Hong Kong joined Macau and two Guangdong cities on Sunday in marking the run-up to the National Games with torch relays featuring top athletes, business leaders and community members, as a minister revealed that about a third of local event tickets had been sold.

The relays started in the morning in Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki describing the Hong Kong section as a “city parade” that saw 50 torch-bearers traverse iconic landmarks and modern sports facilities.

“It is not only a feat but also fully shows the unique edges of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area,” Hong Kong’s No 2 official said at the opening ceremony for the city’s relay event.

“The torch’s journey will showcase to the world Hong Kong’s extraordinary charm as an international metropolis and a city of mega-events.”

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, meanwhile, said authorities were well prepared for the start of the Games on Sunday, November 9.

She also expressed optimism regarding local ticket sales, despite around 70 per cent of those for locally hosted competitive events remaining unsold.

Co-hosted by Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Macau, the 15th National Games will run until November 21. It is considered China’s highest-level multi-sport event.