Omicron: golf chief wants category system to allow athletes from ‘safe sports’ to continue training during Covid-19 lockdowns
- HKGA chief executive Danny Lai says the government should not close all sports venues whenever there is a new surge of coronavirus cases
- He says each sport is different and a blanket closure does not help preparations for the Hangzhou Asian Games in September
Hong Kong golf official Danny Lai has called on the government to employ a category system during Covid-19 lockdowns, similar to that used for the catering industry, so players can continue to train ahead of the Asian Games in September.
Lai, chief executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA), said his sport was enduring tough times after the government closed all venues on January 7 to combat a fifth wave of Covid-19 infections fuelled by the Omicron variant.
“All our training, whether it is on the course, driving range or simulators, has been suspended for more than a month under this round of pandemic restrictions and this is detrimental to our players as they need practice on a daily basis to keep their form and condition,” Lai said.
“The pandemic has now lasted for more than two years, which has cost Hong Kong sports dearly but it seems the only thing the government can do for sport is closing all venues whenever there is a new round of infections.
“Maybe a blanket closure for all sporting venues is the easier way for the government who does not consider the individual needs and welfare of athletes.
“There are differences in each sport, outdoor or indoor, contact or non-contact, individual or team. Why can’t we introduce a category system that allows some safe sports to remain open during the pandemic,” Lai said.