Asia is rising as a force in world sport with new leagues, competitions and athletes emerging. But just who is the region’s most potent sports marketing force? John Davidson finds out.

Last month Bloomberg and BusinessWeek unveiled its annual ranking of the 100 most powerful athletes in sport. This list covers the earning potential for athletes both and on and off the field. Topping the 2010 rankings was unsurprisingly Tiger Woods, and the top 100 featured a lot of the usual suspects. Coming second was NBA star LeBron James, followed by golfer Phil Mickelson, baseballer Albert Pujols and American football star Peyton Manning. Other names that achieved a high spot in the US-centric rankings were Dwayne Wade, Michael Phelps, Shaquille O’Neal and Lance Armstrong, with David Beckham finishing 35^th.

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The situation – Last day of the Ranji Trophy 2003 semi-final, Delhi against Tamil Nadu; Delhi are 159 for 5 chasing 332 to win. The likelihood – Looks tough for Delhi. The “But…” factor – Virender Sehwag. Overnight 98 not out off 108 balls. 19 hits to the fence and one mighty one over. The scene, as should be – A buzz around. Sehwag, playing an important Ranji game after 3 seasons, nearing his century. Will he carry Delhi across into the final? Will he do it in one session, or finish them off in the second? The scene, as it was – there were 14 spectators. Buzzzzzzzzzz… The game – Sehwag got bowled for 99 and Delhi was bowled out for 200. And this is an important cricket match. The situation for volleyball, shooting, squash and other sport are just as disappointing if not more. Why don’t people come to support sport, not international events but our domestic competitions, across various disciplines?

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