Financial Secretary to unveil Budget with millions earmarked for sports development
發佈日期: 2026-02-24 19:31
TVB News
The Financial Secretary is set to unveil the Budget tomorrow.
It's understood that the government will earmark hundreds of millions of dollars to support sports development, including funding for athlete support and training, as well as encouraging sports associations to host major events.
At the National Games, Hong Kong's men's handball team achieved its best ever result, finishing fourth.
All 16 players are amateurs.
Almost all had to quit their full-time jobs or take unpaid leave to prepare for the tournament, and they receive only 4,000 dollars a month in government subsidies.
Sources say the Budget will earmark hundreds of millions of dollars to support local sports development.
Under the "team sports" category, covering eight categories including handball, basketball, volleyball and women's football, athletes could benefit directly, with a likely increase in allowances.
Hong Kong Handball Association Chairman Ho Chung-ho, who runs a Chinese restaurant business, says any increase in funding would be welcome as a lot of current financial support to handball development come out of his own pocket.
Ho adds that some players have chosen not to marry or have children, making personal sacrifices because of financial constraints.
The Budget is also expected to allocate funding to enhance coaches' professional standards and establish a unified coaching accreditation system.
The Handball Association also hopes the government can provide more venue support, as there are only seven handball courts available.
The association has urged authorities to consider building simple, dedicated sports venues to meet demand.
The Budget is also expected to propose more promotion of urban sports such as indoor rock climbing and skateboarding.
This year's Budget is also expected to allocate funding to encourage sports associations to organise more high level mega events or diversified competitions.
