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The Government is committed to providing a top-notch venue at the Hong Kong Stadium (HKS) that can host world-class sporting events and the turf pitch reconstruction at the HKS has been very successful, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said today (September 23).
Commenced in April this year, the reconstruction project aims to enhance the long-term quality and durability of the turf pitch at the HKS. Thanks to the full technical and financial support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the project involves comprehensive improvement measures including the complete removal of the existing turf and soil, replacement of the underground irrigation and drainage systems, reconstruction of a new pitch reinforced sand profile and laying of new turf. Turf laying was substantially completed by mid-July and the turf is now at its final establishment stage. The LCSD is also grateful to the Expert Group on the HKS Turf Pitch for its valuable advice on the medium-term and long-term improvement measures for the HKS turf pitch.
"Everything is making good progress. With better growth of the turf surface and stronger root development in the coming weeks, we are confident that the turf should be ready for the Olympic Rugby Sevens Qualifier Tournament scheduled for November 7 and 8. The winner of the men's matches will win a direct ticket to compete in the 2016 Olympics," the spokesman said.
However, due to the anticipated damage to the new turf after around 50 vigorous rugby matches, the Expert Group has advised that it would be difficult for the playing surface to be restored to world-class standard within a few days for the subsequent World Cup qualifier match scheduled for November 17.
The spokesman added that the LCSD will continue to liaise with the Hong Kong Football Association over the venue for the World Cup qualifier match.
Ends/Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:21
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