“We certainly hope for more [qualifying] participants, but the number may be slightly lower this year due to the performance of athletes in one or two team events, which may not have been as competitive compared with the others,” Yeung said.

“There is still a chance to have more [qualifying athletes] from now to June. I think we need to wait and see.”

A record 46 athletes qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and competed in 38 events.

Yeung on Sunday said that, although he was sure athletes could take home medals again this year, he would not be drawn on whether they could match the previous best of six at the last Games, which included a gold won by Cheung Ka-long in fencing.

“The most important thing is that our athletes give their best when taking part with everyone’s support in performing at their expected level or even exceeding expectations,” he added. “I believe that in itself is an achievement.”

Authorities this year once again stepped in and bought the rights for three local free-to-air television stations – TVB, ViuTV, Hoy TV – and public broadcaster RTHK so the Games could be shown without charge.

Yeung said the decision had taken into account the overall benefits to society and the government’s role in the promotion of sports.

“We can set conditions such as the number of hours of coverage and requirements to broadcast Hong Kong athletes’ competitions and prioritise national athletes’ events,” he said. “These conditions are easier to enforce when there are no financial obligations.”

He added the government had acquired complete broadcasting rights, which would allow the television stations to stream the Games online.

Hongkongers can watch Paris Olympics for free after city buys broadcasting rights

The time difference between Hong Kong and Paris might not be a disadvantage, Yeung said.

He added that the one-hour gap for the Tokyo Olympics posed problems for those who wanted to watch but were busy at work.

“The current time difference could make it easier for individuals to watch the Games,” Yeung said. “They could choose to watch after work or tune in after dinner [in shopping centres]. It may have positive effects on boosting the economy.

“I believe that if the games are exciting and involve Hong Kong athletes, people will be willing to wake up in the middle of the night to support them.

“Shopping centres are also willing to cater if there is a demand.”

Yeung also discussed the National Games, to be held in November next year, which are being organised for the first time by mainland China’s Guangdong province, Macau and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong will be responsible for hosting a fewer-than-expected eight events. Four will be held at the new Kai Tak Sports Park, including the rugby sevens.

Hong Kong to host 8 events at National Games including fencing and track cycling

“Our principle is not to build new venues specifically for the National Games,” Yeung said.

“While it would have been a delight to use the Kai Tak Sports Park [for more events], it was not our ultimate objective.

“So there is no notion of disappointment [about the lower number of events]. Of course having a good venue, we do hope to make the best use of it.”

He highlighted the design of the sports park took into consideration plans for crowd management and the authorities would further develop transport plans, such as increasing the frequency of franchised bus and MTR services.

Yeung said he was sure the country had considered the “overall situation” when it decided to move the football and windsurfing competitions to Guangdong, instead of Hong Kong, the original plan.

He explained the wind speeds and directions in the city in November were not stable and might not be suitable for hosting windsurfing.