Macau, China, August 27, 2021: Macau will host the 15th National Games of China in 2025 together with Guangdong province and Hong Kong, TDM Canal Macau reports.
The National Games are considered the premier sports event for provincial teams from throughout China and a stepping stone to the national team in many sports.
The announcement was made by the General Office of the State Council.
According to a letter sent by the State Council to several departments, the governments of Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau should finance the preparation and holding of the National Games.
The letter stressed that the organisation of the Games should fit the practical conditions of local economic and social development, promoting full use of existing venues and facilities to save on costs for strict budget management.
The letter also mentioned restrictions on the scale of the Games should be imposed amidst all-out prevention and control over the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Games are held once every four years. The 14th National Games of China are scheduled to take place throughout Shaanxi Province from September 15-27.
Macau hosted the East Asian Games in 2005 and the Olympic Council of Asia’s 2nd Asian Indoor Games in 2007.
The Special Administrative Region of China has several first-class sports stadiums including the Macau East Asian Games Dome, the swimming centre, national stadium for football and athletics as well as gymnasiums that host world-class volleyball, wushu and other sports.
Meanwhile, the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China welcomed the announcement in a statement released August 26.
“SF&OC also expresses our sincere gratitude to the Central People’s Government for granting this precious opportunity. SF&OC will do our utmost to work closely together with the HKSAR Government, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a centre for major sports events,” the SF&OC said.
“SF&OC, together with all National Sports Associations, will join hands with the HKSAR Government to coordinate with Guangdong and Macau Governments and follow the rules of ‘Simple, Safe and Remarkable’ instructed by the State Council in order to make the Games successful.
“The National Games will also reveal the capability of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau of holding multi-sports events, thus promoting the reputation of the cities and arouse public interest in sporting activities.”