When the Olympic torch came to Hong Kong in 1964
- Hong Kong was one of 12 cities through which the flame passed on its way from Greece to Japan for the 1964 Games, which was the first time the event was held in Asia
“Olympic torch for H.K.,” ran a South China Morning Post headline on September 22, 1963. “Hongkong will be among 12 cities through which the Olympic Torch will pass on its way from Greece to Japan for the 1964 Olympics,” the story continued.
It would be the first time the sporting event was held in Asia and excitement was building in Hong Kong, which would send a team of 39 to represent the colony in Japan.
On April 23, 1964, the Post reported: “An impressive relay of the Olympic flame, from the moment of its arrival at Kai Tak airport on September 4, till its departure for Taipei and Tokyo the next day, has been arranged by the [Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hongkong].”
On September 5, the paper announced: “An estimated 50,000 people turned out yesterday evening, despite the rain, to give the Olympic flame and its bearers a tumultuous welcome.”
Upon its arrival at the airport, the torch was passed from officials to athletes as it made its way across the harbour “in a launch escorted by yachts of the Royal Hongkong Yacht Club” to City Hall, reported the Post.
