Some Hong Kong teams denied National Games entry by selection policy ruling

With less than four months to go before the National Games, dozens of Hong Kong athletes hoping to represent the city have had their dreams dashed by a group of civil servants.

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The city’s organising committee has decided that only sports whose teams finished in the top eight at either the Paris Olympics last year or the Asian Games in 2023 could enter multiple sides in National Games team events.

Sports that hosted a team event in Hong Kong, such as handball or rugby, could also enter multiple teams.

Governing bodies of those failing to meet either criterion could nominate only one team to represent the city, with the committee having final approval. That camp includes the likes of volleyball and football, which have men’s and women’s teams.

Hong Kong’s men’s basketball team (in white) could be prevented from competing. Photo: Xinhua

In a message sent to sporting governing bodies, the committee said the decision had been taken to “enhance the competitiveness” of Hong Kong athletes.

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