Democracy Dismantled
The sentencing of 45 pro-democracy campaigners in Hong Kong under its controversial National Security Law signifies a turning point in the former British colony’s political and legal history.
Amid unprecedented political unrest in the city, the Hong Kong Squash Open became the latest international sporting event to be called off.
Notably, the city of Hong Kong is shaken by as many as four months of pro-democracy protests which have seen many violent clashes happening between demonstrators and policemen. Disruptions have also been caused to the city transportation system.
Consequently, the protests have led to the cancellation of many international high-profile sports events. Hong Kong’s Premier squash event, which was scheduled to be played in December, became the latest event to be cancelled.
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“Hong Kong Squash has decided, after careful consideration and extensive discussions with our key stakeholders, to postpone the 2019 Everbright Sun Hung Kai Hong Kong Squash Open… to next year,” the organisers said in a statement released by them.
The Hong Kong Squash Open, held annually, is one of the Professional Squash Association’s World tour platinum events and the last time the tournament was called was way back in 2003 during the SARS outbreak.
The political scenario in the city has made the organizers reconsider their decision of organising International Sports events in the city. The WTA Hong Kong Open tennis tournament, a friendly football match and even several much-anticipated entertainment events like pop concerts and stand up comedies have been either postponed or called off.
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