HK 'fit' to organize 2025 National Games ceremonies

Hong Kong has the ability to organize the opening and closing ceremonies of the National Games in 2025, sports commissioner Yeung Tak-keung says.

In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, The Standard's sister newspaper, Yeung said details of both ceremonies will have to be discussed among hosts Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. They are not required to be held at sports stadiums.

"We have to tackle issues such as transportation and accommodation, and thorough discussions are needed among Guangdong, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR governments regarding the work distribution," he said.

But Yeung did not specify the location or format of the ceremonies. Kai Tak Sports Park is scheduled to be completed in 2023.

He also said it is too early to say what kind of sporting events Hong Kong will host, but fencing and equestrian are the two events most likely to be held in Hong Kong.

"We have to listen to advice from all walks of life, and consider what the public likes to watch," Yeung added.

But he said Hong Kong has the ability and venues to hold many events, given that the Kai Tak Sports Park will be completed two years before the National Games.

He said the park's main stadium with up to 50,000 seats can be used for rugby and football, while the indoor sports center can host table tennis and badminton competitions. The park has three major venues - main stadium, indoor sports center and public sports ground. The main stadium can also switch turf, thanks to its flexible pitch system.

Yeung said some of the facilities will be ready for the public in the first half of 2023 and will be used to hold small-scale competitions as a soft opening.

The general office of the State Council agreed Thursday that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau will host the 15th National Games in 2025, and the three governments will have to finance both the preparation and holding of the games.

Meanwhile, Yeung said Hong Kong residents may get to watch this year's 14th National Games in Shaanxi from September 15-27 as local broadcasters are negotiating with mainland authorities on broadcasting rights.