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SPORT AND RECREATION
small band of veterans and there appear to be no promising young players on the horizon. Badminton on the other hand is gaining in popularity and the Hong Kong Badminton Association has started a training scheme which should do much to improve the standard of the sport in Hong Kong. During December, Wong Peng-soon, the former world professional badminton champion from Singapore gave a series of exhibition matches for charity which drew capacity crowds.
Hockey, softball, basketball, fencing, boxing and table tennis are all popular. Archery, which was introduced to the Colony last year, has made good progress under the direction of the newly formed Archery Association.-
Lawn bowls still provides the opportunity for keen competition during the summer months, and the prospect of a trip to Australia for the Empire Games next November will stimulate even greater interest during the 1962 season.
Cycling is fast becoming popular and many local riders, as well as riders from Korea and Japan, participated in the Cycling Association's tour of Hong Kong cycle race.
The Motor Sports Club of Hong Kong had another busy season of rallies, hill climbs, sprints and slaloms. A number of club drivers competed successfully in the 1961 Macau Grand Prix.
Athletics are still below Olympic standards, but as a result of regular meetings held throughout the year by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, the position is steadily improving. Competitors and spectators responded with the same enthusiasm as in previous years to the fifth round-the-island walkathon. Local competitors took most of the leading places against strong com- petition from a number of foreign entrants.
The standard of competition swimming in Hong Kong is also below that shown in leading countries, but it is hoped that this gap may be gradually closed by regular coaching and practice. The annual cross-harbour swimming race attracted the usual strong entry of local swimmers.
Yachting and rowing occupy a prominent place in the sporting calendar. The Colony's yachtsmen competed against their counter- parts in Macau and Manila and together with the oarsmen took part in the Far Eastern Regatta at Singapore. It is noteworthy