https://www.scmp.com/rss/515382/feed Paul joined the Post in July 2023 after writing freelance for multiple magazines and national newspapers in England. He covered the 2022 football World Cup for Fifa and was previously senior writer for Everton FC for five years, after time reporting on a number of sports for regional newspapers in the south of England. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paul McNamara Paul McNamara At first glance there is very little resting on Hong Kong’s Asian Cup qualifier in India on Tuesday, but the dead-rubber contest could potentially shape the next two years for the city team. An assured performance in steamy Kochi would strengthen interim boss Roberto Losada’s case to be chosen ahead of more than 300 rivals for the permanent head coach post. After what is expected to be the final stage of his very public audition for the role, Losada will outline a 24-month plan to his Football... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348356/asian-cup-clash-india-could-shape-hong-kong-future-roberto-losada-continues-audition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348356/asian-cup-clash-india-could-shape-hong-kong-future-roberto-losada-continues-audition?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ryan Choi Chun-yin is set to be at the vanguard of a Drive to Survive-style initiative aimed at placing fencing “on the global stage all year round”. The World Fencing League (WFL), brainchild of 2016 Olympic team foil bronze medallist Miles Chamley-Watson, will stage its inaugural event in Los Angeles next month. One of 12 elite athletes invited to compete, Choi believes the pioneering competition is “a huge step forward for the sport, because we’re going beyond just fencing”. “It’s something... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3348283/hong-kong-world-champion-ryan-choi-set-be-part-huge-step-forward-fencing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3348283/hong-kong-world-champion-ryan-choi-set-be-part-huge-step-forward-fencing?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:00:23 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong football chiefs will “very soon” confirm the identity of the major European clubs that will play in the city this summer, with Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Juventus among the teams lined up to visit. Eric Fok Kai-shan, the chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), said his organisation had booked Kai Tak Stadium to host matches in early August. “We are ambitious and want to carry forward the football momentum and culture we created last year,” said Fok, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348245/hong-kong-football-chiefs-set-confirm-heavyweight-european-visitors-very-soon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348245/hong-kong-football-chiefs-set-confirm-heavyweight-european-visitors-very-soon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:21:43 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Coco Tsoi Lai-wing will reach a significant staging post on her remarkable and uplifting golf journey next week, eight years after suffering a life-altering injury in preparation for an international taekwondo competition. Poised for her overseas debut in the Glico Paragolf Championship in Japan, Hongkonger Tsoi “stubbornly” continued to compete in the combat sport during the roughly two years she waited for a definitive diagnosis; a period when “I knew I had some limitations, but I didn’t want... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3348003/hongkonger-set-next-step-golf-journey-after-suffering-life-altering-taekwondo-injury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3348003/hongkonger-set-next-step-golf-journey-after-suffering-life-altering-taekwondo-injury?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ceci Lee Sze-wing vowed to guard against complacency after scorching to Asian Track Championships elimination race gold in the Philippines on Thursday. The Hongkonger held her nerve to beat mainland China rival Chen Ning on the final lap in Tagaytay and upgrade the elimination silvers she claimed in 2024 and 2025. Misaki Okamoto of Japan was third. “I’m happy because I’ve never won the elimination race at an Asian championships, but the strongest Japanese riders weren’t here so I can’t be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347984/hong-kong-cycling-star-ceci-lee-storms-asian-championships-gold?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347984/hong-kong-cycling-star-ceci-lee-storms-asian-championships-gold?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:41:42 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara She won Olympic gold in Beijing while carrying her first child, but it was playing club basketball in mainland China that allowed Candace Parker “to take care of my family”. A WNBA champion with three different franchises in the United States, Parker had spells with Guangdong Dolphins and Xinjiang Magic Deer between 2016 and 2018. Also a veteran of six seasons in Russia and one in Turkey, Parker, in Hong Kong exploring opportunities to add to her broad investment portfolio, told the South China... