On September 1st in Denver, San Francisco Giants pitcher Kai-Wei Teng started against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. He pitched 5.1 innings, only allowed two runs, and recorded a career-high eight strike outs. The Giants went on to win 8 to 2 on the road, giving teng his second career MLB victory and his first as a starter. He also became the first Taiwanese pitcher since Wei-Yin Chen in 2018 to earn a win as a starter in the majors. This performance marks a milestone in Teng’s young career and highlights Taiwan’s growing impact on Major League Baseball.”

“U16 Asia Cup Basketball — Taiwan suffers first loss.

In Mongolia, Taiwan’s U16 men’s basketball team fell to New Zealand, 82 to 101, in group play. Taiwan kept it close in the first quarter, but New Zealand pulled away with a 37 to 21 run in the second period. Taiwan briefly cut the deficit to single digits in the third quarter, yet couldn’t sustain momentum. The biggest difference came on the boards — Taiwan grabbed only 30 rebounds, 32 fewer than New Zealand — and their outside shooting struggled at just 27 percent. With the loss, Taiwan moves to 1–1 in the group stage and will face Indonesia next.”

“Boxing — Lin Yu-Ting sidelined again by gender test dispute.

Taiwan’s Olympic gold medalist Lin Yu-Ting, who won the women’s 57-kilogram title in Paris, will miss the upcoming World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. Although Lin submitted the required gender verification report weeks ago, she has yet to receive official clearance from the new governing body, World Boxing. The federation introduced stricter rules this year, requiring PCR tests to detect the SRY gene on the Y chromosome for all athletes over 18. Taiwan’s boxing association says it provided full medical documentation and consulted experts, but with no response, the team decided not to risk sending her to the UK. This is not the first time Lin has faced such setbacks — she previously withdrew from events in Thailand, Kazakhstan, and the UK due to unclear regulations. For now, her eligibility remains unresolved.”

“Taiwan Baseball — Match-fixing figure faces justice again.

Nicknamed ‘Wiper,’ Tsai Cheng-yi was at the center of the 2009 Taiwan baseball league match-fixing scandal, a case that badly damaged Taiwan’s pro baseball. He served prison time, yet later returned to politics. Now, prosecutors say he’s involved in extortion and money-laundering, and they intercepted him at Taoyuan Airport on August 31. A detention hearing is set for September 2. While Tsai is presumed innocent until proven guilty, for many fans he remains a symbol of how deeply match-fixing hurt the sport.”

Welcome to today’s episode of OK Sports English, where we explore the stories and skills behind Olympic sports. Have you ever seen an athlete spin in a circle and throw a heavy metal ball across a field? That’s shot put—a test of power, technique, and balance that dates back thousands of years.

Let’s go back in time. The roots of shot put can be traced to ancient times, when warriors would throw stones to display their strength. But the sport as we know it today began in 19th-century Scotland, and it became an official Olympic event for men in 1896, the very first modern Olympics. Women joined the event later in 1948.

So how does it work? In shot put, athletes must throw a heavy metal ball—called a “shot”—as far as possible from inside a 7-foot circle. They are not allowed to step outside the circle during the throw, or it will be a foul. There are two main techniques: the glide, where the athlete slides backward before releasing the shot, and the spin or rotational technique, where they rotate to build momentum.

What about the weight? The shot is made of solid metal and weighs 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds) for men and 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) for women. That’s like holding a bowling ball—but instead of rolling it, you’re hurling it through the air!

But strength alone isn’t enough. Shot putters need a mix of explosive power, body coordination, and mental focus. They train not only in the gym, lifting weights and building muscle, but also practice their footwork and timing endlessly. A small mistake—like releasing the shot too early or too late—can cost them the competition.

One famous name in shot put history is Ryan Crouser from the United States. He broke the Olympic record in 2021 with a throw of 23.30 meters, showing just how far the human body can go when precision meets power.

So next time you see this event on TV, remember: it’s not just about throwing a ball—it’s a demonstration of discipline, timing, and explosive energy. That’s what makes shot put one of the most intense and underrated Olympic events.

