Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia celebrates after the women's 5,000m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Tirunesh Dibab won the gold.
Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia competes during the women's 5,000m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Tirunesh Dibaba won the title.
Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba won her second gold medal at the Beijing Olympics as she took the women's 5,000 meters gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Friday.
Dibaba, 23, clocked 15 minutes 41.40 seconds for her second gold medal at the Games, following her win in the 10,000m.
Turkey's Elvan Abeylegesse took the silver in 15:42.74 and another Ethiopian Meseret Defar, the defending champion, won the bronze in 15:44.12.
Source: Xinhua
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Russia wins women's 4X100m relay gold
Russia's Yulia Chermoshanskaya reacts after the women's 4x100m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The Russian team won the title.
Russia's Evgeniya Polyakova sprints out during the women's 4x100m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The Russian team won the title.
Russia's runners react after the women's 4x100m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The Russian team won the title.
Russia scored a surprise win in thewomen's 4x100 meters relay at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Friday.
The Russian quartet, including Evgeniya Polyakova, Aleksandra Fedoriva, Yulia Gushchina and Yuliya Chermoshanskaya, clocked a season best of 42.31 seconds for the gold. Belgium took the silver in 42.54 seconds and Nigeria won the bronze in 43.04.
Pre-race favorite Jamaica did not finish the race.
Source: Xinhua
Russia's Evgeniya Polyakova sprints out during the women's 4x100m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The Russian team won the title.
Russia's runners react after the women's 4x100m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The Russian team won the title.
Russia scored a surprise win in thewomen's 4x100 meters relay at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Friday.
The Russian quartet, including Evgeniya Polyakova, Aleksandra Fedoriva, Yulia Gushchina and Yuliya Chermoshanskaya, clocked a season best of 42.31 seconds for the gold. Belgium took the silver in 42.54 seconds and Nigeria won the bronze in 43.04.
Pre-race favorite Jamaica did not finish the race.
Source: Xinhua
Netherlands claim gold in Olympic women's hockey
Tang Chunling of China vies for the ball during women's gold medal match between China and the Netherlands at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games hockey event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The Netherlands won the match and grabbed the gold medal.
World champions the Netherlands snatched the Olympic women's hockey gold with a 2-0 win over China on Friday.
It is their first Olympic hockey title since the Los Angeles Games 24 years ago.
Hosts China also picked up their first ever medal at the Olympic Games.
The first half saw a 0-0 tie, in which the Dutch's four penalty corners were all saved by Chinese goalie Zhang Yimeng.
A penalty corner converted by Van As Naomj in the 51st minute broke the tie and gave the Netherlands 1-0 lead. Maartje Goderie added another in the 62nd and sealed their 2-0 win.
World No. 2 Argentina took the bronze with a 3-1 win over defending champions Germany.
Source: Xinhua
World champions the Netherlands snatched the Olympic women's hockey gold with a 2-0 win over China on Friday.
It is their first Olympic hockey title since the Los Angeles Games 24 years ago.
Hosts China also picked up their first ever medal at the Olympic Games.
The first half saw a 0-0 tie, in which the Dutch's four penalty corners were all saved by Chinese goalie Zhang Yimeng.
A penalty corner converted by Van As Naomj in the 51st minute broke the tie and gave the Netherlands 1-0 lead. Maartje Goderie added another in the 62nd and sealed their 2-0 win.
World No. 2 Argentina took the bronze with a 3-1 win over defending champions Germany.
Source: Xinhua
Bolt leads Jamaica to 4x100m relay gold with new world records
Two sprint gold medals winner Usain Bolt led Jamaica to the men's 4x100 meters win with a new world record at the Beijing Olympic Games on Friday.
Bolt, who broke both the 100m and 200m world records en route to the gold medals, ran the third leg and gave the Jamaicans a big lead before handing the baton to Asafa Powell, the former world 100m record holder. Powell easily anchored the race in 37.10 seconds, breaking the previous mark of 37.40 set by the United States in the 1992 Olympic Games.
Trinidad and Tobago took the silver in 38.06 seconds and Japan won the bronze in 38.15.
Source: Xinhua
Bolt, who broke both the 100m and 200m world records en route to the gold medals, ran the third leg and gave the Jamaicans a big lead before handing the baton to Asafa Powell, the former world 100m record holder. Powell easily anchored the race in 37.10 seconds, breaking the previous mark of 37.40 set by the United States in the 1992 Olympic Games.
Trinidad and Tobago took the silver in 38.06 seconds and Japan won the bronze in 38.15.
Source: Xinhua
Argentina wins men's soccer gold at Beijing Olympics
Sergio Aguero of Argentina dribbles during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.
Olubayo Adefemi of Nigeria vies for the ball with Angel Di Maria of Argentina during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.
Angel Di Maria of Argentina makes a goal during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.
Fernando Gago of Argentina vies for the ball with Ebenezer Ajilore of Nigeria during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina won the match and claimed the title of the event.
Olubayo Adefemi of Nigeria vies for the ball with Angel Di Maria of Argentina during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.
Angel Di Maria of Argentina makes a goal during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.
Fernando Gago of Argentina vies for the ball with Ebenezer Ajilore of Nigeria during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina won the match and claimed the title of the event.
Angel flies to help Argentina defend Olympic title
Angel Di Maria of Argentina makes a goal during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.
Defending champion Argentina repeated its victory in the final of men's soccer at Beijing Olympics on Saturday, as striker Angel Di Maria scored the only goal to help the team edge Nigeria to seal the title.
Watched by a crowd of 89,102, Di Maria, already having playing an answer man to matches in group stage, collected a through ball from Lionel Messi and calmly finished the clear shot on the 58th minute, claiming their two consecutive wins at Olympic men's soccer final as they were already crowned four years ago in Athens.
Messi and his Barcelona teammate Sergio Aguero were not given many chances to score as the Nigerian defenders tried hard to manmark the duo, which, however, also left much space for Di Maria to come up and break Nigeria's defense line.
