Hong Kong’s athletes are reaping the benefits of advanced sports technologies, as showcased by Ceci Lee Sze-wing’s triumphant defense of her title in the women’s road cycling individual event at the 15th National Games. This victory underscores the pivotal role of cutting-edge innovations in enhancing athletic performance. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility, equipped with a low-noise wind tunnel, has been instrumental in simulating race environments. Coupled with the computational power of China’s Tianhe 2 supercomputer in Guangzhou, this technology has optimized cyclists’ postures, bike designs, and aero-speed suits, reducing wind drag by an impressive 3 percent. These suits, tailored for each athlete, have been worn in major events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 Asian Games. Beyond cycling, sports such as windsurfing and triathlon have also leveraged these simulations to refine athletes’ techniques. The collaboration between the mainland and Hong Kong in sports technology continues to deepen, with initiatives like the Li-Ning-PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science aiming to further integrate technological advancements into sports and health sectors. This synergy not only boosts professional athletes but also fosters talent development, as seen in the Guangzhou Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students, which offers specialized training for aspiring athletes. The nation’s support extends to providing high-tech equipment and training platforms, ensuring that athletes from Hong Kong and Macao can compete at the highest levels.
分类： sports
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Ohtani wins fourth Major League MVP award
Los Angeles Dodgers’ phenom Shohei Ohtani has once again etched his name in baseball history, securing the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the third consecutive year and the fourth time overall. The 31-year-old two-way sensation played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ triumphant back-to-back World Series victories, including their recent win over the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month. Ohtani’s unparalleled ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. He now stands second on the all-time MVP list, trailing only Barry Bonds, who won seven times between 1990 and 2004. Remarkably, Ohtani has achieved all four of his MVP titles unanimously, receiving all 30 first-place votes each time. Reflecting on his achievements, Ohtani emphasized his focus on team success, stating, ‘If I’m playing well as an individual, that means I’m helping the team win. So in that sense, hopefully, I can end up with a couple more MVPs. But it’s all about winning games.’ Ohtani also made history by becoming the first player to win the MVP award in both of Major League Baseball’s two leagues, having previously claimed the American League (AL) MVP title in 2021 and 2023 while with the Los Angeles Angels. Meanwhile, in the AL, New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge joined the ranks of three-time MVP winners, a feat previously achieved by Yankees legends Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle. Judge expressed his awe at the accomplishment, saying, ‘It’s tough for me to wrap my head around. It’s mind-blowing from my side of things because I play this game to win, for my teammates, my family, and all the fans in New York. You’ve got to pinch yourself every single day. It’s truly an incredible honor.’
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Patriots win to equal best run since Brady years
The New England Patriots continued their dominant form in the NFL, securing their eighth consecutive victory with a 27-14 triumph over AFC East rivals, the New York Jets. This marks their longest winning streak since the Tom Brady era, last achieved in 2019. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson was the standout performer, scoring three touchdowns to propel the Patriots to victory. Quarterback Drake Maye also delivered a strong performance, throwing for 281 yards and a touchdown, completing 25 of 34 passes. The win solidifies the Patriots’ position at the top of the division with a record of nine wins and two losses, while the Jets languish at the bottom with two wins and eight losses. The Jets initially took the lead with a five-yard touchdown run by quarterback Justin Fields, but the Patriots responded emphatically. Henderson scored two seven-yard touchdowns in the second quarter and added a third with a reception from Maye in the third quarter, extending the lead to 21-7. Despite a late touchdown by the Jets’ John Metchie, the Patriots sealed the win with two field goals from Andy Borregales in the fourth quarter. Maye praised Henderson’s performance, stating, ‘It was a big time for him stepping up, and it’s been great for him to keep getting these reps. He wants to be great.’ The Patriots’ resurgence continues to captivate fans as they aim for a playoff berth.
