While I thoroughly enjoyed the Opening Ceremony, I cant help but think that Fertile Crescent Arab culture was completley left out of the ceremony!
Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine were all partaking countries, but yet, Dabke, Sword dances were not featured in the games, nor did we have our own "Culture Box" which was sad.
Secondly, I couldnt help but notice how good part of the opening ceremony was dedicated to promoting Qatar when this event was supposed to highlight regional/international sporting. I would imagine that the Korean Asian Games were more modest viz representing Korea than Qatar was in representing itself. It just became too much (though Qatar needs the publicity, I dont disagree- so, effectivley I am torn!)
While I thoroughly enjoyed the Opening Ceremony, I cant help but think that Fertile Crescent Arab culture was completley left out of the ceremony!
Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine were all partaking countries, but yet, Dabke, Sword dances were not featured in the games, nor did we have our own "Culture Box" which was sad.
Secondly, I couldnt help but notice how good part of the opening ceremony was dedicated to promoting Qatar when this event was supposed to highlight regional/international sporting. I would imagine that the Korean Asian Games were more modest viz representing Korea than Qatar was in representing itself. It just became too much (though Qatar needs the publicity, I dont disagree- so, effectivley I am torn!)