Hong Kong Sends 580 Athletes to Nagoya Asian Games, Aims to Match 53-Medal Haul
Bastillepost · 5 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The 20th Asian Games in Nagoya are set to open on September 19, and Hong Kong's delegation received its official flag at a ceremony held Tuesday morning at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presided over the event, where officials and athletes gathered ahead of the departure to Japan. The delegation will comprise approximately 580 athletes competing in over 30 sports, with the youngest member being 11-year-old skateboarder Huang Erxuan.
Key Points
- Hong Kong will send 580 athletes to Nagoya, roughly 90 fewer than the 670 who competed at Hangzhou 2022, after some medal-winning events such as bridge were not included this edition.
- Chef de Mission Wong Po-kei stated the goal is to match the 53 medals (8 gold, 16 silver, 29 bronze) won in Hangzhou, though the reduced squad size and absent events make this ambitious.
- Fencing champion Cheung Ka-long indicated the team foil squad will target gold, building on the silver they earned at the World Championships, while teammate Ryan Choi aims for individual gold.
- The opening ceremony flag bearers remain undecided, but Wong suggested candidates may come from team sports rather than individual stars like Cheung, who is scheduled to arrive only two days before his competition.
- Accommodation logistics are strained as registrations exceeded expectations at 17,000 athletes, creating a shortfall of approximately 500 rooms; table tennis players will stay on a cruise ship.
Why It Matters
With fewer athletes and several previous medal events absent, matching Hong Kong's record-breaking Hangzhou performance will require peak performances across the board. The logistical challenges of dispersed venues and tight accommodations could affect athlete recovery, making the Hong Kong Olympic Committee's support operations critical to the team's success.
With fewer athletes and several previous medal events absent, matching Hong Kong's record-breaking Hangzhou performance will require peak performances across the board. The logistical challenges of dispersed venues and tight accommodations could affect athlete recovery, making the Hong Kong Olympic Committee's support operations critical to the team's success.