IOC Head Bach Boosts Hong Kong-Greater Bay Area Olympic Bid Hopes

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Honorary Lifetime President Thomas Bach recently offered a significant endorsement to the Greater Bay Area’s potential bid for the Olympic Games, stating the region possesses “all the conditions” required to host the global event. Bach’s comments came during a visit to the Kai Tak Main Stadium in Hong Kong, where he observed rugby sevens matches for the ongoing 15th National Games, which is being co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. His remarks have reignited complex discussions about a potential joint bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, building on the success and collaborative experience of managing the current major multi-sport event.

Regional Synergy Strengthens Olympic Prospects

While the notion of Hong Kong hosting the Olympics was once deemed far-fetched, the effective coordination and demonstrated capacity of Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities in staging the National Games suggest that a future Olympic bid is now a tangible possibility. The 2028 Games are set for Los Angeles, followed by Brisbane in 2032, making 2036 the next likely slot for an Asian host. Indonesia and South Korea are among the nations that have already expressed interest.

The argument for a GBA bid, first advanced by a think tank two years ago, centers on maximizing existing infrastructure. Proponents suggest that minimal additional investment in major construction would be necessary, with projected financial benefits potentially exceeding HK$30 billion. The large-scale use of existing facilities across the region—including over 80 venues in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau for the National Games—buttresses this strategy, mirroring the successful, cost-effective approach taken by Paris in 2024, which utilized 95% existing or temporary venues and focused on urban landmarks. This strategy minimizes the risk of costly, underused “white elephant” projects.

Government Caution Amidst High Stakes

Despite the optimism from the IOC principal, Hong Kong government officials remain cautious. Kevin Yeung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, previously stated that bidding for the Olympics is a national undertaking that carries immense responsibility, emphasizing that hosting the Games must be “a success, not a failure.” Following Bach’s comments, the government reaffirmed its stance, noting that any Olympic bid is part of a national strategy and requires careful evaluation of public finance and resource allocation. For now, the focus remains squarely on successfully completing the National Games and leveraging that experience to assess the region’s long-term capability for hosting large-scale international competitions.

However, the complexity of a joint GBA bid multiplies exponentially compared to hosting as a single city. Pro-establishment figures note that such a joint effort would require intricate, high-level negotiation on various cross-border issues, including:

• Immigration and Security: Harmonizing entry policies and security screening.
• Logistics and Customs: Streamlining the movement of goods and equipment.
• Legal and Dispute Resolution: Addressing sports-related legal issues.
• Resource Allocation: Determining the division of core events, costs, and economic benefits.

Evaluating the Long-Term Benefits and Risks

While some perceive an Olympic bid as a guaranteed economic boon, experts advise prudence. Lau Siu-kai, a consultant for the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, points out that the financial returns of the modern Olympics are often overestimated, leading fewer nations to actively pursue hosting rights. He argues that while hosting the Olympics could enhance the GBA’s global influence and attract foreign investment, China’s current international standing differs from that in 2008, meaning the nation no longer requires the Games to demonstrate its power.

Considering Hong Kong’s current strained public finances, careful consideration of the significant public expenditure required for an Olympic endeavor is essential. Lawmakers have recommended a thorough review and debriefing of the National Games experience before committing to the significantly more complex global event. Questions surrounding the central hub of a GBA Olympics, the location of the athletes’ village, and regional personnel mobility demand national-level strategic planning and high-level coordination. The possibility of an Olympic bid remains a potent subject for future political debate among Hong Kong’s leaders.