“We certainly look forward to more [qualifying] However, that number may be slightly lower this year as the performance of athletes in one or two team events was less competitive than in other events,” Yong said.
“There's still a chance to make more money.'' [qualifying athletes] From today until June. I think we'll have to wait and see. ”
At the Tokyo Olympics four years ago, a record 46 athletes participated in 38 events and qualified.
The minister said on Sunday that he was confident the athletes could bring home medals again this year, but would not consider whether they could match the top six from last Games, including the gold medal won by Zhang Jialong. With fencing.
“The most important thing is that our athletes, with your support, do their best to perform at or above the expected level. We believe that is an achievement in itself. '' said Yong.
Authorities intervened again this year, buying the rights for three local free-to-air television stations, TVB, ViuTV and Hoy TV, and public broadcaster RTHK to broadcast the Olympics for free.
Mr Yong said the decision took into account the interests of society as a whole and the government's role in promoting sport.
“We can set conditions such as coverage times and requirements to broadcast competitions for Hong Kong athletes and prioritize events for domestic athletes,” he said. “These conditions are easier to enforce when there is no financial obligation.”
He added that the government had obtained full broadcast rights, allowing television stations to stream the Olympics online.
Hongkongers will be able to watch the Paris Olympics for free after the city buys broadcasting rights
Hongkongers will be able to watch the Paris Olympics for free after the city buys broadcasting rights
Yong said the time difference between Hong Kong and Paris may not be a disadvantage, adding that the one-hour difference in the Tokyo Olympics will be a challenge for people who want to watch the games but are busy with work.
“Current time differences may make it easier for individuals to watch the Olympics. You can choose to watch after work or after dinner. [in shopping centres]. It may have a positive effect on revitalizing the economy,” Yong said.
“If the match is exciting and involves Hong Kong players, people will wake up in the middle of the night to cheer them on,” he said. “If there is demand, shopping centers will be happy to accommodate.”
Meanwhile, the minister also touched on the national conference to be jointly held by Guangdong Province, Macau and Hong Kong for the first time in November 2025.
The city will host eight events, fewer than expected, four of which, including rugby sevens, will be held at the new Kai Tak Sports Park.
Hong Kong to hold 8 sports including fencing and track cycling at national tournament
Hong Kong to hold 8 sports including fencing and track cycling at national tournament
“Our principle is not to build a new venue for the national tournament. It would have been great if we could have used Kai Tak Sports Park. [for more events], that wasn't our ultimate goal.Therefore, there is no concept of disappointment. [about the lower number of events]” said Yong.
“Of course we have a good venue, so we want to make the most of it.”
He said crowd management plans had already been taken into account in the design of the sports park, and authorities would further develop transportation plans such as franchised buses and more MTR services.
Yong said he believed China considered the “overall situation” when deciding to move the soccer and windsurfing competitions to Guangdong province rather than Hong Kong as originally planned.
He said the wind speed and direction in the city in November is unstable and may not be suitable for holding windsurfing events.
