Hong Kong Equestrian Team Places Ninth at Asian Games, 17-Year-Old Rider Li Yuning Ranks 11th
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong equestrian team wrapped up the team dressage competition at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan on September 25, finishing ninth among nine participating teams with a total score of 194.677 points . The 17-year-old sensation Li Yuning stole the spotlight with a remarkable individual performance, placing 11th with 67.794 points aboard her horse ZINQ Ferati FH . Team captain He Yuanxin, who had previously secured fourth place in the eventing competition, scored 64.412 points to rank 31st, while 22-year-old Zheng Kaixi contributed 62.471 points for 37th place . All three athletes are products of the Hong Kong Equestrian Elite Programme jointly operated by the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which deployed a full support team including coaches, stable hands, veterinarians, farriers, and animal physiotherapists to assist the riders throughout the competition .
Key Points
- The dressage competition took place at the Japan Racing Association Equestrian Facility from September 25 to 27, marking the first of three consecutive days of equestrian events .
- Li Yuning's score of 67.794 points represented the team's best individual result, which she described as a "clean test" achieving her personal best performance .
- The nine-member Hong Kong team fielded a "veteran-led youth" lineup designed to build experience for future international competitions .
- Jockey Club Equestrian Training Manager Bao Aiqin served as team leader, overseeing a comprehensive support staff for riders and horses .
- Show jumping events will follow from October 1 and 3-4, featuring riders including Lam Lik-san, Lai Zhenmin, Li Jiayi, and Wei Na .
Why It Matters
The team's ninth-place finish, while modest in ranking, represents a strategic investment in developing Hong Kong's next generation of equestrian talent, with the youth-focused lineup gaining invaluable experience at Asia's premier multi-sport event . As the territory's equestrian programme continues to mature under the Jockey Club's Elite Programme, performances like Li Yuning's breakout debut signal growing depth in Hong Kong's riding capabilities ahead of future competitions .
The team's ninth-place finish, while modest in ranking, represents a strategic investment in developing Hong Kong's next generation of equestrian talent, with the youth-focused lineup gaining invaluable experience at Asia's premier multi-sport event . As the territory's equestrian programme continues to mature under the Jockey Club's Elite Programme, performances like Li Yuning's breakout debut signal growing depth in Hong Kong's riding capabilities ahead of future competitions .