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Coronavirus: Hong Kong’s Eastern Long Lions support decision to call off Asean Basketball League – ‘safety is our top priority’

  • Organisers say there is no safe way to complete remaining fixtures after competition suspended in March because of the pandemic
  • Eastern Long Lions say they can now focus on next season and ‘hopefully reignite our challenge by getting more quality players’

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Eastern Long Lions are crowned ABL champions in their maiden season in 2016-17. Photo: ABL

Hong Kong’s Eastern Long Lions have supported the decision to abandon the Asean Basketball League season, with teams now focusing on resuming in 2021.

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The regional league, which involves 10 professional teams across East Asia including the Southorn Stadium-based outfit, has been suspended since March because of the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, the league announced it had little option but to call off the season.

“The 2019-20 season will be deemed concluded as there is no safe way to complete the remaining fixtures,” said a statement from the Singapore-based organisers.

“This decision is not an easy one and has not been made lightly. The overriding factor of our social responsibility, health and the well-being of our all stakeholders was at the forefront of our discussion … As Covid-19 turned into a pandemic, the nature of the league’s operation and fixtures have been severely impacted by the closure of borders and activities in order to contain the virus … thus rendering completion of the league improbable.”

Eastern guard Lee Ki shoots over Mikh McKinney of Macau Black Bears at Southorn Stadium, Wan Chai. Photo: Eastern Long Lions
Eastern guard Lee Ki shoots over Mikh McKinney of Macau Black Bears at Southorn Stadium, Wan Chai. Photo: Eastern Long Lions
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Eastern executive manager Lee Shue-wing said it was the best decision.

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