InvestHK is proactive, supportive and on the ball —helping to raise awareness of the increasing value of sports to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong, as a “Mega Sports Events Capital” with the opening of Kai Tak Sports Park, sees popular games such as padel and pickleball beginning to gain traction. These rising disciplines present exciting pathways for aspiring athletes to compete internationally, underscoring the city’s expanding potential in racket sports development. This is the opportunity that Belgian racket professional Bastien Liveriou is harnessing through The One Academy, a premier racket sports academy he founded in 2021.
A Natural Home for Global Sports
Partnering with Sun Hung Kai Properties on the racket sport courts and related facilities at Go Park in Hong Kong’s Sai Kung, Liveriou envisions a world class sports venue for athletes at every level of play. As a longtime Hong Kong resident, Liveriou observes that the city’s strong identity as a global financial hub is now evolving to embrace a more dynamic sporting culture. “To introduce a more European mindset, we blend the right mix between foreigners and local coaches. From time to time, master coaches visit. Go Park is a one-of-a-kind venue — it is rare to find such a large space in Hong Kong in a natural environment while still well-connected to the city. It’s a good place for sports, and helps to shape the European vibe and our culture of community,” he said.
Building a Sporting Community
The One Academy is open to the public and offers 15 international and locally trained coaches skilled in pickleball, padel and tennis. Drawing upon Liveriou’s experience assisting former world number one tennis professional Justine Henin with the first international academy in Asia, Liveriou recognises the appeal of padel and pickleball as social sports. He acknowledges that while every player strives to win, the growing demand for professional coaching in Asia presents an exciting opportunity. “The One Academy gives athletes an opportunity to take sports seriously and to excel within one of the most competitive platforms in Hong Kong,” he added.
Liveriou believes that with strong government support and the right mentors, Hong Kong has the potential to nurture a new generation of top tier racket athletes. He appreciates InvestHK’s support to elevate the perception of professional sports to the city. “InvestHK is proactive, supportive and on the ball,” he stated. “It is helping raise awareness of the increasing value of sports to the city.”
