A sports sector representative has said it is high time for athletes and organisers to take advantage of the lifting of Covid restrictions to bring more international sporting events to Hong Kong.

Herman Hu, the vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee, made the remarks in a virtual media briefing in Beijing where the annual “two sessions” are being held.

“There are so many things that we can do in Hong Kong, especially organising major international forums and exhibitions on top of various sports events that we have. I think all the national associations are trying to bring these events back to Hong Kong,” he said.

In particular, Hu said next year’s opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park, which will feature dozens of athletic facilities and a 50,000-seat stadium, will add more mega sports tournaments to the city’s calendar.

“After three years of lockdowns, we are finally back in action,” he said. “This is to tell the world that Hong Kong is back on the international scene, and we welcome all international visitors to come to Hong Kong either to do business or just for leisure.”

Hu, who’s also a deputy to the National People’s Congress, said athletes are making up for lost time: “Now with the travel ban lifted, our athletes can go out and compete with other athletes in a real sense, so that their level can continue to be lifted.”

On a recent anthem blunder where a wrong song was played during an ice hockey tournament game, Hu said authorities should toughen penalties to avoid a repeat of a similar incident.

“I firmly believe that the offenders have to know the consequences of doing things wrong,” he said. “I don’t know if they should be referred to the national security office, or we should have our own legislation to penalise these wrongful acts.”