Luciano Monzon of Argentina heads the ball during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 and claimed the title in this event.
Messi earned himself a chance at the 77th minute when he stole the ball from Nigerian defender. Boosting up in speed, Messi struck his trademark left-footed shot which was eventually blocked away by Nigerian central defender Onyekachi Apam.
The Nigerians had quite a number of chances to even the score as Argentina gave up the middlefield after taking the lead. Striker Victor Obinna almost scored on 63rd minute from a right pass, but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Sergio Romero with his body.
Nigeria's best chance came in a sudden flank attack when midfielder Ever Banega delivered a beautiful pass from the right side, but two of the Nigerian strikers, Peter Odemwingie and Emmanuel Ekpo, both charged into the area, failed to catch.
Ezequiel Garay of Argentina vies for the ball during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 and claimed the title in this event.
Source: Xinhua
Defending champion Argentina repeated its victory in the final of men's soccer at Beijing Olympics on Saturday, as striker Angel Di Maria scored the only goal to help the team edge Nigeria to seal the title.
Watched by a crowd of 89,102, Di Maria, already having playing an answer man to matches in group stage, collected a through ball from Lionel Messi and calmly finished the clear shot on the 58th minute, claiming their two consecutive wins at Olympic men's soccer final as they were already crowned four years ago in Athens.
Messi and his Barcelona teammate Sergio Aguero were not given many chances to score as the Nigerian defenders tried hard to manmark the duo, which, however, also left much space for Di Maria to come up and break Nigeria's defense line.
Luciano Monzon of Argentina heads the ball during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 and claimed the title in this event.
Messi earned himself a chance at the 77th minute when he stole the ball from Nigerian defender. Boosting up in speed, Messi struck his trademark left-footed shot which was eventually blocked away by Nigerian central defender Onyekachi Apam.
The Nigerians had quite a number of chances to even the score as Argentina gave up the middlefield after taking the lead. Striker Victor Obinna almost scored on 63rd minute from a right pass, but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Sergio Romero with his body.
Nigeria's best chance came in a sudden flank attack when midfielder Ever Banega delivered a beautiful pass from the right side, but two of the Nigerian strikers, Peter Odemwingie and Emmanuel Ekpo, both charged into the area, failed to catch.
Ezequiel Garay of Argentina vies for the ball during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 and claimed the title in this event.
Source: Xinhua
Bronze medal restores confidence of China's women volleyballers
Players of China celebrate their victory over Cuba after Women's Bronze Medal Match of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games volleyball event in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. China beat Cuba 3-1 and grabbed the bronze.
Just as their favorite song - "Sunshine Comes after Rainstorm" - goes, a smiling Chinese team rallied to remedy their semifinal loss with a consoling bronze medal at the Olympic women's volleyball on Saturday.
The three-time Olympic champion Cuba finished their Beijing journey with a disappointing fourth place.
Inspired by the deafening cheers of more than 14,000 Chinese fans, the host beat Cuba 25-16, 21-25, 25-13 and 25-20 in the pride-saving match.
Players of China celebrate their victory over Cuba after Women's Bronze Medal Match of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games volleyball event in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. China beat Cuba 3-1 and grabbed the bronze.
"They were so hopeless that I believed they gave up at the third set," said a home fan Yi Sheng, referring to the disappointing performances of the Chinese women in the semifinal against Brazil on Thursday. The defending champion lost surprisingly in straight sets and they only took 14 points in the third set.
"But today, I saw perseverance on them again, the most valuable quality which I think helped them win the Athens gold and will help to overcome the adversities to be stronger in the future, " the 28-year-old sales manager from a Beijing-based oil company told Xinhua after the match.
"In this aspect, the bronze medal means much more than the gold medal," he said.
Due to a slow start, China opened the match with a dismal 2-6, when the ace spikers Wang Yimei and captain Feng Kun scored five points to help the host take over lead 7-6. Though the Cubans followed up closely, the Chinese managed to keep a slight advantage to 14-13.
China launched a stunning 8-2 run to enlarge the gap to 22-15. Wang's service error helped Cuba pull back one point, but her two ace serves helped China take the set 25-16.
The Cuban spikers came back to life in the second set to establish an early led 9-4 with quick spikes of Nancy Carrillo and Yanelis Santos. China strived to catch up before a 17-all, when Carrillo and another high jumper Rosir Calderon broke the tie and crushed China's attempts to bounce back with attacks from the left flank and the middle court, 24-21 in favor of Cuba.
Veteran captain Yumilka Ruiz sealed the set 25-21 with an unanswered spike.
China staged a brilliant attacking wave from the start of the following set with a 8-4 lead and extended the winning momentum to take the set 25-13.
China took an early lead 10-5 and 15-10 in the fourth set, when Cuba surged back 20-21 with the astonishing performance of its wing hitter Calderon. But that was the furthest they could go. China clinched the meaning victory 25-20 with a spike of middle blocker Zhao Ruirui.
Later on Saturday night, Brazil, who sailed into final without losing a single set, will fight for their first-ever Olympic gold against the United States. The latter, led by China-born head coach Lang Ping, made their historic return to the gold medal match in 24 years after toppling Cuba 3-0.
Source: Xinhua
Just as their favorite song - "Sunshine Comes after Rainstorm" - goes, a smiling Chinese team rallied to remedy their semifinal loss with a consoling bronze medal at the Olympic women's volleyball on Saturday.
The three-time Olympic champion Cuba finished their Beijing journey with a disappointing fourth place.
Inspired by the deafening cheers of more than 14,000 Chinese fans, the host beat Cuba 25-16, 21-25, 25-13 and 25-20 in the pride-saving match.
Players of China celebrate their victory over Cuba after Women's Bronze Medal Match of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games volleyball event in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. China beat Cuba 3-1 and grabbed the bronze.
