Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 15 Week of 19 May 2025
(1) Hong Kong racers dominate Macau Grand Prix Touring Car Series qualifier
The 2025 Macau Touring Car Series concluded with Hong Kong drivers dominating, as they prepared for the upcoming Macau Grand Prix, where results will determine qualifications amid expected increased competition.
(2) Hong Kong to host Sri Lanka at Kai Tak as bid for Rugby World Cup place hots up
Hong Kong will host Sri Lanka in a rugby Test match on 22 June 2025 at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground as part of the Asia Rugby Championship.
(3) China and Thailand Celebrate 50 Years of Friendship with Groundbreaking Sports Tourism Partnership Signed in Beijing Elevating Regional Athletic Events
China and Thailand marked 50 years of diplomatic relations by signing a sports tourism partnership in Beijing.
(4) China protests over damaged racket, International Table Tennis Federation pledges to investigate
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is investigating a “racket incident” at the World Table Tennis Championships after China’s Wang Chuqin had to switch his damaged racket before a match.
(1) Hong Kong racers dominate Macau Grand Prix Touring Car Series qualifier
(Photo Credit: The Macao News)
The 2025 Macau Touring Car Series (MTCS) concluded at Guangdong International Circuit in Zhaoqing, featuring its second and final round. Hong Kong drivers continued to excel ahead of the upcoming Macau Grand Prix.
In Group A, Hong Kong racers Lo Pak Yu and Wong Chuck Pan achieved first and second place overall, with Macao driver Leong Keng Hei finishing third. The Group B segment saw Macao racer Cheang Kin Sang in second place, while Hong Kong’s Bayern Yip came first and Yip Lung followed behind. All competitors used Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ models to maintain a level playing field.
The results of the MTCS are currently being compiled to determine which drivers will qualify for the Macau Grand Prix. Organisers have yet to finalise this year’s event format, but it is anticipated that the touring car segment will return to a single-race format, which could increase competition compared to previous years.
News Source: https://macaonews.org/life/sports/macau-grand-prix-touring-car-series-qualifier/
(2) Hong Kong to host Sri Lanka at Kai Tak as bid for Rugby World Cup place hots up
(Photo Credit:The Standard)
Hong Kong will host Sri Lanka in a rugby Test match at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on 22 June 2025, as part of the Asia Rugby Championship. This four-team, round-robin tournament serves as a pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Hong Kong, having won the last five Asia Rugby titles, will also play away matches against the United Arab Emirates on 13 June 2025 and South Korea on 5 July 2025.
Sri Lanka qualified for the tournament after a convincing 59-19 victory over Malaysia in a playoff last month. The winner of this tournament will earn direct qualification for the World Cup, while the runners-up will have another opportunity to qualify through an Asia/Africa playoff. Hong Kong head coach Andrew Douglas highlighted the significance of this campaign and the extensive preparation undertaken by the team over the past year.
Hong Kong China Rugby CEO James Farndon emphasised the importance of hosting representative matches at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park, which aims to deliver high-quality sporting events. The organisation looks forward to a successful match against Sri Lanka, with hopes of drawing a large crowd to support the team.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/sports-news/article/302847/HK-to-host-Sri-Lanka-at-Kai-Tak-as-bid-for-Rugby-World-Cup-place-hots-up
(3) China and Thailand Celebrate 50 Years of Friendship with Groundbreaking Sports Tourism Partnership Signed in Beijing Elevating Regional Athletic Events
(Photo Credit: Travel and Tour World)
China and Thailand celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations by signing a significant sports tourism partnership in Beijing, aimed at transforming international running events and enhancing cultural exchange. The 2025 Running and Sports Tourism Exchange Signing Ceremony highlighted a commitment to boost sports tourism through high-profile marathons, which will create new opportunities for both nations while solidifying their long-standing ties.
This collaboration focuses on knowledge sharing, resource exchange, and mutual support to improve race experiences for participants and foster long-term growth in sports tourism. It also seeks to refine event rules and facilitate exchanges between organisers, athletes, and officials.
Both countries aim to leverage this partnership to enhance their global presence in sports tourism, drive economic growth, and foster cultural understanding. By combining China’s expertise in organising major sporting events with Thailand’s natural resources and cultural heritage, they intend to create world-class events that attract athletes and tourists from around the globe, positioning Chiang Mai as a premier destination for sports tourism in Southeast Asia.
News Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/china-and-thailand-celebrate-50-years-of-friendship-with-groundbreaking-sports-tourism-partnership-signed-in-beijing-elevating-regional-athletic-events/
(4) China protests over damaged racket, International Table Tennis Federation pledges to investigate
(Photo Credit: Xinhua/ Liu Xu)
The ITTF has committed to investigating a “racket incident” at the World Table Tennis Championships following a formal complaint from China. Chinese player Wang Chuqin had to switch his racket after a part of the rubber came off before a match against Brazil. Despite questioning the umpire about potential mishandling, Wang was allowed to use a backup racket and went on to win the game with his partner Sun Yingsha.
After the incident, a special meeting was held between the ITTF and the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), where CTTA president Wang Liqin demanded a thorough investigation and requested to review surveillance footage. Wang expressed concerns over recurring issues with his equipment during major events, including a previous incident at the Paris Olympics when his racket was damaged by photographers.
In response to the CTTA’s suggestions for preventing future incidents, the ITTF stated that one staff member is allowed to accompany the racket inspection process, acknowledged the need for safer inspection containers, and indicated that recording the inspection process is currently not feasible but may be implemented in future tournaments. The ITTF reassured that the procedures followed by the racket inspection team were correct.
News Source: https://english.news.cn/20250520/4422947b6a79409985d3d2eae24ef37c/c.html
