Fencer Vivian Kong’s LegCo bid unlikely amid passport concerns

Hong Kong’s Olympic gold medalist Vivian Kong Man-wai is unlikely to enter the 2025 Legislative Council election, with sources citing both eligibility hurdles and limited political prospects as reasons behind her decision to stay out of the race.

Kong, nicknamed “Smiling Queen of Fencing,” currently serves as an assistant manager in external affairs at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

It is understood that she had earlier been approached by political figures encouraging her to run in the geographical constituency election. Her popularity and wholesome public image were seen as potential assets that could inspire voter engagement and inject a fresh face into the political scene.

However, multiple factors have reportedly discouraged her from making the leap.

According to political insiders, Kong, who spent several years living abroad, still holds a foreign passport, which disqualifies her from running in the geographical constituency race under current rules requiring candidates to hold no foreign residency rights.

A source familiar with the matter said Kong had seriously explored the idea of standing for election, but “given the technical barrier of her foreign passport and the timing of the nomination process, it is likely she would not be able to proceed.”

Apart from eligibility concerns, the source also said that while Kong’s fame and Olympic achievements could attract attention, her lack of established community networks would make it difficult to compete with candidates supported by political parties and local associations.