You have a point though the Chinese might lay claim to having inventing those sports.

Out of the sports you've mentioned I think it's safe to assume that only football has generated a large following. I don't know that many people who play or watch either badminton or hockey. Football as a sport may have been introduced by the English and given the league an advantage but one could still like the game and follow another league, much like yourself.

Handball is another sport that is popular at school level, at least when I was still a student, but how many watch the handball leagues on TV? Participation is one thing but generating a spectator following is quite another. Futsal is an example of a sport that many people play, but seldom watch. I've been to the KL World 5's and you'd expect the stadium to be full given the number of people that I've seen at any one tournament.

I for one hardly played football, wasn't really good at it but I love watching the game. Measures have been taken to enhance the experience for the viewer by incorporating elements like having more camera's to give viewers multiple angles, mic's by the sidelines so we can hear what is happening on the pitch, etc. The Premiership has taken it a step further by not only promoting the game but also the clubs and the players which helped. How do I know? Well it may be a guess at this point and I'll leave you to make your own mind up but how many people do you know wear football jerseys but don't watch games?

America's influence transcends just music if you ask me. Look at our current political scene. Why are people now increasingly vocal? Why are we now taking to the streets and protesting for an open democracy, transparency and such? I seriously doubt we were brought up to challenge or oppose but rather to conform.

From an English perspective, I'd say Chris Waddle had the most success abroad. He was adored at Marseille. From a British perspective, I'd say it was Tony Cascarino. He scored an amazing 61 goals in 84 games for Marseille though they were in the 2nd Division at some point.

You have a point though the Chinese might lay claim to having inventing those sports. Out of the sports you've mentioned I think it's safe to assume that only football has generated a large following. I don't know that many people who play or watch either badminton or hockey. Football as a sport may have been introduced by the English and given the league an advantage but one could still like the game and follow another league, much like yourself. Handball is another sport that is popular at school level, at least when I was still a student, but how many watch the handball leagues on TV? Participation is one thing but generating a spectator following is quite another. Futsal is an example of a sport that many people play, but seldom watch. I've been to the KL World 5's and you'd expect the stadium to be full given the number of people that I've seen at any one tournament. I for one hardly played football, wasn't really good at it but I love watching the game. Measures have been taken to enhance the experience for the viewer by incorporating elements like having more camera's to give viewers multiple angles, mic's by the sidelines so we can hear what is happening on the pitch, etc. The Premiership has taken it a step further by not only promoting the game but also the clubs and the players which helped. How do I know? Well it may be a guess at this point and I'll leave you to make your own mind up but how many people do you know wear football jerseys but don't watch games?

America's influence transcends just music if you ask me. Look at our current political scene. Why are people now increasingly vocal? Why are we now taking to the streets and protesting for an open democracy, transparency and such? I seriously doubt we were brought up to challenge or oppose but rather to conform.

---

Added on May 10, 2008, 12:32 pm

From an English perspective, I'd say Chris Waddle had the most success abroad. He was adored at Marseille. From a British perspective, I'd say it was Tony Cascarino. He scored an amazing 61 goals in 84 games for Marseille though they were in the 2nd Division at some point.

I think Blatter worry English Club football become too dominant as show in the Champ league...