"They were so hopeless that I believed they gave up at the third set," said a home fan Yi Sheng, referring to the disappointing performances of the Chinese women in the semifinal against Brazil on Thursday. The defending champion lost surprisingly in straight sets and they only took 14 points in the third set.
"But today, I saw perseverance on them again, the most valuable quality which I think helped them win the Athens gold and will help to overcome the adversities to be stronger in the future, " the 28-year-old sales manager from a Beijing-based oil company told Xinhua after the match.
"In this aspect, the bronze medal means much more than the gold medal," he said.
Due to a slow start, China opened the match with a dismal 2-6, when the ace spikers Wang Yimei and captain Feng Kun scored five points to help the host take over lead 7-6. Though the Cubans followed up closely, the Chinese managed to keep a slight advantage to 14-13.
China launched a stunning 8-2 run to enlarge the gap to 22-15. Wang's service error helped Cuba pull back one point, but her two ace serves helped China take the set 25-16.
The Cuban spikers came back to life in the second set to establish an early led 9-4 with quick spikes of Nancy Carrillo and Yanelis Santos. China strived to catch up before a 17-all, when Carrillo and another high jumper Rosir Calderon broke the tie and crushed China's attempts to bounce back with attacks from the left flank and the middle court, 24-21 in favor of Cuba.
Veteran captain Yumilka Ruiz sealed the set 25-21 with an unanswered spike.
China staged a brilliant attacking wave from the start of the following set with a 8-4 lead and extended the winning momentum to take the set 25-13.
China took an early lead 10-5 and 15-10 in the fourth set, when Cuba surged back 20-21 with the astonishing performance of its wing hitter Calderon. But that was the furthest they could go. China clinched the meaning victory 25-20 with a spike of middle blocker Zhao Ruirui.
Later on Saturday night, Brazil, who sailed into final without losing a single set, will fight for their first-ever Olympic gold against the United States. The latter, led by China-born head coach Lang Ping, made their historic return to the gold medal match in 24 years after toppling Cuba 3-0.
Source: Xinhua
Russia wins synchronized swimming team gold
The death toll from the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan Province and its neighboring region increased by one from Monday's figure to reach 69,226 as of Thursday noon, according to a statement released by the State Council Information Office.
The number of people listed as missing and injured remained unchanged and stood at 17,923 and 374,643 respectively.
As of Thursday noon, a total of 1,486,405 survivors had been relocated.
Among the 96,544 who had been hospitalized for injuries, 92,686have been discharged, the statement said.
Government spending on relief and reconstruction had exceeded 66.92 billion yuan , including 59.74 billion yuan from the central budget and 7.17 billion yuan from the local budget.
According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, domestic and foreign donations had reached 59.28 billion yuan in cash and goods by Thursday noon. Of this, 24.15 billion yuan had been forwarded to quake-hit areas.
About 1.58 million tents, 4.87 million quilts, 14.1 million garments, 3.16 million tonnes of fuel and 6.76 million tonnes of coal had been sent to the quake-hit areas, it said.
As of Wednesday, relief workers had built 658,400 temporary houses and another 2,600 were being installed.
Between Monday noon and Thursday noon, 611 aftershocks at or below magnitude 3.9 were monitored in the quake zone, while no aftershock at or above 4.0 magnitude were reported, according to the China Earthquake Administration. A total of 25,270 aftershocks had been detected since May 12.
The statement said 392,056 tonnes of grain and 9,435 tonnes of edible oil have been allocated to the quake zones from central reserves as of Wednesday. It also said that 127,937 of the 138,960businesses damaged had reopened.
And 32,398 km of the 37,028 km ruptured telecommunication optical cable had been restored.
As of Thursday noon, 175,858 survivors had found jobs outside of the area, while another 671,774 were employed in their home towns.
Source: Xinhua
The number of people listed as missing and injured remained unchanged and stood at 17,923 and 374,643 respectively.
As of Thursday noon, a total of 1,486,405 survivors had been relocated.
Among the 96,544 who had been hospitalized for injuries, 92,686have been discharged, the statement said.
Government spending on relief and reconstruction had exceeded 66.92 billion yuan , including 59.74 billion yuan from the central budget and 7.17 billion yuan from the local budget.
According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, domestic and foreign donations had reached 59.28 billion yuan in cash and goods by Thursday noon. Of this, 24.15 billion yuan had been forwarded to quake-hit areas.
About 1.58 million tents, 4.87 million quilts, 14.1 million garments, 3.16 million tonnes of fuel and 6.76 million tonnes of coal had been sent to the quake-hit areas, it said.
As of Wednesday, relief workers had built 658,400 temporary houses and another 2,600 were being installed.
Between Monday noon and Thursday noon, 611 aftershocks at or below magnitude 3.9 were monitored in the quake zone, while no aftershock at or above 4.0 magnitude were reported, according to the China Earthquake Administration. A total of 25,270 aftershocks had been detected since May 12.
The statement said 392,056 tonnes of grain and 9,435 tonnes of edible oil have been allocated to the quake zones from central reserves as of Wednesday. It also said that 127,937 of the 138,960businesses damaged had reopened.
And 32,398 km of the 37,028 km ruptured telecommunication optical cable had been restored.
As of Thursday noon, 175,858 survivors had found jobs outside of the area, while another 671,774 were employed in their home towns.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese Zhang Yining wins Olympic table tennis singles gold
Zhang Yining of China returns the ball during the women's singles gold medal match of Beijing Olympic Games table tennis event against her compatriot Wang Nan in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Zhang Yining won the match and grabbed the gold medal.
Chinese Zhang Yining beat teammate Wang Nan 4-2 to win the women's singles gold medal at the Olympic Games on Friday.
Earlier, Chinese Guo Yue downed Singapore's Li Jia Wei to claim the bronze.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese Zhang Yining beat teammate Wang Nan 4-2 to win the women's singles gold medal at the Olympic Games on Friday.
Earlier, Chinese Guo Yue downed Singapore's Li Jia Wei to claim the bronze.
