Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 7 Week of 24 March 2025
(1) Argentina and New Zealand crowned Hong Kong Sevens champions
New Zealand women and Argentina men claimed the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens titles.
(2) US tariffs on Vietnam would be a blow to Nike and other sportswear brands
Nike faces potential challenges from new U.S. tariffs on imports from Vietnam, where it sources a significant portion of its products, complicating its efforts to revive sales amid growing competition and rising production costs.
(3) Decathlon prevails in unfair competition suit against two infringers copying its store trade dress
Decathlon successfully sued Fujian Outcool Sports Goods for unfair competition.
(4) Kerry football legend Mick O’Dwyer dies at the age of 88
Astounding success as both a player and a manager mark him as one of the most influential people in Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) history.
(1) Argentina and New Zealand crowned Hong Kong Sevens champions
(Photo Credit: World Rugby)
New Zealand’s women and Argentina’s men both claimed victory at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, reinforcing their leads in the HSBC SVNS standings after five rounds. New Zealand triumphed over Australia 26-19 in a dramatic women’s final, with standout performances from Jorja Miller, while Argentina secured their first Hong Kong title with a narrow 12-7 win against Olympic champions France, extending their unbeaten streak to 16 games.
In the women’s bronze match, Canada defeated France 21-17, while Australia edged out Fiji 22-21 for the men’s bronze, thanks to a last-minute try from Sidney Harvey. The tournament attracted over 110,000 fans to the new Kai Tak Stadium, enhancing the atmosphere and showcasing top-tier rugby sevens.
With these results, all eight men’s teams and six women’s teams have qualified for the upcoming HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles. New Zealand leads the women’s standings with an eight-point advantage over Australia, while Argentina holds a 12-point lead over Fiji in the men’s standings as they head into the final regular season round in Singapore.
News Source: https://www.world.rugby/news/997258/argentina-and-new-zealand-crowned-hong-kong-sevens-champions
(2) US tariffs on Vietnam would be a blow to Nike and other sportswear brands
(Photo Credit: Action Images via Reuters/ Peter Cziborra)
Nike may face challenges in reviving its brand as the U.S. imposes new tariffs on imports from Vietnam, where the company sources a significant portion of its products. With 50% of its footwear and 28% of its apparel manufactured in Vietnam, higher tariffs could force Nike to absorb increased costs or raise prices, complicating its efforts to clear inventory and compete against rivals like Adidas and emerging brands.
The tariffs come at a critical time for Nike, which has recently lost market share to competitors perceived as more innovative, and its CFO has indicated that revenue is expected to decline further. Smaller brands, such as On, heavily reliant on Vietnam for production, also face potential pricing challenges as consumer confidence wanes and production costs rise in Southeast Asia.
Experts suggest that while tariffs on Vietnamese imports may not be as severe as those on China, the situation remains fluid. Vietnam’s government has made efforts to maintain a positive relationship with the U.S., which may mitigate the impact of tariffs, but the uncertainty continues to loom over the industry as companies evaluate their production strategies.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/us-tariffs-vietnam-would-be-blow-nike-other-sportswear-brands-2025-04-01/
(3) Decathlon prevails in unfair competition suit against two infringers copying its store trade dress
(Photo Credit: Retail Detail)
Decathlon, the French sportswear supplier, has established around 200 stores in China since entering the market in 2003, becoming well-known among consumers for its distinctive store style. In September 2020, Decathlon sued Fujian Outcool Sports Goods Co. and an individual for unfair competition, claiming that Outcool’s franchised stores used misleading statements and had a trade dress highly similar to Decathlon’s, which could confuse consumers.
The Wuhu Intermediate People’s Court dismissed Decathlon’s claim regarding the similarity in trade dress but upheld the false advertising claim, ordering Outcool to cease misleading promotions and awarding Decathlon RMB 300,000 in compensation. Decathlon appealed this decision, presenting an expert panel’s analysis that argued the differences in store signage did not negate the overall similarity in trade dress.
The Anhui High People’s Court agreed with Decathlon, ruling that its trade dress had sufficient influence to qualify for protection under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law. The court found that Outcool’s similar trade dress could mislead consumers into believing there was a connection between the two brands, leading to a final compensation of RMB 2 million for Decathlon. This case serves as a significant example of protecting brand images in China.
News Source: https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8c6cfc93-f855-448a-a8d4-362270e8908b
(4) Kerry football legend Mick O’Dwyer dies at the age of 88
(Photo Credit: Morgan Treacy/ Inpho)
Mick O’Dwyer, who passed away at the age of 88, was a significant figure in Gaelic football, enjoying a successful playing career with four All-Ireland titles before becoming one of the most celebrated managers in the sport’s history. He led Kerry to eight All-Ireland victories in just 12 years, establishing the team as a dominant force in the game. His influence was profound, as he transformed the team’s tactics and training, contributing to their legendary status.
After stepping down from managing Kerry, O’Dwyer revitalised other counties, notably leading Kildare to its first Leinster title in 42 years in 1998 and guiding Laois to provincial success in 2003. His ability to inspire and develop players was evident as he also helped Wicklow achieve their first Tommy Murphy Cup in 2007. His managerial career showcased his adaptability and commitment to the sport across different teams.
Beyond his coaching achievements, O’Dwyer was also a successful businessman and remained passionate about football throughout his life. He was inducted into the GAA Museum Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to his lasting impact on the game. In his memoir, he expressed gratitude for his talent and experiences, highlighting his deep connection to Gaelic football and the joy it brought him.
News Source: https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2025/04/03/kerry-football-legend-mick-odwyer-dies-at-the-age-of-88/
