The ongoing Test matches are another wonderful example of what sport can do to bring about peace. I have met with supporters of India and Pakistan many times in Thailand since the series started and they have been talking only about cricket and of the outstanding performances of players. That's how it should be. Forget the differences but appreciate accomplishments.

I am sure there will be many others promoting events like the marathon in Lebanon and the cricket between India and Pakistan to reduce tension and to establish goodwill among nations.

While on the subject of goodwill and understanding, I must take this opportunity to congratulate Indonesia for winning the men's 100 metres at the SEA Games.

Agong Wibowo beat Thai favourite Watchara Sorndee and also had his name engraved in the record book as the new holder of the SEA Games 100 metres record of 10.25. In 1989 Mandir of Indonesia won the century sprint at the biennial celebration.

The Thais were trifle unlucky in the women's 100m when star Jutamas Thavanchoreon could not face the starter in the final due to a strained muscle.

The only consolation for her is that she has has qualified to compete in next year's Beijing Olympic Games after registering 11.37 in qualifying. The time set for Beijing is 11.42.

Credit should also go to Vietnam's Thi Huong Vu, for repeating her 100m triumph of the last SEA Games with a time of 11.47. She deserves the kudos of all track-and-field fans. She won the gold after suffering a bad start.

I liked the philosophical manner national track-and-field coach Supanas Ariyamongkol took the failures in the two blue-ribbon events. While congratulating the winners for their triumphs he said he hopes their victories will inspire their countries to produce more outstanding sprinters.

He told me yesterday that Southeast Asia needs more track-and-field stars to give the region the glitter it deserves.

Which is true. Because this is a region that has produced magnificent male sprinters like Malaysia's Dr. Mani Jegathesan and Rabuan Pitt, Singapore's Kunalan, Indonesia's Mandir and Purnomo, Thailand's Anat Ratanapol, Suchart Jaesuraparp, Sumeth Promna as well as females Mona Sulaiman and Lydia de Vega (Philippines) and Thais Ussanee Laopinkarn and Walapa Tangjitnusorn. It's only in recent years that the region's sprinters have taken a back seat.

Hence more should train hard and forge ahead. Dedication and devotion are musts. Veteran coaches and trainers like the Thai Ariyamongkol twins Supanas and Surapong will help athletics will forge ahead.

Finally, as one who loves boxing I am indeed excited that there is so much attention drawn towards the WBC welterweight clash between champion Floyd Mayweather of the US and England's Ricky Hatton this morning (Bangkok time).

There's no doubt that Hatton has the heart and guts but Floyd has the skills. Let's see what will ultimately triumph.

Of the British victories on American soil, I still remember welterweight Lloyd Honeyghan knocking out Donald Curry, who was then the undisputed champion of the world.

Honeyghan knocked him out in the sixth round in Atlantic City.

Can Hatton do the same?