Hong Kong Women Defend Rugby Bronze as Men Gear Up for Gold Showdown Against China
SCMP · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's women's rugby sevens team successfully defended their Asian Games bronze medal with a hard-fought 7-5 victory over Thailand on Saturday, marking their second consecutive podium finish at the continental Games. The match at the 20th Asian Games showcased a tense battle between two evenly-matched sides, with Hong Kong's early numerical advantage proving decisive. Captain Chloe Chan crossed for the opening try with Gabriella Rivers converting, and despite Thailand's late first-half fightback, Hong Kong's defensive resilience sealed the win. Meanwhile, the men's team advanced to the gold medal match against China after their 35-14 semi-final victory over South Korea, with China having upset hosts Japan 10-7 in their semi-final.
Key Points
- Hong Kong's women secured bronze with a 7-5 win over Thailand, their second consecutive Asian Games medal in rugby sevens
- Captain Chloe Chan scored the opening try and Gabriella Rivers added the conversion to give Hong Kong a 7-0 lead
- Thailand's Salinda Phaekhwamdee received a yellow card early, giving Hong Kong a numerical advantage for most of the first half
- Thailand's Dion Akwaja scored before half-time to cut the deficit to 7-5, but Hong Kong's defense held strong in the second half
- Hong Kong's overall medal tally reached 53, tying the historic record set at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games
Why It Matters
The women's bronze medal victory demonstrates Hong Kong's growing competitiveness in Asian rugby sevens, even as Japan and China establish themselves as regional powerhouses. The result also solidifies the city's position as a legitimate medal contender in team sports at the continental level, providing momentum for the men's team heading into their gold medal match against China later that day .
The women's bronze medal victory demonstrates Hong Kong's growing competitiveness in Asian rugby sevens, even as Japan and China establish themselves as regional powerhouses. The result also solidifies the city's position as a legitimate medal contender in team sports at the continental level, providing momentum for the men's team heading into their gold medal match against China later that day .