BEIJING: 

Volunteer Tong Liu's knowledge of Hindi is a boon. pic/ashwin ferro

Nineteen-year-old Tong Liu is one of the most efficient volunteers at the Beijing Olympics. At least, that's what any Indian here would like to believe. In a country where finding people with fluency in English is a rarity, this Peking University student, who serves as a media associate at the Bird's Nest Stadium, speaks Hindi.

"I'm very interested in the Hindi language and Indian culture, so I enrolled myself in a year-long (two-semester) course in Hindi," she told this correspondent.

Almost every request made to the young girl is adhered to instantly. Though she has never visited India,  she is very eager to do so. "Main bahut jaldi India aaongi," she promised.

Sun before tan

The air-conditioning at the Workers Gymnasium is a disadvantage to those who need to keep their bodies warm. However, some of the boxers have devised a unique way of warming up before their fights.
 
During afternoon bouts, boxers are seen lining up outside the venue (with coach, trainer and all), under the open sky to soak in some sunlight that would heat up their muscles. After about half-an-hour's sunbathing, they then enter the Stadium all set to tan their opponent.