HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee voted down on Friday the government's request for allocating 6 billion HK dollars (about $0.77 billion) in funds to host the 2023 Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

Speaking to the media after the committee's meeting, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing expressed disappointment at the result.

He thanked the community, the sports sector, athletes and those concerned about the long-term development of Hong Kong who backed the bid proposal, urging them to be united in promoting sports and look to the future.

Tsang said the government is determined to promote sport and has already set out a clear policy direction. It will continue to allocate resources according to pre-set policy goals in a step-by-step manner to enhance support for elite athletes and promote sport in the community.