THE head of Hong Kong's Asian Games delegation Pang Chung yesterday came under fire from the territory's top stars and coaches for his views on cash bonuses.
Pang, who is also the chief secretary of the Hong Kong Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (ASF & OC), said he did not support the idea of awarding bonuses to individual athletes.
'If you look into the Olympic spirit,' said Pang. 'Money is not included. We participate in sports for sports, not money.' According to the cash bonus system for the Asian Games in Hiroshima, gold medallists would be awarded $15,000, while silver medallists received $12,000 and bronze medallists $9,000.
But the money will go to the sporting associations the medallists belong to - and not directly to the individual athletes.
Another sports body, the Sports Development Board, offered more with medallists awarded between $20,000 and $200,000.
Pang added that the local sports governing body is considering changing its policy on the sports development programme.