HONG KONG — A star-studded charity basketball game turned into a showcase of athletic rivalry and camaraderie Tuesday night, with Hong Kong boy band MIRROR members taking center court at AsiaWorld-Expo.
The 903 All Star Basketball Game saw the “903 All Stars” edge out the “Singer Warriors,” led by actor Louis Koo, by a narrow score of 47 to 44. Five members of the popular Cantopop group MIRROR—Keung To, Ian Chan, Edan Lui, Stanley Yau, and Anson Kong—suited up for the event, drawing thousands of fans to the venue and millions more watching online.
Ian Chan Secures MVP Honors with Clutch Shooting
Ian Chan, 28, was named “Ball King” after sinking critical three-pointers that sealed his team’s victory. Speaking after the game, Chan credited his success to muscle memory from years of practice, acknowledging that a lingering foot injury and a packed schedule have kept him off the court recently.
“I haven’t played much basketball lately because of work and my old foot problem,” Chan said. “When I hit those three-pointers, it was all about the muscle memory from training I did years ago.”
Chan’s performance drew praise from teammate Keung To, 25, who admitted the two have long been friendly rivals. “Ian has always been better than me—he’s my idol. I’ve been watching him play since I was a kid,” Keung said with a laugh, deflecting comparisons between their skills.
Keung To himself had a memorable moment when Louis Koo personally selected him to take a high-stakes shot—though the pressure proved too much. Keung missed and later jokingly told reporters he “wanted to die” after the blunder, drawing sympathetic laughter from fans.
Game Atmosphere and Limited Playing Time
The event, organized by Commercial Radio Hong Kong, featured a roster of celebrities from music, film, and television. Chan noted that the sheer number of participants meant limited minutes for each player, which prevented some athletes from fully demonstrating their abilities.
“When there are so many people, everyone rotates on and off the court quickly,” Chan explained. “Some players didn’t get enough time to really show what they can do.”
Despite the crowded lineup, the game maintained a festive, high-energy atmosphere, with artists mingling and fans cheering from the stands.
MIRROR Teases Next Month’s Concert: ‘Unseen’ Choreography and Grueling Rehearsals
Beyond the basketball court, the five MIRROR members offered hints about their upcoming concert scheduled for next month. The group described the preparations as intense and secretive, with performers split into different sub-teams working independently on distinct acts.
Edan Lui, 27, revealed that his group’s segment will feature a dance-and-sing routine unlike anything the audience has seen.
“It’s not quite a flying trapeze act, but the style and format are completely new—something we’ve never done before,” Lui said, building anticipation.
Stanley Yau, 30, went further, calling his solo dance routine the most challenging of his career. “I’ve been rehearsing a dance for my team that is the hardest I’ve ever attempted since I entered the industry,” Yau said. “It’s exhausting, but I’m excited to show the fans.”
The concert marks MIRROR’s first major live performance since their world tour earlier this year, and the group has been tight-lipped about the setlist and stage design.
Broader Impact: Sports and Music Converge for Charity
The 903 All Star Basketball Game is part of a long tradition in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, where music and sports intersect for charitable causes and fan engagement. Proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise are often donated to youth sports programs and community organizations.
For fans, the event offered a rare glimpse of their favorite idols in a competitive, unscripted setting—humanizing stars who usually appear polished on stage. As MIRROR continues to dominate Hong Kong’s pop culture landscape, moments like these reinforce their connection with a dedicated fanbase eager to see both their athletic and artistic sides.
The group’s upcoming concert is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees, with additional dates likely to be announced soon.
