Hong Kong's chief executive designate Tung Chee-hwa has appointed the Sports Development Board (SDB) to oversee the territory's participation in this year's All-China Games in Shanghai.
SDB chief executive Andrew Ma said yesterday Hong Kong would be represented by 200 to 300 athletes and officials at the October Games, the territory's largest-ever contingent for a multi-sport event.
Ma also hit back at the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong (ASF&OC) for refusing to assist SDB officials in gaining accreditation for the East Asian Games, saying the board still intends to send a fact-finding team to Pusan.
Earlier this year China invited Hong Kong to compete in the National Games despite the territory technically retaining sporting autonomy after the handover on July 1.
Two months ago, Tung threw his support behind Hong Kong participation, brushing aside fears the territory could jeopardise its separate status by competing in the Games.
Said Ma: 'We received official notice from the office of C. H. Tung, appointing the SDB to co-ordinate Hong Kong's participation in the All-China Games. This will be a major historical event for Hong Kong sport.