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3347886/american-basketball-star-candace-parker-grateful-chance-play-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3347886/american-basketball-star-candace-parker-grateful-chance-play-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After giving up his “new life” in the UK to rejoin the Hong Kong cycling programme, Victor Lau Wan-hei is in a city squad set to begin its Asian Track Championships campaign in the thin air of Tagaytay in the Philippines on Wednesday. The brother of leading city road racer Vincent Lau Wan-yau, the 31-year-old Victor Lau had been working as a physiotherapist after quitting full-time competition to study the practice overseas. Herve Dagorne, the Hong Kong head coach, said that Lau had never... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347741/hong-kong-rider-returns-retirement-ceci-lee-challenged-asian-gold-count?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347741/hong-kong-rider-returns-retirement-ceci-lee-challenged-asian-gold-count?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:43:16 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Written off in some quarters following his second serious knee injury at the age of 22, and ignored by the last Hong Kong manager, Jordan Lam Lok-kan is back in the international fold and targeting his second cap in India next week. Kitchee left-back Lam, who spent time with English club Bury a decade ago, pressed his selection claims when he lashed home the penalty that sealed the city team’s Chinese New Year Cup shoot-out victory over FC Seoul last month. Having underlined his reputation as a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347721/after-injuries-and-being-ignored-kitchees-jordan-lam-make-most-his-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347721/after-injuries-and-being-ignored-kitchees-jordan-lam-make-most-his-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:46:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Fresh from being honoured at the Hong Kong Coaching Awards last weekend, Paul John said he still had unfinished business as head of the city’s sevens programme. Into his 10th year in the role, John was rewarded with the best team coach prize after Hong Kong’s men claimed National Games gold and strolled to Asia Rugby Sevens Series success in 2025. This year began on a low note, however, when the city team narrowly lost an HSBC SVNS 3 semi-final to Canada, costing them promotion to the second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3347627/hong-kong-sevens-head-has-unfinished-business-underlines-world-and-olympic-aims?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3347627/hong-kong-sevens-head-has-unfinished-business-underlines-world-and-olympic-aims?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The local football association is navigating the “craziest Fifa window ever” after the eleventh-hour cancellation of Hong Kong’s friendly against Nepal uprooted preparations for next week’s Asian Cup qualifier in India. Having overcome the logistical nightmare of arranging Indian visas for players, the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) was given a fresh headache when its Nepalese counterparts scrapped plans for the match on Thursday because of heightening political tensions in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347574/hong-kong-football-bosses-scrambling-flights-india-after-nepal-friendly-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347574/hong-kong-football-bosses-scrambling-flights-india-after-nepal-friendly-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A music entrepreneur and friend to multiple household names is plotting to own and play for Supreme FC in the Hong Kong Premier League next season. Jim Wong Chi-chuen scored his team’s second goal in a 3-1 win over Kwun Tong on Sunday that maintained their five-point advantage over Wofoo Social Enterprises at the First Division summit with five matches remaining. The ambitious 35-year-old has made his promotion pitch to the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), pledging to add... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347490/music-entrepreneur-planning-add-supreme-stardust-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347490/music-entrepreneur-planning-add-supreme-stardust-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:19:02 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A fiercely proud and industrious First Nations & Pasifika team have been told they will be “playing to keep the jersey alive” on their Tradition HKFC 10s debut next month. Comprised of players of Indigenous Australian or Pacific Islander origin, First Nations & Pasifika gave the British & Irish Lions a tremendous fright in their inaugural fixture last year. While the side ultimately beaten 24-19 featured “the best of the best”, according to general manager Matt Sonter, it will be a younger but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3347474/first-nations-pasifika-aiming-unearth-international-stars-hong-kong-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3347474/first-nations-pasifika-aiming-unearth-international-stars-hong-kong-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:22:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Oscar Coggins delivered an “outstanding” display on Saturday to finish 15th in a heavyweight World Triathlon Cup leg on Hainan Island. Oliver Conway, the exceptional 20-year-old Briton, pipped 2024 Olympic mixed relay gold medallist Tim Hellwig to victory, with Hugo Milner claiming third. In the women’s