The Hong Kong sports federation and Olympic committee announced an intention to host the Asian Games, after the East Asian Games in the city in December last year. The Home Affairs Bureau, which oversees sports policy, supported the move.

Sceptics say they doubt the city's readiness to host such a large event, citing a shortage of sports facilities.

Last month, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said the government would assess public support for a bid, funding and the chances of winning should the federation and Olympic committee apply.

Tsang has said government commitment would depend on public opinion, but Beijing would support Hong Kong's hosting of the games. No mainland city has expressed an interest in hosting the 2019 games.

Fok said he had recently asked the president of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, to give Hong Kong more time to prepare the letter of intent.

'I explained Hong Kong's system to the president and told him we needed more time to gauge consensus on the issue,' Fok said, adding public support was important to any chance of winning the bid.

'I think he will grant us a grace period,' Fok said, adding he did not know how long it might be.

Asked if it would be unfair on other countries and territories if Hong Kong were granted extra time, he said: 'All of us are competing on a fair field. The president stresses the importance of harmony and considers it a good thing for more cities to compete to host the event.'

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Bureau would not comment further yesterday.

Hong Kong lost to Doha for the right to host the 2006 Asian Games.