Letters | Hong Kong may be space-challenged but mustn’t limit its ambition

Readers discuss the opportunities for the city’s sports tourism, the need for a new first-class tennis facility, and how to break up the scamming industry

Reading Time:3 minutes

The University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China’s rugby sevens tournament is held at Kai Tak Stadium in the new Kai Tak Sports Park on January 5. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:30am, 20 Jan 2025

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification

As a member of Hong Kong’s sports industry, I must respond to the article, “Kai Tak Arena too small for elite-level NBA games and top-tier tennis” (January 15).

The anonymous source quoted in the piece is doing a disservice to those involved in bringing Kai Tak to fruition, while also underselling the tremendous opportunities ahead for the city’s mega-event economy and sports tourism.

From an industry perspective, Kai Tak is a game-changer. While the article raises pertinent points, the issue at heart is negated by the fact that Macau’s Venetian Arena was granted exemption from meeting NBA thresholds, as was the Bank of China Hong Kong Open at Victoria Park, which does not meet dimension requirements for ATP tournaments.

The fact that such exemption is granted proves that people are willing to factor in opportunities such as commercial and fan growth when considering sites.

The question of Kai Tak being involved in any discussion about hosting NBA games is more likely a factor of the stadium still being under construction at the time, rather than that the National Basketball Association would prioritise Macau over Hong Kong, with a population 10 times Macau’s, and a stronger and more diverse corporate community.