PL | EN
17 November 2023
#291
Lethwei martial art, psychedelics and definitions of depression

Asia: lethwei martial art in Myanmar and the successes of Afghan cricket

A national sport is developing in the Irrawaddy region of Myanmar, in a delta surrounded by the Bay of Bengal, isolated from other parts of the country and the ongoing civil war there. It’s lethwei, a brutal martial art called the “art of the nine limbs” because every body part can be used in an attack: fists, feet, elbows, knees and head. The players use bare fists and wrap their hands only in thin gauze. Fighters can only win if they knock out their opponent. Otherwise, it is declared a draw.

The Afghan cricket team achieved historic victories at the World Cup in India, gaining fans worldwide and making the nation proud. The Afghans defeated the defending world champions and two former title holders, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Afghan national team plays under the banner and anthem of the republic that was overthrown in 2021, but the Taliban also support the national team.

Eighteen players of the Afghanistan men’s national soccer team decided to boycott November’s World Cup qualifiers against Qatar in protest against what they call inappropriate treatment by the national soccer federation. Football players point out, among others, attention to corruption in the Afghan Football Federation, which wastes funds from FIFA, and players have to take the worst possible flights and stay in substandard hotels.

More about: AfghanistanAsiaEuropeMyanmarPakistanQatarSocietySportSri LankaTopicUnited Kingdom
Read also
Unmanned aerial vehicles in armed conflicts
Unmanned aerial vehicles in armed conflicts
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia has more than doubled the production of unique systems to deter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Over the last year, the demand for such systems has quadrupled. As a consequence, private companies, particularly those in the oil and gas sector, are seeking to protect themselves from increasing […]
Evolution based on collaboration and human superpowers
Evolution based on collaboration and human superpowers
Scientists from the University of California have discovered that some individuals possess abilities that go beyond the norm and can be considered “superpowers”. For instance, sherpas living in the Himalayas have the ability to survive in an atmosphere with 40% less oxygen than sea level regions. They have evolved to maintain low levels of red […]
The good touch, the keto diet and socialization for mental health
The good touch, the keto diet and socialization for mental health
According to researchers from the University Hospital Essen, touch can have positive effects on reducing pain, depression, and anxiety. Whether it is a hug from a friend or a social robot, or simply wrapping oneself in a blanket, it benefits both the body and mind. However, human touch is more effective when it comes to […]
Student integration in Senegal and corruption in Indian education
Student integration in Senegal and corruption in Indian education
In Maharashtra, India’s most prosperous state, cheating during exams for lower government jobs prevents candidates from escaping the agricultural crisis. It happens that over a million people apply for a job, and just over 850,000 candidates take the exam for 4,600 vacancies. Some people pass dozens of exams but are cheated and robbed by the […]
Bird populations in the world and the impact of human activities
Bird populations in the world and the impact of human activities
A group of experts from Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, and Spain have conducted research on bird species and their vulnerability to human-dominated habitats. The study examined around 6,000 bird species worldwide and found that 80% of them are at risk of being negatively impacted by urbanization, air pollution, and climate change. While some species can […]
Previous issues