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Shohei Ohtani’s fourth MVP award sparks celebrations in Japan
Tokyo witnessed a wave of jubilation as Shohei Ohtani, Japan’s baseball sensation, clinched his fourth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The announcement, made on Thursday night in the United States, was met with immediate celebration in Tokyo, where newspapers released special editions to honor the achievement. Ohtani’s latest accolade marks his second consecutive National League MVP title, following his 2023 American League MVP win while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. His unanimous selection underscores his unparalleled dominance in the sport. Ohtani’s remarkable season included a .282 batting average, a league-leading 1.014 OPS, 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. Despite recovering from an elbow injury, he returned to pitching in June, striking out 62 batters in 47 innings. His postseason performance was equally historic, highlighted by a game where he hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series victory. Japanese officials and fans alike lauded Ohtani’s dedication and impact. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara praised his contributions to team morale, while fans like Mai Koga called him a national pride. Ohtani’s legacy continues to inspire, solidifying his status as one of baseball’s greatest.
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South Africa wins the toss and will bat in first cricket test against India
The much-anticipated first cricket test between India and South Africa kicked off at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on Friday, with South African captain Temba Bavuma winning the toss and opting to bat. This marks Kolkata’s first test match since 2019, when India faced Bangladesh in a day-night encounter. India’s strategy leaned heavily on spin, fielding four spinners, including all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, alongside left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The pace attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Notably, vice-captain Rishabh Pant returned to the playing XI after recovering from a foot injury sustained during the England series. On the South African side, Kagiso Rabada was sidelined due to a rib injury, with medium-pace all-rounder Corbin Bosch stepping in. The Proteas opted for a dual-spin approach with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. The second test is scheduled to begin on November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, which will host a men’s test for the first time after being a venue for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Recent form suggests India enters the series with confidence, having defeated West Indies 2-0, with Yadav emerging as the leading bowler with 12 wickets. South Africa, meanwhile, drew their two-test series in Pakistan 1-1. The match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in the World Test Championship.
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UAE vs Iraq: Luanzinho’s goal leads to hard-fought draw in World Cup playoff
In a thrilling encounter at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and Iraq played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of the AFC World Cup playoff on Thursday. The match, filled with dramatic moments, sets the stage for a decisive second leg in Basra on November 18. Iraq struck first in the 10th minute through Ali Al Hamadi, who capitalized on a defensive lapse following a well-executed free-kick. However, the UAE responded swiftly, with Brazilian-born midfielder Luanzinho equalizing in the 18th minute with a precise header. The home team dominated possession and created several chances but were unable to break through Iraq’s resilient defense. In a dramatic finale, the UAE thought they had secured a late winner when Caio Lucas found the net in the 96th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call. The result leaves the tie finely balanced as both teams prepare for the crucial second leg, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental qualifying tournament in March 2026. The UAE, aiming to end a 35-year World Cup drought since their debut in 1990, will need to overcome the challenge of playing in Iraq’s hostile environment. Meanwhile, Iraq will look to leverage their home advantage to secure a historic qualification.
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Suriname and Curacao move closer to historic World Cup qualification
In a commanding performance on Thursday, Suriname triumphed over El Salvador with a resounding 4-0 victory in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, edging closer to securing their first-ever spot in the prestigious tournament. The match, held in Paramaribo, saw Richonell Margaret shine with two rapid-fire goals in the 74th and 76th minutes, cementing Suriname’s dominance. Earlier, Tjaronn Cherry opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 44th minute, while Dhoraso Moreo Klass added a final goal in the 83rd minute. With this win, Suriname remains undefeated in Group A, tied with Panama at nine points but holding a superior goal difference. The team will face Guatemala next Tuesday, while Panama hosts El Salvador. Twelve teams across three groups are competing for three direct spots in next year’s World Cup, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico already qualified as co-hosts. Suriname, a founding member of CONCACAF in 1961, is making its first appearance in the final round of qualifying since 1978. Meanwhile, El Salvador’s fourth consecutive loss eliminates them from contention. In other qualifiers, Curacao delivered a stunning 7-0 victory over Bermuda, with Jordi Paulina scoring twice, and Nicaragua upset Honduras 2-0, leaving Group C undecided heading into the final round.
