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Letters

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As the 15th National Games draw to a close, Hong Kong celebrates not only the outstanding achievements of its athletes but also the success of staging a truly “clean and green” mega event. The games embodied sustainability from the outset.
Jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, the games followed the guiding concept of minimising waste and emissions. Hong Kong staged eight events in venues such as the Hong Kong Coliseum, Victoria Park and Fanling golf course. Crucially, the organising committee opted against building a new stadium, instead retrofitting existing facilities to avoid the emissions associated with new construction, which is estimated to have reduced energy consumption by 40 per cent. Renewable energy utilisation also tripled through advanced storage systems.
In line with the Hong Kong government’s Guidelines to the Public for Low‑Carbon Actions, several innovative practices were introduced.
“Electricity‑free cooling” coating was applied to 9,700 square metres of rooftop and roof wall surfaces at the Hong Kong Coliseum, natural lighting was maximised at the Velodrome, and a hydrogen fuel cell generator was deployed at Fanling to showcase a cleaner alternative to diesel. Collectively, these initiatives exemplified the “Green National Games”.
Waste reduction was another priority. Recycling bins were widely distributed across venues, lowering disposal volumes and associated emissions.
Hong Kong’s efforts were complemented by innovations in other host cities. Solar panels installed at certain venues will later supply community facilities, biodegradable cups will be turned into compostable materials and the compost produced used as fertiliser, and mascots were crafted from ocean plastic collected during beach clean-ups across 14 cities. Together, the hosts demonstrated how mega events can advance sustainability, following precedents set by the two previous Olympics.
Looking ahead, Hong Kong must build on this foundation, such as by expanding the use of energy-efficient devices, renewable sources and hydrogen fuel cells.
Green mega events also play a vital role in advancing the circular economy. To capitalise on the National Games success, sustainability should become a vetting criterion for Hong Kong’s mega-event fund, incorporating the principles of “reduction, audit, offset”. They encourage event organisers to reduce waste and emissions whenever possible in the planning stage, conduct an audit before and after the event, and offset the emissions whenever possible.
The saying “clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” was vividly demonstrated at the 15th National Games. Similarly, the waste reduction targets outlined in the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035 should not be simply words on paper, but a clear promise by our government to safeguard the city’s sustainability.
Rico Wong, executive director, The Green Earth
Dharmendra, the evergreen hero, will be missed
The death of movie star Dharmendra is a sad day for Bollywood and cinema lovers in India and abroad. Dharmendra was a simple village lad from Punjab, who loved movies and aspired to become an actor. He achieved his dream. From the time he made his screen debut in 1960 till his last role in 2024, he remained relevant and captivating.
Despite his cinematic achievements, he continued to be modest, a man of the people. He avoided politics, controversies and strife. He loved his audiences and they loved him back in equal measure.
In a career of over 300 films, Dharmendra wooed his audiences with his comedy, seriousness, romanticism and striking looks. He was incredibly handsome and remained so even in his later years. Age did not seem to have withered him.
In his time, there were many new emerging stars like Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. But none could dethrone Dharmendra. He remained the evergreen hero.
Dharmendra became a member of every family, though his roles. His death brought sadness in many homes. He was a giant as a human being and as an artist.
Rajendra Aneja, Mumbai, India


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2025 National Games

In the National Games, Hong Kong has a model of a green mega event

Installations of the National Games mascot Lerongrong are displayed at Kai Tak Station Square in Hong Kong on October 30. Some of the installations, put up across the Greater Bay Area cities, were made of marine plastic collected from beach clean-ups. Photo: Dickson Lee

Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ Dharmendra, a legend of Indian cinema, has died aged 89

Dharmendra reacts during a promotional press conference in Kolkata, India in 2007. Photo: AP

Bollywood actor Dharmendra Singh Deol attends a press conference announcing that Toronto will host the first ever Punjabi International Film Academy Awards in April 2012. Photo: Reuters

Dharmendra reacts during a promotional press conference in Kolkata, India, in 2007. Photo: AP

Dharmendra walks the red carpet during the launch of his Indian Hindi-language comedy film “Yamla Pagla Deewana 2” in Mumbai in 2013. Photo: AFP

National Games’ lasting legacy will have an impact that transcends sport

Chief Executive John Lee at the Opening Ceremony of the 15th National Games in Guangzhou. Photo: ISD

Opinion

Readers discuss the features of the games that safeguard sustainability and the passing of an Indian cinema legend


Readers discuss the features of the games that safeguard sustainability and the passing of an Indian cinema legend.


.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Readers discuss the features of the games that safeguard sustainability and the passing of an Indian cinema legend

Readers discuss the features of the games that safeguard sustainability and the passing of an Indian cinema legend