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How Hong Kong’s five-year plan could get ball rolling on Olympic bid

The government has started public consultation on Hong Kong’s first five-year plan. The accompanying consultation document sets out principles which will be applied and includes…

By Samantha Johnson / July 31, 2026
The government has started public consultation on Hong Kong’s first five-year plan. The accompanying consultation document sets out principles which will be applied and includes a section on “Integrated Development of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Green Living and Other Areas”.

The city’s five-year plan will be aligned with the national 15th five-year blueprint and provide a medium-term vision for planning and implementation. Elements included in the plan are likely to have a strong chance of being implemented, so what should be included regarding sport in Hong Kong?

Two factors make planning for sport a challenge. One is the change taking place in Hong Kong’s population profile, with more young and middle-aged people caring about their health and getting involved in sports. Greater longevity can also mean more active older people taking part in sport well into their later years.
The second point is the changing nature of sport. New sports are constantly being invented, and some such as climbing and breaking have been added to the Olympics. Other events such as esports are being promoted by commercial interests and spread worldwide. This trend is likely to continue over the next five years.
The consultation document has several objectives for sport in Hong Kong. It includes directives to “promote community sports and fitness for all, encourage public participation in more recreation and sports activities and cultivate a strong sporting culture to help members of the public enhance their physical and psychological well-being”.
Being involved in club and team activities can bring tremendous health and social benefits. Often, people just need a place to engage in activities, and sometimes these places are not venues primarily designed for the sport. The Happy Valley Racecourse being a popular running track is just one example.

Hong Kong school spends US$129 million on athletic complex

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