Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 65 Week of 18 May 2026
(1) China state broadcaster, Fifa agree World Cup TV deal covering 4 tournaments until 2031
China state media China Media Group has secured a long-term deal with Fifa to broadcast the next four World Cups in mainland China, starting with the 2026 tournament. The agreement gives CMG exclusive rights across television, internet and mobile platforms, ending uncertainty just weeks before this summer’s event begins.
(2) Why Hong Kong has fallen for the high-octane spectacle of Hyrox
Hyrox has become a major fitness phenomenon in Hong Kong, growing rapidly from a niche event into a mass participation spectacle. Its broad appeal, high energy format and inclusive spirit have helped turn it into more than a race, blending exercise, entertainment and community into one of the city’s most popular new sporting events.
(3) North Korean footballers arrive in South, match tickets sell out
North Korean club Naegohyang FC has arrived in South Korea for an Asian Women’s Champions League semi final, marking the first such visit in eight years. The match has drawn strong interest and carries symbolic weight, even as officials caution that one sporting event is unlikely to ease wider political tensions.
(4) Rolex SailGP Championship to begin 2027 season in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour
SailGP will begin its 2027 season in Hong Kong, with races set for Victoria Harbour in January. Organisers say the city is a key addition to the global calendar and an important long term market, as the championship expands across 13 events before finishing with races in Rio and Dubai.
(1) China state broadcaster, Fifa agree World Cup TV deal covering 4 tournaments until 2031
(Photo Credit: Xinhua / SCMP)
China’s state broadcaster has reached an agreement with Fifa to show the World Cup in mainland China, ending uncertainty less than a month before the tournament begins. China Media Group, the parent company of CCTV, said the deal runs through 2031 and covers the next two men’s World Cups and the next two women’s tournaments.
That means the agreement includes this summer’s men’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the 2030 men’s tournament, and the women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031. CMG said it had secured exclusive mainland media and sublicensing rights across free to air television, pay television, internet platforms and mobile devices.
Fifa described China as an important market and said the partnership would help bring the tournament to football fans across the country while supporting youth development. Neither side disclosed the value of the agreement, although local media reports said the fee for the 2026 tournament was about US$60 million.
Chinese media reports said CCTV was expected to unveil an integrated media distribution plan for advertisers and partners, with Migu and iQiyi likely to help distribute coverage online. The deal follows weeks of speculation, including a visit to Beijing by Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom ahead of the announcement.
(2) Why Hong Kong has fallen for the high-octane spectacle of Hyrox
(Photo Credit: Jocelyn Tam)
Hyrox has officially shifted from a niche fitness trend to a dominant cultural phenomenon in Hong Kong. Since its 2022 debut, the event has seen explosive growth, with participation jumping from 6,000 racers in 2024 to nearly 20,000 in 2026. This surge is driven by the sport’s low barrier to entry, as it utilizes simple movements like running and rowing that appeal to all ages and fitness levels. Local gym owners report a dramatic shift in demand, with dedicated Hyrox training blocks and one-on-one coaching now becoming standard offerings.
Within the industry, Hyrox represents a successful “festivalized” sporting model. Unlike traditional marathons, the indoor racing hall features loud music, bright lights, DJs, and food trucks, creating a high-energy atmosphere for both athletes and spectators. Influencers note that the ability for fans to cheer from every station makes it feel more like a lifestyle event than a grueling competition. This social aspect is a major draw, allowing participants to chase personal bests and then immediately celebrate with friends in the onsite lounge areas.
The event’s commitment to inclusivity has also set a new benchmark for the sector. This year, the fitness NGO IncluFit supported several visually impaired athletes, including a 65-year-old blind runner, who all successfully completed the course. By “widening the door” to participants of all backgrounds, Hyrox has built a powerful community spirit that transcends typical sports. As the city continues to embrace goal-oriented fitness, Hyrox stands as a prime example of how to combine health, community, and entertainment into a profitable and inspiring mega-event.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/article/3353540/why-hong-kong-has-fallen-high-octane-spectacle-hyrox?pgtype=live
(3) North Korean footballers arrive in South, match tickets sell out
(Photo Credit: AFP)
North Korean women’s club side Naegohyang FC arrived in South Korea on Sunday for an Asian Women’s Champions League semi final, marking the first visit by athletes from the North in eight years. The delegation includes 27 players and 12 staff, who entered the South ahead of Wednesday’s match against Suwon FC Women in Suwon.
The visit has drawn strong public attention, with all 7,087 tickets released to the public selling out within a day. South Korea’s Unification Ministry approved the trip under inter Korean exchange rules and said the team could remain until next weekend, although it may leave earlier if eliminated.
The rare sporting exchange comes at a time of strained relations between the two Koreas. North Korea has in recent years described the South as its most hostile state and rejected the idea of reunification, while South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for better ties. The ruling Democratic Party said the visit alone was unlikely to transform relations, but expressed hope that it could help reopen channels for dialogue.
South Korea’s government said it would limit its role because the fixture is a club competition, though it will provide logistical support. The match will not feature national anthems or political symbols, in line with Asian Football Confederation rules.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3353876/north-korean-footballers-arrive-south-match-tickets-sell-out
(4) Rolex SailGP Championship to begin 2027 season in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour
(Photo Credit: SailGP)
SailGP will open its 2027 season in Hong Kong, bringing its high speed racing series to Victoria Harbour for the city’s first Rolex SailGP Championship. The event, scheduled for the weekend of 23 January 2027, will launch a 13 stop global calendar that stretches across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East.
At a press conference announcing the schedule, SailGP co-founder and chief executive Russell Coutts described the new season as a major step forward for the championship. He said the addition of cities such as Hong Kong, Perth and Rio de Janeiro reflected both the sport’s growing ambitions and rising demand from host cities and commercial partners.
Coutts called Hong Kong a world class destination for SailGP and said Victoria Harbour was well suited to the close to shore racing format that has become central to the league’s appeal. He also described China as an important long term growth market, pointing to the country’s progress in Olympic sailing, strong audience potential and the possibility of a future team.
After Hong Kong, the championship will head to Perth before moving through North America and Europe. The season will then conclude with events in Rio de Janeiro and Dubai, while the venue for the grand final is expected to be announced later.
News source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3354162/rolex-sailgp-championship-begin-2027-season-hong-kongs-victoria-harbour?pgtype=livel