race, Bailee Brown was Hong Kong’s best performer in 23rd. Diana Isakova emerged victorious from a neck-and-neck battle with Sophie Malowiecki, ahead of third-placed Sian Rainsley. Competing for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347423/hong-kong-triathlete-oscar-coggins-world-cup-display-sends-message-asian-games-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347423/hong-kong-triathlete-oscar-coggins-world-cup-display-sends-message-asian-games-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:45:22 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara China table tennis great Ma Long received a rock star’s welcome as he made a guest appearance at Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University on Friday. A six-time Olympic gold medallist, Ma joined a panel discussion, then exhibited his enduring talent in front of a thrilled audience. As he made to leave the sports hall after trading shots with two leading university players, Ma disappeared amid a scrum of bodies hunting selfies and signatures. “That enthusiasm and excitement showed the power and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3347349/ma-long-receives-rock-star-welcome-hong-kong-china-great-attracts-thrilled-crowds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3347349/ma-long-receives-rock-star-welcome-hong-kong-china-great-attracts-thrilled-crowds?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:00:49 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After being consumed by nerves on his senior Hong Kong debut earlier this month, Ma Yik-fei will continue his discovery of a “different world” when he competes in the Asian Track Cycling Championships next week. Part of the city’s team pursuit silver medal squad at the UCI Track World Cup in Perth, Ma felt his edgy performance in the gold-medal race cost Hong Kong the chance of challenging powerhouse hosts Australia. Nonetheless, Herve Dagorne had no qualms over choosing a rider long since... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347297/hong-kong-cycling-hope-discovering-different-world-after-jittery-world-cup-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347297/hong-kong-cycling-hope-discovering-different-world-after-jittery-world-cup-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:00:43 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Robin Elg will have to bury his competitive spirit on Saturday when he withdraws from the World Triathlon Cup leg in Haikou after the swim and bike legs. Returning to competition following a stress reaction in his shin, Elg is set to compete for the first time since November’s National Games, where he was part of the city squad’s mixed relay silver medal quartet. But Andrew Wright, the head coach, is loath to rush an athlete who is expected to vie for honours at this year’s Asian Games, so Elg... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347235/hong-kong-triathlete-returns-action-set-withdraw-during-world-cup-race-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347235/hong-kong-triathlete-returns-action-set-withdraw-during-world-cup-race-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 06:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada said managing Hong Kong would be a “life-changing job”, but played down the pressure as he prepared to audition for the role in his final two matches in interim charge. After leading the side in the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup and Chinese New Year Cup, Losada will get his first taste of genuine international football when the city team play Nepal on March 26, then travel to India for an Asian Cup qualifier five days later. The task of assembling a competitive squad has been “very... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347204/hong-kong-coach-eyeing-life-changing-role-ahead-nepal-and-india-clashes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347204/hong-kong-coach-eyeing-life-changing-role-ahead-nepal-and-india-clashes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:35 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong’s triathletes put in one of their worst performances “in a long time” at last weekend’s Asia junior and under-23 championships, and senior team head coach Andrew Wright believes the city’s training policies are to blame. The city’s squad managed just one medal from a series of races in Wan Chai, and ahead of Saturday’s World Cup stop in Haikou, a “pretty disappointed” Wright said he hoped the sub-par displays would be a catalyst for change at the Triathlon Association of Hong Kong,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347104/hong-kongs-triathlete-association-found-out-poor-junior-results-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3347104/hong-kongs-triathlete-association-found-out-poor-junior-results-coach-says?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:05:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara He will aim for a seventh global title to go with his two Olympic golds this weekend, but pole vault maestro Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis is accompanied by a fear of failure every time he steps on the track. Duplantis, who last week broke his own world record for the 15th time, has won 38 straight competitions; an invincible streak stretching back to July 2023. But ahead of defending his World Indoor Championships crown in Torun, the Polish city where he originally relieved Renaud Lavillenie of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3347004/mondo-duplantis-always-has-fear-failure-despite-multiple-world-records-olympic-golds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3347004/mondo-duplantis-always-has-fear-failure-despite-multiple-world-records-olympic-golds?