Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th National Games (NG) and Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended a press conference held by the Organising Committee of the 15th NG in Shenzhen today (November 21). Mr Chan, along with relevant officials from the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region, introduced the overall operations of the 15th NG.

     Mr Chan stated at the press conference that this year's NG represents an innovative practice of sports collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, showcasing the infinite possibilities for the joint development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The successful hosting of the NG not only enhances Hong Kong's ability to host large-scale sporting events but also promotes deep integration and collaboration among GBA cities. It fosters people-to-people exchanges within the GBA and lays a solid foundation for the three places to cohost mega events, further enhancing the overall competitiveness of the GBA and jointly contributing to the country's development.

     Regarding how to further develop Hong Kong's sports industry by leveraging the momentum of the NG, Mr Chan noted that this marks the eighth time Hong Kong has participated in the NG since its return to the motherland, and it is also the most successful edition, with a total of 19 medals: nine golds, two silvers and eight bronzes. This not only reflects that the skills of athletes have been on the rise but also shows that Hong Kong is moving in the right direction in training elite athletes and formulating policies on sports developments. At the same time, it demonstrates the results of the joint efforts of the Government and various sectors of the community in promoting the development of sports over the years.

     Mr Chan said, the HKSAR Government has allocated abundant resources to support sports development. The Government has designated over $1 billion for the Hong Kong Sports Institute in 2025-26 to support its training for over 1 600 elite athletes. In addition to physical training resources, the Government continuously enhances support for elite athletes, including increasing the direct financial subsidies for athletes, allowing them to focus on training within a more financially stable context.

     He added, with the successful experience of hosting various events of the 15th NG in the Hong Kong competition region, the HKSAR Government will continue to actively attract more international mega sports events to Hong Kong, further promote the local sports industry, enhance professional levels and move towards industrialisation, as well as leverage large-scale events to boost sports tourism, related support services and relevant innovative services, with a view to building a more comprehensive sports industry ecosystem. The HKSAR Government will also continue to step up its promotion of sports at the community and school levels, increase and optimise sports and recreational facilities, and encourage all sectors to jointly cultivate a strong sporting culture.  

     Mr Chan said, "Hong Kong athletes have achieved historic results in the 15th NG, presenting a golden opportunity for Hong Kong's sports development. The HKSAR Government will work together with all sectors to convert the success of the NG into long-term momentum, further improving local sports standards and promoting a culture of 'sports for all'. This will position sports as a vital force in uniting society and enriching cultural life, aiming to achieve the goal of 'benefitting ordinary people'."

     Regarding the positive impacts of hosting the NG for Hong Kong, Mr Chan said that the successful completion of 15th NG not only elevated the international image of the entire GBA, including Hong Kong, but has also resulted in substantial and lasting benefits in areas such as infrastructure, talent development and regional collaboration. These outcomes will continue to exert positive influence after the conclusion of the 15th NG, injecting new momentum into Hong Kong's long-term development.  

     He cited that in terms of venues and facilities, iconic world-class facilities such as the Kai Tak Sports Park have become significant platforms for promoting Hong Kong's sports and tourism industries. The Kai Tak Sports Park successfully hosted events such as rugby sevens, handball (men) and fencing during the 15th NG, demonstrating its ability to host international competitions. Kai Tak Stadium, which accommodates 50 000 spectators, significantly enhances Hong Kong's competitiveness in hosting large-scale competitions, further consolidating Hong Kong's position as a hub for international mega events. 

     He added that the success of the NG has fully showcased Hong Kong's capabilities in event organisation and management. During the preparation process, Hong Kong cultivated a group of professionals with a global perspective, who will continue to play key roles in related fields, promoting and supporting the development of Hong Kong's sports industry. In addition, the Hong Kong competition region has appointed over 16 000 volunteers, forming the largest-ever event volunteer team, which extensively demonstrates the public's active participation and support for the sports industry. This powerful social force has established a solid societal foundation for Hong Kong's long-term development of sports.

     Mr Chan noted that the NG has significantly enhanced the overall international image and influence of the GBA, further solidifying Hong Kong's status within the international sports arena. This has generated positive effects and tangible benefits in areas such as tourism promotion and talent attraction. With the successful hosting of the NG, these productive achievements will greatly contribute to Hong Kong's development and foster regional integration as powerful momentum, while promoting culture exchanges and trade collaboration in the GBA. 

     Mr Chan said, "Hong Kong will maintain close co-operation with the GASC to further promote the joint development of the sports industry in the GBA and attract more major events to be held in Hong Kong and the GBA, thereby contributing to building a world-class bay area and the country's efforts to become a sporting powerhouse."

     Officials attending today's press conference included Deputy Director of the GASC Mr Tong Lixin; Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Standing Committee member of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Xi; Mr Chan; and Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Ms O Lam. 

Ends/Friday, November 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:10

NNNN