LettersWhy Hong Kong is no place for a career in sports for many youngsters

Sport is often regarded as just a pastime, deserving neither extra time nor effort

Without subsidies or promotional efforts, the prospects for having international coaching experts or more sophisticated facilities are poor

2-MIN READ2-MIN

The Hong Kong delegation at the opening ceremony of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 18. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 11:00am, 2 Nov 2018Updated: 7:02pm, 2 Nov 2018

During any sports extravaganza, like the Olympics, patriotic sentiments are often heightened. It may even be the time when people show their most genuine passion and support for their country. When cheering for the Chinese team as a Hong Kong citizen, however, I cannot help but wonder: “Will athletes from our city ever get the same attention?”

In interviews about the difficulties of being a full-time sportsperson in Hong Kong, some local professionals have spoken of real-life hurdles on the track and field (“Three challenges remain for Hong Kong sports development”, October 28).

Hong Kong’s wide exposure to international cultures notwithstanding, the influence that traditional values exert on citizens, especially on the older generation, is a force we have to reckon with. Achievement, the definition of which is coloured by these values, is directly proportional to the numbers on your monthly pay cheque. Thus, in the eyes of many, successful professions include doctors, lawyers and accountants.

Lying at the periphery of school subjects in Hong Kong, sport is often regarded as just a pastime, deserving neither extra time nor effort. This is the biggest headwind for Hong Kong athletes as they seek to realise their sporting dreams.

Interrelated with the unfavourable perception of pursuing a career in sports is the meagre support provided by the government. In this city of prosperous finances, companies can easily tap into government resources for operational and promotional support. Yet such is hardly the case for the sports sector, as it does not guarantee profits or an international reputation for Hong Kong.