HKTB Leverages Hong Kong Sevens 50th Anniversary to Highlight Hong Kong as Asia’s Events Capital

(SeaPRwire) –   HONG KONG, April 17, 2026 — The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026. Through grouping a lineup of major events under the “Hong Kong Mega 8” promotional campaign, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is highlighting to audiences across the globe Hong Kong’s diverse, lively appeal as the “Events Capital of Asia” to draw travelers to the city. As a long-time backer of this world-class sporting event, HKTB is bringing in China-made robots that previously appeared on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala to perform and cheer during the opening ceremony, providing audiences around the world with a fresh experience that blends sports, cutting-edge technology and culture.

Dr Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, said, “2026 is a major milestone for the Hong Kong Sevens as we mark its 50th anniversary. Over the past 50 years, the tournament has overseen the growth of rugby in Hong Kong, while growing into a leading annual international sporting event that captures global attention and successfully draws travelers from across the globe to attend. With generous support from China Media Group, HKTB has arranged for China-made robots that were previously part of CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala to perform as special guests, adding a fresh standout element to the event. As spectators enjoy world-class rugby, they will also get to experience China’s world-leading robotics technology, as well as Hong Kong’s unique charm as the “Events Capital of Asia”, where sports, innovative technology and culture converge.”
        
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said: “I am deeply thankful to Hong Kong China Rugby and the Hong Kong Tourism Board for their work to add so many exciting touches to this year’s 50th anniversary Hong Kong Sevens. The robots’ performance was incredibly fun and full of vitality. I hope local and visiting fans will gather this weekend to join in the Hong Kong Sevens celebration.”

Combining tradition and innovative elements, the opening ceremony for the 50th edition was filled with standout moments. After a dragon dance, 10 robots joined seamlessly with a cheerleading team to launch the event with dynamic choreography and precise synchronization, getting the stadium crowd fired up.

Right after the innovative cheerleading performance, lasers lit up the Main Stadium pitch, showcasing the participating nations from past tournaments, the names of iconic Sevens players, and an animation of twin dragons soaring over Hong Kong, marking 50 years of successful growth for the Hong Kong Sevens. Sunday’s closing ceremony will include a stunning fireworks display launched from the stadium roof, wrapping up the three-day tournament with a spectacular finish.

Robots manufactured by Chinese mainland company Unitree Robotics served as special performers during the Hong Kong Sevens opening ceremony.

HKTB also took the robots to the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point to shoot promotional footage highlighting Hong Kong.

For its overseas promotional efforts, HKTB teamed up with Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) to invite a number of international key opinion leaders (KOLs) to visit Hong Kong and experience the grand event appeal of the Hong Kong Sevens. Joining this group were three stars who featured on Netflix Korea’s Physical: 100 – Noh Sung-yul, a South Korean fitness YouTuber with more than 10 million followers; artist Justin John Harvey; and popular actor Lee Jae-yoon. Beyond visiting Kai Tak Sports Park and the Hong Kong Sevens Fan Village to soak up the event’s lively atmosphere, the three guests explored a range of Hong Kong iconic landmarks, and tried out a series of unique experiences that blend fitness challenges with local food and culture, while filming promotional material for HKTB to boost international visibility for both the Hong Kong Sevens and Hong Kong tourism. Additionally, HKTB invited partners from the local travel industry, the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) and cruise sectors, as well as overseas travel agency representatives and media members to attend the tournament, so they could witness this annual international sporting highlight and experience Hong Kong’s charm as the “Events Capital of Asia”.

Media personnel can download photos and videos via the following link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2402&categoryTypeId=2　

For media enquiries, please get in touch with:

Mr Cameron Tong	Tel: 2807 6367                Email: cameron.tong@hktb.com
Mr Chokie Cheng	Tel: 2807 6342                Email: chokie.cheng@hktb.com

Photos associated with this announcement can be accessed at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0cc62f7-1664-44e2-9a1a-2cf813eb1ad3

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83545924-55d4-4da7-b005-2105354cd985

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/585cd706-2a8e-4b1c-930f-007251131c0a