Tokyo Games countdown: ‘tough year’ for Hong Kong athletes as Covid-19 casts cloud over preparations
- Hong Kong Olympic officials Kenneth Kwok and Vivien Lau say many athletes are struggling because of uncertainty over qualifying competitions
- Lau says logistical preparation is at a standstill but praised athletes for staying strong and continuing to train hard
Hong Kong Olympic officials Kenneth Fok Kai-kong and Vivien Lau Chiang-chu told athletes to expect a “tough” 12 months ahead, with uncertainty over the delayed Games, qualifying competitions yet to be rescheduled and logistical preparations at a standstill.
Fok, Lau and the Hong Kong contingent were supposed to march in the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Friday but they now have to wait another year after the Games were postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, even with 12 months to go before the rescheduled start, the mood remains grim as the global pandemic shows little sign of easing.
“It is hard to believe that I should be in Tokyo now getting ready to march [on Friday] with the athletes but instead we are here in our masks,” said Fok, a vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (SFOC). “This coming year will be tough, none more I would imagine than for the athletes who have to keep up the intensive training for another year.
“At SFOC, we will support our NSAs best we can and communicate with the government as I am sure extra support will be needed.”