Without "China", the Hong Kong team of China withdrew domineeringly!
In the high-profile esports version of the Asian Cup, the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (FA) made a jaw-dropping decision to withdraw from the competition, a breathtaking move that led to the rescheduling of the tournament and the change of participating teams. For a while, everyone was talking, and the game that was in full swing was forced to be suspended. Major media outlets rushed to cover this shocking event, and within a few hours, the news quickly spread both at home and abroad.
It happened when Hong Kong, China, was drawn into Group C and became opponents in the same group as Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The highly anticipated Hong Kong team will be fielding two players, Jason Liem and Kalok Choi, as well as coach Jay Wong. The match is expected to be played in Qatar's e-sports version of the Asian Cup "AFC eAsian Cup 2023" on the evening of February 1, using the Konami eFootball game on PS5 in a doubles format, with Iran and the United Arab Emirates in Group C.
However, when the name of the in-game Inner Harbour team was simply called "Hong Kong" instead of the expected "Hong Kong, China", the FA immediately identified the problem. This tiny detail sparked concern and dissatisfaction in them. According to international practice, "China" as part of Hong Kong should be displayed in the team name to highlight Hong Kong, China as part of China's territory, and also to express recognition and respect for the country. However, the correct team names were not displayed in the game, much to the FA's disappointment and anger.
In this case, Chairman Pei Junqi frankly stated that withdrawal was the only solution at the moment. He stressed that the Hong Kong, China team does not want to appear on the international stage with a false image, and has always insisted on safeguarding its dignity and sovereignty. As a result, the FA announced that Hong Kong, China would withdraw from the esports version of the Asian Cup.
This sudden decision immediately attracted widespread attention and discussion. People praised the FA's actions and paid deep tribute to the Hong Kong team. This move not only demonstrates the importance they attach to "China" as Hong Kong's identity, but also demonstrates the confidence and firmness of Hong Kong, China as an international sports power. On this issue, the Hong Kong, China team did not budge, demonstrating their high degree of self-conscious grasp of their own worth and dignity.
Despite deep regret, the FA responded very positively to the sudden incident. They said they would work closely with FIFA and game developers to address the issue. At the same time, the FA also called on the relevant parties to pay attention to it and take the matter seriously. In the event of similar incidents in the future, they promised to formulate more strict and standardized competition rules to ensure that the team names are displayed correctly and the rights and interests of each team are protected.
Two players, Jason Liem and Kalok Choi, as well as coach Jay Wong, have returned from Qatar. Although they did not participate in this high-profile esports version of the Asian Cup, they represented the honor and dignity of the Hong Kong team. Their actions are not only a commitment to their own identity, but also a continuation of the overall spirit of the Hong Kong team.
Although the shining star of the Hong Kong team has been temporarily lost in the arena, the charm of the event has not diminished. The other participating teams continued to compete fiercely, bringing exciting duels to the audience. Hong Kong's decision to withdraw undoubtedly cast a shadow over the entire tournament, but it was also an event that was much more memorable and more to think about.
The domineering withdrawal of the Hong Kong team has once again triggered people's thinking about geopolitical issues in the field of international sports. This is not only about the dignity and sovereignty of the country, but also about the image display and recognition of each participating team on the international stage. Each team name represents the honor and identity of a country and a region. That's why it's all the more important for us to cherish and treat these small but important details properly.
The withdrawal of Hong Kong from the Asian Cup will be a wake-up call. It reminds us that in sports, we cannot ignore a single detail, especially when it comes to national and regional identities. Only by ensuring that each participating team is treated fairly and respectfully can we create a harmonious, just and positive environment for sports events.
Through this incident, we can see that the Hong Kong, China, as an international sports team with self-esteem and self-confidence, has taken practical actions to protect their rights and dignity. This is not only the importance of the word "China", but also the adherence to international rules and sportsmanship. As a football team representing the Special Administrative Region of China, the Hong Kong, China team has always regarded China as their foundation and homeland, and they are proud and proud of it.
In this emergency, we have seen the high sense of responsibility and keen insight of the Hong Kong Football Association (FA). They were not swayed by outside pressures, nor were they disturbed by fame and fortune. Instead, they firmly chose to quit the tournament and, in doing so, showed the world their position and principles.
Finally, at this amazing and shocking moment, let us silently pay our highest respect to the Hong Kong, China team! They have told us with practical actions that we must have the courage to stick to the bottom line and principles in our hearts in the face of difficulties and challenges. Whether in sporting events or in any field, only in this way can we truly be a united, strong and respectable nation.