Glorious Games

Michael Shum and Wallis Wang

Himson Wong Hok-him, bronze winner in Chinese chess, was Hong Kong's flag bearer in last night's closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the city's delegation scooped a record-high 53 medals.

The 940-strong delegation bagged eight golds, 16 silvers and 29 bronzes, exceeding the 46 medals won in 2018 in Jakarta.

Wong, 39, who a bronze in the mixed team Xiangqi event, was the first mind sports athlete to be the flag bearer of the Asiad.

The ceremony was attended by around 30 Hong Kong athletes, mostly Chinese chess, synchronized swimming and karate athletes, who remained in Hangzhou.

China passed the torch to Japan, who will host the Nagoya-Aichi Asian Games from September 19 to October 4 in 2026.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu congratulated the athletes for their "outstanding achievements," saying the largest delegation has lived up to people's expectations and the results were very encouraging.

"The Hong Kong athletes won gold medals in rowing, fencing, swimming, rugby, golf, cycling and bridge. The Hong Kong men's football team also made a historic appearance in the semi-finals, arousing the passion of fans across the city. Their spirit of hard work has won everyone's applause and support," Lee said.

"The Hong Kong athletes had endured arduous training over the years and fought hard in the competitions, displaying professional sportsmanship. I believe that all Hong Kong people, like myself, are extremely proud of the grace shown by all our athletes."

Lee said the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China will hold a welcoming ceremony for athletes on Saturday.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung thanked the athletes for their excellent results and plans to welcome them today at the airport.

Earlier, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki and Commissioner for Sports Sam Wong Tak-sum visited the Athletes Village.

Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said Legco will spare no efforts in promoting sports.

The Hong Kong athletes' remarkable journey started when foil fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long snatched the city's first gold, while "Flying Fish" Siobhan Haughey took a total of six medals - two golds, one silver and three bronzes.

Spectacular performances also came from the cycling team, with Yang Qianyu adding a gold medal in road cycling and others bagging three silvers and two bronzes.

Hong Kong finished 12th overall with eight golds - two behind 11th-placed Kazakhstan and three behind North Korea in 10th place.

China finished with a record-breaking 201 golds at the biggest Asian Games ever of 12,000 athletes.

Taiwan's Gu Shiau-shuang won the final gold when she triumphed in the women's karate -50kg kumite class.

But it was host China who dominated the overall medals table, beating the 199 they collected at Guangzhou 2010.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com