sports · RTHK

Hong Kong Unveils 580-Athlete Delegation for Nagoya Asian Games with Record-Setting Goals

1 day ago6 MIN
Hong Kong Unveils 580-Athlete Delegation for Nagoya Asian Games with Record-Setting Goals

Summary

The flag presentation ceremony for Hong Kong's contingent to the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games took place on September 1, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu officially handing over the flag to the delegation. The Games are set to open on September 19 in Japan's Aichi Prefecture and continue through October 4, with Hong Kong sending approximately 580 athletes across 38 sports disciplines .

Key Points

  • Hong Kong's 580-athlete contingent represents a reduction of approximately 90 competitors compared to the 2022 Hangzhou Games, partly due to certain events not being included in this edition's program
  • At the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, Hong Kong achieved a record 53 medals: 8 gold, 16 silver, and 29 bronze
  • The Hong Kong Jockey Club will award individual gold medalists HK$1 million, with team gold earning HK$2 million under its Elite Athlete Award Scheme
  • Government funding to the Hong Kong Sports Institute has increased by more than 30 percent over the past five years, supporting training, sports medicine, and direct financial assistance
  • Team leader Wong Po-ki expressed confidence that athletes will maintain their competitive edge despite the reduced squad size, aiming to match the previous Games' performance

Why It Matters

This delegation marks a significant milestone as Hong Kong athletes prepare to compete against Asia's elite on a major international stage. The combination of increased government investment, corporate sponsorship through the Jockey Club's reward scheme, and the athletes' demonstrated resilience positions Hong Kong to further enhance its sporting reputation across the region while inspiring future generations of competitors . Details of the Ceremony The flag presentation ceremony, organized by the Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (HKFSOC), was held at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin on September 1 . Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presented the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag to HKFSOC President Fok Chun-yun, Honorary Secretary-General Yeung Cho-chee, and Honorary Deputy Secretary-General and Team Leader Wong Po-ki . Also attending were Sun Shangwu, Deputy Director of the Central People's Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Hua You, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, and Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau Secretary Lo Sut-pik . In his speech, John Lee highlighted Hong Kong athletes' remarkable achievements in previous Asian Games competitions, particularly the record-breaking performance at the Hangzhou Games . He expressed confidence that the current delegation would continue the fighting spirit demonstrated at last year's National Games, striving for excellence on Asia's premier sporting stage . Lee emphasized that the significance of sports extends far beyond medal tallies, stating that Hong Kong athletes' resilience and never-say-die attitude represent the best embodiment of the Hong Kong spirit . "This spirit transcends language and cultural boundaries, projecting confidence and soft power to the world while telling the stories of China and Hong Kong," he remarked . Government and Private Sector Support The Chief Executive acknowledged the collective efforts behind the athletes' success, thanking the HKFSOC, Sports Institute, various sports associations, coaching teams, and support staff . He noted that the government will continue to invest in athlete development through policy and resources, with funding to the Sports Institute increasing by more than 30 percent over the past five years . The Hong Kong Jockey Club has also demonstrated its commitment to supporting elite athletes through the continuation of its Elite Athlete Award Scheme . Under this program, individual gold medalists will receive HK$1 million, while team gold winners will be awarded HK$2 million . Silver and bronze medals carry corresponding rewards of HK$500,000 and HK$250,000 for individuals, with team events receiving double those amounts . Competition Outlook The Nagoya Asian Games will feature Hong Kong athletes competing in 38 sports, with the full delegation numbering over 800 people including athletes, coaches, and support staff . Most teams are scheduled to depart for Japan on September 16 and 18, with the official village entry ceremony planned for September 17 . Several world-class athletes lead the contingent, including fencing world champion Ryan Choi Chun-yin, two-time Olympic gold medalist Cheung Ka-long, karate sensation Lau Mo-lai, table tennis veteran Wong Chun-ting, and the accomplished squash team . Team Leader Wong Po-ki acknowledged the challenges of hosting a multi-venue games spread across different cities, noting that accommodation arrangements have been complicated by the high number of registered participants . Despite the logistical hurdles and reduced squad size, he expressed optimism that Hong Kong athletes would deliver strong performances and potentially surpass expectations . HKFSOC's 75th Anniversary Celebrations The flag presentation ceremony coincided with celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the HKFSOC . President Fok Chun-yun stated that the organization would leverage its decades of experience to coordinate various units and ensure athletes can focus entirely on their competitions . To engage public support, the federation will organize promotional activities at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from September 2 to 6 and at apm in Kwun Tong from September 11 to 13, featuring interactive games themed around "75" and athlete exchange sessions .
