HONG KONG sports chief A. de O. Sales yesterday said the territory's post-1997 sporting independence has been safeguarded by the Basic Law and once again called on the Government to stay away from sporting matters.
Sales, president of the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (ASF & OC) and speaking at the body's annual general meeting, said: 'We are confident that sport here will prosper under the Basic Law.' The Basic Law says the territory can continue as a separate entity under the name of 'Hong Kong, China'.
He said his speech was intended to finally put an end to doubts of Hong Kong's sporting independence after the handover to China in 1997.
'For more than 40 years, this federation has given a separate identity for Hong Kong in international sport,' said Sales.
'Such recognition has served the territory well. Not only is the Hong Kong presence accepted far and wide, but the part Hong Kong has played in the activities of international bodies has enhanced its influence beyond compare.
'Therefore, there is every confidence that Hong Kong will continue as a separate entity in every sport after the return of the territory and the transfer of sovereignty to China.