In a significant boost for sports development in Hong Kong, the Sports Commission confirmed on March 24, 2025, that table tennis and netball will continue to be recognized as A-level elite projects at the Hong Kong Sports Institute for the following two years. This decision was welcomed by key athletes and officials alike, who emphasized the importance of this status for both sports.
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, announced that direct financial assistance for elite athletes, including those with disabilities, will be increased by 8.3% starting April 1, 2025. This move not only signifies financial support but also reflects a broader acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of athletes in Hong Kong.
Wu On-yee, a prominent table tennis player, expressed her relief upon learning of the decision, stating, “I felt a sense of relief when I saw the news. I hope this will make table tennis more popular in Hong Kong.” Her sentiment reflects a shared optimism among athletes that their sports will gain greater visibility and support.
Having only recently returned to the professional World Table Tennis tour after a two-year hiatus, Wu believes that this extension allows coaches and athletes to focus on their future competitions without the uncertainty of relegation hanging over them. She expressed her hope that young people, along with parents considering introducing their children to table tennis, could be reassured about the sport's stability and popularity.
Cheung Ka-ki, a 26-year-old table tennis player who has dedicated nearly a decade to training at the Sports Institute, echoed these feelings. He noted the significance of the financial support from the Institute, emphasizing, “I’m fortunate to receive support that allows me to compete stress-free.” He underscored the importance of this funding for upcoming competitions, particularly as he prepares for world events in England next month.
Similarly, Wong Hong-wai, a 23-year-old netball player who has trained full-time since 2017 at the Sports Institute, shared her experiences regarding the pressure that the previous uncertainty created for athletes. “Now I can concentrate on competitions,” she said, acknowledging that the recent news relieves the stress associated with netball's potential downgrade. Wong is preparing for the World University Games in July and the National Games at the end of the year, hoping for strong performances that will further justify the sport's elite status.
The latest developments also address systemic challenges faced by athletes, specifically in qualifying for A-level status under previous criteria. Hui Chun-fui, vice president of the Hong Kong Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee, emphasized that the flexible handling of the elite sports funding system will bolster both table tennis and netball's futures. “The new arrangements tackle technical issues that individual athletes had in meeting the original scoring requirements,” he explained.
The government's initiative demonstrates a commitment to supporting the unique circumstances of various sports. Behind this adjustment lies recognition of the strong performances by local athletes in international competitions. “We’re aware that recent results in table tennis and netball have been quite positive,” Hui Chun-fui noted, encouraging the government to continue reviewing resource allocation thresholds.
The adjustment to funding levels is part of a larger effort to enhance athletes' sustainability and development. Notably, a minimum subsidy for full-time athletes will increase from HK$7,130 to HK$10,000 per month. Additionally, the government plans to introduce arrangements for adult teams of disabled athletes, expanding opportunities across the board.
The elite assistance program aims to support athletes not merely as financial contributors but as dedicated sportspersons whose efforts cannot be quantified by monetary value alone. “They are not ‘employees’. Their hard work and dedication deserve comprehensive support,” Yeung emphasized, highlighting that the Institute offers a wide range of assistance, including accommodation, dietary support, coaching expenses, and medical teams.
Local sports have shown resilience throughout challenges, as sports governing bodies like the China Hong Kong Table Tennis Association reaffirm their commitment to elevating the sport. Following the government's announcement, they expressed optimism about utilizing available resources to promote table tennis further and develop young talent capable of succeeding on the international stage.
In a statement on social media, the association remarked, “After years of effort, our athletes have been trying to draw public attention to the challenges we face in local table tennis, especially with recent threats of relegation.” They pledged to continue fostering the growth and popularity of the sport moving forward.
Legislative Council member Horace Ho Kai-hong expressed support for the government's decision, stating, “Any elite project should be judged by athletes' achievements. Given the strong performance of local table tennis players in recent years, downgrading the sport could severely undermine its promotion.” He added that netball's continued A-level status would offer an essential boost for athletes who need access to appropriate training facilities.
Ho highlighted the importance of commercial sponsorships, suggesting that revenue from associated activities, such as basketball betting, be redirected into sports development. Recognizing the necessity for a multifaceted approach to sports funding, he pointed towards leveraging additional support for athletes.
As Hong Kong's elite sports continue to navigate these significant changes, the news offers a renewed sense of hope and optimism for athletes dedicated to their crafts. With the support from both government and community backing, table tennis, netball, and other sports are positioned to maintain and enhance their status, ultimately contributing to Hong Kong's growing profile in the international sports arena.
