Letters | Hong Kong must leverage Olympic success to put city on world sporting map

Readers discuss the potential for sports tourism in Hong Kong, the silence on how Hong Kong can build on its Paris Olympics results, and the banning of Belarus at the games

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A tram passes an advertisement featuring Hong Kong fencer and Olympic gold medalist Cheung Ka-long in Causeway Bay on August 17. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 11:30am, 20 Aug 2024

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Team Hong Kong offered up an exhilarating performance at the Paris Olympics, with two gold and two bronze medals. The inspiring campaign from the 35-member team taking part in 13 different sports will surely motivate the city’s next generation of athletes. Kudos to the team and the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee for their dedication and hard work, which has set a solid foundation to build on for future Olympic Games.

Hong Kong should look to capitalise on its success at the Olympics with a broader sports plan that includes working with athletic groups and sponsors to organise, attract and host large events for the East Asian region, backed by a strong regional and international marketing campaign. As part of the government’s tourism programme, attracting visitors by organising and promoting mega events is an important pillar of the city’s economic growth and development plan.

Events in sports such as sailing, basketball, beach volleyball, football and esports could be a good place to start. They would surely attract the support of Hongkongers who tend to be keen on sports and outdoor activities. Home-grown talent would have a platform to excel and compete in tournaments in front of local crowds.

Hong Kong is not a newcomer to hosting large sporting events. The city played a key role in popularising the Rugby Sevens starting in the 1970s, with the internationally known Hong Kong Sevens now attracting teams and thousands of visitors from all over the world. Other already-successful events include the annual Dragon Boat races and the Hong Kong Marathon.

Hong Kong has an enviable landscape and natural beauty, which has been protected by its people and its government through the years. What better way to show this to the world than by hosting a major sailing or beach volleyball event in its coastal areas, complemented by all the amenities, shopping and culinary attractions this iconic harbourfront city has to offer?