Funding relief for Hong Kong athletes as Sports Institute continues support despite lack of activity in 2020
- Financial support is based on performances at international events but the Institute wants athletes to focus on the Tokyo Olympics without worrying about funding
- A maximum monthly grant of HK$48,000 is given to top athletes who win a medal at the World Championships, Olympic Games or World Cup finals of an Olympic sport
Hong Kong’s top athletes have been assured of continued financial support in 2021 despite the lack of competitions last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Funding for athletes depends on their performances in international competitions but most events on the 2020 calendar were postponed or cancelled because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus around the world.
In addition, the Tokyo Olympic Games – a key yardstick for funding support – was postponed to the summer of this year. The Hong Kong Sports Institute said support under its elite training grant for tier A athletes and sports aid grant for non-tier A programmes would not be affected.
“We fully understand the consequences brought on by the cancellation of international events, which may affect athletes’ level of financial support,” said Tony Choi Yuk-kwan, deputy chief executive at the Fo Tan training complex.
“Usually if there is no competition, like in 2020 because of the pandemic, the athletes may face a reduction in support. But this is a crucial year for many of them because they are preparing for the Olympic Games.
