A large team of Australian judo athletes currently in Hong Kong are sheltering in their hotel as Typhoon Wipha cancels their plans to compete in the 2025 Hong Kong Junior Asian Cup.
The Local Organising Committee has cancelled today’s event as the Hong Kong Observatory issued a Storm Warning (level 9) at 6.20am, rapidly followed by a Hurricane Warning (level 10) at 9.20am (Hong Kong time). This means winds of over 100kmh may occur and all precautions are to be taken.
Maria Pekli, Judo Australia’s General Manager of Performance and Pathways, is heading up five-strong coaching team in charge of nearly 50 athletes aged 15 to 20. They have enjoyed an unexpected sleep-in followed by gym sessions, and will spend the afternoon with trivia and games.
“The hotel is locked down and while the wind is howling outside, it feels very calm and safe here. Our athletes are disappointed to not be competing, but their safety is everyone’s first priority and we are grateful for that.”
The majority of the athletes will enter a three-day training camp over the coming days, then travel to Macau to compete in the 2025 Macau Cadet and Junior Asian Cup.
Judo Australia chairman, Simon Read, said “The Board fully supports the decision to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our athletes and staff, and we commend the team for their resilience and professionalism in these challenging circumstances.”
