When it comes to table tennis, the United States is not exactly a world power. At the elite level, immigrant talent has long been welcomed. The entire American team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was born in China. But an immigration case involving an Iranian table tennis player has raised question about exactly what status an international athlete must achieve before being granted preferential entry into the United States.

At the 2012 KAIS-KF International Conference on Opening New Horizons for Public Diplomacy and Culture in the 21st Century, Ban said: "The United Nations will encourage and support the formation of the first-ever united Korean teams in South Korea.

The legacy of ping-pong diplomacy has given the veteran player enduring enthusiasm for his sport as well as a range of activities aimed at strengthening China-US relations... Braithwaite continues to serve as a board member of the Sino-American Friendship Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes Chinese culture and China-US ties.

Interview with Charmaine Crooks, a Canadian athlete, five-time Olympian and member of the “Champions for Peace” club, a group of 54 famous elite athletes committed to serving peace in the world through sport. Ms. Crooks believes sports to be a very powerful opportunity to put the spotlight on peace.

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters hope to inspire youth during their tour of the UAE. The Harlem Globetrotters, who combine basketball with entertainment, will perform over three days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi... "Nothing means more to us than inspiring the youth around the world to chase their dreams and follow a positive path in life."

AS JULIA GILLARD has proved again, when it comes to the relationship between Australia and the subcontinent, there's no diplomatic tool more powerful than cricket. The Prime Minister was in India last week to talk trade and cultural ties but what hogged the headlines was her announcement that the Indian cricket great, Sachin Tendulkar, would be awarded membership of the Order of Australia.