It’s ‘Game On’ As Hong Kong Football Club Plays Host to Historic World Squash Team Championships 2024

It’s fast, furious and comes in a ‘box’ to Hong Kong! Sporting history is being made in a series of ‘firsts’ at Hong Kong Football Club, as we play host to the first-ever concurrent men’s and women’s World Squash Team Championships.

Not only are the Championships being held in Hong Kong for the first time in the tournament’s illustrious 57-year history, but the men’s and women’s competition are also being held together in the same year and the same venue, in a major step towards gender parity in this high-adrenaline sport.

In a further boost to our city being a leading sports and major events destination, this milestone event, which runs from December 9-15, represents a significant coup for the club which has long-coveted to bring this exciting and highly competitive format of the sport to Hong Kong.

The Football Club itself is one of the largest squash clubs in Asia and is a renowned squash destination, having hosted the inaugural WSF World Doubles Championships back in 1997 and the 2014 WSF World Master’s Championships, as well as numerous Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour and junior events.

“Hosting the tournament represents a significant coup for the club which had long-coveted ambitions to bring this exciting and highly competitive format of the sport to Hong Kong,” explained Club Chairman Neil Jensen. “We were keen to do it; we want to support massive events in Hong Kong and it’s for the community and everybody to really get behind it.”

“The fact that the 2024 Championships feature both the men’s and women’s game for the first time was an even greater bonus. The HKFC has a proud tradition in its commitment to the betterment of sport, that extends to everyone, regardless of gender, race and nationality. Across all our sports, the Club is also active in developing talented players into elite sports men and women.”

For those unfamiliar with the event and format of team squash, the Championships have been held biennially since 1967 for the men’s competition and since 1979 for the women’s event. Matches are contested between a team of three players and a reserve, which will culminate in a dramatic final outside on the football pitch.

A fast-pace and thrilling spectator event, this year’s World Team Championships, endorsed by the WSF and sanctioned by the Squash Association of Hong Kong, China, has drawn some 29 nations and regions, with global representation featuring teams from across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and Pan America.

Attracting the event to Hong Kong is an especially special experience for our local elite players. Hong Kong’s Henry Leung, who boasts a top 50 world ranking, said, “Such prestigious international events can greatly enhance the visibility of the sport, boost interest and participation, as well as attract more talents and investment to get involved in this sport. The event also provides a platform for local players to showcase their skills on a global stage and encourages broader community to engage with squash. Ultimately, hosting this event can play a crucial role in the development and expansion of squash in Hong Kong and beyond.”

The Hong Kong Football Club is, of course, ideally suited for the staging of top international squash events. Our world-class squash facilities include three glass courts and four traditional courts. We’re creating space for two spectacular all-glass show courts, one of which has been especially shipped from New Zealand for the event, ensuring that players and spectators alike enjoy an exceptional experience.

In addition to an exciting roster of many of the world’s top squash stars, the occasion will be further enhanced with the presence of two of the true greats of the game, Geoff Hunt and Sarah Fitz-Gerald, who are both honorary members of the Football Club.

Geoff is one of the greatest players ever in the sport. A true gentleman of the game, his quiet demeanor and professional manner belied his competitive drive during his stellar career which saw him being ranked world #1 from 1975 to 1980. He won the first three biennial International Amateur Individual Championships, in 1967, 1969, and 1971, and the British Open eight times, between 1969 and 1981. He was runner-up to Jonah Barrington in 1970 and 1972. In addition, he won the inaugural World Open in 1976, and won again in 1977, 1979 and 1980.

What truly sets Geoff apart is his love of the game and his reputation for on-court sporting honour and professionalism, once saying, “Squash, to me, is a game of integrity and self-respect.”

Sarah accomplished so many firsts in women's squash as a World Open Squash Champion five times between 1996 and 2002 and maintaining the World No 1 ranking through 1996-7-8. After knee surgery in late 1998 and in 1999 she came back to reclaim the top ranking in 2001 and held that honour until she retired from the World Tour in 2003. She won a remarkable seven World Team Championships for Australia.

As legends of the game, Geoff and Sarah remain a true inspiration for today’s professionals and, indeed, all young players, and the HKFC is delighted he will be joining us in attending a range of special activities and events during his visit to the Championships.

So, it’s ‘Game On’ for all the thrills and spills of unmissable squash action. Competing teams will fight it out to potentially topple the undisputed North African squash powerhouse Egypt, currently the holder of both men’s and women’s titles, previously winning the last women’s event in December 2022 and the men’s in December 2023.

Hong Kong will benefit from home support, which Henry Leung believes will stand them in good stead, “both the Hong Kong teams have a strong chance to compete well against the incredible international competition, including the dominant Egypt teams. While Egypt has been a powerhouse in squash with exceptional talent and a history of success, the Hong Kong team has also shown its prowess on the international stage and has the ability to challenge top teams.”

Who can unseat the ‘Egyptian Dynasty’ of Squash? It’s all to play for! Sit back and enjoy what promised to be an unparalleled sporting masterclass of tactical nous, skill and athletic endeavor!