HKJC awards $2.35m to medal-winning athletes

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC ) celebrated the success of nine Hong Kong athletes by presenting them with HK$2.35 million in checks during a special dinner on September 19. The awards honored their outstanding performances at the World University Games held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.

The event, held at the Jockey Club’s Sha Tin Clubhouse, was organized by the University Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (USFHK), co-organized by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), and sponsored by the Jockey Club. The checks were awarded under the Jockey Club Athlete Incentives Awards Scheme (JCAIAS), which supports athletes who excel in major competitions.

Among the distinguished guests were Jeff Sze, Under Secretary for Education; George Tsoi, Commissioner for Sports; Raymond Tam, the Jockey Club’s Executive Director of Corporate Affairs; Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Tang King-shing, HKSI Chairman; and William Hau, USFHK Chairman.

Raymond Tam praised the athletes for their dedication and for showcasing Hong Kong’s resilience and spirit on the global stage. “These athletes have made us proud and brought positive energy to our community,” he said, adding that the Jockey Club remains committed to supporting sports development in Hong Kong and beyond, including the upcoming National Games.

More than 30 athletes attended the ceremony, with nine receiving checks for their medal-winning performances. Fencer Hsieh Sin-yan, who defended her title in the women’s individual épée, shared her gratitude for the recognition. “Every match was a challenge and a motivation. The Jockey Club’s support acknowledges years of hard work, and I’m determined to keep pushing toward the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles,” she said.

Table tennis duo Chan Ho-wah and Yiu Kwan-to, who won gold in men’s doubles, celebrated their historic victory as Hong Kong’s first table tennis gold at the Games. “This medal reflects the trust we have in each other and the support from our coaches and medical team,” they said. “We’re thankful to the Jockey Club and will continue striving to win more for Hong Kong.”

Launched in 2023, the JCAIAS provides cash rewards to Hong Kong athletes excelling in events like the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and World University Games. Since its inception, the Jockey Club has awarded nearly HK$76 million through the scheme.

The Jockey Club has long supported sports in Hong Kong, from grassroots to elite levels. It helped establish the HKSI in 1982 and, in 2021, committed HK$150 million to match a government grant for sports science research. The Club is also a major supporter of the 15th National Games, contributing HK$450 million for the Hong Kong Competition Region and 50 million yuan for the Guangdong Competition Region, including support for equestrian events and volunteer services.