Closing Ceremony of the Incheon Cricket Cup [Buzz Korea]

This article is written for the promotion of Incheon Asians Games 2014. Here is a link for the apublished article.
 http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/incheon-cricket-cup/

Incheon cricket Association is organizing cricket tournament for the cricket lovers every year to promote the cricket game in Korea since 2011. This year also the ICA organized a magnificent tournament for the internationals in which 08 teams with different nations participated with great zeal. Incheon Eagles, Anzik Tigers, Arrirang Fighters, Seoul Exiles, Broughton’s11, Pacific Storms, Hanyang Strikers and 11K were selected to take part in the ICA tournament 2013. Most of the players were from Pakistan, India, Srilanka, England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Every Sunday two matches were played from August to October, 2013. On 29 September, 2013 the final match was played between Incheon Eagles which was comprised of Pakistani players and Broughton’s 11 which was comprised of Srilankans. It was a tough contest between the defending Incheon eagles and the unbeatable Broughton’s. After a tough match Broughtons 11 defeated Incheon eagles and stood 1^st and unbeatable throughout the tournament. Sunday 20^th October was the distribution ceremony day for the winning, runner up and 3^rd position holders. At this moment a friendly match was played between the Korean national team and Incheon eagles.

I along with Shahid Gil, Omer Salman and Rashid were the officials for this match.  It was a nice Sunny day and the conditions were perfect for the cricket match. The cool breeze with sunshine and the colorful dresses of players made the scenery worth watching. Both the teams were excited to play this friendly match. It was believed that Korean national team would depend on their bowling as they have a nice attack and fascinating spin bowling while the Incheon eagles have both amazing batting and bowling. Captains of both the teams shake hands and the toss was executed. Korean national team won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Khalid and Asif Iqbal opened the account for the Incheon eagles. Asif who is considered as a strong hitter of the new bowel was amazing throughout the tournament. Khalid was struggling at the other end, however they provided a remarkable start to their team. Gyeongstak was the fast bowler from Korea who was in nice form since his visit to India and is considered as the strength of Korean team. The batsmen of Incheon eagles did very well. They played fabulous stroke all around the ground. Khalid leads the score with an average of more than 8 per over, while Asif provide him a good stay at the other end of the wicket. The score was 76 in 07 overs when Teakwan was brought into the bowling and he got the wicket of Khalid who was trying to pull the bowl out of the boundary. This was an outstanding delivery from left handed bowler who took the first wicket of Incheon eagles. It was like the first drop of rain because Incheon eagles were really struggling after the first break up and their wickets falls down in a quick manner one after the other. The Taekwan trapped Asif in his next over with a superb bouncer, leading an edge form his bat into the gloves of keeper. Shahzad was the next batsman clean bowled by Taekwan with a tremendous Yorker. At that moment the score of Incheon eagles was 95 and it seemed they would hardly cross the 120 runs mark because the captian of the Incheon eagles was cought behind by after a remarkable delivery from Jiwon he made 13 runs. The Korean National team was on fire they did a great come back, as it was supposed at a time that the Incheon eagles will easily make 200 plus , however they showed  great skills of cricket with the outstanding bowling and fielding. Mudassar and altaf took the score to 110 in 16 overs, when altaf was run out. One thing was surprising about the Korean National Teams that they had made a great success in improvement their fielding. Naeem, Aamir and Mohsin also went back after striking spell by Taekwan and Jiwan without making a marked increase in score. The Korean National Team restricts Incheon Eagles to 122 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. This was a great success of the Korean national team.  The best bowling figures for Korean national team were from Taekwan who took 5 wickets in 4 over giving 7 runs and Jiwan who caught 2 wickets after giving 14 runs in 4 over. The most successful batsmen’s of the Incheon Eagles were their openers Khalid who scored 42 runs and Asif Iqbal who played an outstanding knock of fast 28 runs.

There was a lunch break for the officials and players after the end of the Incheon eagles batting. Pakistani food including chicken Biryani and kebab were offered to all the players and officials. A large number of school students were invited to watch the cricket match between Korean national team and Incheon Eagles to develop their interest in the game of cricket. Lunch was also offered to the kids who really enjoyed the kebab.

