Author: jezzabellemente

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) — Football fever has taken over Hong Kong as Cristiano Ronaldo leads Al-Nassr into the first-ever Saudi Super Cup held in East Asia, turning the city into a five-day football fan zone.

The 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium hosted the tournament from 19 to 23 August, marking a milestone for both the city and the sport.

Organised by Sum KM Sport in collaboration with the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the event features three high-stakes matches, including the grand final between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli on Aug 23.

On opening night, Ronaldo’s side edged Al-Ittihad 2-1 in a nail-biting semifinal on opening night, while Al-Ahli stormed past Al-Qadsiah 5-1 to secure their spot in the final. During the Saudi Super Cup Final, Al-Ahli clinched the championship over Al-Nassr on 5-3 penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.

This marks the first time the Saudi Super Cup, launched in 2013, has ventured beyond the Middle East—spotlighting Hong Kong as a rising hub for international sport, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement.

The excitement continues with the newly opened CR7 LIFE Museum at K11 MUSEA, an immersive tribute to Ronaldo’s extraordinary life and career, from his humble beginnings in his hometown of Madeira to his record-breaking performances at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr, and the Portuguese national team.

Soft launched on July 7, the 12,000-square-foot museum is a treasure trove for football enthusiasts, featuring his 2008 Ballon d’Or, Golden Boots, UEFA Champions League trophies, and jerseys from unforgettable matches.

Interactive highlights include the UR7 YouTube Studio, a replica of Ronaldo’s own filming space, and the GOAT Photobooth, where fans can use artificial intelligence to create a souvenir image alongside the legend, while also browsing exclusive merchandise such as signed jerseys and special-edition keepsakes.

With the Saudi Super Cup and the CR7 LIFE Museum both landing in Hong Kong this summer, football fans have the perfect reason to visit the city and take a chance to witness sporting history and learn more about one of the best players of all time.

— BERNAMA

DINGNAN, China, Aug 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 2025 UYC Boys’ U15 and Girls’ U13 World Cup officially opened tonight at the National Youth Football Training Center. The tournament features 32 teams from 11 countries and various regions of China, establishing itself as a major global event for youth football.

Prior to the opening, international players and coaches visited city landmarks and cultural exhibitions, gaining insight into Dingnan’s rich football heritage. Their experiences highlighted the event’s dual mission of competition and cultural exchange.

Local residents embraced the championship with enthusiasm. Streets and stadiums were filled with cheering fans, local families extended warm hospitality, and children eagerly gathered to take photos with international players. Football became a unifying celebration that extended far beyond the pitch.

The opening ceremony commenced at 7:30 p.m. with the national anthem, followed by the first match between host club Dingnan Zhu Meng Youth FC and Italy’s Carrarese Youth. Both sides displayed sharp skills, impressive teamwork, and determination, thrilling the audience. The match ended in a 1–1 draw, embodying the spirit of fair play and shared passion.

Halftime featured vibrant cultural performances, including lion and dragon dances, traditional dance shows, and freestyle football demonstrations. The blend of tradition and sport added a distinctive flavor to the evening, earning strong applause from spectators.

As fireworks lit up the night sky, the excitement spilled into the city streets and across social media, where residents shared highlights and celebrated together. The electric atmosphere reinforced Dingnan’s growing reputation as a host of world-class sporting events.

Now in its second year, the UYC World Cup stands as the only youth football tournament globally authorized to use the FIFA emblem. The addition of the Boys’ U15 category underscores Dingnan’s commitment to providing a high-level international platform for youth players and strengthening its position on the global football stage.

With matches continuing in the coming days, Dingnan is poised to remain a stage where young talent, cultural exchange, and the joy of football come together. 

About Dingnan

Dingnan, southern Jiangxi’s “Jiangxi-Guangdong Gateway,” boasts two point two three football fields per 10,000 people. With 13% of residents playing regularly, football is deeply popular. Nearly half of all local students—some sixteen thousand—actively participate.

Media contact: jojo@dingnanmedia.cn

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/086460d1-750c-4c10-9a84-0c6f2c33ae4d

SOURCE: Dingnan County People’s Government

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has successfully carried out the world’s first liver transplant on a patient with a rare genetic blood clotting disorder, capping 22 years of uninterrupted care for the same patient.

The patient, diagnosed with congenital plasminogen deficiency since infancy, had been under the hospital’s care since the first months of life.

The condition, caused by a lack of the plasminogen protein essential for dissolving blood clots, led to dangerous fibrous deposits affecting tissues and organs.

KFSHRC Adult Haematology and Stem Cell Transplant Division Director, Dr Hazzaa Al-Zahrani, who supervised the case, said the decision to proceed with a liver transplant was made after long-term management and careful consideration.

“The success of this procedure represents a turning point and a beacon of hope for patients worldwide facing similar conditions,” he said in a statement.

The patient’s father also expressed gratitude for the recovery, attributing it to the Kingdom’s advanced healthcare capabilities and government support.

The complexity of the case required a multidisciplinary approach that extended beyond medical care to include nursing, nutrition and information technology, alongside haematology and transplant specialists.

The treatment previously relied on regular intravenous doses of plasminogen and eye drops to preserve vision, at an annual cost exceeding six million Saudi riyals, fully covered by the Saudi government. (100 Saudi riyals = RM112.46)

This achievement underscores KFSHRC’s role as a global leader in rare disease management and transformative care, where science and compassion converge to redefine possibilities in medicine.

— BERNAMA