Turkmen players suspended after attack on HK team

Ayra Wang

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has directed the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, along with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, to take action following a deliberate attack on Hong Kong ice hockey athletes by Turkmen players during the Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

In response to complaints from the Hong Kong delegation, the International Ice Hockey Federation has suspended four Turkmen players involved in the incident from their remaining matches.

Lee expressed deep concern about the situation and visited three injured Hong Kong players in the athletes' village.

He was accompanied by Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui and the director of the Chief Executive's Office, Carol Yip Man-kuen.

During the visit, Lee inquired about the athletes' health and thanked the medical staff for their prompt care. He said the players were expected to play in the men's quarterfinals against Kyrgyzstan last night.

"I encouraged them to maintain a positive mindset, uphold their sportsmanship, and continue representing Hong Kong with pride," Lee said. "Their restraint and integrity during the altercation exemplify the professionalism and ethical standards of Hong Kong athletes."

Following reports of the incident on Sunday evening, Lee rearranged his trip schedule to prioritize visiting the injured athletes yesterday. He was originally set to meet with Hongkongers in Harbin after a morning meeting with Heilongjiang governor Liang Huiling.

The altercation occurred after Hong Kong's decisive 5-1 victory over Turkmenistan in the men's Group C preliminary play.

Videos shared on social media platform Xiaohongshu captured the moment a Turkmen player unexpectedly attacked a Hong Kong player during the post-game handshake.

Other Turkmen players then joined the assault, resulting in two more Hong Kong players falling to the ice in the ensuing chaos.

The footage showed one Hong Kong player laying on the ground, shielding his head with his hands as his helmet was knocked off. A referee who attempted to intervene was also dragged down.

Spectators at the scene booed the Turkmen players and cheered for the Hong Kong athletes, who waved to the crowd.

The referee announced that three Turkmen players received a five-minute major penalty and a 20-minute misconduct penalty for fighting.

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, leader of the Hong Kong delegation and president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, expressed his shock and heartbreak over the violence.

He confirmed that three athletes sustained minor injuries - with one requiring stitches on his hand - but reassured that they would be able to compete in the remaining matches.

The Hong Kong committee has escalated the issue to the International Ice Hockey Federation, the Olympic Council of Asia, and event organizers, urging swift disciplinary action.

The delegation also welcomed the prompt response and fair handling of the incident by the International Ice Hockey Federation.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com