Today, we’re talking about a powerful and controversial term that’s gaining more attention in the world of global athletics — sportswashing.

Sportswashing refers to the use of sports by governments, corporations, or individuals to improve a damaged reputation or to shift public focus away from unethical or controversial actions. It’s when the universal values of sports — fairness, unity, and inspiration — are used as a cover for something less noble. While sports have the power to heal and unite, they can also be strategically used to hide political, economic, or human rights problems.

One of the most classic examples of sportswashing is what happened in China in the early 1990s. In June 1989, the world watched as the Chinese government violently cracked down on student-led protests in Tiananmen Square. The event drew international criticism and led to sanctions and global outrage. But just one year later, in 1990, China hosted the Asian Games in Beijing — its first major international sports event. The purpose wasn’t just athletic. It was a calculated move to present a peaceful, progressive image of the nation, rebuild diplomatic ties, and redirect global attention. The stadiums were filled, the cameras rolled, and the message was clear: look at our athletes, not our politics.

And China isn’t alone. Countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have all been accused of using sportswashing. The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia came during a time of geopolitical tension and criticism over human rights. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar drew concern over migrant worker abuse and LGBTQ+ rights — but the spectacle of the game pushed many of those stories to the sidelines. These nations invest heavily in stadiums, sponsorships, and image management, all to benefit from the global glow of sports fandom.

It’s not just governments. Corporations also engage in sportswashing. For example, a company facing environmental or labor controversies may sponsor a major football club or marathon to appear socially responsible. Individuals, too — business leaders or celebrities with tarnished images — may try to attach themselves to respected sports teams or events to rebuild their personal brand.

The impact of sportswashing is complicated. On one hand, it brings money and attention to sports. Events like the Olympics or World Cups generate billions in tourism, media, and business. Athletes get more exposure. Fans enjoy high-level competition. But on the other hand, it raises tough ethical questions. Are we cheering for the game, or helping to whitewash injustice?

Athletes themselves often find themselves caught in the middle. Some choose to speak out, using their platform to highlight issues. Others stay silent, either out of fear, pressure, or simply wanting to focus on sport. Meanwhile, fans are left to wonder: can we separate the event from the politics behind it?

Understanding sportswashing helps us become more conscious viewers, more responsible fans. It doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the game — but it does mean we should pay attention to who’s hosting it, funding it, and what stories are being told — or not told — around it.

Today, we explore an agreement that shaped how Taiwan participates in the Olympic Games and many other international sporting events. It’s called the Lausanne Agreement, and it serves as the foundation of what is often referred to as the Olympic Protocol or the Olympic Model.

In the late 1970s, due to the shift in global politics and Taiwan’s withdrawal from the United Nations in 1971, Taiwan faced increasing pressure in the international sporting world. Many of its sports organizations were removed from global federations, and Taiwanese athletes were blocked from participating in key international competitions. This not only hurt athlete development, but also isolated Taiwan from global sports diplomacy.

After years of negotiation and compromise, on March 23, 1981, in the Swiss city of Lausanne, Taiwan’s National Olympic Committee—known today as the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee—signed an agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This agreement is known as the Lausanne Agreement, and it laid out the specific terms under which Taiwan could re-enter the international Olympic movement.

Under this agreement, Taiwan would compete under the name Chinese Taipei, using a specially designed flag and emblem approved by the IOC. The anthem and official protocol order, including how Taiwan would appear during ceremonies and in official directories, were also standardized. For example, Chinese Taipei is listed under the letter "T" with the code TPE.

One of the core features of the Olympic Protocol is that Taiwan retains equal rights as other national Olympic committees. According to the Lausanne Agreement, the IOC committed to helping Chinese Taipei restore its memberships in international sports federations, giving Taiwanese athletes the right to participate once again in international events, including the Olympic Games.

In 1989, to address cross-strait sports exchanges, the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and China’s Olympic Committee signed a supplementary agreement in Hong Kong. It clarified that when Taiwan’s teams participate in sports events in China, all official materials, from name tags to broadcasts, would use the name “中華台北” (Chinese Taipei) in Chinese, in line with IOC rules.

