Hong Kong turfed out of Asian Games basketball before it even tips off after sudden change in rules
- Men’s team were supposed to play in the preliminaries in Hangzhou, and a 12-member squad had been set up in preparation
- But officials claim they were told last week of a change in format, with only the top 16 teams in Asia taking part, and no preliminary round
The Hong Kong Basketball Association said it had been left in the dark after finding out their men’s team have been excluded from the Asian Games in Hangzhou with a month to go.
Association chairman Chan Sui-tim said on Thursday they only knew there had been a change of competition format last week, and that the 16 teams in Hangzhou would be directly decided by their world rankings, meaning Hong Kong, who are currently 25th in Asia, will not be able to take part.
“Our understanding had been that the top 12 teams plus four others determined by the preliminary round in Hangzhou would be able to compete in the Games,” Chan said. “And that is why we have formed the team and work on our preparation for the Games.
“But only last week we read some reports online about the format being changed. We immediately contacted some senior people in the sport and were told only the top 16 teams would compete in Hangzhou, with no preliminaries.
“We have since been in discussions with the Hong Kong Olympic Committee and FIBA Asia, and were told that we have to ask the Olympic Council of Asia for details, but have received nothing so far.”
Hong Kong’s men took part in the 2018 Asian Games basketball event, but finished bottom out of 13 teams in Jakarta.
