My Take | Give Hong Kong’s well-being and image a sporting chance

The Hong Kong marathon, which saw more than 18,000 competitors run joyously through the heart of the city, was one of last year’s highlights. The event, in October, was seen as a landmark in Hong Kong’s emergence from the gloom of the pandemic.

At that time, the city thought it had beaten the virus. The famous cross-harbour swim returned in December, with 1200 brave souls plunging into the water. Hong Kong, it seemed, was back in action.

But the fifth wave of cases, which saw health services overwhelmed and thousands die, was soon upon us. That crisis has long since passed. The city is, however, still struggling to get back to normal amid renewed concerns as daily case numbers approach 10,000.

The importance of keeping sport alive must not be overlooked as talk of tightening social-distancing rules resurfaces.

An important 10km running race scheduled for today was cancelled last week at short notice. Officials demanded participants be slashed from 2,500 to just 500. The organisers, understandably, declined to proceed with a smaller field. It would have been unfair to those who missed out.