标签： Asia

Hong Kong has emerged as a pivotal force in advancing China’s equestrian sector, showcasing its expertise and innovative contributions during the 15th National Games held in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) played a central role, establishing the event’s first on-site equine hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including an operating theater and blood testing laboratory. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaboration between the HKJC and the games’ organizing committee, ensured top-tier veterinary care for horses and riders competing from November 10 to 19.

The HKJC’s involvement extended beyond medical support. The club provided over HK$500 million in funding and dispatched its largest-ever squad of 11 horse-and-rider pairs across all categories. Leveraging its extensive experience in equestrian sports, the HKJC also offered comprehensive support in areas such as horse welfare, venue design, anti-doping protocols, and stable management. This marked Hong Kong’s debut as a co-host of the National Games, alongside Guangdong and Macao, highlighting the city’s commitment to the event’s success.

Cross-border collaboration posed unique challenges, particularly in enabling Hong Kong veterinarians to work on the mainland. An innovative ad hoc mechanism was introduced, allowing vets to practice and prescribe medications at the equestrian center with special approvals. These efforts underscore Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between international best practices and mainland resources.

The HKJC’s contributions to equestrian development are not limited to the National Games. The club has been instrumental in major events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, where it helped establish the mainland’s first internationally recognized equine disease-free zone. Looking ahead, the HKJC announced plans to host the inaugural regular race meeting at the Conghua Racecourse in 2026, aligning with China’s national equine industry plan. This milestone is expected to elevate the Greater Bay Area as a hub for world-class sporting events and further integrate Hong Kong’s international expertise with mainland resources.

Ronald Chan Ngok-pang, head of the HKJC’s mainland affairs, emphasized the club’s unique strengths in fostering national equestrian development. ‘Marrying Hong Kong’s international connectivity with the mainland’s resources and experience, we are opening doors to boundless opportunities,’ he said. With its unwavering commitment and pioneering initiatives, Hong Kong continues to power China’s equestrian ambitions on the global stage.

As wushu gains global recognition, marked by its inclusion in the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games and praise from International Olympic Committee officials during the 15th National Games, Macao’s wushu leaders are pushing for stronger, standardized collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). They believe shared training, unified coaching methods, and increased regional competitions are essential to elevate the sport and cultivate future champions. The recent three-day wushu set routine event at the 15th National Games, co-hosted by Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong, attracted notable figures like IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach and President Kirsty Coventry, who lauded China’s sports development and expressed enthusiasm for wushu’s Olympic debut. Macao’s gold medalist Li Yi, who triumphed in the women’s Changquan event at the 19th Asian Games, emphasized the importance of perseverance and character development in wushu. Now a coach, Li advocates for more cross-regional competitions and immersive experiences that integrate wushu with Macao’s tourism identity. Iao Chon-in, Macao’s wushu team head coach, highlights the need for long-term career planning, medical support, and dual-track pathways to balance athletics and academics. Both coaches stress the importance of fostering resilience and joy in young athletes to sustain Macao’s wushu legacy.

In a pivotal moment for cricket enthusiasts, South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat against India in the second test match held at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. This venue marks its debut as the 30th test cricket ground in India and commemorates the 300th test match played on Indian soil. The Proteas, fresh from their 30-run victory in the first test at Kolkata—their first test win in India in 15 years—are aiming to secure their first test series triumph in the country since the 2000-01 season.

India, led by stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, faced an unfortunate streak in toss outcomes, losing eight of the nine tosses in tests this year. Pant stepped in for Shubman Gill, who was sidelined due to a neck spasm sustained during the first test. India introduced two changes to their lineup: batting all-rounder Nitish Reddy replaced Gill, while Sai Sudharsan was preferred over left-arm spin all-rounder Axar Patel.

South Africa also made a strategic adjustment, bringing in left-arm spin all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy for medium-pace all-rounder Corbin Bosch. The pitch at Barsapara Stadium, composed primarily of red soil, is expected to offer consistent bounce, with spin likely to dominate as the game progresses. This match follows the previous test at Eden Gardens, which concluded within three days, adding to the anticipation surrounding the pitch’s behavior.

Both teams are set for an intense battle as South Africa seeks to extend their winning momentum, while India aims to level the series. The lineups feature a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, promising an exciting contest for cricket fans worldwide.

The inaugural Blind Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup has become a platform for extraordinary stories of resilience and determination, particularly for the Indian team. Comprising players from diverse rural backgrounds, these women have overcome significant societal and personal challenges to compete on the global stage. The tournament, which began on November 11 in Delhi and moved to Colombo for the knockout stages, features six teams: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the USA. The Indian squad, representing nine states, has emerged as a dominant force, winning all five of their matches and securing a spot in the semi-finals. Blind cricket, played with a plastic ball containing metal bearings that produce sound, requires players to rely on auditory cues. Players are classified into B1, B2, and B3 categories based on their level of visual impairment, with B1 players being fully blind. The Indian team’s journey is led by captain Deepika TC, who lost her vision in an accident as a child. Her leadership has been pivotal, inspiring her teammates and drawing support from cricketing legends like Jemimah Rodrigues and Shubman Gill. The team’s success is a testament to the efforts of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), which has been instrumental in promoting the sport among visually impaired women. The tournament has not only provided a stage for these athletes but also highlighted the need for greater inclusivity in sports. As the semi-finals and final approach, the Indian team aims to make history by securing the championship, further elevating the profile of blind cricket globally.