Six world-class fencers, including two-time Olympic champion Edgar Cheung Ka-long, will compete in Hong Kong's first elite fencing exhibition match on August 26 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM).
The highlight will be a rematch between Cheung and French foil specialist Enzo Lefort, reigniting their thrilling quarter-final clash at last year's Paris Olympics.
Both have expressed their excitement for the rematch, which will take place in a venue that blends history and sports elements.
Other marquee bouts include Incheon Asian Games bronze medalist Antonio Lam Hin-chung facing off against Beijing Olympic champion Zhong Man.
Lam suggested Hong Kong to host more similar events after seeing local athletes win gold in Paris.
Rising local stars Vivienne Lee Man-wai and Chen Hailin will have a duel in an all-Hong Kong matchup, aiming to boost awareness of the sport.
The competition will be livestreamed for public viewing starting from 7.15pm, while a large screen will also be set up at Olympian City.
The event also highlights the integration of sports and cultural arts, featuring a backdrop designed by artist Elaine Chiu, which draws inspiration from the duel between Cheung and Lefort.
Organized by Youth We Go, the exhibition match aiming to promote the National Games' spirit and culture in the community.
Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, chairman of the Youth We Go and also a lawmaker, stated that the National Games are a key sports event for Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
He aims to promote the Games by enhancing community cohesion and helping citizens understand the event's significance.
He said choosing the cultural landmark Hong Kong Palace Museum for the exhibition match is a new initiative.
This year also marks 61 years of diplomatic relations between China and France, adding significance to the sports and cultural exchange, Cheng added.
He hopes the event will provide valuable experience for future sports competitions in cultural venues and foster collaboration between sports and culture, showcasing Hong Kong's diverse charm.
Youth We Go will host a National Games experience day on August 23 at the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring interactive booths to promote sports culture.
Recently, during Sport For All Day, Youth We Go also distributed gifts and information about the National Games in Tsim Sha Tsui to boost community interests.
With the Paralympic Games following, Youth We Go will host another event, where top athletes with disabilities will lead inclusive sports experiences, promoting inclusion.
An initiative will also be held in September, inviting athletes and patriotic education experts to schools in Yau Tsim Mong for talks that share the spirit and values of the Games.
(Updated at 9.28pm)
