SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Sport stars defy the pandemic’s disruptions

Fencer’s Edgar Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai and Hong Kong men’s football team have added to the city’s success at last year’s Tokyo Olympics with exceptional results. Their achievements have provided welcome relief from the city’s ongoing battle with Covid-19

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Edgar Cheung Ka-long
holds his gold medal during the award ceremony at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Photo: AP

SCMP Editorial

Published: 10:15am, 19 Jun 2022

Hong Kong’s sporting achievements have provided welcome relief from the city’s ongoing battle with Covid-19. A record medal haul at last year’s Tokyo Olympics sparked celebrations. There has, since then, been continued success, despite the pandemic’s impact. Fans were given more to cheer this week with exceptional performances from Hong Kong’s fencing and football stars.

Fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long became a local hero with his historic gold medal win in the Olympics last year, the city’s first in the sport. He has not rested on his laurels, securing the world number one ranking in April.

Cheung struck gold again in the Asian fencing championships last week, defeating competitors from the China team in both the semi-final and final of the individual foil. This followed a gold medal win for Vivian Kong Man-wai in the épée event.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong men’s football team exceeded expectations by qualifying for the finals of the Asian Cup for the first time since 1968. Victories in India against Afghanistan and Cambodia secured a place for the team in the finals next year.

This was achieved against all the odds. The team’s preparations for the qualifying matches were severely disrupted by Covid-19. Training facilities in Hong Kong were closed in January as the fifth wave of cases took hold. The Premier League was then cancelled. Top players based on the mainland were not able to join the team. Two players and three officials tested positive for the virus after arrival in India. Despite all these difficulties, the young team impressed with its entertaining, attacking style of play. It is a great start for new coach Jorn Andersen, from Norway. No wonder he is proud of his players.

The city’s sporting achievements give everyone a lift in challenging times. Success has prompted the government to provide more support, in terms of finances and facilities. This must continue. Every effort must be made to ensure preparations for sporting events are not disrupted any more than they need to be by Covid-19.