Editorial | The sevens, Hong Kong’s original mega event, is back at its best
- The sold-out rugby tournament is perfectly placed to send the message that Hong Kong is back in action with more than 40 per cent of tickets taken by people outside the city.
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, which kicked off on Friday, is the city’s original mega event. The tournament, first held in 1976, has long had an impact which transcends its sporting roots.
This year, the competition comes as Hong Kong seeks international events to attract tourists and boost the economy. The sevens is perfectly placed to send the message that Hong Kong is back in action.
And this year’s tournament will be extra special.
This is the last time the competition will take place at Hong Kong Stadium, its home since 1982. It will be an emotional goodbye. Next year, the event will move to a new 50,000-seat arena in Kai Tak. Every effort is needed to ensure the unique atmosphere of the sevens will be relocated along with the action.
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Hong Kong Sevens: sell-out crowd for last rugby event at iconic stadium
One key feature of the tournament has been its international appeal. This has been missing in recent years amid the pandemic and its aftermath.
