News

Athletics, Cue Sports (Billiards and Snooker) and Karatedo have been confirmed to receive Elite Vote support for 2009-2013, bringing the total number of Elite Sports under the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) Elite Training Programme to 14 with effect from 1 July 2009.

"We are delighted to see that there are three new Elite Sports joining the ranks for the coming four years which is a positive indicator that more Hong Kong athletes have reached the elite level. The HKSI will work closely with the respective National Sports Associations (NSAs) to provide the most intensive and comprehensive support to their athletes and I am confident that Hong Kong sport will continue to improve its results in the international sporting arena in the future," said Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the HKSI.

Athletics was previously one of the Elite Sports, however, both Cue Sports and Karatedo are included in the Elite Training Programme for the first time after reaching the benchmark for the 2009-2013 funding cycle. In fact, elite athletes from these sports such as snooker player Fu Ka-chun and karatedo athlete Chan Ka-man have been receiving financial support from the HKSI through the Individual Athletes Support Scheme for a number of years.

Significant sporting results in Athletics, Cue Sports and Karatedo made between 2007 and 2008 have contributed to the three sports entering the HKSI Elite Training Programme. By gaining the Elite Sport status, the three sports will receive all-round support from the HKSI, including coaching, training facilities, sports science and sports medicine, education and vocational skill training support for their athletes. The Elite Vote support lasts for a four-year period, with an interim review conducted every two years. The other 11 Elite Sports are Badminton, Cycling, Fencing, Rowing, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tenpin Bowling, Triathlon, Windsurfing and Wushu.