Hong Kong, China NOC ‘respects, supports’ decision to postpone Asian Games

SF&OC President Timothy Fok © Xinhua/China Daily
SF&OC President Timothy Fok © Xinhua/China Daily

Hong Kong, China, May 8, 2022: The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) noted from the Olympic Council of Asia that the 19th Asian Games, due to take place in Hangzhou, China from September 10-25, 2022, have been postponed. The new dates will be announced in the near future. 

Additionally, the Shantou 2021 3rd Asian Youth Games set for December 2022 will be cancelled. The next Asian Youth Games will therefore be held in 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“In view of the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, SF&OC, as a National Olympic Committee, believes that the decision was correctly made after in-depth discussions and considerations by the OCA Executive Board,” the SF&OC said in a statement dated May 6 – the day the decision was announced.

“SF&OC fully understands, respects and supports the decision to ensure the safety and health of all the athletes and relevant participants.

“SF&OC will closely communicate with all stakeholders of the Games (including athletes, coaches and National Sports Associations) for the follow-up matters, and revise the necessary health protection measures to ensure athletes' health and facilitate their preparation and participation in the Games.”