'No sports system should obstruct an athlete'

　　Sports chief Kevin Yeung says sports governing bodies should review their systems from time to time and strengthen their governance.

　　The sports minister has stressed that no system should hinder an athlete's opportunity to compete or receive training, following calls for the swimming governing body to revise its rules of competition qualifications.

　　The Hong Kong China Swimming Association came under scrutiny after a nine-year-old was reportedly barred from competing at a swimming competition due to the ranking of his club, despite meeting the qualifying time.

　　Kevin Yeung, the secretary for culture, sports and tourism, on Saturday said the government awaits developments of the situation, after the association said it has ways to allow the concerned athlete to compete.

　　But he told a Commercial Radio programme that different sports governing bodies should review their systems, from time to time and strengthen their governance.

　　We hope to promote the sport, as well as its development, while giving talented athletes the chance to receive professional training or compete, or even represent Hong Kong in competitions. This is a basic principle that I believe everyone agrees with, so no system should become a factor that hinders this goal, Yeung said.

　　On the arrival of the two giant pandas gifted by the central government, the minister said the pair should be able to come to Hong Kong by National Day, on October 1.

　　While the animals already having names, Yeung said the administration would still discuss whether to give the pair new names when they arrive in the SAR.

　　Yeung said the government is considering promoting “giant panda economy” to boost tourism.