National anthem blunder: anger after Hong Kong protest song played at ice hockey competition
- Latest mistake takes place at 2023 Ice Hockey Championship in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding to a string of similar events in recent months
- Hong Kong government says it ‘strongly deplores the mistake’
Hong Kong authorities have slammed another blunder where a song linked to the 2019 protests was used instead of the Chinese national anthem at a sporting event, saying they “strongly deplored” the incident which forced players to intervene at an ice hockey tournament in Europe.
The latest mistake took place on Tuesday at the 2023 Ice Hockey World Championship Division III in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding to a string of similar events that had caused diplomatic problems.
“The [Hong Kong] government strongly deplores the mistake made when incorrect music was played as the national anthem after the Hong Kong versus Iran match in the Ice Hockey World Championship held in Bosnia,” a spokesman on Wednesday said.
“The government attaches great importance to the incident and has requested the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China to conduct an in-depth investigation.”
The government said it noted the Hong Kong athletes’ efforts to halt to the proceedings and safeguard the dignity of the country.
A video of the incident shows the organiser playing “Glory to Hong Kong” – a song linked to the 2019 anti-government unrest – rather than Chinese national anthem “March of the Volunteers” after the city’s team beat Iran 11-1.
The tune – used by protesters to boost their morale during the protests but viewed by the authorities as problematic – was played for 10 seconds, before members of the Hong Kong team made a “T” shape with their hands to point out the blunder.
