Editorial | Cooler heads must prevail when tempers heat up in ice hockey
Fights are common in this intense sport but brawl involving Turkmenistan and Hong Kong at Asian Winter Games in Harbin broke all protocol
Respect is a core sporting value, yet it was sadly lacking during a men’s ice hockey match between Hong Kong and Turkmenistan at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin on Sunday.
A shocking assault on players from the city must be investigated so disciplinary action can be taken and to remind all of the importance of good sportsmanship.
Officials from Hong Kong have rightly demanded action after the incident where postgame handshakes turned violent following the city’s 5-1 win over Turkmenistan.
It followed a scrappy Group C clash at Harbin Ice Hockey Arena where players from both teams served a combined hour’s worth of penalties for elbowing, tripping and slashing.
Three Turkmenistan players reportedly attacked several Hongkongers. Video showed one suffering a blow to the head that sent a helmet flying. Two were taken to hospital for checks. Thankfully, none were seriously hurt.
The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) “strongly condemned” the brawl that even drew the attention of Chinese state media.