Hong Kong's team record-breaking performance at the National Games was a "pleasant surprise", demonstrating that local athletes are on par with the mainland,' said Tony Choi Yuk-kwan, chief executive of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI).
His remarks followed the team's historic haul of 19 medals, including nine gold, two silver and eight bronze.
Speaking on a TV program, Choi highlighted this year's result beyond his expectations, considering the Hong Kong team historically secured no more than two gold medals.
Choi characterized the competition as intensely balanced, citing the exciting cycling match where Hong Kong won it by a nose.
He praised the more than 600 athletes for demonstrating the resilient spirit, with standout performances in fencing, swimming, and windsurfing.
Beyond the podium finishes, he highlighted the "satisfying achievement" of over 40 top-eight placements—a significant breakthrough from previous years.
Emphasizing that the National Games are the country's highest-level sporting event, he expressed excitement about the emergence of young talents like cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing, who claimed three gold medals.
Choi attributed the improvement to consistent efforts, enhanced government support, systematic youth training programs, a growing sports culture in schools, and ongoing partnerships with organizations like the Jockey Club.
Notably, he highlighted that the training exchanges with the mainland have proven fruitful, such as the triathlon team's training in Yunnan and fencing exchanges with Guangdong teams.
While not providing specific numbers, he affirmed that training trips to the mainland have "significantly increased," creating a win-win situation that offers high-quality, cost-effective training with national support.
When asked whether the city would consider organizing more mega sporting events, including the Asian Games or Olympics, Choi acknowledged the challenges presented to a single city.
However, he pointed out that the recent success of the National Games showcased the Greater Bay Area's capability to host high-level comprehensive sports events, hinting at the potential for staging future Olympic Games.
He added that while Hong Kong regularly hosts international events like tennis and badminton, it could also consider bidding for smaller-scale competitions like the Asian Youth Games.
Regarding the changes in athlete numbers within HKSI, Choi reported that the number of full-time athletes has risen significantly from just over 300 eight to nine years ago to more than 750 at present. Additionally, the overall count of elite athletes has expanded to approximately 1,700.
Highlighting the effectiveness of a dual-track development strategy, he noted that athletes receive support to develop second careers while continuing their training. This approach not only enhances the athletes' overall image but also positively influences public perception.