Source: Xinhua
Belarus wins Olympic gold in men's kayak four 1,000m
Kayak paddlers of Belarus compete in the Kayak four 1000m men final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Canoe/Kayak Flatwater event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The team of Belarus clinched the gold medal in this event with a time of 2:55.714.
Belarus claimed the Olympic gold medal in the men's kayak four 1,000 meters in the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Friday.
The team finished in two minutes, 55.714 seconds, 0.879 seconds ahead of Athens bronze medalists Slovakia. Germany, silver medalists in Athens, took bronze in 2:56.593.
It was Belarus' second gold on the first day of the canoeing flatwater finals, a dozen minutes after their compatriots came from behind to win the men's canoe double 1,000 meters race.
The Belarus crew were in second place by the 500 meters, but they came through in the third 250 meters and maintain the lead to the finish line.
"Today was a pleasant surprise for all four of us," Belarus' Raman Piatrushenka said.
"We've been away from home for a long time and we even turned our mobile phones off. We wouldn't say the gods or stars were smiling on us, we just did our best to get the medal.
"I feel very bad and very tired. We did the 1,000m very fast and did everything we could," Slovakia's Richard Riszdorfer said. "Most of the time we were leading, but we couldn't see how far Belarus were from us."
Hungary, who won the gold medals in Sydney and Athens, missed out on a medal with a fifth finish. China, silver medalists in a pre-Games World Cup race, came in seventh place.
Kayak paddlers of Belarus celebrate after winning the Kayak four 1000m men final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Canoe/Kayak Flatwater event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The team of Belarus clinched the gold medal in this event with a time of 2:55.714.
Source: Xinhua
Belarus claimed the Olympic gold medal in the men's kayak four 1,000 meters in the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Friday.
The team finished in two minutes, 55.714 seconds, 0.879 seconds ahead of Athens bronze medalists Slovakia. Germany, silver medalists in Athens, took bronze in 2:56.593.
It was Belarus' second gold on the first day of the canoeing flatwater finals, a dozen minutes after their compatriots came from behind to win the men's canoe double 1,000 meters race.
The Belarus crew were in second place by the 500 meters, but they came through in the third 250 meters and maintain the lead to the finish line.
"Today was a pleasant surprise for all four of us," Belarus' Raman Piatrushenka said.
"We've been away from home for a long time and we even turned our mobile phones off. We wouldn't say the gods or stars were smiling on us, we just did our best to get the medal.
"I feel very bad and very tired. We did the 1,000m very fast and did everything we could," Slovakia's Richard Riszdorfer said. "Most of the time we were leading, but we couldn't see how far Belarus were from us."
Hungary, who won the gold medals in Sydney and Athens, missed out on a medal with a fifth finish. China, silver medalists in a pre-Games World Cup race, came in seventh place.
Kayak paddlers of Belarus celebrate after winning the Kayak four 1000m men final of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Canoe/Kayak Flatwater event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The team of Belarus clinched the gold medal in this event with a time of 2:55.714.
Source: Xinhua
"Olympic Pandas" bear up well in Beijing; likely to stay until year-end
Eight pandas who were flown to Beijing in May to add cheer to the Olympics are doing well and will probably stay in the capital until year-end, which is when their quake-damaged habitat in Sichuan Province is likely to be rebuilt.
"Olympic pandas" play together at the Beijing Zoo in Beijing, capital of China, July 29, 2008. The eight "Olympic pandas", nominated by netizens to add cheers to the Beijing Olympic Games, have witnessed more than one million visitors since their arrival in Beijing from the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve in southwest China's Sichuan Province on June 5.
Thursday's Legal Affairs Evening News quoted Zhang Jinguo, deputy chief of the Beijing Zoo, as saying that the bears, aged one to two, had all put on 1.5 kg to 2 kg during their stay in the zoo.
"They are fully adapted to the climate and life here in Beijing," said Zhang, who added that rebuilding their home at the Wolong base was another reason they had to stay. They were originally supposed to go home in October.
The cubs are in a newly expanded glass enclosure, where wooden "trees," a mural and swimming pools create a homey environment.
The pandas live in three pens held at a constant temperature, similar to their natural habitat. They were expected to attract 6 million domestic and foreign tourists during their six-month stay in the capital.
They were selected from among 16 candidates at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Wolong Town, only 30 km from the epicenter of the devastating May 12 earthquake.
At their newfound home, they usually get out of bed at 7 a.m. and prowl their enclosure until about 6 p.m.
According to Zhang, in their first days in Beijing, the cubs had a poor appetite and could only chow down 2 kg to 3 kg of bamboo a day.
"Now their appetite has become so good that they eat twice as much and they're putting on weight."
The pandas also eat carrots, apples and milk, which is said to produce the fine sheen of their fur. They also got a weekly shampoo ahead of the Olympics.
Except for Fengyi, the youngest of the eight, who suffered from a minor case of worms upon arrival, the animals have been healthy.
The earthquake caused severe damage to the Wolong base. Five staff were killed, as was one captive panda. Two pandas were injured and six went missing, five of which were eventually found.
A donation drive to rebuild the damaged habitat started in early June.
"The cubs won't return before workers complete the rebuilding, which for sure can't be done in October," said Zhang.
Source: Xinhua
"Olympic pandas" play together at the Beijing Zoo in Beijing, capital of China, July 29, 2008. The eight "Olympic pandas", nominated by netizens to add cheers to the Beijing Olympic Games, have witnessed more than one million visitors since their arrival in Beijing from the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve in southwest China's Sichuan Province on June 5.
Thursday's Legal Affairs Evening News quoted Zhang Jinguo, deputy chief of the Beijing Zoo, as saying that the bears, aged one to two, had all put on 1.5 kg to 2 kg during their stay in the zoo.
"They are fully adapted to the climate and life here in Beijing," said Zhang, who added that rebuilding their home at the Wolong base was another reason they had to stay. They were originally supposed to go home in October.
