Estimating the longer-term benefits to the country is a much woolier calculation. The report projects that a legacy of sports-related tourism and the opportunity to do more hosting in the future could be worth NZ$1.44 billion. Indeed, New Zealand is set to co-host the 2015 Cricket World Cup with Australia, although it might well have secured that prize even if the rugby tournament were being played elsewhere.

The Chinese martial artist-turned-movie star is starting a taichi school...Mr. Li said he wants it to one day be as cool to practice taichi as it is to watch American movies. The actor’s new venture could indeed give a boost to China’s efforts to export its culture, which have involved investments in the billions of dollars but have been criticized as unimaginative.

Soft power diplomacy through the Rugby World Cup ... is not just symbolic. Money and people from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been diverted to support the RWC and you won't have to go far to hear the term 'rugby diplomacy' used as a new form of New Zealand's soft power.

The NBA's and WNBA's visit to Tanzania represents the spirit and generosity of the American people. These Sports Envoys have traveled far from home to bring a message of hope and inspiration to Tanzanian youth.

Australian Rules also requires good communication and teamwork—skills often not abundant in the Middle East. The Palestinians chatter to each other in Arabic, while the Israelis often rely on Hebrew or English. When discussing tactics in the dressing room, there's an interpreter.

The trip was initially about much more than basketball — the exhibition games were merely a formality as the Hoya contingent toured the country, met with Vice President Joe Biden and sought to promote sports diplomacy between the world's superpower and its ascending counterpart.

The latest issue of PDiN Monitor takes a closer look at Sports Diplomacy.