HONG KONG, December 28, 2024 (Press Release)
Some of the star players competing at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open (“BOCHKTO”) 2025 have joined forces with local elite athletes and celebrities to promote tennis this holiday season, and to raise awareness to community members that tennis is accessible for all.
Led by tennis aces world no. 19 Karen Khachanov, winner of Swedish Open 2024 Nuno Borges, Chinese mainland rising star Shang Juncheng, Hong Kong no.1 Coleman Wong Chak-lam and Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025 ambassadors Pat Cash and Mark Woodforde, a contingent of 10 Hong Kong athletes and celebrities participated in the Bank of China Hong Kong Celebrity Tennis Masters event at the iconic Victoria Park Tennis Centre Court, where BOCHKTO 2025 will be held from 29 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Hong Kong professional swimmer Stephanie Au Hoi-shun, and singer, song writer Alex Lam Tak-shun also joined in the fun and encouraged the public to take up tennis for better physical and mental health.
Many past and present local elite athletes were also in attendance today, including badminton star and Hong Kong Olympic representative Yip Pui-Yin, Hong Kong swimmer and Hong Kong record holder Barton Lau, and javelin throw athlete Ricky Hui Wai-hei, who demonstrated their skills and creativity in a fun-filled contest.
Arnold Chow, General Manager, Personal Digital Banking Product Department, Bank of China (Hong Kong) said: “The Bank is privileged to return as the title sponsor of the ATP 250, a prestigious international sports event. We are also delighted to become the Lead Partner of the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association to champion both tennis development and world-class sports events in Hong Kong. Today, we are thrilled to gather tennis professionals, sports elites from diverse fields and our esteemed guests to experience tennis in an unconventional way. Through sponsoring this Celebrity Tennis Masters, we aim to extend our support to the association’s diverse community programmes promoting tennis locally.”
Michael Cheng, President of HKCTA, said: “The Bank of China Hong Kong Celebrity Tennis Masters is a wonderful initiative made possible by our partnership with Bank of China (Hong Kong). Not only did it give the players a chance to relax ahead of some intense competition, but it brought athletes from different sports together to share their experience and sports journeys with each other and promote a great cause in this festive season of the year.”
“HKCTA is proud to lead or collaborate in a number of initiatives to ensure tennis is made more accessible to the local community. These programmes include the promotion of wheelchair tennis in Hong Kong, a partnership with Heep Hong Society to support children with diverse abilities in realising their maximum potential, the Orange Tennis Community Programme to help kids who complete HKCTA’s mini-red programme to continue their tennis journey, as well as the LSSA Outreach Tennis Programme that promotes the integration of students with special education needs into mainstream schools through tennis training”, Cheng added.
ATP star Shang Juncheng enjoyed the occasion, saying: “I think the [wooden] racket I used was actually older than me, but it was great to be out here with these other great players and I’m glad that everyone enjoyed it. I hope to see everyone at the tournament.”
BOCHKTO Ambassador Pat Cash said: “It’s great to be back in Hong Kong. I’ve been here many times over the years, but it is great to come back again for the Bank of China Hong Kong Open. I look forward to seeing these guys play. Hopefully we will have a full stadium, and it will be a lot of fun. Today was certainly a great start.”
Five-time swimming Olympian for Hong Kong, China Au said: “I’ve been a swimmer all my life and while I do many other sports and exercises to aid in my training, trying to play tennis with hats, bags and swim floats was definitely a first for me. The event was fun and also meaningful as it provided me the opportunity to interact with other athletes. As an athlete, I hope every tennis player can show us their best performances in the upcoming week of the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025.”
Lam agreed: “I think everyone knows how much I love tennis. I play regularly and think tennis is so good for you physically and mentally. As a fan, I am so looking forward to watching the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025, and for sure will look to learn a thing or two from the pros.”
Making tennis accessible for all is one of the missions of the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association (“HKCTA”) and events like the Bank of China Hong Kong Celebrity Tennis Masters help to advance this worthy cause by raising awareness for the HKCTA’s charity arm, the HKTA Foundation.
The fun is only just beginning – at least for the fans – as the BOCHKTO 2025 begins tomorrow, 29 December, at 12 noon with the Qualifying Rounds. Admission for tomorrow’s Qualifying Rounds is free for the public to enjoy while seats are available. The free-to-enter Tournament Village will also be open from tomorrow with tennis-themed games, photo spots, and other activities as well as dining options. All the centre court matches will be broadcasted on the big screen.
The main draw action begins on Monday 30 December, with four of the world’s top 20 players confirmed to appear including defending champion Andrey Rublev, Chinese rising stars Shang Juncheng and Bu Yunchaokete, and Hong Kong No. 1 Coleman Wong Chak-lam.