Today, the Olympic Protocol governs not only Olympic-related activities but also applies to other international sports events and cross-strait exchanges. It ensures Taiwan’s athletes can compete globally with consistency, dignity, and recognition. It also binds Taiwan’s sports organizations to uphold the terms of this protocol. Violating the agreement could result in disqualification of athletes or even the suspension of an organization’s membership, which makes it a deeply serious matter.

While the name "Chinese Taipei" may be politically sensitive, the Olympic Protocol has allowed generations of Taiwanese athletes to shine on the world stage. From the parade of nations to the podium, it has offered a path for participation, inclusion, and visibility. It represents a careful balance between diplomacy and sport—between principle and practicality.

For Taiwan, the Lausanne Agreement is more than just a document. It’s a gateway to the Olympic dream.

Today, we’re talking about one of the most iconic names in the world of athletics: Nike. It’s more than just a brand—it’s a symbol of speed, strength, and success. But did you know that the name "Nike" comes from ancient Greek mythology?

In Greek mythology, Nike was the winged goddess of victory. She represented triumph in both war and sport, often shown flying swiftly, offering a laurel wreath to winners. Her presence was so powerful that ancient athletes prayed for her favor before competitions. When it came time to name a new sports company in 1971, it made perfect sense to invoke the image of victory itself.

Nike, Inc. was originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, his former track coach at the University of Oregon. They started by importing Japanese running shoes, but by 1971, the company had grown and needed a new identity. That’s when the name Nike was chosen, honoring the goddess. That same year, a graphic design student named Carolyn Davidson was paid $35 to create a logo that captured the essence of speed and motion. That little checkmark-like shape? That’s the famous Swoosh. Today, it’s one of the most recognized logos in the world.

Over the decades, Nike has grown into the most valuable sportswear brand on the planet. As of 2023, its brand value was estimated at over $31 billion. Nike dominates nearly every sport imaginable—basketball, soccer, running, tennis, and more. It outfits Olympic athletes, high school players, weekend joggers, and anyone who believes in pushing their limits. What sets Nike apart is not only its innovative product design, but also its deep cultural influence. Wearing Nike isn’t just about performance; it’s about attitude, identity, and belief.

A huge part of Nike’s success has been its strategy of signing some of the biggest names in sports to long-term partnerships. In fact, some athletes are so connected to the brand, they’ve signed lifetime endorsement deals. Michael Jordan was the first and most legendary. His Air Jordan line redefined what a sports shoe could be, not only for basketball but for fashion and culture too. LeBron James followed, signing a lifetime deal with Nike in 2015. Cristiano Ronaldo, the global soccer icon, also has a billion-dollar lifetime contract with Nike. And more recently, Kevin Durant joined that elite group with his own lifetime deal, solidifying his legacy on and off the court.

These partnerships do more than sell shoes—they tell stories. Each athlete represents a different kind of excellence, and Nike weaves that excellence into its brand narrative. That’s what makes Nike stand out: it doesn’t just sell products; it sells the belief that greatness is possible, and that anyone can "Just Do It."

From ancient mythology to global dominance, Nike’s story is a powerful example of how history, branding, and sport can come together. It is not only a business empire but also a cultural movement, constantly evolving while staying true to its roots in victory.

Today, we're heading to the beach — but not just for sun and surf. We're talking about beach volleyball, a fast-paced, high-energy sport that blends athleticism, teamwork, and strategy, all played on sand under the open sky.

Beach volleyball traces its roots back to Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, in 1915, where it was originally played in six-player teams. The more modern two-player version, however, was born in the 1930s on the sunny beaches of Santa Monica, California. What began as a recreational pastime quickly evolved into a competitive sport, spreading across coasts and continents, from Brazil to Europe and beyond.

The sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games marked a major turning point. It made its Olympic debut as a demonstration event at the 1992 Barcelona Games, and just four years later, in 1996 in Atlanta, it became an official Olympic sport. Since then, beach volleyball has captured global attention, celebrated not only for its athletic drama but also for its festive, outdoor spirit.