After the break the Korean national team bating was started. It seemed to be a tough target as the Incheon Eagles have a great side of bowling having some speed stars like Mudassar, Altaf, Aamir and Shahid. On the other hand Korean batsmen’s who are still in the learning process have accepted this as challenge. Their opening pair of Korean national team Suin and Ihewan took a very nice start in a much confidential way. They were very careful and didn’t play unnecessary shorts. They were vigilant in making selection of strokes. The captain of Incheon eagles made some quick changes in their bowling rounds as they have a number of bowlers to test. The opening partnership of Korean national team was broken by altaf in the seventh over troubling the rhythm of the Korean top order having 40 runs on the score board. The next wicket gone was the opener Ilhawn who finished his account with 22 runs. After the fall of two wickets the Korean batsmen’s could not survive and their wickets fell down on regular basis as the altaf , naeem and mudassar bowled exceptionally well. Soochan tried to give a hop to his team with Jiwan but Naeem bowled Jiwan with a remarkable delivery. He was the most successful batsman from the Korean national team by scoring 33 runs after facing 32 deliveries with a very good strike rate of 101. After the collapse of the top order bating line up the Incheon eagles bowlers windup the Korean national team easily. The match went to a crucial level in the final overs when the Korean national team needed only 6 runs to win and that moment was a breathtaking for both the teams; however the quick loss of wickets brought damage to Korean national team and the Incheon eagles won the match by 6 runs. Korean national team had still 2 wickets to bat but because of the end of 20 overs well before they chased the target.  Over all it was a fantastic match of cricket, loss or win is the part of game but players of both the teams won the hearts of audiences with their spectacular moves specially the fielding of Korean team and batting and bowling of Incheon eagles was praised by everyone.

Closing ceremony of the Incheon Cricket Cup tournament 2013 was held just after the match to distribute trophy and cash prizes among the winner, runner up teams and the outstanding players of the tournament. The chief guest of the ceremony was the honorable mayor of Incheon city. In his speech he mentioned that it was a great effort from the Incheon cricket Association by gathering such a large number of people and introducing and promoting cricket in the region. He showed his gratitude to the entire foreigners and the Korean National team players for attending this great event.  He thanked the school organizers and the children who came all the way to watch this cricket match. He said we are trying our best to make the Incheon Asian Games 2014 worth memorable.

The best batsman award was presented to Hammad Ullah of Hanyang Strikers while the best bowler award was handed over to Shahid from Incheon Eagles with 200,000 Won cash prize.  The First Position trophy along with 2000000 Won was received by the Caption of Broughtons from Srilanka. The runner up trophy was received by the Captain of Incheon Eagles, with 10, 00,000 Won. The 3^rd position holders, Hanyang Strikers received 500000 Korean won.

There were souvenirs for all the participants of the closing in the form of cricket bat. The tournament was closed officially by the remarks of the Incheon Cricket Association president with the hope that next year this tournament will be arranged with more participation from the cricket lovers.

Part of Nature [Buzz Korea]

Saturday: Nov 30, 2013

With Gullalaie Khan

National theater of Korea

Time: 4:00 PM 

It was my third time to visit, “National Theater of Korea” after watching PURI and Midday Korean Dance show at various stages of National Theater. This time I was here to watch the Part of Nature”. Thanks to Korea Tourism Organization for all these opportunities.

A traditional orchestral performance is set to release the sounds of nature as replicated by traditional wind and stringed instruments at a new stage of National Theater of Korea. I was along with Gullalaie Khan, a best companion ever.  To me, “Part of Nature” was a creative musical piece which realizes the human beings as being part of nature and attempts to explore the relationship between humans and nature. The composer of Part of nature, Chung Il-yeon, a Korean-German musician divided the performance into six categories which includes the Birth of Tones, Breath, Hands, Heart, Name and Spirit. Every part/ Kind of this performance was a master piece at its own. Three of the above mentioned performances were presented that night.

 pyeon-gyeong, a traditional Korean lithophone. It was followed by the third movement, “Hands,” which was composed as a concerto for a gayageum and a geomungo. The last movement performed was, “Spirit,” in which four-member samulnori troupe of traditional percussionists draw gasps of excitement from the crowd. They introduced the audience to the distinctive rhythms of the “Korean spirit,”

The prelude, “Birth of Tones,” was presented with stringed and wind instruments along with a wide variety of sounds created by the

Alongside this performance, two pieces of arts were presented. One of which was Kim’s “Back to Heaven” which described the mental conflict, such as sorrow, anxiety or fear, that is felt by all human beings, with sounds generated by both stringed and wind instruments. The second was “Flow and Flow” which allow listeners to feel the melodies flowing like water from the musicians’ tools.

The showJ

take around 100 minutes every moment of which was full of thrill, emotions and feel of nature through music. Over all it was a master piece of show and can truly be called as the “The part of Nature”. Thanks to KTO for providing the opportunity..

Cricket Craze in Korea

This blog is written for the promotion of Incheon Asian Games 2014. Here is the IAG website link

http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/cricket/

Cricket is a famous game of Asia and for some countries like Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. The game is a matter of doing or dying when they are standing against one another. People of Pakistan and India just want to see their players in the victory stand and they don’t agree on something less than that. These kinds of matches decide a level of respect and honor for the players of Indo-Pak. If they perform well they are heroes otherwise common people of both the nations are quite crazy in making decisions against the losers. Recently this fever is not only restricted to the Asian countries like Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka but Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Malaysia, UAE and Korea are now a part. Cricket can be said that it is not only a game but a source of promoting peace, love and friendship in the region.

