A commendation ceremony for the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the 20th Asian Games was held today at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre.
Chief Executive John Lee officiated at the ceremony, which was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). He presented certificates of commendation to the medallists to honour their exceptional achievements.
Speaking at the event, Mr Lee praised the athletes, noting that their outstanding performances exemplified the hard work and dedication of countless individuals. He expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), the SF&OC, national sports associations, coaches and medical teams for their dedicated guidance and comprehensive support, which provided staunch backing for the athletes.
Mr Lee highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to sports development. Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, announced last month, clearly outlines directions for advancing elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism, and developing sports as an industry, including upgrading athletes’ overall standards through the HKSI’s elite training system.
In the latest Policy Address, Mr Lee proposed supporting the HKSI in launching a new three-year Sports Executive Training Programme. The initiative aims to broaden career pathways for retired athletes and nurture professional management talent for the sports sector.
The Hong Kong, China delegation, comprising around 580 athletes, competed in 38 events and secured a record-breaking 54 medals, including 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze. Both the gold medal count and the overall medal tally marked the delegation’s most successful performance in Asian Games history.
Other guests included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Sun Shangwu; President of the SF&OC of Hong Kong, China, Timothy Fok; Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the 20th Asian Games Wong Po-kee; Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki; Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law; Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Vivian Sum; Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau; Commissioner for Sports Polly Chong; and Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Manda Chan.