Sports minister Kevin Yeung on Friday said the resignation of Sam Wong as sports commissioner won't affect the sector's development.

Wong has cited personal reasons for his departure, just a little over a year since he took up the role.

The former international windsurfer will leave his post on September 20.

Speaking to reporters after a visit to Beijing, Yeung said the government respects Wong's decision and will name a replacement as soon as possible.

"Of course, with one less person, his colleagues might have to do more work and become busier. However, our government work or sport work has always been teamwork rather than a one-man band," Yeung said.

"So I believe it won't affect our Kai Tak Sports Park project or sports promotion as a whole."

But Lobo Louie, associate head of the department of health and physical education at Education University, told RTHK that it will not be so easy to find a replacement for Wong.

"Looking at the job duties, the sports commissioner needs to formulate sports policies and have good communication and partnership with the industry. So it is very difficult for Hong Kong to identify suitable talent. You need to be very familiar with government structure and the sports industry," Louie said.

He expressed concern that the vacancy will hinder major sports projects and said he hopes the recruitment process will be speedy.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Eric Chan thanked Wong for his contribution over the past year, agreeing with Yeung that the departure won't affect the SAR's sports development.