Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 6 Week of 17 March 2025
(1) Authorities say noise pollution no reason for ejecting snooker fans during match, after claims by Kai Tak Sports Park CEO
Hong Kong environmental authorities have ruled out noise pollution concerns as the reason why snooker fans were kicked out of the Kai Tak Sports Park before a match concluded.
(2) Shout Out to the Elevated Hong Kong Sevens!
The 2025 Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium will feature 72 matches with 30 teams, a lively South Stand, and exciting entertainment, celebrating rugby in style.
(3) Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey joins 400 Olympians in urging for a more sustainable Games
Olympians from 89 countries urged Olympic organisers to swiftly cut carbon emissions, champion sustainable practices in host cities, regulate high-polluting sponsorships, and use the IOC’s platform to advocate broader environmental action.
(4) Hong Kong ‘inspired me just as much’, WNBA’s Ionescu says after wowing pupils
Sabrina Ionescu found inspiration in Hong Kong, connecting with children through shared challenges and highlighting the importance of mentorship in women’s sports.
(1) Authorities say noise pollution no reason for ejecting snooker fans during match, after claims by Kai Tak Sports Park CEO
(Photo Credit: World Snooker Tour)
Hong Kong environmental authorities have ruled out noise pollution as the reason for the early expulsion of snooker fans from the Kai Tak Sports Park during the World Snooker Grand Prix. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) stated that it had not imposed any restrictions on the operating hours of events at the venue and confirmed that activities could extend beyond midnight.
The EPD clarified that events held at the Kai Tak Arena are conducted indoors with central air conditioning, ensuring that noise levels would not exceed legal limits as determined by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Measurements taken during rehearsal concerts showed that the noise reduction facilities installed at the venue were effective and met the performance standards outlined in the EIA report.
In response to inquiries, the EPD maintained that the assessment concluded noise levels would comply with legal standards, contradicting any claims that noise pollution was a concern during the event.
News Source: https://hongkongfp.com/2025/03/17/authorities-say-noise-pollution-no-reason-for-ejecting-snooker-fans-during-match-after-claims-by-kai-tak-sports-park-ceo/
(2) Shout Out to the Elevated Hong Kong Sevens!
(Photo Credit: Hong Kong, China Rugby)
The 2025 Hong Kong Sevens will take place at the newly opened Kai Tak Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue designed specifically for rugby, enhancing the fan experience with its 50,000-seat capacity, retractable roof, and innovative cooling system. This year’s tournament promises to be more spectacular than ever, featuring 72 matches with 30 world-class teams competing in an electrifying atmosphere.
The renowned South Stand returns, now with a new South Terrace and Deck that offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, creating a vibrant party environment for fans. The South Stand SuperPass will provide attendees with free-flow drinks, ensuring a lively experience throughout the event. Additionally, the tournament will include headline performances from international artists, adding to the excitement surrounding the rugby matches.
Overall, the Hong Kong Sevens is not just a rugby tournament but a celebration of the sport, with a thrilling atmosphere that draws fans from around the world. The combination of top-tier rugby action and lively entertainment makes it a must-attend event for rugby enthusiasts.
News Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250314034051/en/Shout-Out-to-the-Elevated-Hong-Kong-Sevens
(3) Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey joins 400 Olympians in urging for a more sustainable Games
(Photo Credit: SF&OC)
Over 400 Olympians from 89 countries, including Hong Kong swimmer Siobhan Haughey, have urged the incoming head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to prioritise environmental sustainability in the Olympics. In a letter dated March 14, the non-profit Athletes of the World called for the IOC to swiftly cut carbon emissions, promote sustainable practices in host cities, regulate high-polluting sponsorships, and leverage the Olympic platform to advocate for broader environmental action.
The athletes highlighted the pressing climate crisis, stating it poses a growing threat to both the sports they love and the countries involved in the Olympic movement. They emphasised the unique opportunity the new IOC president has to enhance the IOC’s sustainability leadership, ensuring that sports remain accessible and safe for future generations.
Haughey and her fellow athletes expressed concern over the impacts of extreme heat on performance and safety, referencing that nearly one in 100 athletes suffered heat-related illnesses at the record-hot Tokyo 2020 Games. They warned that without significant action to reduce emissions, many future Olympic host cities may become unsuitable for the Games by 2050, jeopardising the future of the Olympics as a whole.
News Source: https://hongkongfp.com/2025/03/18/hong-kongs-siobhan-haughey-joins-400-olympians-in-urging-for-a-more-sustainable-games/
(4) Hong Kong ‘inspired me just as much’, WNBA’s Ionescu says after wowing pupils
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Olympic basketball gold medallist Sabrina Ionescu expressed her inspiration from meeting children in Hong Kong during her recent visit, highlighting the significance of her interactions at two schools and the Nike All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Basketball Tournament. She noted the importance of sharing her own experiences, particularly the challenges she faced in pursuing basketball, and how these resonated with the students she met, many of whom had faced barriers to playing the sport they love.
Ionescu, who has become a prominent figure in women’s basketball, reflected on her journey growing up in California, where she had to advocate for herself when her middle school lacked enough players for a girls’ team. Her determination to play despite the obstacles helped her connect with the students, encouraging them to push through similar challenges.
Beyond her basketball achievements, Ionescu emphasised the importance of mentorship and role modelling for younger generations. She urged the children to recognise their potential impact on others and the value of giving back, while also discussing her commitment to advancing women’s sports through her investments, including in Bay FC, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League. She noted the growing momentum for women’s sports and the need for continued investment and support to elevate the standard.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3302882/hong-kong-inspired-me-just-much-wnbas-ionescu-says-after-wowing-pupils
