Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 20 Week of 23 June 2025
(1) ‘Powerful energy’: Hong Kong Jockey Club donates HK$450 million for National Games
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is donating HK$450 million to support the city’s co-hosting of the 15th National Games and related events, funding community programmes and volunteer efforts.
(2) Langkawi International Ultra Run: Hong Kong’s Wong Mei-yan is fastest woman and beats the men too
Wong Mei-yan won her first road ultra in Langkawi, finishing the 100km race ahead of all male runners in a stunning debut performance.
(3) Hong Kong 1 win from Rugby World Cup spot after 12-try rout of Sri Lanka
Hong Kong’s men’s rugby team are one win away from their first-ever World Cup after dominating Sri Lanka 78–7 in the Asia Rugby Championship.
(4) Chinese rope skipper breaks own world record, 4 years after setting previous mark
Feng Xihui set a new rope skipping world record with 219 jumps in 30 seconds, sparking both praise and concern online.
(1) ‘Powerful energy’: Hong Kong Jockey Club donates HK$450 million for National Games
(Photo Credit: SCMP/ Handout)
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is donating HK$450 million to support the city’s co-hosting of the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. The funds will be used for volunteer programmes, community and school engagement, and providing event access for underprivileged groups and youth. Officials hailed the contribution as the largest single donation for these events and a major boost to preparations.
The games, jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau for the first time, will take place in November and December. Hong Kong will host eight competitions, including basketball, fencing, and rugby sevens. Government leaders highlighted the significance of the events in promoting regional cooperation and sports development.
Calls have been made for the club to increase its long-term investment in local sport, including infrastructure projects like a proposed world-class swimming arena. The club reaffirmed its commitment, referencing ongoing support for elite athlete training and sports science funding.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3315973/hong-kong-jockey-club-donates-hk450-million-support-national-games-city?module=top_story&pgtype=section
(2) Langkawi International Ultra Run: Hong Kong’s Wong Mei-yan is fastest woman and beats the men too
(Photo Credit: Handout/ SCMP)
Hong Kong runner Wong Mei-yan stunned the field at the Langkawi International Ultra Run by winning the 100km Round Island Ultra-Road in 10 hours, 29 minutes and 38 seconds, beating all male and female competitors. Remarkably, it was her first road ultra, entered only because her husband planned to race, though he withdrew at the 35km mark.
Despite no expectations of winning, Wong’s steady pace and determination carried her to victory, even as she battled physical discomfort by carrying her torch instead of wearing a headlamp. Her success highlights her adaptability as a marathon and trail-runner, surprising even herself with the outcome.
Hong Kong also celebrated a win in the 50km trail race, with Michael Costevec edging out international competition. Over 1,000 runners from 26 countries participated in this record-breaking edition of the event. Next year, organisers plan to shift the Langkawi Ultra’s focus fully to road categories, while a new event, Skytrail Langkawi, will take over the trail segment.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3315579/langkawi-international-ultra-run-hong-kongs-wong-fastest-woman-and-beats-men-too?module=top_story&pgtype=section
(3) Hong Kong 1 win from Rugby World Cup spot after 12-try rout of Sri Lanka
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong’s men’s rugby team are now just one win away from qualifying for their first-ever Rugby World Cup, following a commanding 78-7 victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Rugby Championship. A standout performance from Luke van der Smit, who scored a hat-trick and was named man of the match, helped seal the 12-try rout at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground.
Despite some sloppy moments and the loss of fly-half Nathan De Thierry to injury, Hong Kong were in control throughout, with Paul Altier adding two tries and seven conversions, and strong contributions from captain Josh Hrstich and others. Sri Lanka managed one late try, but were otherwise overwhelmed, especially after a second-half sin bin reduced them to 14 men.
The win puts Hong Kong at the top of the ARC table with 10 points, ahead of South Korea. Their final match, an away clash in Incheon, will determine who advances to the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Hrstich said the team will be focused and thorough in preparation, knowing what’s at stake.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3315393/hong-kong-one-win-rugby-world-cup-spot-after-rout-sri-lanka
(4) Chinese rope skipper breaks own world record, 4 years after setting previous mark
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Chinese rope skipper Feng Xihui broke her own world record by completing 219 jumps in 30 seconds during the National Rope Skipping League’s sixth leg in Changsha. She surpassed her previous 2021 record by one jump and secured a spot in the grand finals. The event saw nearly 1,000 athletes from across China, including top competitors like Chen Jiaxin and Chen Dongying.
Feng, who turns 21 this week and studies at Shandong Tourism Vocational College, may also qualify for international events next year. Her lightning-fast performance sparked a mix of admiration and concern online. Some praised her speed and agility, while others questioned the long-term health effects of such intense movements.
China is preparing for two world jump rope championships this year with one in Japan from 27 July to 3 August 2025, and another in Jiangsu in mid-August 2025. Feng, as a member of the national training team, is expected to play a key role on the global stage.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3315634/chinese-rope-skipper-breaks-own-world-record-4-years-after-setting-previous-mark?module=top_story&pgtype=section
