Olympics show what is possible in quest for a more peaceful world

Between the two ceremonies, it was all about the action.

Hong Kong was gripped, with celebrations deservedly greeting medal wins for fencers Vivian Kong Man-wai and Cheung Ka-long and swimmer Siobhan Haughey.

But congratulations are also due to the team’s unsung heroes, the athletes who didn’t win medals, the coaches and support staff. They have all played their part.

The government and private sector must join hands to ensure the city builds on this success, with sufficient investment so a new generation of young sporting talent can triumph. Hong Kong can learn from team China’s “breakthrough” performance at the Games, matching the US with 40 golds, the best it has ever done overseas.

Among China’s heroes were young stars, such as swimmer Pan Zhanle, 20, diver Quan Hongchan, 17, and table tennis champion Sun Yingsha, 23. The nurturing of these golden Gen Z athletes promises much for the future. Chinese Taipei, meanwhile, also won two gold medals.

The Games began amid concerns. There were, as always, some controversies. Arson attacks on railways caused early alarm. But the doubts were quickly swept away. The feared terror attacks did not materialise. Neither did riots, protests or strikes.

The Paris Games point the way ahead, with gender parity among athletes and attempts to control costs, boost sustainability and appeal to the young.

With record ticket sales the crowd in Paris created a vibrant atmosphere, enthusiastically embracing the Games.

Sadly, geopolitical tensions surfaced with allegations about doping. Chinese athletes were targeted. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has hinted US attacks on the World Anti-Doping Agency could jeopardise its right to host the Games in 2028.

Politics must be kept out of sport and every effort made to ensure athletes can compete fairly, without divisive disputes or diplomatic rows.

It was heartening to see the togetherness championed in the Olympics motto on display in the camaraderie generally shown by over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 parts of the world. Thousands of them gathered to mingle, dance and sing at the closing ceremony.

IOC president Thomas Bach stated the obvious when he said the Olympics could not end conflict. But the “culture of peace” he spoke of, created by the athletes, is inspiring and holds out hope for the future in a troubled world.