UNDER stadium lights and before a crowd primed for a weekend of world‑class rugby, the opening ceremony of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens delivered a statement of intent: this was not just another tournament, but a milestone moment for the city itself.
Marking its 50th anniversary, the Hong Kong Sevens opened with a performance that blended tradition, technology and theatre – a showcase reflecting the broader effort by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong SAR Government to elevate the weekend into a city‑wide celebration.
As part of HKTB’s “Hong Kong Mega 8” promotional platform, the event sits alongside a cluster of mega‑events designed to project the city’s credentials as the “Events Capital of Asia” to international audiences.
The ceremony at Kai Tak Stadium began with a dragon dance before pivoting into the unexpected: 10 made-in-China robots, previously seen on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, taking to the pitch alongside a troupe of cheerleaders. Moving in tight formation, the robots executed dynamic choreography with mechanical precision, drawing cheers from the stands as sport met innovation in a way rarely seen at a rugby tournament.
Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, said: “Over the past half-century, the Hong Kong Sevens has witnessed the development of rugby in Hong Kong, while also becoming a major annual international sporting event that draws worldwide attention, successfully attracting visitors from around the world to be part of it.”
Lasers swept across pitch tracing the names of participating nations through the decades, paying tribute to legendary Sevens players and culminating in image of twin dragons soaring over Hong Kong.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said: “I am very grateful to Hong Kong China Rugby and the Hong Kong Tourism Board for their efforts in adding so many exciting elements to this year’s 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong Sevens. The robots’ performance was truly fun and full of energy. I hope local and visiting fans will come together this weekend to join the Hong Kong Sevens party.”