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Six years after he disappointed his mum by quitting school at 16, goalkeeper Pong Cheuk-hei is shining for record-breaking Kitchee and pressing for a senior international Hong Kong debut this month. “It was a good bet,” Pong said of his decision to abandon education after Ho Kwok-chuen, the former Hong Kong goalkeeper who was coaching at Resources Capital, asked the non-committed student: “If you’re just going to waste time in class why not come to train every day?” “I bet on myself that I could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346712/hong-kong-goalkeeper-winning-bet-after-quitting-school-football?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346712/hong-kong-goalkeeper-winning-bet-after-quitting-school-football?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:15:58 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After taking a “step in the maturity process” during an epic week in the Dominican Republic, a battle-weary Coleman Wong Chak-lam is poised to return to the scene of one of the greatest victories of his young career. Wong played five three-set matches in five days, spending nearly 12 hours on court, during his quarter-final run at the Copa Cap Cana tournament in Punta Cana last week; handsomely capitalising on a lucky loser spot in the main draw after he lost in the second round of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3346645/coleman-wong-encouraged-use-racquet-express-values-court-ahead-miami-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3346645/coleman-wong-encouraged-use-racquet-express-values-court-ahead-miami-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:00:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Andy Wong Nok-hei confirmed his enormous potential, and the “pretty stoked” Cade and Tallulah Wright bid a triumphant farewell to age-group competition as Hong Kong claimed mixed relay bronze from the CBB International Asia Triathlon Junior and U23 Championships on Sunday. Devastated after he finished fourth in Saturday’s junior individual race, the 18-year-old Wong delivered a fine second leg after he got the nod over more senior teammates to join the Wright sisters and Nick Yip Tak-long in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3346671/hong-kong-triathlon-quartet-claim-asia-bronze-teenage-gem-confirms-potential?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3346671/hong-kong-triathlon-quartet-claim-asia-bronze-teenage-gem-confirms-potential?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:32:06 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ricardo Rambo has urged Hong Kong to use their Asian Games platform to send a message that the city is ready for professional women’s football. Fears that revised qualification criteria would sideline the city men’s and women’s teams from this year’s Games were banished on Thursday when the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) revealed the Olympic Council of Asia had approved their participation in Japan. Head coach Rambo, whose side were recently forced to quit the four-team Pink... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346636/hong-kong-boss-hopes-playing-asian-games-helps-usher-professional-womens-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346636/hong-kong-boss-hopes-playing-asian-games-helps-usher-professional-womens-game?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 06:00:20 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Coleman Wong Chak-lam’s seesaw week in the Dominican Republic has come to an end after he lost his Copa Cap Cana quarter-final against Alexander Blockx in stifling temperatures on Saturday. The Hongkonger had recovered from one set down to win his first and second-round matches, but he had the tables turned on him by Belgian Blockx, who hit back after dropping the opener to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 and book a semi-final clash with Mariano Navone. Wong, 21, also lost from one set up in his second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3346598/coleman-wongs-epic-week-ended-belgian-after-another-titanic-three-set-battle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3346598/coleman-wongs-epic-week-ended-belgian-after-another-titanic-three-set-battle?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:00:16 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Cade Wright lamented a “pretty mediocre result” on Saturday after she finished fifth in the women’s under-23 race, as Hong Kong drew a blank on the opening day of the CBB International Asia Triathlon Junior and U23 Championships on sun-drenched Central Harbourfront. Tallulah Wright came home ninth, acknowledging that losing ground on the swim had left her “in no man’s land” and out of podium contention. Nick Yip Tak-long was “a bit disappointed” after his sixth place in the men’s race. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3346593/hong-kong-draw-asia-triathlon-blank-star-laments-pretty-mediocre-result?