The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly deplored the mistake made when incorrect music was played as the National Anthem after the Hong Kong versus Iran match at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Bosnia yesterday.

According to the video of the match, the Hong Kong athletes followed the guidelines issued by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and lodged a protest immediately. The organiser then made an immediate correction.

The Hong Kong SAR Government recognised the action taken by the Hong Kong athletes which upheld national dignity.

It has requested the SF&OC to conduct an in-depth investigation, submit a report as soon as possible and follow up on the incident in a serious manner.

The investigation should include whether the relevant national sports association had checked on site with the event organiser to ensure that the National Anthem to be played was correct as stipulated in the guidelines, it added.