Snooker gets stay of execution from funding cuts with Hong Kong government set to delay sports review
- Three ‘Tier A’ sports facing demotion from elite status in April will get one more year if review is extended
- Elite Sports Committee will discuss the subject at its meeting next month, source tells the Post
Three sports facing funding cuts in April are set to be given a stay of execution for one more year, with the government planning to push back a planned review following the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Cue sports, gymnastics and tennis were all set to be demoted to “Tier B” programmes at the Hong Kong Sports Institute in the new financial year, having not met the required results to continue in the elite Tier A bracket.
But it is believed the government is now likely to start its review after the Hangzhou Games, which China pushed back to 2023 amid a rise in Covid-19 cases, meaning the three sports will all get an additional year to stay in the programme.
“The government’s Elite Sports Committee will discuss the matter next month and it is likely they will push back the review for another year,” said a source.
“Asian Games results are a benchmark for all of these elite sports to measure their success, and with the Hangzhou Games now being postponed to 2023, it is logical that the government will also extend the review period.”
Commissioner for Sports Yeung Tak-keung did not respond when asked to comment on a possible postponement of the review.