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Nagelsmann backs Woltemade to shine for injury-hit Germany
Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann has expressed strong confidence in Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade to lead the national team’s attack during their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Germans are set to face Luxembourg on Friday before hosting Slovakia on Monday in a decisive match that will likely determine the Group A winner. Woltemade, 23, has emerged as a key figure for Germany, scoring the winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in October. Despite having only six caps to his name, his recent form and versatility have made him indispensable for the injury-plagued squad. Nagelsmann praised Woltemade’s pressing, ball retention, and goal-scoring abilities, highlighting his seamless transition to the Premier League with Newcastle, where he scored in four of his first five games. However, Germany’s injury woes continue to mount, with captain Joshua Kimmich ruled out of the Luxembourg match due to an ankle injury. Bayern Munich’s Jonathan Tah will step in as captain in his absence. Other notable absentees include Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, among others. Germany, currently level on points with Slovakia but ahead on goal difference, must secure a win on Monday to guarantee direct qualification for the World Cup. Slovakia, who face Northern Ireland on Friday, will also be vying for the top spot in Leipzig. With Luxembourg already out of contention after four consecutive losses, Germany remains focused on maintaining their perfect World Cup qualification record.
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Pakistan deploys army to protect Sri Lankan cricketers
In response to heightened security concerns following a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan has mobilized its army and paramilitary forces to safeguard the Sri Lankan cricket team during their ongoing tour. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the deployment during a live televised parliamentary session on Thursday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the team’s safety. Army Chief Asim Munir had previously assured Sri Lankan Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon of comprehensive protection measures. The Sri Lankan players, initially expressing apprehension about staying in Pakistan after the attack, were reassured following a personal intervention by Sri Lanka’s president, who encouraged them to continue their tour. The cricket stadium and the team’s hotel are located within 10 kilometers of the bombing site, raising concerns about proximity to potential threats. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed that several players had requested to return home but were instructed to remain after receiving assurances of ‘foolproof’ security from Pakistani authorities. Players opting to leave early would face a formal review of their actions. The suicide bombing outside an Islamabad court on Tuesday, which killed 12 and injured 27, marked one of the capital’s deadliest attacks in years. Concurrently, militants stormed a military-run school in Wana, resulting in three fatalities before security forces neutralized the assailants. Pakistan has accused militants based in Afghanistan, with alleged Indian support, for the attacks—claims denied by both Kabul and New Delhi. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared the country to be in a ‘state of war.’ The incidents have reignited memories of the 2009 Lahore attack on Sri Lanka’s cricket team, which halted international cricket in Pakistan for nearly a decade. Security improvements in recent years have since allowed international teams to return, with Sri Lanka’s 2019 tour marking the resumption of Test cricket in Pakistan. The current tour includes a three-match one-day series in Rawalpindi, followed by a Twenty20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe.
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Spinners decide the game, says Gill as India face South Africa
As India prepares to face South Africa in the opening Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, captain Shubman Gill highlighted the pivotal role spinners are expected to play in determining the outcome of the match. The pitch at Eden Gardens is anticipated to favor batsmen during the initial days of the Test, which begins on Friday, before gradually assisting spin from the third day onward. However, Gill noted that early morning moisture could provide opportunities for fast bowlers to make an impact. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the lineup, India will rely on their ability to exploit reverse swing. ‘Generally, fast bowlers get a little help in the morning and evening,’ Gill remarked during a pre-match press conference. ‘But in India, spinners usually decide the game. The better the quality of your spin attack, the higher your chances of winning.’ India’s spin arsenal includes Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, offering a variety of options for the team. Gill also reflected on India’s recent Test performances, including a 2-0 whitewash against the West Indies and a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England. A series win against South Africa, the reigning World Test champions, would significantly bolster India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. ‘These two Tests are crucial for our WTC ambitions,’ Gill emphasized. The 26-year-old captain, who excels across all three formats, acknowledged the mental challenges of leading the team but expressed confidence in his physical readiness. ‘It’s a good challenge and a learning curve for me,’ he concluded.