The cubs are in a newly expanded glass enclosure, where wooden "trees," a mural and swimming pools create a homey environment.
The pandas live in three pens held at a constant temperature, similar to their natural habitat. They were expected to attract 6 million domestic and foreign tourists during their six-month stay in the capital.
They were selected from among 16 candidates at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Wolong Town, only 30 km from the epicenter of the devastating May 12 earthquake.
At their newfound home, they usually get out of bed at 7 a.m. and prowl their enclosure until about 6 p.m.
According to Zhang, in their first days in Beijing, the cubs had a poor appetite and could only chow down 2 kg to 3 kg of bamboo a day.
"Now their appetite has become so good that they eat twice as much and they're putting on weight."
The pandas also eat carrots, apples and milk, which is said to produce the fine sheen of their fur. They also got a weekly shampoo ahead of the Olympics.
Except for Fengyi, the youngest of the eight, who suffered from a minor case of worms upon arrival, the animals have been healthy.
The earthquake caused severe damage to the Wolong base. Five staff were killed, as was one captive panda. Two pandas were injured and six went missing, five of which were eventually found.
A donation drive to rebuild the damaged habitat started in early June.
"The cubs won't return before workers complete the rebuilding, which for sure can't be done in October," said Zhang.
Source: Xinhua
Argentina win Olympic women's hockey bronze
World No. 2 Argentina won the bronze medal in the Olympic women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating defending champions Germany 3-1.
World No. 2 Argentina won the bronze medal in the Olympic women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating defending champions Germany 3-1.
This was Argentina's third Olympic hokcey medal following a silver in 2000 and a bronze in 2004.
The third-ranked Germany, the surprise winner of Athens Games, failed to make their second appearance on the Olympic podium.
Argentina took a 2-0 lead at halftime with a penalty corner from Rosario Luchetti in the 11th minute and a field goal from Carla Rebecchi in the 22nd.
World No. 2 Argentina won the bronze medal in the Olympic women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating defending champions Germany 3-1.
Anke Kuehn narrowed the gap for Germany in the 45th with a field goal which was finally ruled valid by video umpire. However, Noel Barrionuevo once agian widened the margin to 3-1 in the 63rd minute and sealed the win.
Germany got three chances for penalty corner in the second half but they failed to convert any of them.
Argentine coach Gabriel Minadeo said it was a tough game for both sides. "We find spaces to take an early 2-0 lead. Germany played well in the second half, but we hold on the board 3-1."
World No. 2 Argentina won the bronze medal in the Olympic women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating defending champions Germany 3-1.
"Hockey is important and popular in Argentina. I hope the medal will encourage more boys and girls to play hockey," Gabriel noted, adding that of course a gold medal was the best way to finish the tournament.
German coach Michael Behrmann was very disappointed about the result. "Australia did better in the first half, and we try to make up for the second, but two goals are hard to catch up," he said.
Both the coaches predicted that the Dutch would win the gold medal over China in the later match. "The Dutch are extremely strong and experienced."
Source: Xinhua
World No. 2 Argentina won the bronze medal in the Olympic women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating defending champions Germany 3-1.
This was Argentina's third Olympic hokcey medal following a silver in 2000 and a bronze in 2004.
The third-ranked Germany, the surprise winner of Athens Games, failed to make their second appearance on the Olympic podium.
Argentina took a 2-0 lead at halftime with a penalty corner from Rosario Luchetti in the 11th minute and a field goal from Carla Rebecchi in the 22nd.
World No. 2 Argentina won the bronze medal in the Olympic women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating defending champions Germany 3-1.
Anke Kuehn narrowed the gap for Germany in the 45th with a field goal which was finally ruled valid by video umpire. However, Noel Barrionuevo once agian widened the margin to 3-1 in the 63rd minute and sealed the win.
Germany got three chances for penalty corner in the second half but they failed to convert any of them.
Argentine coach Gabriel Minadeo said it was a tough game for both sides. "We find spaces to take an early 2-0 lead. Germany played well in the second half, but we hold on the board 3-1."
World No. 2 Argentina won the bronze medal in the Olympic women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating defending champions Germany 3-1.
"Hockey is important and popular in Argentina. I hope the medal will encourage more boys and girls to play hockey," Gabriel noted, adding that of course a gold medal was the best way to finish the tournament.
German coach Michael Behrmann was very disappointed about the result. "Australia did better in the first half, and we try to make up for the second, but two goals are hard to catch up," he said.
Both the coaches predicted that the Dutch would win the gold medal over China in the later match. "The Dutch are extremely strong and experienced."
Source: Xinhua
China's Olympic medal hopeful Zou enters boxing final
China's medal hope and world boxing champion of light flyweight Zou Shiming advanced into the final at the Beijing Olympic Games by beating Paddy Barnes from Ireland 15-0 here on Friday.
Zou Shiming of China poses during Men's light fly semifinal 1 at the Beijing Olympic Games boxing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Zou Shiming won the match over Paddy Barnes of Ireland.
Zou initiated attacks in the first round and won two points, and then made it at 8-0 in the second round, successfully dodging all the punches by Barnes. Zou performed a perfect defense in the third and fourth rounds, leaving no chance for his rival.
"I am persistent today as I always did," said Zou. "I was close to the Olympic gold four years ago, and this time I will try my best to get it."
Zou Shiming of China fights with Paddy Barnes of Ireland during Men's light fly semifinal 1 at the Beijing Olympic Games boxing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Zou Shiming won the match.
Zou attributed the overwhelming victory to his strategy on the ring, which Zhang Chuanliang, head coach of the Chinese boxing team, said was defense-attack tactics.
Barnes said after the competition against Zou "he beat me with speed. I thought I was doing well but he's just a great fighter, too fast."
"He tried to get him, tried to hit, tried to block, but he couldn't do anything," said Barners' coach Billy Walsh.
Barnes was in the fifth position in the World Championships last year.
