Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 22 Week of 7 July 2025
(1) Filipinas escapes Hong Kong, punches ticket to Asian Cup
The Philippine women’s football team clinched a spot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup with a perfect qualifying run, capped by a 1-0 win over Hong Kong.
(2) Hong Kong China Men’s XV Reach First Ever Rugby World Cup & Retain Asia Rugby Men’s Championship
Hong Kong China Men’s XV made history by qualifying for their first Rugby World Cup with a commanding 70-22 win over Korea, securing their sixth straight regional title.
(3) Football fever grips Hong Kong as Cristiano Ronaldo museum officially opens
The CR7 Life Museum has opened in Hong Kong, showcasing Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophies, memorabilia and personal spaces, with the star expected to visit soon.
(4) Chinese pickleball player thwarted twice at Panas Malaysia Open but wins singles
Long Yufei won the women’s singles at the Panas Malaysia Open after a gritty comeback, while Jack Wong claimed third in the men’s singles and mixed doubles.
(1) Filipinas escapes Hong Kong, punches ticket to Asian Cup
(Photo Credit: PFF Photo)
The Philippine women’s national football team has earned a place in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over Hong Kong in Cambodia. Chandler McDaniel scored the decisive goal early in the match, sealing the team’s third straight win in Group G and completing an unbeaten qualification campaign that included earlier wins against Saudi Arabia and Cambodia.
Despite facing strong pressure from Hong Kong throughout the match, the Philippine defence remained composed and disciplined. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel made a key save in the first half to keep the lead intact, while the backline successfully resisted Hong Kong’s continued efforts to equalise in the second half.
This achievement places the Philippines among a select group of teams already qualified for the upcoming continental tournament. With momentum from this successful qualification run, the team is now expected to shift focus to their upcoming regional title defence later this year.
News Source: https://www.panaynews.net/filipinas-escapes-hong-kong-punches-ticket-to-asian-cup/#google_vignette
(2) Hong Kong China Men’s XV Reach First Ever Rugby World Cup & Retain Asia Rugby Men’s Championship
(Photo Credit: Rugby Asia 24/7)
Hong Kong China Men’s XV secured a historic first-ever qualification for the Rugby World Cup with a dominant 70-22 win over Korea, retaining their regional title for the sixth year. They ran in ten converted tries and overcame setbacks, including a red card and key injuries, to complete the emphatic victory.
Despite playing a large part of the match with just 14 men, the team remained composed, with standout performances across the board. Their forwards controlled the set pieces, the backs finished clinically, and the squad’s resilience shone through under pressure and extreme heat.
This achievement marks a major milestone for the team, reflecting years of determination and progress. It also signals a bright future as they prepare to take on the world stage in Australia in 2027.
News Source: https://www.rugbyasia247.com/hong-kong-china-mens-xv-reach-first-ever-rugby-world-cup-retain-asia-rugby-mens-championship/
(3) Football fever grips Hong Kong as Cristiano Ronaldo museum officially opens
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s life and career are being celebrated in Hong Kong with the launch of the CR7 Life Museum at K11 Musea. The 12,000 square foot exhibition showcases around 40 items including his football boots, jerseys and more than a dozen trophies, with centrepieces such as his 2008 Ballon d’Or and Golden Boot awards. The museum also features a replica of his early Lisbon bedroom and his YouTube studio, with VIP ticket holders granted access inside.
Dozens of fans lined up well in advance of the opening, including visitors who travelled from overseas. Among them was a tourist from the Philippines who flew in especially for the event, and a young student who admired Ronaldo’s dedication and passion. Organisers confirmed that Ronaldo will visit the museum “very soon”, although no official date has been announced.
Representatives of the CR7 Family Office said the exhibition offers inspiration to young people, emphasising Ronaldo’s humble beginnings. They also clarified that Ronaldo’s visit to the museum will be separate from any planned appearance in August for the Saudi Super Cup. This Hong Kong exhibition follows similar CR7 museums in Madeira and Riyadh.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317218/football-fever-grips-hong-kong-cristiano-ronaldo-museum-officially-opens
(4) Chinese pickleball player thwarted twice at Panas Malaysia Open but wins singles
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Mainland Chinese pickleball player Long Yufei won the women’s singles title at the Panas Malaysia Open after a dramatic comeback in the final, having lost in the semi-finals of both the mixed and women’s doubles. She saved two championship points before rallying to win the match 3-11, 12-10, 11-5, describing the experience as “blood, sweat and tears”.
Long, a participant in the United Pickleball Association’s Asia Trailblazers Programme, had been aiming for multiple titles but came up short in the other events. Despite early setbacks, she remained determined and said she was prepared for the possibility of losing all her matches, showing her resilience and sportsmanship.
In the men’s singles, Hong Kong’s Jack Wong Hong-kit reached the semi-finals but was defeated by Vietnam’s Giang Trinh before securing third place with a win over Malaysia’s Jimmy Liong Kai Long. He matched that result in the mixed doubles event alongside fellow Hongkonger Tang Nok-yiu.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3317228/chinese-pickleball-player-thwarted-twice-panas-malaysia-open-wins-singles?module=top_story&pgtype=section
