Coronavirus: Hong Kong Sports Institute will not recall athletes from overseas
- Sports Institute monitoring athletes around the world – they face 14-day quarantine if they return this month
- Chinese and South Korean fencers test positive after Hungary meet but so far only karate star Lee affected in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Sports Institute will not recall all their athletes from overseas amid the escalation of the coronavirus outbreak around the world, according to its chairman.
With some HKSI athletes training or competing overseas for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and qualification, chairman Lam Tai-fai said it would not be practical if they recalled all these athletes because of the virus outbreak.
“Some of them are reaching a critical stage in their qualification and there is no point recalling them home at this stage as they may lose the qualification,” said Lam, who is a former LegCo member.
“Their safety is always our concern but as far as we understand their programmes are closely monitored by our coaching staff who would give the best possible infection control with sufficient supply of masks and other medical supplies. The athletes are also told to avoid visiting areas with a large number of people.”
Karate exponent Grace Lau Mo-sheung is in Miami to prepare for the Tokyo Games after securing her ticket early this week while some swimmers such as Siobhan Haughey and Stephanie Au Hoi-shun are in different parts of the world including the United States, New Zealand and Australia. Triathlete Oscar Coggins is training in Thailand and the rowing team are in Canada before their return this week.
But Lam agreed the virus outbreak globally had interrupted their preparations for Tokyo this summer but would not predict if the Games can go ahead as scheduled.