World Grand Prix 2026 Kicks Off in Hong Kong with Top Snooker Stars!

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of World Grand Prix 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of World Grand Prix 2026 today (February 3):

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: reference image

Mr Brownell (Chief Executive Officer of the World Snooker Tour, Mr Simon Brownell), Ms Feng (Chief Executive Officer of the F-Sports Promotions Limited, Ms Feng Huanhuan), Mr Law (Chairman of the Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited, Mr Vincent Law), Mr Tsang (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldlion Holdings Limited, Mr Ricky Tsang), distinguished guests, fellow players, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the World Grand Prix 2026 at the iconic Kai Tak Arena.

This tournament, recognised with the "M" Mark status, symbolises excellence in sports management and community engagement. Tonight, the world's top-ranking players gather - not only to compete for the title and invaluable ranking points but to showcase the extraordinary talent, skills and passion that make this sport so compelling. This year's Grand Prix promises to be an unforgettable spectacle for everyone in the audience.

Fans should expect nothing short of extraordinary matches, filled with mastery and fierce competition. Leading the field is our defending champion, Neil Robertson, alongside giants of the game like Judd Trump and here with us tonight, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and many of China's top-ranking, finest players of the game. Over the next five days, they will light up the arena with thrilling, edge-of-your-seat battles - each one brimming with drama, tension, and sheer brilliance.

It is a true privilege to host this event in Hong Kong. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the World Snooker Tour, the F-Sports Promotions Limited, the Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited, and all our sponsors and partners. Your unwavering commitment and concerted efforts have made this event possible. By hosting this Grand Prix, we are not only contributing to the legacy of snooker in our community but also elevating the sport's local profile and reinforcing Hong Kong's reputation as a premier destination for major international sporting events.

To all our overseas participants and supporters, I invite you to immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Hong Kong. May your time here be filled with wonderful moments - both on and off the table - and may you take home lasting memories of our beautiful city.

In closing, I wish the World Grand Prix 2026 resounding success, and to all contestants, the very best of luck.

Thank you. Let the games begin.

The World Snooker Grand Prix 2025, Photo source: snookerworldgphk.com

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $1.1 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (May 25) detected a drug trafficking case at Hong Kong International Airport. About 1.9 kilograms of suspected heroin, with an estimated market value of about $1.1 million, and one duty-not-paid cigarette were seized.

A 46-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today. During customs clearance, Customs officer found the batch of suspected heroin concealed in a wooden box, and the duty-not-paid cigarette in his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court tomorrow (May 26).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $1.1 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $1.1 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases