Hong Kong’s newly inaugurated Kai Tak Stadium will take center stage as the host of the Rugby Sevens competition for the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China, commencing tomorrow, November 12, and running through November 14. Officially named the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy, the tournament features both men’s and women’s divisions, with two gold medals at stake, underscoring Hong Kong’s contribution to national sporting development and its role in bridging international sports standards with elite mainland Chinese competitions.
The competition brings together over 230 athletes across 16 teams from mainland China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong is fielding a 30-member contingent across the two dedicated tournaments. The initial phase features a round-robin format, with the top four teams in each division advancing to the knockout stage and medal matches.
Tournament Schedule and Key Fixtures
Round-robin fixtures are scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on November 12, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on November 13. The knockout ties will follow immediately, running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the evening of November 13. The climax of the tournament is set for November 14, with the women’s final scheduled for 8:30 p.m. and the men’s final kicking off at 9 p.m.
High-profile matches on the opening day include the Hong Kong men’s team challenging Shandong at 4:30 p.m. and Tianjin at 8 p.m. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong women’s squad will face Shandong at 1:30 p.m. and Sichuan at 5 p.m.
Tickets and Access Guidelines
To ensure security and convenience, ticketing for the tournament operates under a strict real-name registration system. Spectators can purchase tickets through the official 15th National Games ticketing website (ticket.baygames.cn) or via the dedicated “15th NG official ticketing” WeChat mini-programme after completing necessary identity verification.
- Physical Tickets: Paper tickets are available at 11 designated China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited outlets.
- On-site Sales: Box offices at the Kai Tak Station Square and Kai Tak Sports Ground are also operational, opening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days without competition, and from one hour before each session until 30 minutes before the scheduled end time.
Attendees who purchased e-tickets for others must transfer the tickets to the named user at least 24 hours before the session. Each individual must present their own e-ticket for verification to facilitate multiple entries and exits.
Comprehensive Transport Planning
Anticipating large crowds, particularly for the medal finals on November 14, significant efforts have been made to streamline transport logistics to and from Kai Tak Sports Park. The MTR Corporation will enhance services on the Tuen Ma Line during the post-event dispersal period.
Additionally, franchised bus operators will deploy 10 special routes departing from the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area to key destinations across the territory. These destinations include Central, Tseung Kwan O, Tsing Yi, Sheung Shui, and Tuen Mun, ensuring broad coverage for departing fans.
Fan Experience and Community Engagement
Enhancing the spectator experience beyond the matches, the tournament features numerous engaging activities promoting the spirit of national sport and showcasing local Hong Kong culture. An official franchised merchandise store at Kai Tak Stadium offers themed products specific to the rugby events.
- Competition Village: A vibrant competition village will be open to the public, offering digital interactive experiences, booth games, art workshops focused on the Hong Kong competition region, and dedicated photo opportunities.
- Rugby Taster Activities: Visitors can participate in “rugby taster” sessions to sample the sport.
The village hours are noon to 9 p.m. on November 12 and 13, and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the final day, inviting the community to enjoy both world-class rugby and engaging social activities. This event serves as a significant milestone, leveraging Hong Kong’s new sports infrastructure to host a major national championship.