1 . Research indicates that Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and relaxation, may provide long-term relief from Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Those who practised the martial art twice a week had fewer complications (并发症) and better quality of life than those who didn’t, the researchers say.

Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disease characterized by slowness of movement, tremors (颤抖), and stiff and inflexible muscles. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, with the number of those affected projected to reach nearly 5 million by 2030 in China alone. In the UK 2 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour. So far, there has been no cure for Parkinson’s.

Previously published research suggests that Tai Chi eases Parkinson’s symptoms in the short term, but whether this improvement can be maintained over the long term isn’t known.

The new study, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, monitored the health of hundreds of Parkinson’s patients for up to five years. One group of 147 people practised regular Tai Chi while another group of 187 did not.

The researchers found that the disease progressed more slowly in the Tai Chi group on measurements of symptoms, movement and balance. This group also saw fewer falls, less back pain and dizziness, with memory and concentration problems also lower than in the other group. At the same time, sleep and quality of life continuously improved.

However, this is an observational study, which can’t establish cause and effect. And the researchers acknowledge that the number of study participants was relatively small.

Prof Alastair Noyce, professor in neurology at Queen Mary University of London, called it “an important study” but said there were limitations in its design, and more trials were needed.

Prof K Ray Chaudhuri, professor of movement disorders and neurology at King’s College London, said, “It is too early to claim any neuroprotection based on this study, although the positive effects on aspects of motor and non-motor functions are impressive.”

2 . Esports (electronic sports) are organized competitions where players—often referred to as “athletes” — face off against each other in video games. They are not just games in a sense. Actually, they are a sport that can improve the players’ thinking ability, hand-eye coordination, willpower and team spirit.

The esports industry has experienced significant growth in recent years around the world, though it’s still in the nascent stage, which means it has huge growth potential going forward.

In the 1990s, Games like the beat’em up Street Fighter II and the first-person shooter Doom added variety to the increasingly popular competitive gaming scene. In the 2010s, MOBA games like League of Legends and Dota 2 became mainstream in the world of esports. In 2022, esports were announced to be officially included in the Asian Games. There are now over 40 esports games with players competing around the world at huge events.

Esports made their first appearance as a medal event at the Asian Games from Sept 23 to Oct 8, 2023. Seven games were included: FIFA Online 4, PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version, Arena of Valor Asian Games Version, Dota 2, League of Legends, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, Street and Fighter V.

Previously, eight esports games were scheduled at the Hangzhou Asian Games. However, virtual card game Hearthstone (《炉石传说》) was removed in March. This followed the breakdown of negotiations between Hearthstone producer, Blizzard Entertainment, and NetEase, their local partner company in China, over their rights partnership.

Cui Chenxi became China’s youngest ever Asian Games gold medalist on Wednesday after the 13-year-old skateboarder won the women’s street event in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

The teenager,     1     is the Chinese national team’s youngest athlete, won the gold medal by scoring 242.62 points. Cui said this victory means a lot to her. “I always wanted to win gold. This competition is different from other competitions, so I     2     (particular)wanted to win this one.”

    3     (ask) if she was nervous before the competition, she shook her head and said, “My dad told me     4     (stay) relaxed, enjoy the competition and show my skills. As long as I give it my all, I have no regrets.”

Skateboarding, which is rooted     5     street culture and closely tied to lifestyles and attitudes of young people, is a sport that stresses freedom and personal techniques.

Cui only     6     (take) up skateboarding in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic did not allow her to practice rollerblading. However, her father,     7    skateboarding enthusiast, suggested that she try skateboarding at home instead.

“I remember the day I stepped onto the board for the     8     (one) time. It felt incredibly smooth. It was love at first sight,” Cui said.

In skateboarding, injuries are unavoidable, but when     9     (discuss) the pain and the setbacks, Cui displayed a level of     10     (determine) beyond her age. “I realized people receive a lot of injuries while skateboarding. But that is where the spirit of skateboarding lies,” she said.

8 . The FIFA World Cup Trophy (奖杯) is arguably one of the most iconic prizes in the sporting world. So far, two different trophies have been used in the history of the FIFA World Cups.

The Jules Rimet Trophy was the first trophy awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cups. Initially, the old trophy was originally named “Victory”. However, this trophy was renamed “the Jules Rimet Trophy” in 1946. This change was made to honor former FIFA president Jules Rimet, who voted to organize the first FIFA World Cup in 1930. French sculptor Abel Lafleur designed the trophy in 1930. The trophy was 14 inches in height and weighed 8.4 pounds. It was comprised of a winged representation of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory and was inspired by the Nike of Samothrace statue.

Uruguay became the first champion and kept the trophy in 1930. The trophy was eventually retired when Brazil won the World Cup final for the third time in 1970. Following their success in Mexico, Brazil was allowed to keep the trophy permanently. However, the original trophy was stolen for a second time in 1983. It was never recovered, and it was claimed that it had been melted down into gold bars. Following the retirement of the Jules Rimet Trophy, FIFA needed a new cup. Eventually, Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga’s design was selected as the new World Cup trophy.

The modern FIFA World Cup trophy describes two human figures holding the earth on top of their heads. The base of the trophy has “FIFA World Cup” engraved (刻). Furthermore, following every World Cup, the name of the winning team and the winning year is also engraved at the base. The trophy weighs 13.61 pounds. Unlike the Jules Rimet Trophy, the winning nations and future winners don’t get to hold the original trophy anymore. The new regulations state that it remains in FIFA’s possession. Instead, winners are given a gold-plated bronze replica (青铜复制品) provided by FIFA. West Germany was the first nation to lift the modern World Cup trophy in 1974.

The new trophy can hold up to seventeen names and years and is likely to be retired following the 2038 World Cup.

9 . Wonderful views from the mountains, breath-taking places waiting to explore, fresh air, as well as all the special health benefits, are the main rewards of mountain hiking.     1    

You need to train your lower body muscles, anytime and anywhere. Strong legs and core muscles will improve your balance and help you hike longer. Focus on your lower body strength and on your cardiovascular (心血管的) workout.     2     You really can train anywhere: use your backyard, living room, or bedroom to keep your body ready for the true conditions in the mountains.

You will need a stronger back. Who’s going to carry your backpack?     3     So we are quite sure what the true answer is. Develop back-muscles with exercises like V-ups, deadlifts, diver push-ups, and exercise named “mountain climbers”: Start in a traditional plank (平板支撑) position and then bring your knee forward under your chest. You will start to feel your abs (腹肌) for sure, too.

    4     Even Rome wasn’t built in a day so give yourself the pleasure to enjoy discovering what your body is capable of! All the perfect benefits will improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, helping you strengthen your core, and even help you control your weight as an additional benefit.     5     Just don’t forget to stretch after each training.

Please remember that your training for mountain hiking should be combined with real hiking. And don’t miss the other clues on what to do for mountaineering training!