So how does beach volleyball work?

Each team consists of only two players, compared to the six in indoor volleyball. The court is smaller — 16 meters by 8 meters — and there are no substitutions, meaning players must cover more ground. Matches are best of three sets. The first two sets are played to 21 points, and a third set, if needed, is played to 15. Teams must win by at least two points. The scoring is rally-based — a point is awarded on every serve, regardless of which team served.

There are also key rule differences from indoor volleyball. In beach volleyball, open-hand dinks (soft fingertip hits) are generally not allowed, and setting is more strictly judged. The weather is also part of the game — players must deal with sun, wind, and heat, all of which make ball control and movement more challenging. That’s why agility, balance, and communication are crucial skills in the sand.

What makes beach volleyball truly special is its environment. Unlike indoor courts, players move on sand, which absorbs impact but also makes movement harder. Jumping, sprinting, and diving all require more effort. This adds another layer of intensity, making the sport physically demanding and technically refined.

Major international competitions include the Olympic Games, the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, and the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. Countries like Brazil and the United States have traditionally dominated the sport, but top athletes from countries like Norway, Germany, and Canada have also made waves on the global stage.

In the end, beach volleyball is more than just volleyball on sand. It’s a celebration of adaptability, resilience, and partnership. Whether you're diving for the ball or reading the wind, success in beach volleyball depends on a unique blend of power, finesse, and smart decision-making.

Today, we explore sailing, a sport that combines the power of nature with human ingenuity, and its esteemed place in the Olympic Games.

Sailing, also known as yachting in its early days, made its Olympic debut at the Paris Games in 1900. Since then, it has been a regular feature in the Summer Olympics, showcasing the evolution of maritime technology and the enduring human spirit of competition.

In Olympic sailing, athletes navigate a course marked by buoys, requiring them to round these markers in a specific order. The courses are designed to test various points of sail, including upwind and downwind legs, challenging sailors to adapt to changing wind and sea conditions.

The competition employs a "low point" scoring system, where the winner of each race earns one point, the second-place finisher earns two points, and so on. After a series of races, the sailor with the lowest total points emerges victorious.

Sailing demands not only physical strength and endurance but also acute tactical awareness and decision-making skills. Sailors must constantly assess wind patterns, currents, and the positions of competitors to make split-second decisions that can determine the outcome of a race.

The types of boats used in Olympic sailing have evolved over time. As of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the events feature a variety of classes:

• ILCA 7 and ILCA 6: Single-handed dinghies for men and women, respectively.

• 49er and 49erFX: High-performance skiffs for men and women.

• 470: A two-person dinghy, now a mixed-gender event.

• Nacra 17: A mixed-gender multihull catamaran.

• iQFOiL: Windsurfing boards for men and women.

• Formula Kite: Kiteboarding events for men and women.

These classes represent the diversity and technological advancement in the sport, from traditional dinghies to high-speed foiling boards.

Sailing's inclusion in the Olympics highlights its global appeal and the universal values of precision, resilience, and harmony with nature. It continues to inspire athletes and spectators alike, embodying the Olympic spirit through its unique blend of tradition and innovation.

The French Open, known globally as Roland-Garros, is one of the most iconic and prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. Its roots trace back to 1891 when it began as the "Championnat de France," a tournament initially limited to members of French tennis clubs. In 1925, it opened up to international players, and by 1928, it moved to its permanent home: Stade Roland-Garros in Paris. The stadium was named after Roland Garros, a French aviator and World War I hero. Over the decades, this event has grown from a national competition to a cornerstone of international tennis.

What sets the French Open apart from the other Grand Slam tournaments is its unique red clay surface. Unlike hard courts or grass, clay slows down the ball and causes it to bounce higher, demanding a different type of game strategy. Players must rely on endurance, patience, and tactical precision rather than sheer power. The clay itself is made from layers of crushed limestone and red brick dust, giving the court both its physical and symbolic identity.

