What's happened
Kirsty Coventry's pause on fast-tracking Olympic host bids has opened the door for a Hong Kong-led proposal for the 2036 Games. Local business and sports officials are rallying support for a Greater Bay Area bid, emphasizing existing infrastructure and upcoming events as key advantages. The IOC's revised bidding process adds urgency to these discussions.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Strategic Timing: The IOC's decision to revise the bidding process creates a unique opportunity for Hong Kong, especially as it prepares for the National Games in November.
- Infrastructure Leverage: The existing facilities in the Greater Bay Area, such as the Kai Tak Sports Park, position Hong Kong favorably against other bidders like Qatar and Turkey.
- Local Support: The working group has garnered positive feedback from business chambers and sports officials, indicating a strong local backing for the bid.
- Cultural Significance: Hosting the Olympics could enhance Hong Kong's global profile and promote local culture, particularly through events like Cantonese opera and sports.
- Future Implications: If successful, this bid could reshape Hong Kong's role in international sports and cultural events, potentially leading to increased tourism and investment.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, Kirsty Coventry's pause on fast-tracking Olympic bids has shifted the dynamics of the 2036 race, allowing Hong Kong to emerge as a serious contender. Coventry acknowledged the need for IOC members to be more engaged in the selection process, which has been a point of contention. Meanwhile, local officials are optimistic about the Greater Bay Area's potential, citing existing infrastructure as a significant advantage. The working group has already presented their plans to the government, aiming for inclusion in the Chief Executive's Policy Address. This contrasts with India's previously perceived momentum, as highlighted by AP News, which noted that Coventry's decision has stalled India's bid, opening the door for Hong Kong's aspirations.
How we got here
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has shifted its approach to selecting Olympic hosts, allowing for more member engagement. This change comes as India was seen as a frontrunner for the 2036 Games, prompting Hong Kong's working group to push for a bid leveraging the Greater Bay Area's infrastructure.
Go deeper
- What are the key advantages of Hong Kong's bid?
- How does the IOC's decision impact other bidders?
- What events are planned for the National Games?
More on these topics
-
Kirsty Leigh Coventry Seward is the current Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in the Cabinet of Zimbabwe as of September 2018.
-
Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a metropolitan area and special administrative region of the People's Republic of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta of the South China Sea.
-
The International Olympic Committee is a non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Founded by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas in 1894, it is the authority responsible for organising the modern Summer and Winter Olympic
-
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.