'Should the plan be adopted, there will hardly be any future for our local players'
The Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association has expressed 'grave concern' over a government proposal to import sports talent from the mainland, effectively at the expense of the development of local athletes.
The plan, drafted by the Home Affairs Bureau, aims to encourage exchanges and employment of sports talent and professionals from China.
It also provides the opportunity for sports professionals in Hong Kong to train or work in the mainland.
'Should the plan be adopted, there will hardly be any future for our local players, especially youngsters,' said a member of the Elite Athletes Association who attended a crisis meeting on Monday at which the government proposal was addressed.
'It will discourage them from taking up serious sports training as they can hardly compete against those imported from the mainland.