The game of cricket has a known history spanning from the 16th century to date. The origin of cricket is England and it was played in different eras. However it was considered a long game in its test cricket format for long times especially once it ended in draw even after 5 days. A lot of regulations and protocols were made to the game of cricket in the 20th century by the international counseling body, ICC(International Cricket Council), to make more interesting and joyful for the viewers. And these attempts were helpful to make cricket acceptable in the fast life of 20th and 21th centuries by introducing the cricket format like one day matches, T20 matches and super sixes. Moreover the rules and regulation like use of different color balls, overs restrictions, free hit, third umpire, day & night matches made it a challenging and fascinating game not only for the players but for the viewers also. The commencement of triangular series, Champions trophy, ashes series and Asia cup made it a full time game of choice for the viewers around the globe. Besides the Asian nations, countries like Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Zimbabwe, West Indies, Ireland, Canada, Kenya, Netherland, Scotland and Namibia have already got a status of ICC playing countries. Also there are 36 more countries that have cricket associations in their states to promote cricket in their regions. Now it has been added into the Asian games officially for the first time ever in the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014. It is expected to be a great occasion in the history of cricket and the Asian lovers of cricket will have opportunity to watch the players and teams of their choice for the first time ever in South Korea.

Cricket is played in different formats however the most important and difficult format is the test match which is played for a maximum of 5 days and both teams are given a chance to bowl and bat twice. This is the most skillful type of cricket game and a big stamina and abilities are required to play this kind of games. Only few countries are playing this sort of game because ICC has some specific rules and regulations for that. Another format of Cricket is One day games which is the most fascinating and adroit format of cricket after test matches. In this case every team has to play 50 overs against other team with certain instructions, restrictions and rules. Umpires are there the conduct the games in terms of the rules and regulations of ICC and in a friendly environment. ICC World cup is played in this format after every 4 years among the ICC ranked countries and it has twisted millions of spectators around the globe. Another format of cricket is the twenty 20 in which every team has to play for 20 overs (20 x 6 balls). This kind of cricket is very exciting and less time consuming. This is a worth watching format because players from both teams have to show their abilities and skills in just 20 overs. There are some more formats as well like the super sixes and double wicket matches which have not yet gained international status. Cricket in 2014 Incheon Asian games will be played in twenty 20 format and it will offer a great fun.

The hosting country of 2014 Asian Games, South Korea has developed a very good national cricket team and they are improving every day. I played three times against them in Twenty 20 hard ball games and found them with lots of improvements every time. KCA(Korea Cricket Association) and Incheon Cricket Association are also playing a great role to promote high level and professional cricket in Korea. Every year a tournament is arranged by KISSA (Korea International Students Association) to promote cricket in Korea. Students from all the cricket playing countries are invited to participate and show their skills of playing cricket. No only this but cricket is taught in schools and for this purpose people of Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka are always requested and hired to coach the Youngers. This kind of coaching has come up with great result because cricket is a new game in Korea and the children of school age have great talent to learn new things.

It is believed that the 2014 Incheon Asian Games will bring some new memories in the history of cricket. Especially cricket in Korea will be promoted and the dream of peace and friendship among the Asian countries will be given a true shape of implementation through sports.

Pakistan Community Korea A sign of KOPAK friendship

This Article is written for the promotion of IAG 2014. Here is the link for article. 
 http://blog.incheon2014ag.com/home-away-from-home-2/

Life is always difficult abroad especially when you have different language, culture, traditions and norms. Meanwhile it becomes very hard if you have no attractions get together and sufficient opportunities to enjoy the way you want. Korea is somehow different country from this respect. There are a number of opportunities for the internationals to relish the new cultures, traditions and ways of life and at the same time introducing their own culture, foods, and traditions to other communities. Somehow you don’t feel you are abroad because of the attractions around you.

Korea is growing as a big investor on foreigners and is getting a status of most favorite country for the tourists. Last year more than 10 million tourists visit Korea, which is a big number ever. It is because of the respect, love and acceptability for all the cultures, regions, traditions and people of different mindset. Korea has made swift advancement by promoting their culture industry and communication strategies and it is considered a hub for international community. They offer many opportunities according to their interest to each and every nation and that is why everyone is eager to be part of all those activities.

