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Hong Kong Sports Institute
Hong KongSociety

Hong Kong Sports Institute’s proposed HK$986.6 million expansion clears first hurdle with strong support from lawmakers

  • Members of legislature’s home affairs panel back proposal for new facilities, with plan brought forward after city’s Olympic success in Tokyo
  • Hong Kong will join Macau and Guangdong province in hosting the 2025 National Games of China

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An artist’s impression of the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s proposed new facilities building. Photo: Handout
Gigi Choy
The Hong Kong Sports Institute’s proposed HK$986.6 million (US$126.5 million) expansion won the initial backing of lawmakers on Friday, with the project clearing its first hurdle after being brought forward following the city’s best-ever Olympic Games performance in Tokyo this summer.
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The strong support also came on the heels of an unprecedented announcement on Thursday that Hong Kong would join Macau and Guangdong province in hosting the 2025 National Games of China. It will be the first time the city has been involved in hosting a multisport event on such a scale since the 2009 East Asian Games.

Speaking after a Legislative Council meeting on Friday, Secretary for Home Affairs Caspar Tsui Ying-wai described co-hosting the 15th National Games as “great news” for Hong Kong.

Hong Kong athletes had their best-ever Olympic Games in Tokyo. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong athletes had their best-ever Olympic Games in Tokyo. Photo: Reuters

“It shows the central government is confident Hong Kong can play an important role in the development and professionalisation of sports, as well as the provision of facilities and infrastructure,” he said.

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“By hosting sports events in Hong Kong, the public has the chance to experience the events up close. This will help drive elite sports development and popularise sports in the city.”

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