Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 10 Week of 14 April 2025
(1) Rory McIlroy ‘proud’ as Masters play-off win seals career Grand Slam at last
Rory McIlroy fulfilled his lifelong dream by winning his first Masters title at Augusta National, completing the career Grand Slam after 14 years of challenges.
(2) Dwight Yorke visits school and inspires the next generation of HK footballers
Former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke visited Hong Kong to engage with students at TWGHs Tsoi Wing Sing Primary School as part of the JC School Football Development Program.
(3) Sports bodies now have ‘no excuses’ on transgender rules
UK Supreme Court ruling defining a “woman” based on sex at birth.
(4) Nike expands China presence with new Shanghai studio
Nike Inc. is launching a creative studio in Shanghai to strengthen its presence in China, aiming to connect more deeply with local consumers amid challenges from US tariffs that have impacted its stock performance.
(1) Rory McIlroy ‘proud’ as Masters play-off win seals career Grand Slam at last
(Photo Credit: Richard Heathcote/ Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy achieved his lifelong dream by winning his first Masters title at Augusta National, finally completing the career Grand Slam after 14 years of near misses. In a dramatic finish, McIlroy secured victory over Justin Rose in a sudden-death play-off, rolling in a crucial three-foot putt after initially missing a par putt that could have won him the tournament in regulation. Overwhelmed with emotion, he celebrated by collapsing to the ground in tears, reflecting on the significance of this hard-fought achievement.
The victory marks the pinnacle of McIlroy’s 18-year professional career, making him the sixth player and the first European to complete the Grand Slam, joining legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. His journey has been fraught with challenges, including a notable disappointment at the 2011 Masters where he squandered a four-shot lead. This win not only highlights his resilience but is also a testament to his dedication and ability to bounce back from past heartaches.
Throughout the final round, McIlroy faced significant challenges, starting with a double bogey on the first hole that initially threatened his lead. However, he quickly regrouped, showcasing his resilience with three birdies that put him four shots ahead. To that end, the victory was a culmination of his hard work, perseverance, and the support of his family, as he looked forward to celebrating with them.
News Source: ttps://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/articles/c3evny5kpv2o
(2) Dwight Yorke visits school and inspires the next generation of HK footballers
(Photo Credit: The Standard/ HKJC)
Former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke recently visited Hong Kong as part of the JC School Football Development Program, engaging with students at TWGHs Tsoi Wing Sing Primary School. During his visit, where he shared his football skills with 25 members of the school’s team and was warmly welcomed by enthusiastic students eager to meet their football idol. Yorke graciously signed autographs for the children and participated in friendly matches, highlighting the joy and passion for the sport among the young players.
Yorke expressed his admiration for the students’ enthusiasm and skills, emphasising the importance of fostering a love for football from an early age. He reflected on his own childhood in Trinidad and Tobago, where he fell in love with football at six years old. He encouraged the Hong Kong students by noting that even those from small populations can develop exceptional football talents through professional training, reinforcing the significance of the JC School Football Development Program in nurturing young athletes.
The JC School Football Development Program has partnered with Manchester United to inspire and encourage local school teachers and coaches. The initiative aims to enhance the physical, mental, and social abilities of students, benefiting over 220 educational institutions and training more than 7,100 individuals. Yorke’s visit not only broadened the students’ horizons but also deepened their understanding of international sports.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/232302/Dwight-Yorke-visits-school-and-inspires-the-next-generation-of-HK-footballers
(3) Sports bodies now have ‘no excuses’ on transgender rules
(Photo Credit: Reuters/ RTHK)
Campaigners are asserting there are “no excuses” for allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports following a landmark ruling by the UK’s Supreme Court, which defined a “woman” based on sex at birth, excluding transgender women with gender recognition certificates. This decision is viewed as a significant victory for gender-critical rights advocates and may influence participation criteria in women’s sports.
Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at the charity Sex Matters, welcomed the ruling, stressing its importance for fairness and safety in sports. She argued that the law clearly allows for the exclusion of transgender individuals assigned male at birth to ensure fair competition for women and girls, countering claims that such exclusions are unkind or complicated. McAnena highlighted that fairness and safety are essential for all female athletes.
The issue of transgender participation in sports has sparked intense debate as governing bodies seek to balance inclusivity with fair competition. Many international sports organisations have tightened their policies to restrict transgender competitors, reflecting growing concerns over fairness. Former British swimmer Sharron Davies has been a vocal advocate against transgender athletes in women’s sports, emphasising the need to define what a woman is and protect female athletes while still respecting individual identities in society.
News Source: https://gbcode.rthk.hk/TuniS/news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1800688-20250417.htm
(4) Nike expands China presence with new Shanghai studio
(Photo Credit: Image Courtesy: https://humenglish.com/)
Nike Inc. is set to enhance its presence in China by launching a new creative studio in Shanghai, part of its internal production unit, Icon Studios. This facility will focus on producing content for digital films, social media, live streams, e-commerce, and product photography, reflecting Nike’s commitment to engaging more effectively with Chinese consumers.
The company has been expanding its operations in China over the past few years, with the establishment of a technology centre in Shenzhen and a sports research lab in Shanghai. Nike aims to strengthen its connection with local consumers and regain market share in a region that generated US $7.5 billion in revenue in fiscal 2024, representing 15 per cent of its global sales. CEO Elliott Hill has identified Shanghai as one of Nike’s five most important cities worldwide, emphasising the strategic importance of the Chinese market.
Despite these efforts, Nike has faced challenges, particularly due to ongoing concerns about US tariffs implemented during Donald Trump’s presidency, which have negatively impacted the company’s performance, leading to a 27 per cent drop in shares year-to-date. Hill remains optimistic about the long-term potential in China, focusing on designing products tailored to local consumers and leveraging the insights from the country’s product development research centre.
News Source: https://apparelresources.com/business-news/retail/nike-expands-china-presence-new-shanghai-studio/