Like all the other communities my adored Pakistan has also a large number of people residing in Korea, attaining their goals and endorsing the liaison of both the nations. According to 2009 Survey by the Korean government there are more than 10,000 Pakistani in Korea and according to latest report this number has amplified to 15,000 up to date. This digit could be considered as a high number of foreigners living in Korea from a nation. Pakistan Community in Korea can be divided into three main categories which are the Pakistan Business Association, the workers community and the Pakistan Student Association. All these bodies are joined in Pakistan Community Korea which works under the leadership of Pakistan Embassy in Korea. All these forums are highly motivated to bring both the nations more closely through sharing trade, education and man power.

Amongst all the most proficient and dynamic is the Pakistan Students Association. PSA was formed in 2007 to address the common issues of students in Korea.  Pakistan Students Association (PSAK) provides a single platform to all Pakistani students in South Korea and their main goals are to promote friendship and unity among Pakistani students in Korea. To share the diverse culture of Pakistan with the Korean and International communities and to promote love and peace in this region of the world are other goals of the Pakistan Student Association. PSAK is a symbol of Pakistani culture in Korea. You may be surprised to found the members of PSAK attending all the events, festivals and cultural gatherings all around the Korea representing the green flag. The PSAK has introduced” HINA Culture” in Korea which is highly appreciated by the International community and Korean girls. Recently PSAK presented Pakistan in Itaewon global festival, Chagnwon festival, gangwando festival, Gwangju cultural festival, Jinju cultural festival and many more. 

 It is the PSAK who has developed collaborations with many Korean and international Organizations in their common fields of interests. The volunteer wing of the PSAK regularly visits the orphanage centers and old houses to help the needy ones and promote the philosophy of peace love and respect for everyone. They also contribute in various volunteering works in Korea which includes, collecting donations for health projects, run for a cause, cleaning of schools, jungles and beaches and much more. PSAK has a great role in promoting games like Cricket in Korea. In this regards Pakistani scholars are invited to schools and colleges to guide the kids in the field of cricket. At the same time the members of PSAK organize and participate in cricket tournaments at university level and for the international professional players. Recently the Pakistani scholars in Yeonsi University and Hanyang University organized outstanding events of cricket in which more than 8 university players participated and had an opportunity to show their talent. The PSAK organize online lectures and consistence assistance to the young scholars on how to get scholarship opportunities in Korea and around the globe. PSA has played a great role in collecting funds for earth quake and floods victims in Pakistan .I must say the Pakistan Students Association is one of the most active and well organized bodies in the student’s communities in Korea.

Pakistan Business Association is the other pillar of Pakistan community Korea. It is one the most organized business association among the different associations of foreigners in Korea. It is established to promote and develop business and trade relations between Korea and Pakistan and they are playing a prodigious role in bringing both the nations more close through trade, import and export. Pakistani are involved in many business fields like clothing textiles, energy, power and heavy machinery. PBA arrange different kinds of events like the celebrations of Pakistan/Korea days, cultural events to promote the culture of Pakistan and also they are playing a great role in introducing Pakistani foods and leather in Korean markets. Recently they have introduced Pakistani mangos, basmati rice in the Korean markets which gain applause worth mention.  PBA has recently signed many memos with the Korean companies in the fields of construction, health, textile, heavy machinery, solar energy and car industry.  Pakistani workers are the other pillar of the community as there are more than 6000 in number working in different fields and performing their duties honestly and deliberately to promote the relations of both countries.

Almost all the Pakistanis are Muslims and they don’t eat pork and other meet other than Halal. I heard it was very difficult to found halal food 10 years before but since the halal food industry is very much promoted in Korea, the number of Muslim visitors increase every day and that is why Halal food is a growing industry in Korea. You can easily find halal meet shops and restaurants in almost every city of Korea. Being a religion independent country there are a number of mosques almost in every city of Korea where the Muslims from all the nations pray five times a day and gathers on religious gatherings, festivals and events. There is a great mosque in Itaewon where the biggest gathering of week takes place on Friday.

Pakistan Community Korea is recently trying to organize all the members of Pakistan under the umbrella of an organization namely Pakistani Community in Korea to promote better communication and understanding between the community and  government and its government departments, local authorities, other groups and individuals for the benefit of Pakistani people in South Korea. This community makes quick decisions in emergency situations like illness, deaths, charity and legal matters. This community also tries to resolve any issue among the different bodies of Pakistani community in Korea. This kind of work is highly appreciated by almost all the stack holders of the community.

Pakistani community in Korea is growing every day and there are a number of Pakistani looking towards Korea for their education, jobs and trade. It is because of the reforms made by the Korean Government for the foreigners and the acceptability and attraction of the Korean people and culture for the rest of the world. Now as the Korea will be welcoming delegations of various Asian countries and different cultures of Asia including Pakistan in the Incheon Asian games 2014. Hope this will be a hall mark for the relations of both the countries in particular and will bring harmony peace and unity in general to the diverse nature of Asia.