Hong Kong gym owners see glimmer of hope as Covid-19 recovery takes shape, but threat of sixth wave looms large

No Rae, who set up a Taekwondo gym in 2016, said around 75 per cent of his students have returned after months of mandatory Covid-19 closures

‘Existing students will gradually return and new ones will join over time,’ No said. ‘but the most difficult part for us is the uncertainty over the government’s policies’

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Leslie Wong (left) warms up with Sunny Ip before their afternoon session begins at G.O.A.T Boxing Club in Central. Photo: Kim Bo-eun

Published: 6:45pm, 2 Jun 2022

During Hong Kong’s fifth Covid-19 wave, when basically all establishments were closed in the evenings and there was little to do outside the home except for taking a stroll in parks, one could easily spot trainers with their trainees there.

What appeared to be nice outdoor sessions were actually trainers trying to survive through the four-month shutdown of sports centres from January through April of this year.

Following the outbreak of the pandemic in early 2020, these facilities were closed for a total of 10 months.

Master No Rae of NRG Taekwondo Korea ties his belt before a class at his centre in Hung Hom. Photo: Kim Bo-eun

“It felt much longer than that because, throughout the pandemic, people were concerned about contracting the virus, even during the times we were open, and opted not to come for sessions,” said Master No Rae, who set up a Taekwondo centre in Hung Hom in 2016.

“During the shutdown, we visited homes to offer smaller, one-on-one classes, but many did not want to take part because of more expensive fees. Online classes did not really work either. Due to the nature of Taekwondo, physical presence with the master is important,” No said.

To support these businesses, the Hong Kong government provided a series of rent subsidies, but the process was conducted without public discussion or consultation with those most affected. The same amounts were paid to all sports centres, regardless of size. In comparison, the government provided subsidies according to size for restaurants.

For some of the larger centres paying monthly rents of up to HK$700,000 (US$89,216), they had no option but to liquidate their assets. International gym chain Fitness First pulled out of Hong Kong in March, closing all eight of its centres.