Source: Xinhua
Zou Shiming of China poses during Men's light fly semifinal 1 at the Beijing Olympic Games boxing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Zou Shiming won the match over Paddy Barnes of Ireland.
Zou initiated attacks in the first round and won two points, and then made it at 8-0 in the second round, successfully dodging all the punches by Barnes. Zou performed a perfect defense in the third and fourth rounds, leaving no chance for his rival.
"I am persistent today as I always did," said Zou. "I was close to the Olympic gold four years ago, and this time I will try my best to get it."
Zou Shiming of China fights with Paddy Barnes of Ireland during Men's light fly semifinal 1 at the Beijing Olympic Games boxing event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Zou Shiming won the match.
Zou attributed the overwhelming victory to his strategy on the ring, which Zhang Chuanliang, head coach of the Chinese boxing team, said was defense-attack tactics.
Barnes said after the competition against Zou "he beat me with speed. I thought I was doing well but he's just a great fighter, too fast."
"He tried to get him, tried to hit, tried to block, but he couldn't do anything," said Barners' coach Billy Walsh.
Barnes was in the fifth position in the World Championships last year.
Source: Xinhua
World champion Guo makes do with Olympic bronze
China's Guo Yue won a bronze medal in the Olympic women's singles table tennis competition in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating Singapore's Li Jia Wei 4-2.
The color of the medal is a big disappointment for the reigning world champion who has rarely finished lower than second in international singles tournaments in the last two years.
China's Guo Yue won a bronze medal in the Olympic women's singles table tennis competition in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating Singapore's Li Jia Wei 4-2.
Guo failed to reach the final because of her loss to China's "Big Sister" Wang Nan, who is going to retire and determined to win as much as possible at her last Olympic Games.
But Guo won the bronze medal contest 11-6, 14-12, 9-11, 7-11, 11-3, 11-4, shattering Li's hope of winning a second medal at the Beijing Olympics.
China's Guo Yue won a bronze medal in the Olympic women's singles table tennis competition in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating Singapore's Li Jia Wei 4-2.
The Beijing-born Li put up a brave fight until her semifinal loss to former schoolmate Zhang Yining, the world's top-ranked player and defending gold medalist.
Li and two other former Chinese won a team silver, which is the first Olympic medal for Singapore in 48 years.
"It's an achievement for me to finish in the top four in the singles event in Beijing, with all the other three being Chinese players," she said.
Li finished fourth in the Athens singles competition and failed to reach the last eight in the doubles.
Source: Xinhua
The color of the medal is a big disappointment for the reigning world champion who has rarely finished lower than second in international singles tournaments in the last two years.
China's Guo Yue won a bronze medal in the Olympic women's singles table tennis competition in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating Singapore's Li Jia Wei 4-2.
Guo failed to reach the final because of her loss to China's "Big Sister" Wang Nan, who is going to retire and determined to win as much as possible at her last Olympic Games.
But Guo won the bronze medal contest 11-6, 14-12, 9-11, 7-11, 11-3, 11-4, shattering Li's hope of winning a second medal at the Beijing Olympics.
China's Guo Yue won a bronze medal in the Olympic women's singles table tennis competition in Beijing on Aug. 22, beating Singapore's Li Jia Wei 4-2.
The Beijing-born Li put up a brave fight until her semifinal loss to former schoolmate Zhang Yining, the world's top-ranked player and defending gold medalist.
Li and two other former Chinese won a team silver, which is the first Olympic medal for Singapore in 48 years.
"It's an achievement for me to finish in the top four in the singles event in Beijing, with all the other three being Chinese players," she said.
Li finished fourth in the Athens singles competition and failed to reach the last eight in the doubles.
Source: Xinhua
S Korea's Hwang claims title in women's 67kg class taetwondo
Karine Sergerie of Canada fights with Hwang Kyungseon of South Kroea during the women's 67kg gold medal match at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games taekwondo event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Hwang Kyungseon won the match and gained the gold medal.
South Korea's Hwang Kyung-seon won the women's 67kg class taekwondo event at the Beijing Olympics on Friday, beating Karine Sergerie of Canada 2-1.
It's the third gold South Korean taekwondo players have clinched in Beijing.
Sergerie took the lead in round 1 while Hwang, adopting defensive tactics, scored her first point in round 2. The two became more aggressive in the third round and both made a lot of attacks, but only Hwang managed to score when there were 20 seconds left and locked the gold.
The bronze was shared by Gwladys Patience Epangue of France, and Sandra Saric of Croatia.
Source: Xinhua
South Korea's Hwang Kyung-seon won the women's 67kg class taekwondo event at the Beijing Olympics on Friday, beating Karine Sergerie of Canada 2-1.
It's the third gold South Korean taekwondo players have clinched in Beijing.
Sergerie took the lead in round 1 while Hwang, adopting defensive tactics, scored her first point in round 2. The two became more aggressive in the third round and both made a lot of attacks, but only Hwang managed to score when there were 20 seconds left and locked the gold.
The bronze was shared by Gwladys Patience Epangue of France, and Sandra Saric of Croatia.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese Guo wins table tennis bronze
Guo Yue of China celebrates a point during the women's singles bronze medal match of Beijing Olympic Games table tennis event against Li Jia Wei of Singapore in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Guo won the match 4-2 and grabbed the bronze medal.
Chinese Guo Yue beat Singapore's Li Jia Wei 4-2 to win the women's singles bronze medal at the Olympic table tennis tournament on Friday.
Wang Nan, 2000 Olympic singles champion, will take on defending champion Zhang Yining in the all-Chinese final late Friday night.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese Guo Yue beat Singapore's Li Jia Wei 4-2 to win the women's singles bronze medal at the Olympic table tennis tournament on Friday.
Wang Nan, 2000 Olympic singles champion, will take on defending champion Zhang Yining in the all-Chinese final late Friday night.
Source: Xinhua
Iranian veteran Hadi Saei wins men's 80kg class taekwondo event
Mauro Sarmiento of Italy fights with Hadi Saei of Iran during the men's 80kg gold medal match at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games taekwondo event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Hadi Saei won the match and gained the gold medal.
