Hong Kong Condemns Violent Altercation

10th February 2025 – (Harbin, China) The Hong Kong men’s ice hockey team’s triumphant 5-1 victory over Turkmenistan in the Group C match at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games was marred by a shocking post-match altercation. During the customary handshake line, several Hong Kong players were violently attacked by Turkmenistan players, resulting in a chaotic one-minute scuffle that left multiple athletes on the ice.

The incident, which occurred at the Harbin Ice Hockey Arena, has drawn widespread condemnation. Three Turkmenistan players—Erkin Kakabayev, Arslan Geldimyradov, and Begench Dovletmyradov—were penalized with a “5-minute major + 20-minute game misconduct” by the referees. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has indicated that further disciplinary action may be taken against the players involved.

The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), issued a strong statement condemning the attack. “We strongly condemn the deliberate assault on our athletes and will seek appropriate disciplinary measures to ensure the safety of all competitors,” the statement read. Kenneth Fok, head of the Hong Kong delegation, has already contacted the IIHF and the Asian Olympic Council to address the matter.

Two Hong Kong players were evaluated by the team doctor and local hospital staff following the incident. Fortunately, both were confirmed to be stable and not seriously injured. The SF&OC praised the Hong Kong team for their composure and restraint during the altercation, highlighting their commitment to upholding the Olympic spirit.

The match itself had been tense, with both teams accumulating a total of 60 penalty minutes for infractions including elbowing, tripping, slashing, and unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the situation escalated dramatically after the final whistle, with the Turkmenistan players lashing out during the handshake line. Kakabayev and Dovletmyradov had already served penalties during the game for slashing and elbowing, respectively.

Despite the physical and emotional toll of the incident, the Hong Kong team remains focused on their upcoming quarter-finals ranking round match against Kyrgyzstan on Monday. The SF&OC expressed pride in the team’s resilience and professionalism, stating, “We are proud of our players for showing restraint and upholding the Olympic spirit during the incident.”

The altercation has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of sportsmanship and discipline in international competitions. As the Hong Kong team prepares for their next game, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respect and fair play in sports. The IIHF and event organizers are expected to review the incident thoroughly, with potential sanctions to be announced in the coming days.