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China cricketers hone skills at Blacktown venue in Olympic push
China’ s national cricket teams are taking advantage of the world-class facilities at Blacktown International Sports Park as they build towards their Olympic ambitions.
As a developing cricket nation, China’ s men’ s and women’ s squads are currently undertaking a six-week training camp, based at on-site accommodation, The Lodge. The teams have access to a full suite of elite training and hospitality services throughout their stay.
The sports park features a gym, pool, auditorium and catering facilities within the award-winning Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub, along with expertly prepared pitches, an Indoor Practice Centre and outdoor wickets.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting welcomed the visiting teams and praised the facility’ s growing international reputation.
“ I am delighted to have the Chinese
China’ s womens team practises at Blacktown International Sports Park.
cricket teams here and wish them all the best in their endeavours to compete at the Olympic Games,” he said.
“ Professional athletes and amateurs are increasingly using Blacktown International Sports Park to help achieve their goals, and I’ m proud we can be part of that journey.
“ This venue reflects Council’ s commitment to making sporting opportunities accessible and inclusive for everyone. Our community has the unique opportunity to use the same elite facilities as professional athletes.”
The venue has previously hosted a range of elite sporting teams, including the Matildas, NRL clubs, A-League footballers and professional baseball teams.
China’ s training camp is part of a fiveyear agreement with Cricket NSW and Sydney Cricket Club, aimed at developing the nation’ s cricket program through access to highperformance expertise and facilities.
Chinese Cricket Association tour organiser John Yeo said the teams have been impressed by the experience.
“ The facilities at Blacktown are outstanding,”
The Chinese mens and womens teams and staff with Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting( third row, second from right), CEO Kerry Robinson OAM( third row, on right), Chinese Consul General H. E. Wang Yu( third row, third from right) at Blacktown International Sports Park.
he said.“ The players are benefiting enormously from having such a wide range of high-quality training resources all in one place.”
During their time in Australia, the teams are also competing against clubs from across Sydney, gaining valuable match experience.
Cricket is gaining momentum in China following its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and the squad is firmly focused on long-term development.“ China sees a real opportunity to rise through the ranks,” Mr Yeo said.
“ The players are embracing the challenge and are excited about what lies ahead.”
Blacktown International Sports Park continues to attract athletes from across Australia and around the world, supporting performance development through its advanced facilities.
The Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub, which opened in 2023, has already received multiple industry awards for its design and innovation.
The precinct was further enhanced in 2025 with the opening of the Blacktown Disability Sports Centre.
Delivered in partnership with Disability Sports Australia, the centre features multipurpose courts and customised amenities designed to support athletes of all abilities.
Hawkesbury Cup Day tickets now on sale
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Hawkesbury Cup Raceday, set to take place on Saturday 2 May 2026, promising another unforgettable day of racing, entertainment and community celebration.
A highlight on the local sporting and social calendar, the Hawkesbury Cup has long been a proud tradition in the region, with racing in the Hawkesbury dating back to the 19th century. Since the introduction of the stand-alone Saturday Cup Day in 2006, the event has grown into one of Western Sydney’ s premier race days, attracting visitors from across the state.
“ We have packages to suit all budgets, including all-inclusive food and beverage options,” said Hawkesbury Race Club CEO James Heddo.“ Alternatively, the Front Lawn Precinct offers reserved trackside seating in a prime position to enjoy the day’ s festivities for just $ 55 per person, which includes gate entry.”
Early bird buyers can take advantage of a 20 per cent discount on General Admission tickets, with prices starting from just $ 20.
“ Hawkesbury Cup Day is always a special and memorable occasion to share with family and friends. We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of our sponsors, whose contribution helps make this event such a success each year,” Heddo said.
This year’ s event also marks 21 years since the inception of the modern standalone format, a milestone that reflects the race day’ s continued growth and popularity.
Racegoers can look forward to a massive 10-race program boasting more than $ 1.8 million in prizemoney. The feature event, the Group 3 $ 250,000 Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup over 1600 metres, will once again headline the day.
Beyond the track, there will be plenty of entertainment, including the ever-popular Fashions on the Field competition, offering fantastic prizes and showcasing race-day style at its finest.
Adding to the excitement, iconic Australian rock band Dragon will take to the stage after the final race, capping off what is set to be a sensational afternoon. Gates open at 10.30am.
For more information or to book tickets and hospitality packages, visit www. hawkesburyraceclub. com. au
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 61 // APRIL 2026 25