Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 14 Week of 12 May 2025
(1) ‘Not surprised’ snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan may leave Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s immigration chief, Benson Kwok, acknowledged snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan’s potential move to the Middle East.
(2) Hong Kong insurer supports Youth Fencing Program at Kai Tak Sports Park
CTF Life is supporting the ‘Fencing Plus Training Program’ at Kai Tak Sports Park to identify and nurture potential fencing athletes in Hong Kong.
(3) All HK Football Festival tickets snapped up
Tickets for two sold-out football matches in Hong Kong, featuring Liverpool vs. AC Milan and Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur, will take place at Kai Tak Stadium.
The Hong Kong government is converting the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre into the Main Media Centre for the 15th National Games.
(1) ‘Not surprised’ snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan may leave Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: The Guardian)
Hong Kong’s immigration chief, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, expressed that he is “not surprised” by the possibility of snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan relocating to the Middle East. O’Sullivan, who gained residency in Hong Kong through a talent scheme last year, hinted in a recent interview that he might change his residency arrangements after his World Championship appearance.
Kwok acknowledged the competition Hong Kong faces in attracting top talent, noting that O’Sullivan has a snooker academy in Dubai. He respected O’Sullivan’s potential move but pointed out that the player is also preparing to open a snooker academy and club in Hong Kong. Kwok mentioned that O’Sullivan’s final decision on his future residence may depend on his return to Hong Kong.
Since implementing talent acquisition policies in 2022, the Immigration Department has approved over 310,000 applications, with a significant influx of people moving to Hong Kong. In a promotional video, O’Sullivan spoke positively about the city, praising its culture and tax environment. Despite his interest in a new life in the Middle East, he remains uncertain about his future plans.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3309924/not-surprised-snooker-star-ronnie-osullivan-may-leave-hong-kong-senior-official
(2) Hong Kong insurer supports Youth Fencing Program at Kai Tak Sports Park
(Photo Credit: Australasian Leisure Management/ Kai Tak Sports)
CTF Life, an insurance company and subsidiary of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, is supporting the ‘Fencing Plus Training Program’ at Kai Tak Sports Park. The programme aims to identify and nurture potential fencing athletes in Hong Kong, promoting a culture of ‘Sports for All’ and enhancing the professionalism of the sport. The initiative has received a strong response, with over 1,000 applications, including support for children from underprivileged families.
The first selection stage took place during the Kick-Off Ceremony, where around 800 registered students participated in a full-day assessment of their physical fitness, including tests for speed, agility, and reflexes. The programme is led by Head Coach Antonio Lam, a former Olympic representative and top sabre fencer in Hong Kong, along with a team of professional coaches who will provide tailored training to help participants develop their skills from basic to advanced levels.
CTF Life will also organise workshops on various sports-related topics to support the holistic development of young athletes. CTF Life’s Executive Director, Man Kit Ip, emphasised the company’s commitment to local sports development, while King-shing Tang from Kai Tak Sports Park expressed gratitude for CTF Life’s sponsorship in fostering the next generation of fencing talent.
News Source: https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/hong-kong-insurer-supports-youth-fencing-program-at-kai-tak-sports-park/
(3) All HK Football Festival tickets snapped up
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Tickets for two highly anticipated football matches in Hong Kong have sold out, as announced by the organisers. The matches will feature top teams, with English Premier League champions Liverpool facing AC Milan for the Standard Chartered Trophy on 26 July 2025. Additionally, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will compete in the first-ever north London derby outside the UK on 31 July 2025.
The general sale for tickets began at 10am on Monday, 12 May 2025, and all tickets were quickly purchased, reflecting the high demand for this event. The matches will be held at the newly configured Kai Tak Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 48,000.
Organisers stated that The Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 will be the first international football event at Kai Tak Stadium, expected to attract the largest crowd ever for a football match in Hong Kong. This event highlights the growing popularity of football in the region and the excitement surrounding these prominent teams.
News Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1804259-20250512.htm
(4) Hong Kong government to convert Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre into media hub for 15th National Games
(Photo Credit: RTHK)
The Hong Kong government is transforming the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre into the Main Media Centre (MMC) for the 15th National Games, scheduled for 9th to 21st November. This event will host competitions in fencing, golf, track cycling, and rugby sevens, with Hong Kong as one of the host cities alongside Guangdong and Macao. Phased closures of the sports centre and adjacent areas will begin on 1st June to facilitate the upgrades.
The MMC will consist of two main areas: the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) and the Main Press Centre (MPC). The IBC will act as the broadcasting hub, consolidating live feeds from competition venues and distributing them to authorised media outlets. Meanwhile, the MPC will provide registered media with workspaces, interview zones, press conference rooms, and necessary equipment like computers and high-speed internet.
Authorities highlighted the MMC’s prime location near Victoria Harbour, which will enhance media coverage with a scenic backdrop of Hong Kong’s iconic scenery. To support media operations, shuttle bus services will be available to transport journalists between competition venues, and temporary traffic controls will be implemented along a section of Eastern Street North starting in early October to ensure smooth logistics during the games.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/hong-kong-government-to-convert-sun-yat-sen-memorial-park-sports-centre-into-media-hub-for-15th-national-games/
