HK 'should go all in with proposed fencing facility'

Training and competition facilities for fencers proposed to be built in Kwu Tung North are an “important step” for the sport’s development in Hong Kong, a coach of the sport said on Tuesday. That is because of a lack of training facilities at the moment in the SAR, Hong Kong Fencing School principal Wong Tsan told RTHK . The fencing facility should, he said, have enough space to host international competitions. “The main venue should have at least 20 pistes. In addition, there should be other pistes for them to warm up,” Wong said. “There should also be places to examine equipment and restrooms for athletes and guests so I think the space required is at least the size of four basketball courts.” To save fencers travel time, Wong said, authorities should also build accommodation facilities. From a broader perspective, he added, hotels and catering services should also be available for fencers around the world who come to Hong Kong for competitions. “A large number of fencers from different countries and regions would be here for the bouts," he said. "If we don’t have the support facilities, it will be very difficult to host a large-scale competition.” Wong’s remarks were echoed by professor Patrick Lau from Hong Kong Baptist University’s department of sports and health sciences, who said the support facilities should also be set up at the proposed Kwu Tung North site. Edited by Edmond Fong