Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 12 Week of 28 April 2025
(1) Hong Kong officials spend HK$1 million on new basketball court for National Games
Hong Kong officials have spent HK$1 million on a new basketball court at the Coliseum to meet international standards for the upcoming National Games.
(2) Golf: Japan’s Mao Saigo wins 1st LPGA major of year in 5-way playoff
Japanese golfer Mao Saigo won her first U.S. LPGA Tour title at the Chevron Championship, securing victory in a 5-way playoff and earning a prize of US$1.2 million.
(3) Phase 3 of the 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows Officially Opens
Phase 3 of the 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows opened at AsiaWorld-Expo, featuring the Sports & Outdoor Show with over 700 exhibitors.
(4) Chinese badminton team seeks 4th consecutive Sudirman Cup title
The Chinese national badminton team started the Sudirman Cup with a 5-0 victory over Algeria, aiming for their fourth consecutive title and 14th overall.
(1) Hong Kong officials spend HK$1 million on new basketball court for National Games
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong officials have allocated HK$1 million to install a new basketball court at the Coliseum in preparation for the upcoming National Games. This decision followed an inspection that deemed the previous flooring substandard. The new court has been designed to meet international standards, ensuring it is suitable for the multi-sport event scheduled for November.
To test the new facility, a series of games were held, attracting over 3,000 spectators. The Hong Kong under-22 team participated in a mini-tournament against several local clubs, ultimately winning the competition. Nets and backboards were borrowed from Kai Tak Sports Park for this event, allowing officials to assess the court’s performance ahead of the National Games.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department confirmed that the new wooden flooring will not only be used for the National Games but for other sports events as well. While players and coaches were generally pleased with the arena, there were some concerns regarding the visibility of the court markings. Modifications are planned to enhance the playing experience before the National Games commence.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3308111/hong-kong-officials-spend-hk1-million-new-basketball-court-national-games
(2) Golf: Japan’s Mao Saigo wins 1st LPGA major of year in 5-way playoff
(Photo Credit: Kyodo News)
Japanese golfer Mao Saigo secured her first career title on the U.S. LPGA Tour by winning the Chevron Championship in a five-way playoff. The 23-year-old clinched victory with a birdie on the first extra hole, the par-5 18th, at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas. This win makes her the fifth major champion from Japan and the first since Ayaka Furue’s victory at the Amundi Evian Championship last July.
Saigo, who previously won six titles on the top-tier Japanese tour and was named LPGA Rookie of the Year in 2024, entered the final round tied for the lead. Despite facing difficulties, including three bogeys on the back nine, she managed to birdie the final hole of regulation, bringing her total score to 7 under par and allowing her to join four other competitors in the playoff.
After a challenging round, she finished with a 2-over 74. Saigo expressed her joy at achieving her dream of winning on the U.S. tour. She earned a winner’s prize of US$1.2 million.
News Source: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/04/ec421d106a12-update1-golf-japans-saigo-wins-chevron-championship-in-5-way-playoff.html#google_vignette
(3) Phase 3 of the 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows Officially Opens
(Photo Credit: PR Newswire)
Phase 3 of the 2025 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows opened at the AsiaWorld-Expo, featuring the Sports & Outdoor Show as one of its main attractions. This event brings together over 700 exhibitors from across Asia, focusing on key areas such as “Product Upgrades,” “Community Scenarios,” and “Customization Services.” It aims to create an efficient international sourcing platform for global professional buyers looking for a wide range of sports and outdoor products.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the Sports & Outdoor Show has introduced a special “World Cup-themed Area” to capitalise on the rising demand for sports products. This area showcases various categories, including sports equipment, apparel, souvenirs, and customised promotional items. Exhibitors are emphasising sustainable materials in their products, addressing global concerns about environmentally friendly manufacturing.
John Kao, Vice President of Hong Kong Shows & Overseas Shows at Global Sources, highlights that “The World Cup is both a golden window for driving order growth and an important opportunity for companies to upgrade products and innovate services. Companies need to balance short-term order pressure with long-term brand value.”
News Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phase-3-of-the-2025-global-sources-hong-kong-shows-officially-opens-302439079.html
(4) Chinese badminton team seeks 4th consecutive Sudirman Cup title
(Photo Credit: Global Times)
The Chinese national badminton team began its campaign in the Sudirman Cup World Mixed Team Badminton Championships on 27 April 2025, aiming for a fourth consecutive title and a record 14th overall victory. In their opening match, they convincingly defeated Team Algeria 5-0 at the Xiamen Fenghuang Gymnasium in Fujian Province. This tournament serves as a significant opportunity for China to test its squad ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team has made adjustments following the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Key players, including women’s singles ace Chen Yufei and men’s world No.1 Shi Yuqi, have been managing injuries and temporary breaks, while new pairings in mixed doubles aim to quickly find their rhythm. The success of both veterans and rookies in the group stage will be vital for China’s title defence.
The players are motivated by the supportive atmosphere of a team event, with men’s singles ace Shi Yuqi expressing confidence in the boost from home crowd support. Young mixed-doubles duo Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin, along with other pairs, are eager to contribute to the team’s success. The women’s doubles world No.1 pair, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, also feel the pressure but are determined to showcase their skills, particularly after their recent win at the Asian Championships.
News Source: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3360973-indian-womens-cricket-team-pays-tribute-amidst-tragedy
