Crisis Games

15 Nov 2010 - Probably the most controversial Asian Games were held in Tehran, Iran (than Persia) in 1974, and ominous year in sports anyway. Despite opposition from fellow Arabic nations, Iran allowed Israel to participate in the Asian Games (how times have changed). But they also allowed communist bloc-nations such as China, Mongolia and North Korea to take part for the first time, setting off an array of tensions and refusals. Arabic nations, North Korea, Pakistan and China refused to compete with Israel in tennis, fencing, basketball and football. North and South Korea both took place for the first time. Despite these conflicts, the Games went on, and Japan continued their domination by winning the medal's tally. But ominously, China finished third on their debut appearance. I want to bet that China will end up on top in 2010 and for many years to come. But Japan beat China in their football match with 4 - 0. That hurts.