The sports sector has welcomed a funding boost announced in the latest budget, with HK$1.2 billion set to be injected into the sports portion of the Arts and Sport Development Fund.

The government said the additional funds will be used to enhance training for team sports, improve the professional standards of coaches, and bring a more diverse range of high-level sports competitions to Hong Kong.

Timothy Fok, president of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), expressed gratitude for the move, saying it would provide "strong momentum" for the sector.

“The SF&OC will continue to work hand in hand with the sports sector to make good use of resources, support the implementation of relevant policies and measures, and help the Hong Kong sports community seize this opportunity to reach new heights,” he said in a statement.

Lawmaker Vincent Cheng, who serves as the DAB’s spokesperson for sports and is the vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, also voiced support for the measure.

Cheng noted that the increased support would allow athletes in team sports to focus solely on their training without financial worries, adding that the funds would enable teams to hire more professional support staff, such as doctors and physiotherapists.

The lawmaker stressed that hosting more elite international competitions would also attract tourists and stimulate the economy.


Edited by Aaron Tam