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3346593/hong-kong-draw-asia-triathlon-blank-star-laments-pretty-mediocre-result?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 07:47:48 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Coleman Wong Chak-lam said he had drawn inspiration from superstar pair Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after he coolly ignored a confrontational outburst from opponent Damir Dzumhur to secure a three-set victory and a spot in the Copa Cap Cana quarter-finals in the Dominican Republic. The Hongkonger irritated Dzumhur when he clenched his fist in the direction of his support team after the Bosnian double-faulted to hand Wong a 4-1 lead in the deciding set. As Wong marched to his seat, Dzumhur... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3346509/coleman-wong-stays-cool-face-opponents-outburst-reach-last-8-challenger-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3346509/coleman-wong-stays-cool-face-opponents-outburst-reach-last-8-challenger-event?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:00:28 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Wales boss Craig Bellamy has backed England to win the World Cup, saying the only thing that could stop Thomas Tuchel’s side is the summer heat in the United States. Despite that prediction, Bellamy still hopes to persuade Tottenham’s English defender Ashley Phillips to switch sides, even if he admitted on Friday to being “very disappointed” that talks around the move had been leaked to the media. The clearly annoyed Welshman, in Hong Kong to attend the draw for May’s HKFC Standard Chartered... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346473/wales-boss-craig-bellamy-really-disappointed-phillips-switch-talks-made-public?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346473/wales-boss-craig-bellamy-really-disappointed-phillips-switch-talks-made-public?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:51:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Tallulah Wright will take a break from her 15,000-word dissertation on Saturday to try to upgrade the Asian under-23 triathlon silver medal she won last year. Reaching the end of her international relations degree at The University of Edinburgh, Wright landed in Hong Kong at 6pm on Tuesday. Forced to scrap plans to layover in Doha by the conflict in the Middle East, Wright, who is “not the biggest fan of long-haul travel”, flew direct from London armed with neck pillow, eye mask, sleeping... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3346357/hong-kong-triathlon-star-aiming-asian-glory-dissertation-deadline-looms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3346357/hong-kong-triathlon-star-aiming-asian-glory-dissertation-deadline-looms?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Darren Read acknowledged he was “a little bit shocked” to be thrust into the breach as interim Lee Man head coach, and downplayed his prospects of landing the permanent role. Promoted from assistant following the exit of Chu Siu-kei on Sunday, Read made a dream start three days later when he oversaw a League Cup semi-final victory over Tai Po, then relayed news to his audibly thrilled players that their triumph had secured “an extra bonus from the big boss”. They will meet the winners of next... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346345/hong-kong-football-boss-shocked-land-job-downplays-permanent-hopes-after-dream-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346345/hong-kong-football-boss-shocked-land-job-downplays-permanent-hopes-after-dream-start?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:00:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong football has won its battle to compete in the Asian Games this year, allaying fears that the city teams would be condemned to the same fate as their exiled basketball counterparts. The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) has been petitioning the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) since it emerged that the 16 men’s teams that competed in this year’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup finals would occupy the Games spots, while the 12 women’s places would be filled by the countries contesting the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346380/hong-kong-footballers-given-go-ahead-asian-games-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346380/hong-kong-footballers-given-go-ahead-asian-games-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:27 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Coleman Wong Chak-lam was handed a “present and a bonus” when his second lucky loser reprieve in two weeks sent him on a collision course with the son of an Argentinian football legend at the Copa Cap Cana Challenger event in the Dominican Republic. Tuning up for next week’s Miami Open, the tournament where he beat current world No 8 Ben Shelton last year, Wong thought he had been ousted in qualifying following a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 loss to Martin Landaluce. Withdrawals have given the Hongkonger a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3346203/coleman-wong-set-face-son-argentinian-football-world-cup-winner-dominican-republic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3346203/coleman-wong-set-face-son-argentinian-football-world-cup-winner-dominican-republic?