Ivan Yang, Lydia Sham Named Hong Kong Flag-Bearers for Nagoya Asian Games
Thestandard · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong has officially named its flag-bearers for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, selecting 3x3 basketball player Ivan Yang Pok-man and wushu athlete Lydia Sham Hui-yu to carry the Hong Kong flag at the opening ceremony on Saturday. The announcement came during a welcoming ceremony held at Nagoya Port Garden Pier on Thursday morning, attended by sanda athlete Chan Tsz-ching and led by chef de mission Wong Po-kee. The Hong Kong delegation comprises over 800 people, including approximately 580 athletes, who will compete across 38 sports during the games running from September 19 to October 4.
Key Points
- Ivan Yang Pok-man, a 3x3 basketball player, and Lydia Sham Hui-yu, a wushu athlete, were named Hong Kong's flag-bearers at Nagoya Port Garden Pier on Thursday
- The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games opening ceremony is scheduled for this Saturday, September 19, 2026, with competitions running through October 4
- The Hong Kong delegation consists of more than 800 people, including about 580 athletes, competing across 38 sports
- This marks the debut of padel, modern pentathlon, and wrestling as official Asian Games sports
- Yang previously captained Hong Kong's men's under-22 team at last year's National Games, while Sham won gold in women's changquan at the Chengdu 2025 World Games
- Chef de mission Wong Po-kee stated that Yang was selected to recognize hard work across team ball sports, while Sham was chosen to support wushu competitors
Why It Matters
The flag-bearer selections reflect Hong Kong's commitment to both traditional powerhouse sports and emerging disciplines, with the large 580-athlete contingent demonstrating the city's growing ambitions on Asia's premier sporting stage . As Hong Kong athletes prepare to compete across a record number of sports including three debut events, the public's support could provide crucial momentum for competitors facing unfamiliar venues and scattered accommodation arrangements .
The flag-bearer selections reflect Hong Kong's commitment to both traditional powerhouse sports and emerging disciplines, with the large 580-athlete contingent demonstrating the city's growing ambitions on Asia's premier sporting stage . As Hong Kong athletes prepare to compete across a record number of sports including three debut events, the public's support could provide crucial momentum for competitors facing unfamiliar venues and scattered accommodation arrangements .