21
Sport and Recreation
BECAUSE of the shortage of land in Hong Kong space for playing fields is difficult to obtain. Although many schools have their own basket-ball courts, games such as football, which require more open ground are, in most cases, restricted to central stadia or parks. In spite of this limitation, Hong Kong is a remarkably active centre for a wide variety of sporting activities.
Most field sports take place during the winter months when the weather is comparatively cool and dry, while in the summer the emphasis is on aquatic pastimes such as swimming, water skiing and boating.
Association football, the Colony's most popular sport, is suffering from a number of problems, not the least of which is the decline in attendances at the main stadia. There is little doubt that the activities of illegal bookmakers are having an effect on the game and this, in turn, is discouraging spectators. There is believed to be much unlawful betting on the scores and results of matches and some players have been suspected of not giving of their best in order to oblige the bookmakers. The Hong Kong Football Association assisted by the Police is doing all in its power to stamp out this unpleasant business.
In spite of these difficulties, association football has still more followers than any other sport and the ability of local players remains high. During the year, Hong Kong teams played matches against teams on tour from England, Switzerland, Sweden, Peru and Yugoslavia and apart from a sound trouncing at the hands of the reigning Olympic champions, Yugoslavia, all these matches were closely fought.
Rugby football enjoyed one of its best seasons for some years, largely because of the influx of talented players from Britain. The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union went on a highly successful tour of Saigon and Bangkok in November winning three out of five matches and retaining the Jobez cup.