10th February 2025 – (Harbin) The 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin took a concerning turn on 9th February, when members of the Hong Kong men’s ice hockey team were assaulted by players from Turkmenistan following their 5-1 victory. The incident, which unfolded during post-match handshakes, has drawn attention and condemnation from Hong Kong officials, particularly from Chief Executive John Lee.
In the aftermath of the altercation, which left three Hong Kong players injured, Chief Executive Lee expressed his deep concern for the athletes’ well-being. He personally visited the athletes at the athletes’ village, accompanied by Rosanna Law, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism. During this visit, he offered words of encouragement and commended the athletes for their resilience.
Lee reassured the injured players that the Hong Kong government is committed to ensuring their safety. He stated, “We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to safeguard our athletes. Their well-being is our utmost priority.” He emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive mental attitude, urging the players to focus on their upcoming matches and not let this incident affect their performance.
Lee confirmed that he has instructed the Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (SF&OC) to liaise with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate actions are taken against those responsible for the attack. He noted that the athletes should be able to compete in a safe environment free from violence.
In a statement following the incident, the SF&OC condemned the assault, describing it as a “deliberate attack” that resulted in injuries to Hong Kong players. The organisation has reached out to the International Ice Hockey Federation and the Olympic Council of Asia to demand disciplinary measures against the Turkmen athletes involved in the incident. Lee’s government is backing the SF&OC’s call for accountability and has insisted on a thorough investigation into the events that transpired.
The match itself was marked by tension, with both teams receiving a combined total of one hour in penalties for various infractions, including elbowing and unsportsmanlike conduct. The atmosphere escalated during the post-game handshake, culminating in the assault. Turkmen players Erkin Kakabayev, Arslan Geldimyradov, and Begench Dovletmyradov were specifically identified as the aggressors, receiving penalties for their actions.
Fortunately, reports indicate that while the injuries sustained by the Hong Kong players were concerning, none were deemed life-threatening. Two players required hospital treatment, with one suffering a hand injury that needed stitches. Lee expressed gratitude to the medical teams who provided care and reassured the public that the athletes were recovering well.
As the team prepares for their next match against Kyrgyzstan, Lee’s reassurances and support are vital for maintaining morale. He called on the public to continue supporting the athletes and to embody the spirit of Hong Kong, urging fans to rally behind the team during this challenging time.
Lee concluded by reiterating his commitment to the safety of all Hong Kong athletes, stating, “Every athlete deserves to compete without fear of harm. We will ensure that our athletes are treated with respect and dignity, both on and off the field.”
