Speaking at Hong Kong International Airport, Grace Lau, who bagged a silver in the women’s individual kata, said she was very pleased with her performance.
“Even though the result isn’t what I wanted, I am still very happy because it’s not always possible to perform at that level on the competition mat during training,” she said.
The 34-year-old, who won bronze medals in her last two Asian Games appearances, said she has not yet mapped out her future plans and will consult with her coaching team later.
As the only SAR karate medallist at the Hangzhou Games three years ago, Lau also said she was glad to see her teammates share in the success this time.
She said the squad’s achievements demonstrate Hong Kong’s wealth of talent and resources, and she hopes the results will motivate the next generation of young karatekas to improve.
Meanwhile, Tsang Yee-ting, who had returned to competition after giving birth to her son, finally won a medal on her fourth Asian Games appearance, taking silver in the women’s kumite -50kg.
The 34-year-old said her achievement proves that age is just a number.
“I don’t think of my age or that I went through giving birth. I don’t want to stay distanced from my teammates. I want to be even closer and to work hard together, to grow, train and win together,” she said.
Tsang also thanked internet users for naming her “the strongest mother”. Despite feeling slightly embarrassed by the title, she hoped that her dual role as a mother and athlete can inspire others.
Her teammate, 32-year-old Wong Cheuk-lee, who claimed bronze in the women’s kumite -68kg on her Asian Games debut, said she was glad to have persevered and fended off thoughts of giving up.
