Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 25 Week of 28 July 2025
(1) Liverpool opens first standalone store in Hong Kong
Liverpool FC has opened its first official store in Hong Kong at Kai Tak Sports Park, expanding its presence in Asia and offering fans access to exclusive club merchandise.
(2) Hong Kong turn to ex-Sri Lanka Test player Kaushal Silva
Kaushal Silva has been appointed head coach of Hong Kong’s cricket team to help improve its performance ahead of the Asia Cup.
(3) Manny Pacquiao only the latest boxing great to risk his legacy for lure of the ring
Manny Pacquiao returned to boxing after four years, drawing with Mario Barrios and vowing to continue his comeback.
(4) World Aquatics Championships: China claim trio of golds to continue diving dominance
China continued its diving dominance by winning gold in both the mixed synchronised platform and men’s springboard events at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
(1) Liverpool opens first standalone store in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Inside Retail)
Liverpool FC has launched its first standalone store in Hong Kong, located at Kai Tak Sports Park, marking the club’s twentieth such outlet globally. This move aligns with a five year extension of its partnership with All Star Partner, a company that focuses on sports brand merchandising and e-commerce.
The new store aims to meet the growing demand from fans across Hong Kong and the region. It offers the full range of official merchandise, including club-branded clothing, exclusive collections and new releases. It also serves as a space for supporters to engage with Liverpool’s football culture in a more personal and interactive way.
With this opening, LFC now operates nine standalone stores across Asia, alongside more than 100 additional retail locations such as pop-up sites and shops-in-shops. The club’s senior vice president of merchandising, Lee Dwerryhouse, emphasised that Asia remains a key market in Liverpool’s broader global strategy to build closer connections with fans.
News Source: https://insideretail.asia/2025/07/28/liverpool-opens-first-standalone-store-in-hong-kong/
(2) Hong Kong turn to ex-Sri Lanka Test player Kaushal Silva
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Kaushal Silva, a former Sri Lanka Test cricketer, has been appointed as head coach of Hong Kong’s national cricket team. With coaching experience in England and Australia, Silva is set to begin his role next month pending visa approval. He replaces Simon Willis and is eager to develop the team and nurture new talent, with the Asia Cup in September marking his first major challenge.
Hong Kong has been placed in Group B of the Asia Cup alongside Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The team’s recent performances have been poor, suffering heavy defeats to Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Cricket Champions Trophy, highlighting the need for strong leadership and improvement. Silva aims to bring discipline, a winning mindset and long-term growth to the squad.
Cricket Hong Kong’s chairman Burji Shroff welcomed Silva’s arrival, citing his deep knowledge of the sport and valuable experience. The organisation believes his guidance will help raise the team’s competitive level and grow the sport locally. Silva is expected to focus on both performance and grassroots development.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3319693/hong-kong-turn-ex-sri-lanka-test-player-kaushal-silva-after-trio-malaysia-thrashings
(3) Manny Pacquiao only the latest boxing great to risk his legacy for lure of the ring
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Manny Pacquiao returned to boxing after four years to fight Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, hoping to become the oldest welterweight champion. Despite a strong showing against his younger opponent, the match ended in a majority draw, and Pacquiao fell short of his goal. The fight generated less attention than his previous bouts, with some questioning its significance.
Pacquiao, who was recently inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and served as a senator in the Philippines, said he intends to continue his comeback journey. His performance was praised for its spirit, even though the outcome did not result in victory. He joins a list of older champions like Mike Tyson who have returned to the ring, drawn by the excitement and identity the sport offers.
Veteran broadcaster Jim Lampley reflected on why fighters struggle to retire, citing the unmatched thrill of competition. He recalled Sugar Ray Leonard’s words about the addictive nature of facing another man in the ring. Lampley suggested that for many athletes, stepping into the boxing ring remains an irreplaceable part of who they are.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/boxing/article/3319040/manny-pacquiao-only-latest-boxing-great-risk-his-legacy-lure-ring?module=AI_Recommended_for_you_In-house&pgtype=section
(4) World Aquatics Championships: China claim trio of golds to continue diving dominance
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
China continued its dominance in diving at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore by winning gold in the mixed synchronised 10 metre platform and the men’s 1 metre springboard events. Zhu Yongxin and Xie Peiling claimed victory in the mixed event by a narrow margin despite a slow start, while Zheng Jiuyuan secured the men’s title with a strong score, followed by teammate Yan Siyu in third place.
China had a successful weekend overall, earning podium finishes in all diving events. A team consisting of Chen Yiwen, Chen Yuxi, Cheng Zilong and Cao Yuan won the mixed 3 metre and 10 metre team event, while the women’s 1 metre springboard saw Li Yajie take silver behind Australian diver Maddison Keeney, who impressed with her performance and is aiming for the 2028 Olympics.
The Chinese athletes credited teamwork, resilience and mental strength for their success, with several first-time pairings delivering top performances. The close margins and comeback efforts highlighted their depth and determination, keeping China firmly at the forefront of international diving.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3319767/world-aquatics-championships-china-claim-trio-golds-continue-diving-dominance?module=top_story&pgtype=section