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:32:20 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Lee Man have parted company with head coach Chu Siu-kei following their shock FA Cup quarter-final defeat by BC Rangers on Sunday, with assistant Darren Read taking charge until the end of the season. Initially installed as caretaker boss following the exit of Matt Holland almost a year ago, Chu was appointed on a permanent basis at the end of last season. Lee Man are second in the league, 11 points behind runaway leaders Kitchee, having played one game fewer. Heavy favourites to beat Rangers on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345924/lee-man-boss-chu-sacked-hours-after-shock-fa-cup-defeat-rangers-reed-takes-charge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345924/lee-man-boss-chu-sacked-hours-after-shock-fa-cup-defeat-rangers-reed-takes-charge?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:30:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong cycling head coach Herve Dagorne said Ceci Lee Sze-wing had “confirmed her progress” after she won omnium bronze at the UCI Track World Cup in Perth. Lee, who was third in Friday’s elimination race, was a model of consistency as she captured her second podium finish of the three-day meeting from the blue riband four-discipline omnium event. Anita Stenberg, a four-time European champion, upgraded her elimination silver to win gold on Sunday. Tsuyaka Uchino, of Japan, who will rival Lee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345914/hong-kong-cycling-star-ceci-lee-claims-second-world-cup-medal-australia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345914/hong-kong-cycling-star-ceci-lee-claims-second-world-cup-medal-australia?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:00:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Tired of the stereotypical expectations imposed on her as a young girl, Yvette Kong Man-yi “cut my hair short and looked like a little boy”. “I was from that era where they forced me to take ballet classes,” said 2016 Olympic Games swimmer Kong. “I wasn’t into wearing skirts and dresses … I was very into soccer, and a huge fan of Michael Owen. “During the 2002 World Cup, I was wearing a jersey with his name on the back and blended into a bunch of boys playing on a small football court. If they... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345800/hong-kong-olympic-swimmer-yvette-kong-happy-keep-defying-traditional-limitations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345800/hong-kong-olympic-swimmer-yvette-kong-happy-keep-defying-traditional-limitations?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ceci Lee Sze-wing announced her arrival on the world stage after claiming a landmark bronze, and Hong Kong made a tremendous start to the UCI Track World Cup in Perth on Friday. The winner of three National Games golds last year, and an Asian Road Cycling Championships mixed relay time trial champion last month, the 24-year-old Lee’s elimination race medal in Australia was her first from a global competition. There was more good news for the city squad when the men’s team pursuit quartet of Ng... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345784/hong-kong-cyclists-make-flying-world-cup-start-ceci-lee-claims-landmark-medal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345784/hong-kong-cyclists-make-flying-world-cup-start-ceci-lee-claims-landmark-medal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:54:06 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The family who bankroll Hong Kong Premier League side Tai Po say they are fully committed to the reigning champions, but any decision over the club’s future beyond this season belongs to president Peter Lam Yick-kuen. Sources previously told the South China Morning Post that Francis and Catherine Yip were ending their involvement, and after being beaten by Southern last weekend, head coach Lee Chi-kin said he did not know how much cash the Yips planned to invest next season. But Francis Yip, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345649/tai-po-backers-deny-theyll-pull-plug-team-say-hong-kong-champions-have-full-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345649/tai-po-backers-deny-theyll-pull-plug-team-say-hong-kong-champions-have-full-support?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After discarding old and outmoded methods to undergo a “new start” last year, Charles Ng Pak-hang will finally achieve one of his career goals when he makes his UCI Track World Cup debut in Perth on Friday. A mixed relay time trial gold medallist from last month’s Asian Road Cycling Championships, Ng will be part of the Hong Kong team time trial quartet at an Australian venue that already holds fond memories. The 27-year-old played down the scratch gold he claimed from an AusCycling track series... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345244/hong-kong-cyclist-charles-ng-aiming-high-after-making-new-start-golden-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3345244/hong-kong-cyclist-charles-ng-aiming-high-after-making-new-start-golden-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:00:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Talented young Tai Po forward Lee Lok-him is juggling his football career with working on a geriatric hospital ward as part of the nursing degree he is taking to safeguard his future. Identified as a serious Hong Kong prospect by interim head coach Roberto Losada, the 21-year-old Lee started and finished Tai Po’s weekend defeat by Southern, after a decisive cameo off the bench in the recent Senior Shield final victory over BC Rangers. He said he was “a bit shocked but also excited” to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345087/meet-hong-kong-footballer-balancing-passion-nursing-chasing-china-dream?