Iranian taekwondo player Hadi Saei clinched his second Olympic taekwondo gold on Friday, beating Mauro Sarmiento of Italy 6-4 in the men's 80kg category.
Sarmiento dominated the first round with a 4-2 by a series of attacks, inluding an axe kick to Saei's head. However, 32-year-old Saei, who won the 68kg class at Athens Games, remained clear-minded. He just moved and waited.
When the opponent made mistakes during continuous attacks, Saei successfully threw two roundhouse kicks to Sarmiento's left side and drew the match into a 4-4 tie. He attcked first in round 3, scored his fifth and sixth point.
Sarmiento raised Saei's hand to congratulate the veteran.
China's Zhu Guo won the bronze after an intense repechage match with British player Aaron Cook, beating Cook 4-1 to become the first Chinese male taekwondo player to win a medal at Olympics.
Zhu said his South Korean coach helped him a lot.
America's legendary Steven Lopez, two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion, failed to extend his glory as he lost the quarterfinals to Sarmiento 1-2. He finally got bronze through the repechage.
Source: Xinhua
Iranian taekwondo player Hadi Saei clinched his second Olympic taekwondo gold on Friday, beating Mauro Sarmiento of Italy 6-4 in the men's 80kg category.
Sarmiento dominated the first round with a 4-2 by a series of attacks, inluding an axe kick to Saei's head. However, 32-year-old Saei, who won the 68kg class at Athens Games, remained clear-minded. He just moved and waited.
When the opponent made mistakes during continuous attacks, Saei successfully threw two roundhouse kicks to Sarmiento's left side and drew the match into a 4-4 tie. He attcked first in round 3, scored his fifth and sixth point.
Sarmiento raised Saei's hand to congratulate the veteran.
China's Zhu Guo won the bronze after an intense repechage match with British player Aaron Cook, beating Cook 4-1 to become the first Chinese male taekwondo player to win a medal at Olympics.
Zhu said his South Korean coach helped him a lot.
America's legendary Steven Lopez, two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion, failed to extend his glory as he lost the quarterfinals to Sarmiento 1-2. He finally got bronze through the repechage.
Source: Xinhua
Beijing Olympics bronze medal priceless to Israel
The state of Israel was galvanized when its windsurfer Shahar Zubari raised his hands triumphantly after being awarded an Olympic bronze medal on Wednesday by Israeli International Olympic Committee member Alex Gilady.
Zubari, who was considered one of the Israeli Olympic delegation's best hopes for a medal, won the bronze medal of the men's RS:X at the Beijing Olympic Sailing Regatta, Israel's first medal at Beijing Olympics.
"We are very happy about Zubari's medal and proud of him," Michal Shahaf, spokesperson of the Olympic Committee of Israel , who is currently in Beijing, told Xinhua Friday in a telephone interview, adding that it is almost certain that this will be the only medal Israeli Olympic delegation wins at Beijing Olympics.
Before Zubari's medal, some prominent Israeli athletes, who had been pinned much hope on getting a medal, failed to make it, which exerted a lot of pressure on the young windsurfer.
"It was very difficult work. I'm very happy with the accomplishment," Zubari told Israel's Channel 1 after winning the medal, adding that there was a lot of support from Israel.
As for the 21-year-old windsurfer, who will turn 22 on Sept. 1, the medal is doubtlessly a priceless birthday present. In addition, it is also a splendid gift to his country, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
The Jewish state also relished the precious gain. Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert both called Wednesday to congratulate Zubari on his achievement.
"You've made us so happy. I've been following you all of these ten days. I was constantly impressed by your cool demeanor, your level headedness, and your self-confidence - your feeling that you conveyed to us that you will end up bringing a medal," Olmert was quoted by local media as saying.
"You have no idea how exciting it is," the prime minister continued. "I'm looking at you now through the TV and see you holding the flag. There are lots of tears of joy now in the eyes of Israelis. Your future is ahead of you."
Zubari's family was ecstatic at Zubari's victory.
"It's a great joy. Every member of the family except for Zubari was here at home watching the race. He was on a roll when he began and he took it all the way," Zubari's mother told Israel Radio from her home in Eilat, a city in southern Israel.
This is Israel's seventh Olympic medal, and Zubari is the sixth Olympic medalist in Israeli history. In the past, the Jewish state won six Olympic medals, including a gold, a silver and four bronze medals.
Thanks to Zubari's medal, the Israeli Olympic delegation avoided the awkwardness of coming back home empty-handed. However, Shahaf told Xinhua that "we are somewhat disappointed, because we have been expecting better results."
Despite that, Secretary General of OCI Efraim Zinger and the director of Israel's Elite Sport Department, Gili Lostig, told local media Thursday that when looking at the overall picture, the delegation performed as expected at Beijing Olympics.
"The most important fact is that for the fifth consecutive Olympics we have maintained our place in the very prestigious club of medal winning nations," Zinger said.
It may have been much tougher this time due to the improvement of the Asian athletes, and especially China, but Israel once more met this goal, added the secretary general.
Lostig noted that some 23 of the 43 Israeli athletes participating in Beijing Olympics are under 23-years-old, calling it an amazing fact.
"This means we have a young group of sportsmen which is replacing the older generation and this group will blossom in London 2012 ," said Lostig.
Source: Xinhua
Zubari, who was considered one of the Israeli Olympic delegation's best hopes for a medal, won the bronze medal of the men's RS:X at the Beijing Olympic Sailing Regatta, Israel's first medal at Beijing Olympics.
"We are very happy about Zubari's medal and proud of him," Michal Shahaf, spokesperson of the Olympic Committee of Israel , who is currently in Beijing, told Xinhua Friday in a telephone interview, adding that it is almost certain that this will be the only medal Israeli Olympic delegation wins at Beijing Olympics.
