One of the main features of Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim is the prayer wheel, found in lines on monastery premises. Pilgrims turn these wheels, for it is believed that a prayer is released with every rotation of the wheel. The picture here is of one such wheel in the making. The artist is painting the prayer ‘om mani padme hum’ on it, which is a very popular Buddhist mantra said to increase the effect of a prayer.

The French brought rugby to the Lao PDR in the 1960s. In response to burgeoning interest in the sport, in 2001 the Lao Rugby Federation was founded to provide a formal framework for all rugby union activities taking place in the Lao PDR, whether in the context of school, community or domestic and elite international rugby development. Of particular value to the LRF is Champa Ban Rugby, an important coaching and community outreach program.

All around the world, horses are often the star athletes of best-loved sports that go way back in history, most tracing their roots to the ancient equine traditions and horsemanship originally practiced in Asia and the East. We’ve taken a look at some of the most fascinating horse sports in Asia – tournaments, games and traditions that helped define the local cultures of which they are still an integral part today.

Inter-village football games are the backbone of Goan soccer, and take place during the off-season months of monsoon (June to September). Vast open fields are converted to playing pitches for these inter-village tournaments, easily identified by the large crowds blocking the roads and causing traffic jams. Held mostly in the evenings, most of the matches are thronged by crowds of locals, hoarsely encouraging their heroes, even when faced with torrential rains.