผงอย่างนี่ต้องตีดากกกกก
ท : จู ราสสิคปาร์ค ล : กะปอมพยล
ท : เชือด เชือด นิ่ม นิ่ม ล : ปาด ปาด เนิบ เนิบ

มาดูนักกีฬากันบ้าง ปล่อย ตัวนักวิ่ง100 เมตร
ท : เข้า ที่ ล : เข้า ซ่อง
ท : ระวัง ล :โก่งดาก
ท : ไป ล : แล่น
ท : โค้งอันตราย ล :โค่งเป็นตาย่าน
ท : กลับหลังหัน ล : ปลิ้นปึ๊บ


ท : หลอด ฟลูออเรสเซนต์ ล : ข้าวหลามแจ้ง
ท : ถุงยางอนามัย ล : ถุงก๊อบแก๊บ
ท : ซื้อตั๋ว ล : ซื้อปี้
ท : ช้อน ล : บ่วง
ท : พูดคุย ล : โอ้โลม
ท : ติดต่อ ล : พัวพัน
ท : กระดาษ ล : เจี้ย
ท : ผู้สนับสนุน ล : ซุกยู้
ท : น้ำ 1 แก้ว ล : เรียกว่า 1 จอก
ท : ก๋วยเตี๋ยว 1 ชาม ล : เรียกว่า 1 ถ้วย (ไม่งั้นเค้าจะเอาใส่กาละมังมาให้ ชาม = กาละมัง)
ท : ปตท. ล : เรียกว่า ชฟร. หรือ เชื้อไฟลาว
ท : ถ่ายเอกสาร / ถ่ายสำเนา ล : อัดเอกสาร
ท : ผ้าเย็น ล : ผ้า อนามัย * เหอๆๆ
ท : Johny Walker ล : บักจอนย่าง * เฮ้ย (วันนี้ไปดื่มบัก จอนย่างกัน เฮ้ย....)