Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 18 Week of 9 June 2025
(1) AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: India concede last-minute penalty to lose against Hong Kong China
India lost 1-0 to Hong Kong China in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers after conceding a stoppage-time penalty.
(2) James Cummings To Join Hong Kong From Start Of 2026-27 Season
James Cummings will leave Australian racing to become a trainer in Hong Kong for the 2026-27 season, embracing a new challenge in the city’s competitive racing scene.
(3) Stricter rules on funding for Hong Kong sports events planned
Hong Kong is tightening funding rules for sports events, ensuring only significant and globally relevant competitions receive financial support.
(4) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races kick off with record participation
The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races 2025 featured a record 4,500 athletes from 190 teams, intense competition in Victoria Harbour, and a lively carnival atmosphere.
(1) AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: India concede last-minute penalty to lose against Hong Kong China
(Photo Credit: Olympics)
India suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong China in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, conceding a stoppage-time penalty at the Kai Tak Stadium. Despite India’s solid defensive display, substitute Stefan Pereira converted a spot-kick in the 94th minute after goalkeeper Vishal Kaith mistimed his clearance attempt. The loss leaves India in third place in Group C with just one point from two matches.
Throughout the match, Hong Kong China dominated possession and looked sharp in attack, but struggled to break down India’s defence, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali. Kaith made several crucial saves to keep India level, while their best chance came in the first half when Ashique Kuruniyan failed to convert a perfect cross from Liston Colaco. India grew into the game in the second half, with Sunil Chhetri adding creativity, but Hong Kong China’s defence held firm.
India appeared on course for a second consecutive goalless draw until the late penalty changed the outcome. Pereira kept his composure to send Kaith the wrong way, securing Hong Kong China’s victory. India will now look to bounce back when they face Singapore in their next qualifying match on 9 October 2025.
News Source: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/india-vs-hong-kong-china-afc-asian-cup-2027-qualifiers-football-match-report
(2) James Cummings To Join Hong Kong From Start Of 2026-27 Season
(Photo Credit: The Standard/ James Cummings – Godolphin)
James Cummings will take the next major step in his career by becoming a trainer in Hong Kong for the 2026-27 season, after ending his tenure as Godolphin Australia’s head trainer on 31 July 2025. Known for his success in Australian racing, Cummings has opted to embrace a new challenge in Hong Kong, seeing it as an opportunity for professional growth. His decision marks a significant transition, as he moves his young family overseas to join the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Due to the city’s strict racing regulations, he will be limited to 70 horses, a major shift from the 227 he currently manages in Australia. Despite these differences, Hong Kong’s lucrative and fast-paced racing industry offers a platform for him to establish himself on a global level.
Cummings’ move reflects the growing appeal of Hong Kong’s racing circuit, known for its high stakes and international prestige. His transition adds another chapter to his family’s racing legacy, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Bart Cummings, who trained a winner at Sha Tin in 1997. As he prepares for his debut season in Hong Kong, Cummings is poised to become a key figure in one of the world’s most competitive racing arenas.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-racing/article/304442/James-Cummings-To-Join-Hong-Kong-From-Start-Of-2026-27-Season
(3) Stricter rules on funding for Hong Kong sports events planned
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong’s government is tightening rules around funding for sports events, aiming to ensure that only significant and globally relevant competitions receive financial support. Officials are reviewing criteria such as ticket sales and audience size, with new regulations expected to be implemented before the end of the year. The Major Sports Events Committee, which has allocated over HK$624 million in the past three years, is considering a tiered funding system instead of large lump-sum grants.
The changes come as Hong Kong continues to host high-profile international events, with upcoming highlights including the Hong Kong Football Festival in July and the World Table Tennis Finals in December. The government expects to approve around 20 major events for funding in 2025, ensuring that only competitions with genuine impact on the city’s sporting reputation receive support.
Organisers are pushing for clearer distinctions between exhibition matches and full-scale sporting events, arguing that funding should be allocated based on the actual influence of each event. Officials have reiterated that they do not have a fixed quota for approvals, but applications will now face stricter evaluations to maintain the city’s reputation as a global sports destination.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3313844/stricter-rules-funding-hong-kong-sports-events-planned-messi-fallout-continues
(4) Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races kick off with record participation
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races kicked off on 7 June 2025, at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, featuring a record-breaking participation of over 4,500 athletes from 190 teams across 12 countries and regions. This year’s event saw debut appearances from Qatar and Egypt, alongside seasoned competitors from mainland China and Thailand.
Organisers have enhanced the competition with a carnival atmosphere, including a new “Beer Garden.” The challenging 500-meter course in Victoria Harbour tested the skills of the participants, with many noting the intense conditions, including strong waves and high temperatures reaching 33°C.
Despite the heat, competitors from warmer climates embraced the humid conditions, and many international teams planned to stay in Hong Kong for tourism after the races. The expanded edition of the event is expected to attract even larger crowds as the festivities continue.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/304208/Hong-Kong-International-Dragon-Boat-Races-kick-off-with-record-participation
