Hong Kong can showcase true sportsmanship at National Games

My previous column explored how the fear of repercussions is driving widespread self-censorship within institutions and public discourse. Yet, at the same time, the world of sports is experiencing a troubling increase in toxic behaviour, where once-unifying arenas are becoming battlegrounds of hostility and division.

At the recent Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York, Rory McIlroy and the European team faced relentless abuse, including verbal taunts, homophobic slurs and even outright violence when an object was thrown at McIlroy’s wife. These incidents were exacerbated by the tournament’s master of ceremonies who joined the crowd in chanting expletives. She subsequently resigned. These events marked a shocking departure from golf’s tradition of civility.

At the US Open men’s tennis final, a significant number of fans booed during the singing of the national anthem. This was not directed at Sergeant Major Carla Loy Song’s heartfelt and powerful performance, but at the appearance of US President Trump on the giant screen. These incidents show how even the most renowned sporting events are increasingly overshadowed by political polarisation and division.

While caution prevails in other aspects of public life, hostile behaviour has become increasingly bold and brazen online. Research indicates that toxic content significantly boosts engagement on social media, creating a curiosity-driven cycle where platforms reward outrage and division. This reflects a broader shift of provocative behaviour becoming encouraged as the limits of decency fade away.

This goes beyond golf or tennis. European football, long troubled by hooliganism, has also recently experienced violence. Earlier this year, celebrations turned violent after a Paris Saint-Germain victory.

Hong Kong experienced a moment of unrest during the Tokyo Summer Olympics held in 2021. During a broadcast at a Kwun Tong shopping centre, as fencer Cheung Ka-long received Hong Kong’s first gold medal in 25 years, some individuals booed the Chinese national anthem. This prompted complaints to the police and led to an arrest.

  

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