Fok welcomes ‘inspiring’ budget, says Asian Games will be part of HK$1.2bn funding review

Hong Kong lawmaker Kenneth Fok Kai‑kong welcomed the government’s HK$1.2 billion investment in sports development as “a timely boost that will inject fresh momentum”, while also urging a more strategic approach to building a sustainable sports industry.Fok, who is also vice-president of the city’s Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (SF&OC), said details on how the money could be spent would be decided following “a comprehensive review of athlete support planned after the Asian Games”.Speaking on Thursday, he called the new funding inspiring, but said any plans for the future should involve looking at “how to invest in ownership and long‑term capacities that strengthen Hong Kong’s position in the global sports ecosystem”.Sports development in the city still relied heavily on “subsidy-based models”, Fok said in a written response to the budget, adding that there should be a focus on creating a self-sustaining industry.“It is time to consolidate the positive economic effects of professionalisation and industrialisation to strengthen the sector’s self-sustaining capacity,” he wrote.Fireballs GC captain Sergio Garcia celebrates winning last year’s LIV Golf Hong Kong. Photo: Eugene LeeFok’s was responding to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo‑po’s budget announcement on Wednesday, when he outlined the cash boost for resources to boost athlete training programmes, improve coaching standards and attract more international competitions to the city.