Editorial | Sport should be at the fore as Hong Kong emerges from the pandemic
- Calls from the sports community for the city to open up, like those from the business sector, must be taken seriously as the government seeks to balance controlling the virus with getting the city back to normal
Hong Kong is justifiably proud of the success of its top athletes, notably their record-breaking medal haul in the Tokyo Olympics last year. Such achievements are all the more impressive for having taken place during the pandemic, which has had a dramatic impact on sport in the city, especially its ability to host international events.
There are hopes Hong Kong will soon be able to open up, with plans for a prestigious banking conference and the return of the iconic Rugby Sevens in November. But officials are understandably exercising caution, given ongoing concerns about Covid-19. There is a careful balance to be struck. Sport, however, should be considered a priority as the city emerges from the pandemic. Hong Kong is losing out to other parts of the world where restrictions have been lifted. It desperately needs to restore its status as a host for elite contests.
After almost three years of cancellations, sport in the city has reached a critical point.