The Major Sports Events Committee today announced that it has awarded "M" Mark status to the 2021 Tissot UCI Track Cycling Nations Cup, Hong Kong, China, to be held from May 13 to 16.

This will be the first "M" Mark event held under the COVID-19 epidemic.

The committee's Chairman Karl Kwok said the event will add colour and vibrancy to Hong Kong and provide an opportunity for people to enjoy high-level competition.

Due to the epidemic, the event will be held behind closed doors in the form of a safety bubble.

This will demonstrate Hong Kong's capability of organising major sports events under extremely challenging circumstances and generate positive publicity for the city, thereby strengthening its position as a centre for major international sports events, Mr Kwok noted.

Launched in 2004, the "M" Mark system helps local national sports associations organise more major sports events. Funding support will also be provided to some event organisers.