Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what’s happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page.
News: How the Greater Bay Area could host an international sports event
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The National Games laid the groundwork for Hong Kong and its bay area neighbours to consider hosting bigger sports events
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The International Olympic Committee has expressed optimism over the region’s sports infrastructure
In November, Hong Kong co-hosted the National Games with Guangdong and Macau. Now, momentum is growing for the city to pursue a larger goal – hosting an event on the scale of the Olympics or Asian Games.
A working group of leaders and officials is building support for the Greater Bay Area to host a large-scale sports event.
Thomas Bach is the honorary life president of the International Olympic Committee. He visited Hong Kong during the National Games. When asked about a potential bid, he told the region to “go for it”, adding he believed it had “all the ingredients” to stage a global event. He added that it “could be a very important candidate” for future Olympics.
“If you look at the scope of the National Games, they are bigger than the Olympic Games,” Bach said. “You have many world-class sports facilities. You have a sports-loving public. You have all the ingredients.”
Less than a month after Bach made these comments, South Africa announced its intention to bid for the 2036 Games. The country joined a list of potential candidates, including India, Turkey, Qatar and Chile.
Still, Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, said Bach’s comments were “important encouragements”.
The National Games “laid an important foundation” for future bids to host international events, Fok said.
“We hope to learn from the 15th National Games … and accumulate richer experience for the Greater Bay Area’s Olympic bid,” he added.
To gain experience, the region would need to host other multi-sport, multi-day events first. But there are few opportunities.
The next available Asian Games are in 2038 and 2042. Japan will host in 2026, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. As for the Olympics, Los Angeles will host in 2028, followed by Brisbane in 2032. That leaves 2036 and 2040 available.
Chinese officials are trying to lay the groundwork for an Olympic bid.
On November 24, they announced that Hong Kong, Guangdong, Macau and the General Administration of Sport of China had agreed on a partnership. This “Four-Party Agreement” hoped to strengthen sports cooperation, promote development and consolidate the National Games’ success.
Staff writers
Question prompts
1. Which of the following is false, according to the news?
(1) Thomas Bach discouraged the Greater Bay Area from bidding for the Olympics, citing its lack of infrastructure.
(2) The next Asian Games after 2026 will be held in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
(3) The “Four-Party Agreement” was signed between Hong Kong, Guangdong, Macau and the General Administration of Sport of China.
(4) South Africa will host the 2036 Olympic Games.
A. (1), (2) only
B. (1), (4) only
C. (2), (3) only
D. all of the above
2. What did Thomas Bach say the Greater Bay Area has “all the ingredients” for, and why?
3. According to the news, why might it be difficult for the Greater Bay Area to gain the experience needed to support a 2036 Olympic bid?
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Question prompts
1. According to the glossary, how many spectators can Kai Tak Stadium accommodate?
2. How can Kai Tak Stadium help support the Greater Bay Area’s bid to host an Olympic Games? Explain using the news, glossary and your own knowledge.
Glossary
Kai Tak Stadium: part of the Kai Tak Sports Park, Kai Tak Stadium can hold up to 50,000 people and is a key feature of Hong Kong’s largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark
15th National Games: the most recent edition of China’s highest-level comprehensive multi-sport event. It was co-hosted by Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macau from November 9 to 21 and showcased top athletes from across China. According to one report, 90 per cent of existing National Games venues can be used for international events.
Four-Party Agreement: a partnership between Hong Kong, Guangdong, Macau and China’s General Administration of Sport to consolidate the success of the National Games and facilitate joint hosting of large-scale sports events
Sample answers
News
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B
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Thomas Bach said the Greater Bay Area has “all the ingredients” to host a global sports event, and cited its many world-class sports facilities and a population that loves sports. During his visit to the National Games, he noted that the event’s scale was bigger than the Olympics, highlighting the region’s ability to host large-scale competitions. His comments suggest confidence in the region’s infrastructure, public enthusiasm and overall readiness to host an international event like the Olympics. He said the region “could be a very important candidate” for future Olympics.
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It seems difficult for the Greater Bay Area to gain the experience needed to support a 2036 Olympic bid, as the region would first need to demonstrate its ability to host an international event, such as the Asian Games, on a scale comparable to the Olympics. However, the next available Asian Games are in 2038 and 2042 – with Japan hosting in 2026, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia – long after bids would be selected for the 2036 Olympics.
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Kai Tak Stadium can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators.
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Kai Tak Stadium could strengthen the Greater Bay Area’s Olympic bid by serving as a key venue that shows Hong Kong’s readiness and infrastructure for international competition. The stadium hosted major events during the 15th National Games, proving its ability to manage large crowds and world-class tournaments. With modern facilities and convenient transport links, Kai Tak Stadium would be a central showcase venue if the Bay Area were to host the Olympics. (accept all reasonable answers)
