Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 9 Week of 7 April 2025
(1) Hong Kong cycling confident of being chosen as a host of new Track World Cup event
City’s record in hosting major events has given sport’s world governing body ‘confidence’ in its readiness, says cycling boss Leung Hung-tak.
(2) Japan vows to host successful world athletics championships and Deaflympics
Koji Murofushi, commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, expressed optimism for the successful hosting of the world athletics championships and Deaflympics in Tokyo.
(3) Jeremy Clarkson suggests scrapping F1 circuits after Japanese Grand Prix in viral post
Jeremy Clarkson has criticised the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix for its lack of overtaking, joking it was like watching cricket.
(4) Anta Sports to acquire Jack Wolfskin for US$290m to expand outdoor segment
Anta Sports Products plans to acquire the German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin for US$290 million to strengthen its outdoor sports segment.
(1) Hong Kong cycling confident of being chosen as a host of new Track World Cup event
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Hong Kong is actively pursuing a bid to host several international track cycling tournaments over the next two years, according to Leung Hung-tak, chairman of the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China. The organisation is collaborating with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to bring world-class competitions back to the city’s velodrome.
Leung highlighted the city’s advantages, including its excellent velodrome and infrastructure, which makes it a convenient location for international teams. He noted that April would be an ideal time for hosting events, as it aligns with the availability of technical crews. The timing would also enhance the attractiveness of the event for overseas teams, especially as it approaches the Olympic qualification period.
Herve Dagorne, the city’s head coach, echoed these sentiments, stating that Hong Kong’s reputation for high-quality organisation makes it a preferred choice among international cyclists. Both Leung and Dagorne expressed their hope to welcome the cycling world back to Hong Kong soon, emphasising the city’s capabilities as a premier host.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3305405/hong-kong-cycling-confident-being-chosen-host-new-track-world-cup-event
(2) Japan vows to host successful world athletics championships and Deaflympics
(Photo Credit: Kyodo/ Koji Murofushi, commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency)
Koji Murofushi, commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, expressed optimism on 8 April 2025, regarding Japan’s upcoming hosting of the world athletics championships and the Deaflympics later this year. At a press conference in Tokyo, he emphasised the agency’s commitment to ensuring that these events receive nationwide attention and conclude successfully.
The world athletics championships are scheduled for September, followed by the Deaflympics in November, both taking place in Tokyo. Murofushi highlighted the agency’s efforts to offer medical and scientific support to athletes, aiming to ensure they compete under optimal conditions at the next year’s Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Addressing the issue of online gambling, which has impacted the sports industry, Murofushi mentioned that he has requested sports governing bodies, including the Japanese Olympic Committee, to implement compliance education for athletes and coaches, reinforcing the importance of integrity in sports.
News Source: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/04/a62e0ae01e56-japan-vows-to-host-successful-world-athletics-cships-deaflympics.html
(3) Jeremy Clarkson suggests scrapping F1 circuits after Japanese Grand Prix in viral post
(Photo Credit: X/ Jeremy Clarkson)
Jeremy Clarkson has sparked controversy with his comments on the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, criticising the race for its lack of overtaking. His remarks went viral, highlighting frustrations with the current state of Formula 1 racing, particularly regarding the excitement and competitiveness of the circuits, as he jokingly mentioned, “That F1 race this morning gave me an idea of what it might be like to watch cricket.”
In response to the backlash, Clarkson suggested that certain F1 circuits should be reconsidered or even scrapped to enhance the racing experience. His comments have reignited discussions about the need for changes in Formula 1 to improve overtaking opportunities and overall viewer engagement.
The viral nature of Clarkson’s post reflects the strong opinions among fans and the ongoing debate about how to make F1 more exciting. As the sport continues to evolve, his criticisms may influence future decisions regarding track designs and race formats.
News Source: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/jeremy-clarkson-suggests-scrapping-f1-circuits-after-japan-gp-in-viral-post/10711162/
(4) Anta Sports to acquire Jack Wolfskin for US$290m to expand outdoor segment
(Photo Credit: Reuters/ Logo of Anta Sports on its product)
Anta Sports Products, Chinese sports equipment company, has announced plans to acquire the German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin for US$290 million (HK$2.26 billion) as part of its strategy to strengthen its outdoor sports segment. The acquisition is expected to be finalised in late Q2 or early Q3 this year, pending customary closing conditions, including necessary regulatory approvals. The purchase price will also be subject to adjustments based on net working capital and other standard factors.
Jack Wolfskin specialises in professional outdoor products aimed at active outdoor and urban customers, covering activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and camping. This acquisition will enhance Anta’s portfolio, allowing it to tap into Jack Wolfskin’s expertise and product offerings in the outdoor market.
The purchase aligns with Anta’s “single-focus, multi-brand, globalisation” strategy, which aims to leverage Jack Wolfskin’s exclusive material technologies and the extensive experience of its German engineering and design team. This move is expected to further enhance Anta’s competitiveness within the outdoor sports sector.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/2/232033/Anta-Sports-to-acquire-Jack-Wolfskin-for-US$290m-to-expand-outdoor-segment
