Keep competition for Olympic slots fair
Hong Kong's cosmopolitan population is fundamental to our claim to be Asia's world city. Bringing people in from other places is also seen as positive for the nurturing of talent. When it comes to who represents Hong Kong at the Olympics, however, the happy cross-cultural marriage is put to the test. Who will go to Beijing in August, and who will stay at home - the recent immigrant or the home-grown talent?
As we report today, the issue is looming in the sport of badminton. Mainlander Zhou Mi and Hong Kong-born Yip Pui-yin are locked in a battle for higher world ranking and the only vacant spot in the Olympic team. Zhou, 28, a former world No1, took up residence in Hong Kong a year ago under the quality migrant scheme. Yip, 20, represents the future of the sport in Hong Kong.
Athletes must be citizens of the countries they represent at the Olympics. Two to three years is a common qualifying period - but not in Hong Kong. Here, the equivalent - permanent residence - takes seven years. That is usually more than the length of an athlete's career at the top level. A dispensation from the rule is being sought for Zhou to represent Hong Kong, should she qualify by ranking.
Selectors must be free to pick the best team among those who qualify to represent Hong Kong. Some would argue accomplished imports raise the bar and are the most effective way to nurture local talent. But it should be remembered the quality migrant scheme is aimed at lifting the overall quality of the population in the face of international competition for talent, not specifically at helping us win Olympic medals. We should not so expediently overlook the need to encourage those with the chance to represent their city.
There is no doubt they benefit from competition with imported talent. But when it comes to representing Hong Kong, imports should be seen to be established residents, not new arrivals who happen to have medal prospects. Consideration should be given to establishing a rule that a special dispensation will not be sought for our sporting imports until they have been resident here for two or three years. That would give all a fair chance to compete and be consistent with common citizenship requirements.
