Sport should be at the fore as Hong Kong emerges from the pandemic

Calls from the sports community for the city to open up, like those from the business sector, must be taken seriously as the government seeks to balance controlling the virus with getting the city back to normal

SCMP Editorial

Published: 7:00am, 18 Sep 2022

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Hong Kong is justifiably proud of the success of its top athletes, notably their record-breaking medal haul in the Tokyo Olympics last year. Such achievements are all the more impressive for having taken place during the pandemic, which has had a dramatic impact on sport in the city, especially its ability to host international events.

There are hopes Hong Kong will soon be able to open up, with plans for a prestigious banking conference and the return of the iconic Rugby Sevens in November. But officials are understandably exercising caution, given ongoing concerns about Covid-19. There is a careful balance to be struck. Sport, however, should be considered a priority as the city emerges from the pandemic. Hong Kong is losing out to other parts of the world where restrictions have been lifted. It desperately needs to restore its status as a host for elite contests.

No wonder the city’s sports stars have expressed hopes that international events will soon return. Olympic gold-medallist fencer Cheung Ka-long and swimming star Siobhan Haughey spoke to the Post last week of the important role such events play in inspiring young athletes. Top cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze warned “no one will come” unless Hong Kong lifts restrictions for visiting participants.

After almost three years of cancellations, sport in the city has reached a critical point.

Covid-19: Hong Kong marathon axed and Trailwalker event refused permission

The Hong Kong Marathon was called off because government approval was not received in time. Oxfam Trailwalker was also cancelled. There are hopes both events can be held early next year. The 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships have been moved from Hong Kong to Thailand. The Hong Kong Open badminton tournament has also been cancelled along with the local leg of fencing’s junior épée World Cup.

Many international sports bodies are no longer willing to allow events to be staged if visiting athletes must quarantine or enter a bubble. They would rather move their competitions to places where there are no such restrictions.

Thankfully, the Cross Harbour Race for swimmers has been given the green light, with a field restricted to 1,500. The Hong Kong Masters snooker tournament is also set to go ahead next month and there are hopes the important horse-racing event, the Hong Kong International Races, will proceed in December.

Calls from the sports community for the city to open up, like those from the business sector, must be taken seriously as the government seeks to balance controlling the virus with getting the city back to normal. But, to borrow a line from Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, sport can show the world Hong Kong is “alive and kicking”. It must not be left behind as the city strives to open up.