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345087/meet-hong-kong-footballer-balancing-passion-nursing-chasing-china-dream?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:30:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The future of reigning Hong Kong Premier League champions Tai Po has been left shrouded in uncertainty, with the club’s owners reportedly considering pulling out at the end of the season. Sources have told the South China Morning Post that Francis and Catherine Yip, the husband-and-wife pair, are considering cutting their ties after four years of bankrolling the district club. The SCMP has also been told that none of the large number of players whose contracts expire this summer have been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345020/uncertainty-surrounds-tai-po-future-owners-consider-pulling-plug-football-club?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345020/uncertainty-surrounds-tai-po-future-owners-consider-pulling-plug-football-club?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:17 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Herve Dagorne said he was “honoured” to be appointed as a university professor, but promised the new role would not compromise his single-minded mission of spearheading Hong Kong’s quest for continental and global cycling success. Poised to lead the city squad in this week’s UCI Track World Cup in Perth, Dagorne, who recently signed a new two-year contract, was this week named as adjunct professor in The Education University of Hong Kong’s (EdUHK) Academy for Educational Development and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3344973/head-coach-says-new-professor-role-will-not-compromise-hong-kongs-hunt-cycling-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3344973/head-coach-says-new-professor-role-will-not-compromise-hong-kongs-hunt-cycling-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hailed by his coach and captain, respectively, as “an exceptional talent” and “a great prospect”, Shiv Mathur has targeted a statement performance in Hong Kong’s ongoing four-match T20 series with Kuwait. At a career crossroads, Mathur, who has a highest score of 39 from 11 T20 internationals, will decide this summer whether to leave the city for university. In purely cricket terms, the 18-year-old is aiming over the next week to shrug off a quiet start against Kuwait and “show I’m here to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3344878/exceptional-hong-kong-teen-cricketer-faces-crunch-choice-between-local-overseas-studies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3344878/exceptional-hong-kong-teen-cricketer-faces-crunch-choice-between-local-overseas-studies?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Kaushal Silva said he had complete faith in Hong Kong’s inconsistent batsman after his team overcame a second mini-collapse in two days on Thursday to beat Kuwait and move 2-0 ahead in their four-match T20 series. Batting first, Hong Kong were indebted to a measured assault from captain Yasim Murtaza, who struck 60 from 30 balls to lift them from the rubble of 84 for seven to a challenging 171-9. After Murtaza trapped opener Clint Anto lbw in the first over of their reply at Tin Kwong Road... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3344767/silva-willing-keep-faith-hong-kong-batsman-despite-second-t20-collapse-2-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3344767/silva-willing-keep-faith-hong-kong-batsman-despite-second-t20-collapse-2-days?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:05:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A condemned stadium in Nepal and an unloved Indian arena have been lined up to stage the next phase of Roberto Losada’s interim reign as Hong Kong head coach. A post on the All Nepal Football Association’s (ANFA) Facebook page on Wednesday said they would welcome Hong Kong for a friendly on March 26 at Dasharath Stadium, the Kathmandu venue the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has deemed unfit to host 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Five days after the proposed match in the Nepalese capital,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344577/hong-kong-footballers-play-condemned-nepal-venue-controversial-india-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344577/hong-kong-footballers-play-condemned-nepal-venue-controversial-india-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ben Gollings believes world rugby chiefs still need to locate the “sweet spot that will bring the attractiveness back to sevens”, after a controversial overhaul last year shrank their marquee HSBC SVNS Series. Sevens royalty following a record-breaking playing career, Englishman Gollings is on the frontline of attempts to grow the sport in India, and he will lead the recently formed franchise team Chennai Bulls in this year’s expanded Tradition HKFC 10s. “We want to provide more opportunities... