HK should pitch for more sporting events: lawmaker
Sports sector lawmaker Kenneth Fok said on Sunday the government should pitch for more international sporting events to boost to the night time economy as the two are closely linked. He cited the Rugby Sevens tournament as an example, saying spectators would continue to spend money in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai after watching the games at the Hong Kong Stadium.  Fok said the government should liaise with international organisations to lobby for more major sporting events to come to Hong Kong, or to put the SAR on the map as part of competitions in the Greater Bay Area. "I always say if you want to commercialise sport, it's not just about the games, about selling tickets, tee-shirts and souvenirs. It's about more than that," he told reporters after attending a radio programme. "You can take additional steps by linking up tourism, catering, and retail sector representatives, and they can put together sports-related discounts. You pay for the tickets, you get more discounts... that's good for consumers." Meanwhile, Hong Kong's men's basketball team has made it to the Asian Games following the withdrawal of Lebanon. The SAR team had been left out due to an abrupt change in format. Fok, who is also head of the game's delegation, said it's good news that came late, and officials are now working hard to ensure the team is comfortable with their accommodation and schedule. The SAR is sending more than 680 athletes to Hangzhou - the largest team to date - and Fok said he's hopeful Hong Kong can beat previous records in the medals table.