Let’s bring international sports events back to Hong Kong
- Months of social unrest and now a deadly virus have forced the cancellation of a number of competitions, but their return would be the surest sign that the city is getting back to business
The successful staging of Hong Kong’s marquee golf tournament this month marked a welcome return to the city for international sport after the cancellation of numerous events during seven months of social unrest. The 61st Hong Kong Open, played on a beautiful course in Fanling, was not disturbed by protests and provided a wonderful weekend of golf. It was won by Australian Wade Ormsby. The event had been due to take place in November, but was postponed because of the unrest.
It is a credit to all involved that the tournament eventually went ahead. Fortunately, it was rescheduled ahead of the coronavirus crisis that now casts a shadow over event planning. Hopefully, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon on February 9, cancelled because of the crisis, can also be rescheduled when the spread of disease is brought under control. The sight of athletes pounding the streets that have so often been turned into battlegrounds in recent months will be refreshing.
The holding of top-level sports events in the city is an encouraging sign. It shows that Hong Kong is returning to something approaching normality although protests continue. Among high-profile events cancelled were the Hong Kong Open tennis tournament, the cross-harbour swimming race, the Oxfam Trailwalker and the Hong Kong Squash Open. The decision to call off the Formula E-Prix motor race on March 1 might prove to have been premature if the health crisis is over and other events are going ahead.
In early April, it will time for the iconic Hong Kong Sevens. This is a big draw for rugby fans from overseas and has the potential to boost the city’s hard-hit tourism industry. It is important that the Sevens goes ahead. A successful tournament watched by an enthusiastic crowd enjoying the party atmosphere would give Hong Kong a lift.
That said, the outbreak of the deadly new virus in mainland China will pose a new challenge for the city. Basic precautions should be taken at sporting events, where so many people gather. The government’s publicity campaign has boldly declared that Hong Kong is “on”. It is to be hoped that more sports events can return to the city, as this is the surest sign that it is getting back to business.