The four-strong squad, set to compete in the iQFoil event this September, features veterans Alex Cheng and Mui Ma alongside under-19 representatives Wong Tsz-ho and Cheung Tsz-yuet, as the city looks to extend its remarkable medal-winning streak.
The SAR has claimed at least one Asian Games windsurfing medal in nine consecutive editions, a legacy underscored by its two silver and one bronze haul at the last Games in Hangzhou.
Now, with the team bound for Japan, the pressure is on — but so is the resolve.
For Cheng, the upcoming Games represent more than just another shot at glory; they are a chance to rewrite his own narrative.
The bronze medallist from Hangzhou three years ago believes the intervening years have sharpened both his technique and temperament.
“When I took part in the last edition, I’d say I was a bit naive. There were a lot of things I didn’t prepare well, from spare equipment to mindset. I was very nervous,” he said.
But he said the years that followed have been transformative.
Competing at the Olympics, the National Games, and three World Championships has equipped him with the kind of wisdom that only high-stakes racing can provide.
“That has made me more mature — I now know how to handle my mental state. Even in major events like these, I’ve realised that I just need to perform as I do in daily training and that’s enough,” he said.
“There’s no need to make too many deliberate adjustments that might affect my performance.”
Meanwhile, Ma is drawing confidence from familiarity. Having previously raced at the Japanese venue, she feels well-prepared to handle the local conditions — a factor that could prove decisive.
“We did a lot of strength training and also a lot of aerobic training to help us to adapt to the light-wind conditions in Japan,” she said.
“Since in Japan, we need to pump a lot in the light-wind races so our fitness levels have to be enhanced.”
Debutant Cheung Tsz-yuet, who is the youngest on the squad, is already dreaming of medal glory.
She notes that the racing conditions in Japan are similar to those in Hong Kong, which has only strengthened her belief in her ability to perform well.