RTHK is ready to broadcast the National Games live to the public, Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan said on Thursday.

During the Games – which officially begins on November 9 – RTHK TV 32 will be showing live matches during the day, while RTHK TV 31 will provide one hour of highlights in the evening.

A new RTHK TV 36 channel will also be launched to offer broader coverage.

Broadcasts will include Cantonese and Putonghua commentary, as well as audio description and sign language services.

At a ceremony to mark the launch of the Games, Kwan noted that RTHK has made comprehensive preparations for the event.

“In preparation for this highly anticipated event, RTHK began making preparations more than two years ago, focusing on equipment and programme production,” she said.

“We have invested in upgrading our hardware and communication systems, including setting up a fully equipped studio in the media centre at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park. We also have optical fibre, 5G, and cloud technologies in place to ensure real-time and stable reception and transmission of matches from other regions.”

RTHK will also broadcast the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games, which will be held in December.

Speaking at the same event, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan said Hong Kong will showcase its vitality and charm to the mainland and the world by co-hosting the National Games with Guangdong and Macau.

Hong Kong is hosting eight competition events for the Games, including beach volleyball, men’s handball, men’s U22 basketball, rugby sevens, golf, track cycling, triathlon, and fencing.

Chan also said he hopes visitors will take time to explore the city and spend money.

“Besides attracting a large number of tourists and local residents to watch the Games, people will also go out to spend, which we hope will boost the economy, especially the catering and retail industries around the venues,” he said.

Competitions in Hong Kong kick off on Friday with beach volleyball at Victoria Park.