This delegation marks a significant milestone as Hong Kong athletes prepare to compete against Asia's elite on a major international stage. The combination of increased government investment, corporate sponsorship through the Jockey Club's reward scheme, and the athletes' demonstrated resilience positions Hong Kong to further enhance its sporting reputation across the region while inspiring future generations of competitors . Details of the Ceremony The flag presentation ceremony, organized by the Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (HKFSOC), was held at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin on September 1 . Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presented the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag to HKFSOC President Fok Chun-yun, Honorary Secretary-General Yeung Cho-chee, and Honorary Deputy Secretary-General and Team Leader Wong Po-ki . Also attending were Sun Shangwu, Deputy Director of the Central People's Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Hua You, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, and Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau Secretary Lo Sut-pik . In his speech, John Lee highlighted Hong Kong athletes' remarkable achievements in previous Asian Games competitions, particularly the record-breaking performance at the Hangzhou Games . He expressed confidence that the current delegation would continue the fighting spirit demonstrated at last year's National Games, striving for excellence on Asia's premier sporting stage . Lee emphasized that the significance of sports extends far beyond medal tallies, stating that Hong Kong athletes' resilience and never-say-die attitude represent the best embodiment of the Hong Kong spirit . "This spirit transcends language and cultural boundaries, projecting confidence and soft power to the world while telling the stories of China and Hong Kong," he remarked . Government and Private Sector Support The Chief Executive acknowledged the collective efforts behind the athletes' success, thanking the HKFSOC, Sports Institute, various sports associations, coaching teams, and support staff . He noted that the government will continue to invest in athlete development through policy and resources, with funding to the Sports Institute increasing by more than 30 percent over the past five years . The Hong Kong Jockey Club has also demonstrated its commitment to supporting elite athletes through the continuation of its Elite Athlete Award Scheme . Under this program, individual gold medalists will receive HK$1 million, while team gold winners will be awarded HK$2 million . Silver and bronze medals carry corresponding rewards of HK$500,000 and HK$250,000 for individuals, with team events receiving double those amounts . Competition Outlook The Nagoya Asian Games will feature Hong Kong athletes competing in 38 sports, with the full delegation numbering over 800 people including athletes, coaches, and support staff . Most teams are scheduled to depart for Japan on September 16 and 18, with the official village entry ceremony planned for September 17 . Several world-class athletes lead the contingent, including fencing world champion Ryan Choi Chun-yin, two-time Olympic gold medalist Cheung Ka-long, karate sensation Lau Mo-lai, table tennis veteran Wong Chun-ting, and the accomplished squash team . Team Leader Wong Po-ki acknowledged the challenges of hosting a multi-venue games spread across different cities, noting that accommodation arrangements have been complicated by the high number of registered participants . Despite the logistical hurdles and reduced squad size, he expressed optimism that Hong Kong athletes would deliver strong performances and potentially surpass expectations . HKFSOC's 75th Anniversary Celebrations The flag presentation ceremony coincided with celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the HKFSOC . President Fok Chun-yun stated that the organization would leverage its decades of experience to coordinate various units and ensure athletes can focus entirely on their competitions . To engage public support, the federation will organize promotional activities at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from September 2 to 6 and at apm in Kwun Tong from September 11 to 13, featuring interactive games themed around "75" and athlete exchange sessions .

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