Before Zubari's medal, some prominent Israeli athletes, who had been pinned much hope on getting a medal, failed to make it, which exerted a lot of pressure on the young windsurfer.
"It was very difficult work. I'm very happy with the accomplishment," Zubari told Israel's Channel 1 after winning the medal, adding that there was a lot of support from Israel.
As for the 21-year-old windsurfer, who will turn 22 on Sept. 1, the medal is doubtlessly a priceless birthday present. In addition, it is also a splendid gift to his country, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
The Jewish state also relished the precious gain. Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert both called Wednesday to congratulate Zubari on his achievement.
"You've made us so happy. I've been following you all of these ten days. I was constantly impressed by your cool demeanor, your level headedness, and your self-confidence - your feeling that you conveyed to us that you will end up bringing a medal," Olmert was quoted by local media as saying.
"You have no idea how exciting it is," the prime minister continued. "I'm looking at you now through the TV and see you holding the flag. There are lots of tears of joy now in the eyes of Israelis. Your future is ahead of you."
Zubari's family was ecstatic at Zubari's victory.
"It's a great joy. Every member of the family except for Zubari was here at home watching the race. He was on a roll when he began and he took it all the way," Zubari's mother told Israel Radio from her home in Eilat, a city in southern Israel.
This is Israel's seventh Olympic medal, and Zubari is the sixth Olympic medalist in Israeli history. In the past, the Jewish state won six Olympic medals, including a gold, a silver and four bronze medals.
Thanks to Zubari's medal, the Israeli Olympic delegation avoided the awkwardness of coming back home empty-handed. However, Shahaf told Xinhua that "we are somewhat disappointed, because we have been expecting better results."
Despite that, Secretary General of OCI Efraim Zinger and the director of Israel's Elite Sport Department, Gili Lostig, told local media Thursday that when looking at the overall picture, the delegation performed as expected at Beijing Olympics.
"The most important fact is that for the fifth consecutive Olympics we have maintained our place in the very prestigious club of medal winning nations," Zinger said.
It may have been much tougher this time due to the improvement of the Asian athletes, and especially China, but Israel once more met this goal, added the secretary general.
Lostig noted that some 23 of the 43 Israeli athletes participating in Beijing Olympics are under 23-years-old, calling it an amazing fact.
"This means we have a young group of sportsmen which is replacing the older generation and this group will blossom in London 2012 ," said Lostig.
Source: Xinhua
French newspaper praises Beijing Olympics
The Beijing Olympics presented to the world a charming and fine image of China and a Beijing largely unknown to Westerners through TV coverage of the Games, said the French newspaper "La Tribune" on Friday.
The splendid opening ceremony directed by well-known Chinese movie director Zhang Yimou gave the Games a good start. Live TV coverage of the life in Beijing showed an image unfamiliar to Western audience, with lots of skyscrapers, magnificent sports facilities and well-organized Games, which has won the appreciation of all athletes, the paper said in an article.
The paper noted that the Chinese government's measures to reduce emission and improve air quality worked well. Drizzles from time to time brought humid and cool air, making the weather more comfortable.
Beijing had blue skies for more than half of the days during the Games, and the local residents enjoyed the pleasant ever summer in their memories, the paper added.
Beijing has put huge investment into the construction of sports venues and infrastructure, including subway, light rail transit and express way system. All these investments paid off in easing traffic and providing convenient public transport, the paper said.
The paper hailed the Beijing Olympics as the most expected Games over the last decades, and said that Beijing has happily fulfilled people's expectations.
Source: Xinhua
The splendid opening ceremony directed by well-known Chinese movie director Zhang Yimou gave the Games a good start. Live TV coverage of the life in Beijing showed an image unfamiliar to Western audience, with lots of skyscrapers, magnificent sports facilities and well-organized Games, which has won the appreciation of all athletes, the paper said in an article.
The paper noted that the Chinese government's measures to reduce emission and improve air quality worked well. Drizzles from time to time brought humid and cool air, making the weather more comfortable.
Beijing had blue skies for more than half of the days during the Games, and the local residents enjoyed the pleasant ever summer in their memories, the paper added.
Beijing has put huge investment into the construction of sports venues and infrastructure, including subway, light rail transit and express way system. All these investments paid off in easing traffic and providing convenient public transport, the paper said.
The paper hailed the Beijing Olympics as the most expected Games over the last decades, and said that Beijing has happily fulfilled people's expectations.
Source: Xinhua
Beijing reports improved environmental quality
Two major indicators of pollution, SO2 and COD, fell in the first half of this year in Beijing, marking new progress in the city's emission reduction effort, environmental regulators said on Saturday.
Emissions of sulfur dioxide in the Olympic host city in the first half of this year fell by 12.94 percent compared with the same period last year, the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced.
COD, or chemical oxygen demand, a measure of water pollution, dropped by 3.82 percent, it added.
The Chinese capital had projected to cut pollution levels for the two indicators by 10 percent and 4 percent respectively from last year.
The Beijing environment bureau attributed the achievement to the city's painstaking efforts in industrial restructuring and application of environment protection technologies.
According to the Beijing municipal government, the city has invested more than 140 billion yuan since 1998 to improve its air quality.
Air quality in the city so far this month has also been the best for any summer period over the last 10 years -- and within Olympic standards, the city's environment bureau said Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua
Emissions of sulfur dioxide in the Olympic host city in the first half of this year fell by 12.94 percent compared with the same period last year, the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced.
COD, or chemical oxygen demand, a measure of water pollution, dropped by 3.82 percent, it added.
The Chinese capital had projected to cut pollution levels for the two indicators by 10 percent and 4 percent respectively from last year.
The Beijing environment bureau attributed the achievement to the city's painstaking efforts in industrial restructuring and application of environment protection technologies.
According to the Beijing municipal government, the city has invested more than 140 billion yuan since 1998 to improve its air quality.
Air quality in the city so far this month has also been the best for any summer period over the last 10 years -- and within Olympic standards, the city's environment bureau said Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)