Over the years, the tournament has seen tennis legends rise and fall, but no one has left a greater mark than Rafael Nadal. With 14 titles at Roland-Garros, his dominance on clay is unmatched in the history of the sport. His name is now synonymous with the tournament, and his legacy continues to inspire athletes around the world.

The French Open is not just a celebration of athletic excellence — it’s also a massive economic engine. In 2019, the tournament generated over 200 million euros in revenue, with a large portion coming from ticket sales, global broadcasting rights, merchandise, and international sponsorship deals. In 2023 alone, sponsorship revenue was estimated at nearly 100 million US dollars. Brands and corporations recognize Roland-Garros as a prime platform for international exposure, making it one of the most commercially successful tennis events on the calendar.

Today, Roland-Garros is broadcast in more than 220 countries and attracts millions of viewers. The global reach of the tournament reflects the growing universality of tennis — a sport that transcends borders, languages, and cultures. It has become a kind of global language, where passion, discipline, and grace are understood no matter where you're from.

Looking ahead, the 2025 French Open will run from May 25 to June 8. Top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek are set to defend their titles, and a special tribute to Rafael Nadal is planned for the opening day, honoring his extraordinary contributions to the tournament. With fierce competition, deep tradition, and growing global influence, this year’s Roland-Garros is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in tennis history.

Welcome to OK Sports. Today, we delve into the fascinating journey of basketball—from its humble beginnings to its status as a global powerhouse.

In December 1891, Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian-American physical education instructor at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, was tasked with creating an indoor game to keep students active during the harsh New England winters. Seeking a less injury-prone alternative to football, Naismith devised a game where players aimed to throw a soccer ball into peach baskets nailed 10 feet high on the gymnasium walls. This innovative game, initially played with nine players per side, marked the birth of basketball.

The original rules emphasized skill over physical contact, prohibiting running with the ball and physical holding or pushing of opponents. The game quickly gained popularity, spreading through YMCA networks across the United States and eventually worldwide. ​

Fast forward to today, basketball has transcended its origins to become a global sport. The National Basketball Association (NBA), established in 1946, has been instrumental in this growth. With stars like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry, the NBA has captivated audiences globally. The league's international reach is evident, with games broadcast in over 200 countries and a significant presence of international players. ​

Economically, basketball is a juggernaut. The NBA alone generated approximately $10 billion in revenue during the 2021–2022 season, rebounding from pandemic-related losses. Revenue streams include ticket sales, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise. Notably, the NBA secured an 11-year media rights deal worth $76 billion starting in 2025, involving partners like ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Amazon, highlighting the sport's lucrative appeal.

Beyond the NBA, basketball's influence permeates various levels, from grassroots programs to international competitions like the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics. Its accessibility—requiring minimal equipment—and dynamic gameplay contribute to its global popularity. In many communities, basketball serves as a unifying force, bridging cultural and social divides.​

In summary, basketball's evolution from a simple indoor activity to a global phenomenon underscores its universal appeal. It stands as a testament to how sports can transcend boundaries, foster community, and drive significant economic impact.

When discussing the remarkable success of Jamaican sprinters, names like Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce often come to mind. But beyond rigorous training and natural talent, there's a humble root vegetable that's been part of their journey: the Jamaican yam, particularly from the Trelawny region.

Trelawny, often referred to as Jamaica's "yam belt," produces about 60% of the country's yams. This region's yams are celebrated not just for their taste but also for their potential contribution to athletic performance.

Yams are rich in complex carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy, essential for both endurance and sprinting events. They also contain vital nutrients like potassium, which aids muscle function, and vitamin B6, which supports energy metabolism.

Some researchers suggest that yams might influence hormone levels beneficial for muscle growth. A study on Dioscorea esculenta, a yam species, indicated that its intake, combined with resistance training, could enhance muscle strength and size by affecting androgen hormone levels.

While more research is needed to fully understand the yam's impact on athletic performance, it's clear that this staple food plays a role in the diet of many Jamaican athletes. Whether it's cultural tradition or nutritional benefit, the Trelawny yam has earned its place in the story of Jamaica's sprinting dominance.