Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 77 Week of 10 August 2026
(1) Football Chief John Morling Quits HKFA After Signing New Deal for UAE Role
Hong Kong football technical director John Morling resigned shortly after signing a new two-year contract, opting to join the UAE’s ambitious World Cup project, dealing a major blow to the HKFA.
(2) HK$2 Million Top Prize as Athlete Incentive Scheme Renewed for Asian Games
Hong Kong’s athlete incentive programme has been renewed with cash rewards of up to HK$2 million for outstanding performances at major competitions including the Asian Games and Los Angeles Olympics.
(3) Hong Kong Jockeys Jerry Chau and Luke Ferraris Shine at Shergar Cup with Ascot Victories
Hong Kong jockeys Jerry Chau and Luke Ferraris made sensational British debuts at the Shergar Cup, securing back-to-back wins at Ascot in the first-ever Hong Kong team appearance.
(4) Siobhan Haughey Wins Three Golds at Hong Kong Open Swimming Championships
Hong Kong swimming star Siobhan Haughey claimed three gold medals at the Hong Kong Open Swimming Championships, while local swimmer Cheung Chi-kit broke the men’s 100m breaststroke record.
(1) Football Chief John Morling Quits HKFA After Signing New Deal for UAE Role
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong football has been dealt a significant setback after John Morling quit his post as technical director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) for a new role in the United Arab Emirates. The Englishman had recently signed a fresh two-year deal with the HKFA, but the prospect of overseeing development pathways for a nation determined to end its four-decade World Cup drought proved irresistible.
Since his appointment in 2024, Morling oversaw significant structural changes including the launch of an under-22 Premier League, Hong Kong’s first AFC Pro Licence Diploma course, and improved age-group team competitiveness through an enhanced games programme. He also played a key role in the six-month recruitment process that concluded in June with Roberto Losada being appointed as the new Hong Kong head coach to succeed Ashley Westwood, who was dismissed after the senior team failed to reach next year’s Asian Cup finals.
Morling previously spent a decade as academy manager of Brighton & Hove Albion and four years as player development manager for the Football Association of Ireland. The UAE, whose lone World Cup appearance came in 1990, are reportedly on the brink of hiring former China manager Branko Ivankovic as technical director and are in talks with Zlatko Dalic, who led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, about taking over as manager.
Morling is currently serving his notice period, and it is not clear when he will work his final day. The HKFA has been asked to comment on his departure and succession plans. Igor Biscan, the former Liverpool midfielder who worked under Dalic as Croatia under-21 boss, was this week named UAE under-23 head coach.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3363776/hong-kong-football-blow-senior-figure-quits
(2) HK$2 Million Top Prize as Athlete Incentive Scheme Renewed for Asian Games
(Photo Credit: RTHK)
The Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme, organised by the Hong Kong Sports Institute and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, held its kick-off ceremony on Wednesday to announce the continuation of financial support for SAR athletes competing in major multi-sport events. The latest phase covers the Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Japan this year, the 2027 Winter Universiade, the 2027 World University Games, the National Winter Games in 2028, and the Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics later that year.
The Asian Games, scheduled for September 19 to October 4 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, will be the first major event covered. Individual gold medallists will receive HK$1 million, while team gold medallists will earn HK$2 million. Under the previous phase from 2023 to 2026, more than 220 athletes received incentive awards totalling over HK$94.66 million.
Martial artist Samuel Hui, who claimed a full set of gold, silver and bronze medals across the 2021 World University Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games, emphasised that the incentive offers practical financial support and serves as affirmation of training results and dedication. Olympic medallist and star swimmer Siobhan Haughey encouraged young athletes to “focus more on your training process and enjoy the whole journey” and to rely on support networks including coaches, teammates, and family.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner for Sport George Tsoi highlighted Hong Kong’s steady improvement, citing the SAR’s medal tally rising from 46 in Jakarta-Palembang 2018 to 53 in Hangzhou. He said Hong Kong athletes and coaches are now in full preparation mode for the upcoming Games and expressed hope that the team would reach new heights.
News Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1865908-20260812.htm
(3) Hong Kong Jockeys Jerry Chau and Luke Ferraris Shine at Shergar Cup with Ascot Victories
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Hong Kong jockeys Jerry Chau and Luke Ferraris enjoyed sensational debuts in Great Britain on Saturday after securing back-to-back wins from their first rides at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot. The 26-year-old Chau struck first aboard Tuco Salamanca to win the 1,000-metre Shergar Cup Dash Handicap, finishing ahead of Team Hong Kong’s captain Vincent Ho on Gold Star Hero by one and a half lengths in a winning time of 58.61 seconds.
Shortly after, 24-year-old Ferraris rode Dancing In Paris to victory in the 3,190-metre Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap, earning the award for the Shergar Cup’s Ride of the Day. Chau said it was “a lovely feeling to ride at this track” with its uphill and downhill sections, adding that after the 400-metre mark he felt confident in his horse’s finish. Ferraris called the experience “very special” and expressed pride in representing Hong Kong.
The initial double gave Hong Kong an early lead, but Team Great Britain & Ireland ultimately claimed the title with 81 points, powered by a double from Ryan Moore, who won the Silver Saddle for top jockey, and a win by team captain Saffie Osborne. Hong Kong finished tied for second with Team Europe on 62 points, taking the official runner-up spot on a countback thanks to their two race victories.
Reflecting on the squad’s performance, Ho said he was really happy with the team after securing a winner each alongside several placings, praising the great atmosphere and clean riding among the world’s top jockeys. The Hong Kong team was making its first appearance at the annual team competition, replacing the Asia side.
(4) Siobhan Haughey Wins Three Golds at Hong Kong Open Swimming Championships
(Photo Credit: Ming Pao)
Hong Kong swimming star Siobhan Haughey concluded the Hong Kong Open Swimming Championships with three gold medals. The four-day meet finished on 9 August at Victoria Park Swimming Pool, drawing strong local interest. Haughey added the women’s 100m freestyle title to her earlier victories in the 50m and 200m freestyle events.
Her consistent performances reinforced her status as Hong Kong’s leading swimmer on the domestic circuit. Haughey, who has represented Hong Kong at multiple Olympic Games and World Championships, continues to dominate the local scene as she prepares for upcoming international competitions.
Local swimmer Cheung Chi-kit also delivered a standout result, breaking the Hong Kong record in the men’s 100m breaststroke and finishing the race in under one minute. The achievement was widely noted as one of the highlights of the championships, signalling the emergence of new talent in Hong Kong swimming.
The meet provided a useful competitive platform for Hong Kong athletes ahead of the next phase of the international calendar. The championships also served as an important selection and preparation event for swimmers targeting the Asian Games in Japan later this year.
