Government Plans to Cut Ice Hockey Association Funding “Without Affecting Athletes”; Hong Kong Team Members Call It Ironic, Fear Talent Gap
政府擬「不影響運動員下」削冰協撥款 港隊成員稱諷刺、憂致青黃不接
The Hong Kong ice hockey team won a bronze medal at the World Championships in February, but controversy over the incorrect national anthem being played at the event has continued for a month. The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, issued a statement recently saying it had begun procedures to suspend the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association’s membership. The government also said it would consider reducing funding for the association “on the condition that athletes are not affected”. Two Hong Kong team players were interviewed on radio today (the 7th). Deputy captain Sham Cheuk-him said the wording was ironic and would not help resolve the problem: “If you cut funding, how can that not affect the players?” He said ice hockey had developed gradually in Hong Kong in recent years, with many children performing well, and urged the authorities to consider other forms of punishment.
香港冰球隊2月出戰世界錦標賽勇奪銅牌，惟賽事播錯國歌，事件持續一個月仍未平息。港協暨奧委會日前更發聲明，指啟動暫停冰協會員資格的程序，政府亦發稿稱會考慮「在不影響運動員的前提」下，削減對冰協的撥款資助。兩名港隊球員今日（7日）接受電台訪問，其中副隊長沈卓謙認為說法諷刺，無助解決問題：「你cut funding其實點唔影響個球員呢？」他認為近年本港冰球運動發展漸佳，很多兒童表現理想，促當局能考慮其他懲罰方式。