The games, from November 9 to 21, will showcase more than 400 events across 34 sports, with Hong Kong hosting eight – fencing, men’s under-22 basketball, track cycling, golf, men’s handball, rugby sevens, triathlon and beach volleyball, plus two cross-border events – the marathon and road cycling – that will be co-hosted with Macau and Guangdong.

In terms of cross-border arrangements and logistics involving athletes, officials and spectators, the games are looming as a bigger test than the mega-event debut of Kai Tak Stadium. The government expects 100,000 visitors from the mainland and overseas, accounting for up to 25 per cent of spectators. Coordinating the logistics across multiple venues will be a challenge. Thankfully, many young people have already answered the call for volunteers.

The games are shaping up to be a milestone in Hong Kong’s regional and national integration. Lee is in no doubt about their importance in putting the city on the global and regional sporting map. He pledged to focus on optimising the competition, refining services and strengthening safety.