The Hong Kong Sevens 2024 rugby tournament concluded on Sunday with a spectacular fireworks display, as the city showcased its role as a hub of international cultural exchanges as it continued its economic resurgence.

The three-day sporting extravaganza witnessed the New Zealand teams — both the men’s and women’s — successfully defend their championship titles in the finals against France and the United States respectively.

The Hong Kong, China men’s team made history by securing its first Melrose Claymores trophy after triumphing over Japan, while the local women’s squad fell short against the national team in the final.

Every seat was filled, as all 40,000 tickets were snapped up in advance, with 40 percent of the audience composed of overseas visitors.

The tournament’s possible final appearance at the 70-year-old Hong Kong Stadium — before the opening of the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park later this year — has evoked a sense of nostalgia among some of the fans.

Building on the success of the previous year, which generated an estimated HK$400 million ($51.1 million) in revenue, this year’s arena-filling fans are expected to bring a surge of consumer spending as they indulge in Hong Kong’s unique offerings in districts such as Causeway Bay and Wan Chai.

The rugby event serves as a testament not only to Hong Kong’s ability to host world-class sporting spectacles, but also to its openness and dynamic nature as a harbor where Eastern and Western cultures converge. This spirit will be borne out by a series of exciting events as part of a citywide campaign to promote a mega-event economy.