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3344368/rugby-7s-royalty-ben-gollings-bringing-chennai-bulls-play-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3344368/rugby-7s-royalty-ben-gollings-bringing-chennai-bulls-play-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara It was Su Yiming, on a 22nd birthday he will never forget, who ended China’s anxious 12-day wait for Winter Olympics gold in Italy. “I told myself only gold would allow our anthem to be played,” Su said. “In an international competition like this, letting the world hear China’s anthem means everything.” By the time Milano Cortina passed the Games torch across the border to the French Alps on Sunday, March of the Volunteers had been beamed into living rooms around the world a further four... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3344325/winter-olympics-china-enjoy-best-overseas-medal-haul-eileen-gu-looking-ahead-next-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3344325/winter-olympics-china-enjoy-best-overseas-medal-haul-eileen-gu-looking-ahead-next-games?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:01:54 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Jay Haddow said that reflecting on his decision to surrender Japanese citizenship “was always tough”, but the talented defender is convinced that obtaining a Hong Kong passport was the right call. Naturalised after a prolonged process last July, Haddow supplied the cross for fellow Kitchee player Juninho to open the scoring against FC Seoul on Saturday, as Hong Kong won the Chinese New Year Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Born in Hong Kong to a Japanese mother and British... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344254/hong-kong-footballer-jay-haddow-making-peace-sacrificing-japanese-passport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344254/hong-kong-footballer-jay-haddow-making-peace-sacrificing-japanese-passport?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:27 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After the sacking of Henrik Rydstrom from Malmo left Matthew Mak Pak-hei “feeling guilty but needing to step up and grow as a person”, the pioneering Hongkonger is reunited with the Swedish head coach and plotting to return Columbus Crew to the summit of Major League Soccer. Rydstrom was appointed as successor to Wilfried Nancy, who left American club Columbus for an ill-starred spell as Celtic manager, on New Year’s Eve, three months after losing his job with Malmo. After his boss’ exit,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344196/hongkonger-set-first-taste-major-league-soccer-after-swapping-europe-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344196/hongkonger-set-first-taste-major-league-soccer-after-swapping-europe-us?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada was keeping his feet on the floor after Hong Kong beat FC Seoul 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time on Saturday, although the interim head coach acknowledged that winning the FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup was “a beautiful thing”. Hong Kong led through Juninho’s first-half goal, but Patryk Klimala’s skilful 57th-minute leveller sent the game to a shoot-out. In front of a Hong Kong Stadium crowd of 14,089, roughly 6,000 down on attendances for the previous... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344211/hong-kong-win-lunar-new-year-cup-after-dramatic-penalty-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344211/hong-kong-win-lunar-new-year-cup-after-dramatic-penalty-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 09:35:29 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Coleman Wong Chak-lam has been knocked out of the Delray Beach Open following a three-set quarter-final defeat by world No 20 Flavio Cobolli. Aiming to reach his first ATP 250 tournament semi-final, Wong saved two match points before claiming a 16-point second-set tiebreak, but the Hongkonger twice dropped serve in the decider and ultimately went down 7-5, 6-7, 6-2 in two hours and 14 minutes. Italian Cobolli will meet Sebastian Korda for a place in the final after the American upset No 2 seed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3344201/hong-kong-star-coleman-wong-poised-career-high-despite-narrow-defeat-delray-beach-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3344201/hong-kong-star-coleman-wong-poised-career-high-despite-narrow-defeat-delray-beach-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 06:31:51 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Jacky Leung Nok-hang said he held no grudge against previous Hong Kong bosses, but acknowledged his tally of 14 international caps was “one of the biggest disappointments of my career”. The defender, who recently left Zhejiang FC for Shenzhen Juniors to be closer to his ill father, last appeared for Hong Kong in November 2023. Leung was unable to answer a late call for former head coach Ashley Westwood’s first match in Liechtenstein in October 2024, because he was in Hong Kong visiting family... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344154/hong-kong-defender-leung-reveals-biggest-disappointment-shares-lunar-new-year-cup-joy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344154/hong-kong-defender-leung-reveals-biggest-disappointment-shares-lunar-new-year-cup-joy?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:15 +0000