Fencer Ho aims to make world's top-16 after Paris setback

Michael Shum

Hong Kong's epee fencer Ho Wai-hang is aiming to break into the top 16 in the world rankings to secure qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, both in the individual and team events.

The 28-year-old fencer was eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to overcome the eventual silver medalist, 30-year-old Japanese fencer Masaru Yamada, losing 15-9.

"I've never scored more than five points against Yamada, who is ranked within the top 16 epee fencers in the world. I took an early lead, but he managed to get the better of me," Ho said.

Looking ahead, he said: "The new season starts in October, and my target is to reach the round of 16 in upcoming global competitions, which would boost my world ranking into the top 16. This would secure my qualification for the 2028 Olympics, both in the individual and team events."

Ho recalled the turmoil he faced after failing to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, with his world ranking dropping out of the top 10, leaving him on the brink of retiring from full-time fencing.

"But I didn't want to waste the encouragement of my coaches and teammates. Combined with my love for the sport, I was able to regain my form," he said.

Regarding athlete incomes, Ho, an "Elite Tier A" athlete - the second-highest category - said he currently receives a subsidy of HK$32,000.

"I think the subsidy is sufficient but the more the merrier as it would provide a greater peace of mind for our retirement. However, the subsidy for junior athletes is relatively low."

Retired fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai, a Paris Olympics gold medalist now working for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, encouraged students of the government's Strive and Rise Program - currently visiting Hangzhou - to find something they love to do. "It's heartbreaking to see many students being too mature. I've managed to stay young because of sports and finding something I love to do. I hope the students can find their passion, too," Kong said.

Elsewhere, sailor Nicholas Halliday returned to Hong Kong after finishing 24th in the men's dinghy event at the Paris Olympics, the second-fastest time by an Asian athlete.

"I'm satisfied with my results, and it's been my dream to compete in the Olympics. I'm motivated to prepare even better for the next Games," Halliday said.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Adrian Ho King-hong is calling on the government to meet with representatives from the swimming sector, as smaller-scale swimming clubs are complaining about the "unfair distribution of swimming lanes at public swimming pools."

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com