Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 1 Week of 10 February 2025
(1) Hong Kong to rev#news-01iew budget proposal to expand sports betting activities
The Hong Kong government will consider a proposal to allow sports wagering on basketball, snooker, and tennis to boost rural revenue.
(2) Four Turkman athletes suspended after Hong Kong players altercation at Winter Games
Hong Kong’s Sports Association praised the International Ice Hockey Federation for suspending four Turkmen athletes after a violent incident during an Asian Winter Games match that injured three Hong Kong players.
(3) Hong Kong researchers become guardians of health on sports field
At the Hong Kong Marathon 2025, around 200 HKBU runners participated in a sports science project using real-time sensors to optimize athlete performance and safety.
(4) The Championships, Wimbledon and Tencent agree digital rights deal for China mainland
Tencent has secured exclusive Wimbledon broadcasting rights in China from 2025 to 2027, offering live coverage and replays to boost tennis interest.
(1) Hong Kong to review budget proposal to expand sports betting activities
(Photo Credit: SBC News)
The Hong Kong government will review a proposal to allow sports wagering on basketball, snooker, and tennis, part of 19 recommendations from the Heung Yee Kuk (HYK). HYK chair Kenneth Lau supports the plan, emphasising the need for new revenue measures for rural areas and advocating for a state-owned sports betting franchise.
The proposal has generated debate, as HYK suggests inviting public bids for the franchise to increase funding for Hong Kong and the New Territories. The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has called for expanded wagering options, citing significant revenue losses to the black market.
In 2025, HKJC will negotiate with the government on tax rates after previous hikes, having contributed HK$40.1 billion in tax revenue for 2023/2024 despite reduced turnover. HYK’s proposals also include developing a racing circuit in the Northern Metropolis and initiatives to promote local culture.
News Source: https://sbcnews.co.uk/retail/2025/02/11/hong-kong-to-review-budget-proposal-to-expand-sports-betting-activities/
(2) Four Turkman athletes suspended after Hong Kong players altercation at Winter Games
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Hong Kong’s Sports Association and Olympic Committee welcomed the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) decision to suspend four Turkmen athletes for their violent altercation with Hong Kong players during an Asian Winter Games match. Three Hong Kong players were hospitalised but reported stable with minor injuries.
The association praised the IIHF’s swift action, stating that athletes should not face violence, regardless of the game’s outcome.
While the IIHF has yet to comment, Hong Kong’s sporting bodies had already sought disciplinary measures from both the IIHF and the Olympic Council of Asia. The incident involved Turkmen athletes Erkin Kakabayev, Arslan Geldimyradov, and Begench Dovletmyradov, and lasted a few minutes before order was restored.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/hong-kong-officials-denounce-attack-ice-hockey-players-asian-winter-games-2025-02-10/#:~:text=HONG%20KONG%2C%20Feb%2010%20(Reuters,at%20the%20Asian%20Winter%20Games
(3) Hong Kong researchers become guardians of health on sports field
(Photo Credit: Xinhua/ Lo Ping Fai)
The Hong Kong Marathon 2025 kicked off with around 200 runners from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) participating in a sports science research project aimed at optimising athlete performance and safety. Equipped with various sensors to measure stride length, heart rate, and core temperature, the runners contributed to a study launched in 2023 that monitors physiological indicators in real-time, helping to ensure their health during competitions.
HKBU developed a traffic light-like system to assess athletes’ safety: a green light indicates they can increase intensity, yellow means caution, and red requires immediate cessation. This system was effectively utilised during the 2024 World Triathlon Cup in Hong Kong, where real-time monitoring allowed the team to assist athletes whose body temperatures reached alarming levels.
Looking ahead, the HKBU team aims to enhance their technology by sending real-time data to athletes’ smartwatches, enabling them to adjust their pace based on their physical condition. They also plan to expand their research to benefit not only long-distance runners but also outdoor workers in various industries, striving to create a broader positive impact on society.
News Source:https://www.macaubusiness.com/hong-kong-researchers-become-guardians-of-health-on-sports-field/
(4) The Championships, Wimbledon and Tencent agree digital rights deal for China mainland
WTA world number eight Zheng Qinwen (Photo Credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Starting this year, Tencent has secured exclusive new media broadcasting rights for The Championships, Wimbledon in China, facilitated by IMG. Over the next three years, Tencent will deliver the 2025-2027 Championships to Chinese fans via its digital platforms, including Tencent Video, Tencent Sports, WeChat, and QQ. Viewers will have access to live broadcasts, replays, highlights, and a range of additional content, ensuring they can fully engage with the tournament.
Paul Davies, associate director of broadcast at the All England Club, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the potential to showcase rising tennis stars like Zheng Qinwen to Chinese audiences. He emphasised that Tencent’s multimedia capabilities will allow fans to experience every moment of their favorite players at Wimbledon, from live coverage to in-depth features and match highlights.
This collaboration comes as tennis gains popularity in China, particularly following Zheng Qinwen’s success at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With increasing public interest in Grand Slam events and a new wave of talented players like Shang Juncheng and Wang Xinyu, tennis is becoming a significant part of everyday life for many. Tencent aims to harness innovative technology to enhance the Wimbledon experience for fans in China, providing tailored services and fostering a growing tennis community
News Source: https://www.svgeurope.org/blog/headlines/the-championships-wimbledon-and-tencent-agree-digital-rights-deal-for-china-mainland/
