Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 7 Week of 24 March 2025
(1) Hong Kong China Rugby Extend Partnership With DHL Express
DHL Express Hong Kong has extended its partnership with Hong Kong China Rugby until 2029, enhancing support for local rugby teams and promoting the sport while featuring the DHL logo on representative jerseys.
(2) Lewis Hamilton loses all-time F1 record with Chinese GP disqualification
Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix not only marked the third of his F1 career but also prevented him from breaking the record for the most consecutive seasons with a fastest lap, leaving him tied at 15, which he previously shared with Michael Schumacher.
(3) World Athletics plans pre-clearance testing of female category track and field athletes
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) The TGL golf league might signal that indoor sport is the future, for better or worse
The TGL golf league, featuring celebrity backers like Tiger Woods, concludes its inaugural season with a unique indoor format that highlights trends in mediatization and indoorization in sports.
(1) Hong Kong China Rugby Extend Partnership With DHL Express
(Photo Credit: RugbyAsia247)
DHL Express Hong Kong has extended its partnership with Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) until 2029, reinforcing its commitment to supporting rugby at both local and international levels.
According to a press release from HKCR, this partnership solidifies DHL’s role in helping local rugby teams excel in international competitions and promoting the sport at all levels. As part of the agreement, the DHL logo will be featured on the back of the playing jersey for the Hong Kong China 7s and 15s representative teams, with the first appearance during the HSBC World Rugby Challenger Sevens opening legs in Cape Town.
Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, emphasised that the partnership goes beyond supporting rugby; it aims to foster a vibrant sports culture and community in Hong Kong. He highlighted DHL’s commitment to empowering young athletes, supporting their development, and inspiring a new generation to embrace the values central to the sport.
News Source: https://www.rugbyasia247.com/hong-kong-china-rugby-extend-partnership-with-dhl-express/
(2) Lewis Hamilton loses all-time F1 record with Chinese GP disqualification
(Photo Credit: XPBimages)
Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix after the race at the Shanghai International Circuit when the skid-block on his SF-25 was found to be 0.4‑0.5mm too short during post-race checks. Initially finishing in sixth place, this disqualification marks the third of Hamilton’s F1 career. With this incident, he also lost the fastest lap of the race, which he had set at 1:35.069.
The Chinese Grand Prix proved disastrous for Ferrari all round, with Charles Leclerc being disqualified for having a car that was under the legal minimum weight of 800 kg. This incident marks the first time in F1 history that Ferrari has had two cars disqualified from a grand prix since their entry into the sport in 1950.
Hamilton’s disqualification prevented him from officially achieving a new record for the most consecutive seasons with at least one fastest lap, leaving his total at 15, which he previously held jointly with Michael Schumacher. Also, Pierre Gasly was disqualified for an underweight car, making the 2025 Chinese GP the first F1 race since the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix to feature at least three disqualifications.
News Source: https://racingnews365.com/lewis-hamilton-loses-all-time-f1-record-with-chinese-gp-disqualification
(3) World Athletics plans pre-clearance testing of female category track and field athletes
(Photo Credit: Franck Fife/ AFP/ Getty Images)
World Athletics has announced plans to introduce biological pre-clearance tests for track and field athletes wishing to compete in the female category. These tests will screen athletes’ genetic samples for the SRY gene, which serves as a genetic surrogate for a Y chromosome. This decision follows a World Athletics Council meeting where multiple recommended eligibility conditions for the female category were adopted.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe stated that the tests will be “non-invasive” and could involve a cheek swab or dry blood tests, which would be administered once in an athlete’s career. The organisation is currently seeking a provider to carry out these tests, emphasising its commitment to protecting the integrity of the female category in athletics.
The introduction of these tests comes amid ongoing discussions about the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. The majority of stakeholders consulted agreed that allowing only biological female athletes to compete in the female category is essential for maintaining fairness, a sentiment reiterated by Sebastian Coe during a press conference.
News Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/25/sport/world-athletics-testing-female-category-track-and-field-athletes-spt/index.html
(4) The TGL golf league might signal that indoor sport is the future, for better or worse
(Photo Credit: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
The inaugural season of the TGL golf league concludes this week with a championship-deciding series, drawing attention for its celebrity backers, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The league employs a “ScreenZone” for longer shots using a golf simulator and a “GreenZone” for chipping and putting, creating a distinctive experience in the world of golf.
TGL exemplifies the “mediatization” and “indoorization” of sport, with advancements in technology enhancing the viewing experience. The league’s use of a massive screen for tracking ball flight and performance metrics caters to both players and fans. Also, features such as a 40-second shot clock and players being mic’d up contribute to a fast-paced, engaging spectacle, merging traditional golf with modern entertainment elements.
Indoor sports have gained popularity as they offer control and predictability, contrasting with the adventure often associated with outdoor activities. While the authenticity of indoor sports can be debated, the trend allows for expansion and adaptation, particularly in light of the climate crisis. As climate conditions challenge outdoor sports, indoor venues like TGL may become increasingly essential for maintaining participation and ensuring the viability of sports in the future.
News Source: https://theconversation.com/the-tgl-golf-league-might-signal-that-indoor-sport-is-the-future-for-better-or-worse-252608
