Sporting events key to GBA integration

He proposed that cities within the region should receive tailored support to develop their unique sports specialties. For instance, Hong Kong could aim to become the hub for international sports events, Macao could focus on advancing motorsports, while Foshan and Zhongshan in Guangdong province could, respectively, aim to become a world-renowned martial arts city and an international baseball city.

Furthermore, Fok suggested that the GBA should collectively create branded sports events encompassing such disciplines as basketball, badminton, tennis, rowing and yachting. By leveraging the momentum of the 15th National Games, the region should actively plan to introduce high-level international events in soccer, basketball, tennis and some other sports, while exploring collaborative mechanisms for hosting world-class sporting events.

"The GBA is one of the most economically vibrant and highly open regions in China, with the potential to build a comprehensive sports industry chain," he said.

The inauguration of the 28-hectare Kai Tak Sports Park on March 1 introduces a cutting-edge 50,000-seat stadium, establishing itself as Hong Kong's largest sports facility to date. This milestone is poised to alleviate the city's persistent shortage of high-profile venues.

It will be used to host competitions at the 15th National Games.

"Beyond improving hardware and infrastructure, it is crucial to capitalize on Hong Kong's role as a bridge between domestic and international networks to foster the development and fortification of a range of Chinese sports event brands. This initiative will enhance China's presence on the international sports landscape," said Fok.

Zhang Xiaodong, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the Chinese Yachting Association, highlighted that yachting has a longer history in Hong Kong compared to the Chinese mainland.

She expressed hope that the GBA's joint hosting of the National Games would elevate public awareness of yachting, encouraging more people to engage in the sport.