Hong Kong's Groves has 'burning desire' for Olympic qualification

Jevon Groves has one thing written at the top of his wish list: Qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

It is a task the 38-year-old is familiar with. After Asian Games titles in 2018 and 2023, the side experienced heartbreaking defeats in Olympic qualifiers.

This October the Welshman will lead Hong Kong to another Asian Games as another chance to banish the demons from previous years presents itself.

A lot weighs on success at the Asian Games. It could even dictate whether the former Wales Men’s Sevens international stays on as head coach.

“If we win the Asian Games and also get to the Olympics, that gives us another four years [of funding],” Groves told the South China Morning Post. “If people don’t see me being in the position to achieve that and what’s best for the team, I would consider [those opinions].

“I do believe I know what will give us Asian Games success, and we’ve all spoken about that Olympic dream; it’s such a burning desire, not just for myself but for the players. It’s huge for them.

“We’re capable of getting there and that would be some achievement for this team and our organisation.

“I’m not just dictated by myself [regarding future plans], so, maybe, short-term thinking around the next 18 months is the priority for me. After the Olympic qualifier [in 2027] or after the Olympics [Jevons’ position] could be something to think about. But at this moment, my priorities lie with getting the most out of these boys this year.”

Groves will announce his squad to compete in the Melrose Claymores competition this weekend. Both Japan and China will play in the competition that forms part of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.

In preparation for the tournament his team have played preparation matches against Fiji and will play Spain early next week. Hong Kong have recently returned from Shandong where they played China.

The side took part in HSBC SVNS 3 earlier this season, only for injury time defeat against Canada to dash their hopes of promotion to HSBC SVNS 2.

Hong Kong will be without Callum McCullough, Harry Sayers, Jack Combes and Max Denmark with injury.

“We take every opportunity to try to get the most out of the players,” Groves said. “I’m still thinking about selection. The Hong Kong 7s is important to the players personally, but doing well in the Asian Games is what keeps us going for the next few years.

“Some players have done two cycles; where the motivation and excitement comes from when you’ve been and done it is a challenge, but we’ll balance it with a couple of guys who’ve not done it. Then it’s my job to marry them up and get them firing.”