Why does Hong Kong host a judo event in a cycling velodrome? A new sports park will fix that

Construction of the HK$31.9 billion project at the former airport site received a big boost after getting the approval of the Public Works Subcommittee under the Legislative Council despite a razor-thin margin of 18-17 majority.

But the most difficult task is yet to come as the government needs to seek the final approval of the Finance Committee to foot the construction bills.

All Legco members (other than the chairman) are Finance Committee members and the massive budget would easily turn the subject into a political issue under the existing council atmosphere.

Already some members of the Pan-Democrats threatened to use filibustering to stop or delay the process of allowing the government from getting the required financial resources.

Sport officials are desperate for the new sports hub, almost embarrassed that Hong Kong calls itself Asia World’s City while lacking a hi-tech, multi-purpose sports stadium.