Representatives from the sports sector are optimistic about Hong Kong’s growing sports scene, with many highlighting the potential of combining athletics with entertainment to boost the city’s global image and economic vitality.

Kenneth Fok, vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, expressed hope for a stronger event economy, especially with new world-class venues like the Kai Tak Sports Park coming online.

"Now that we have Kai Tak and all these world-class stadiums in our city. So how do we change?" he said.

"Not just to make the competition better, but more importantly how to add in elements of entertainment and also culture and tourism into our existing infrastructure."

Fok also revealed plans to form a research group to gather input from across the sports sector, with the goal of feeding those insights into the city’s upcoming five-year plan.

"This work will start as soon as possible, and I look forward to meeting with our sports counterparts and listening to their views and see how we could contribute positively, not just to sports development, but to the overall well-being of Hong Kong," he said.

During a panel discussion, Michael Cheng, president of the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association, echoed the need for a cross-sector approach.

He pointed to the city’s history of hosting major international tennis events as a foundation to build upon.

"When we did the ATP and WTA events, in Asia only Tokyo and Beijing had them. We were the third city to do it," he said.

"We started to see the development of sports entertainment. We hope to be at the front of it so that the integration of culture, sports and entertainment will promote Hong Kong’s image.

"It projects an image of vitality, drives the economy and also engages young people."

Andy Kwok, captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club, reflected on the success of the LIV Golf tournament, which was introduced to the city three years ago.

He said the event was designed from the outset to use sports as a driver for tourism and economic growth.

Kwok noted that the tournament attracted high-spending spectators, with over 40 percent coming from overseas or other Greater Bay Area cities.

That influx, he said, helped boost local consumption and overnight stays.

"It had a very positive effect for promoting Hong Kong’s reputation as a major events city worldwide," he said.

Meanwhile, Eric Fok, chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, highlighted the growing enthusiasm for local football.

He said attendance records were broken last year, with multiple matches selling out.

He stressed the importance of cross-industry collaboration to drive spending and make events more appealing.

Fok also teased upcoming plans for the Hong Kong Football Festival, revealing that the association hopes to invite several European teams to participate, with more details expected to be announced soon.


Edited by Tony Sabine