Fok welcomes ‘inspiring’ budget, says Asian Games will be part of funding review
South China Morning Post
by Ada LiFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong lawmaker Kenneth Fok Kai-kong has welcomed the government’s HK$1.2 billion investment in sports development as a significant boost to the sector. He described the funding as “inspiring” but emphasized the need for a strategic approach to ensure long-term sustainability in the sports industry. Fok, who also serves as vice-president of the city’s Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (SF&OC), highlighted that details on how the funds will be allocated will only be finalized after a comprehensive review of athlete support following the Asian Games.
Fok stressed the importance of focusing on long-term capacity building to strengthen Hong Kong’s position in the global sports ecosystem. He urged decision-makers to consider investments that enhance ownership and sustainable development, moving away from subsidy-based models that have dominated sports development in the city. He emphasized the need to consolidate the positive economic effects of professionalization and industrialization to create a self-sustaining industry.
The funding boost, announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-poa, aims to support athlete training programmes, improve coaching standards, and attract more international competitions to Hong Kong. Fok’s comments come ahead of the Asian Games in September, which he sees as an ideal opportunity to evaluate and enhance existing support systems for athletes and teams.
This new investment highlights Hong Kong’s growing recognition of sports as a key driver of economic growth and global engagement. By focusing on sustainable strategies and long-term development, the city aims to position itself as a competitive player in the global sports ecosystem. The review post-Asian Games will be crucial in determining how effectively these funds can achieve their intended goals, ensuring that Hong Kong’s sports industry continues to thrive and inspire future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026