This year, one of the city’s most exciting sports events, the Hong Kong Sevens, celebrates its 50th anniversary, a massive wave of passionate fans is expected to flood to Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) to mark this significant milestone. To keep everything safe and under control, not only do the park management teams work tirelessly behind the scenes, the Police Special Duties Squad (KTSP) also plays an indispensable role in the operation.

Sergeant Leung Chi-ho and Police Constable Ng Pui-sze, both key members of the squad, have extensive backgrounds in the management of large-scale events. Ng Pui-sze, who previously served in Happy Valley Division, has participated multiple times in managing the Rugby Sevens matches at the Hong Kong Stadium.

“The atmosphere is super lively for every game,” Ng said. “Excited fans love to have drinks while watching the game, they are cheerful and high-spirited. The South Stand, especially, is where fans go all out with crazy costumes and outfits. When the game gets intense, we’ve to watch out as some might get a bit too carried away and wave their drinks around, turning them into ‘sweet rain’ which could easily spark clashes. Indeed, we feel the same tension with the fans as matches unfold.”

“The livelier it gets, the more alert we have to be,” she continued. “We’re always keeping an eye on surroundings and ready to jump in if emergencies happen. We hope everyone enjoy the game safely and happily.”

With her practical experience at the Stadium over the years, Ng Pui-sze was assigned to the Special Duties Squad (KTSP) of Ngau Tau Kok Division, responsible for coordinating events at KTSP. The deployment wasn’t just a coincidence - it ensured the transfer of experience by assigning the right persons with relevant knowledge and experience to effectively execute various tasks within the Park.

Excited to be part of the first Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak last year, she lived up to the expectations and smoothly completed all her duties. “Moving from the Stadium to Kai Tak isn’t just about changing venues,” Ng said. “It’s a sign of how the Force is keeping up with the times and making good use of technology to work more efficiently. We used to rely on experience and observation to manage crowds, but now, with the help of technology, we can get a complete picture faster and deploy resources more accurately.” She also mentioned the “Easy Leave” website and the “Public Safety Management System”, both designed to improve crowd control. These platforms share real-time updates with the public, and help the police quickly adjust plans to keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensure everyone’s safety.

As for Leung Chi-ho, he was primarily engaged in detective work, detecting crime in small teams in the past. He now works in the Special Duties Squad (KTSP) with a completely different nature of duties.

“In the detective days, I worked in smaller teams focusing on tracking suspects, gathering evidence etc.,” Leung said. “Now, I’ve to deal with major events involving tens of thousands of people. I need to coordinate with numerous departments and stakeholders, including the government bureaux, the venue management teams, and different formations of the Force. Every link in the chain has to stay in sync for thorough deployment.”

Leung said frankly that the shift from “small team” to “big team”, and now coordinating various major events as “one team” with the concerted efforts of different Force units, has broadened his horizons and provided opportunities for him to witness what a team can achieve together. “From a broader perspective, I deeply realise that a successful major event is the result of countless people working together.”

Both Leung Chi-ho and Ng Pui-sze are eagerly looking forward to the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong Sevens. With the experience accumulated last year, the support of the venue, and the implementation of smart policing projects, they are confident that the event this year will run safely and smoothly - continuing Hong Kong’s proud reputation as the events capital.