The national Olympic team athletes visited Hong Kong from today (29th) to the 31st, with all 5,300 tickets for the three performances selling out rapidly.

The visiting national team athletes include 65 individuals spanning 16 sports disciplines, featuring table tennis player Ma Long, who has won six gold medals across four Olympics, diving's "triple gold champion" Quan Hongchan, and "flying fish" Pan Zhanle, who broke the world record in the men's 100m freestyle.

At the recent Paris Olympics, both the national team and the Hong Kong team achieved remarkable results. Sing Tao Probe interviewed several citizens, who expressed feeling moved and exhilarated when the national and regional flags were raised and the national anthem was played during the Olympic events.

Citizens eagerly await national athletes outside hotels during their Hong Kong visit

National & Hong Kong Athletes Take Pride in Golden Triumph

Samuel, a citizen, expressed his love for swimming, saying he feels immense pride whenever he sees the national team and Hong Kong team win medals, with the national flag and regional flag raised and the national anthem played at the Olympics.

He explained that while European swimmers often have a physical advantage, Chinese athletes still managed to clinch gold medals in swimming—a remarkable achievement that makes him especially proud.

He also noted that since Edgar Cheung Ka-long’s gold medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics, he has grown increasingly confident in Hong Kong athletes. 

Ko, another resident, closely followed the national and Hong Kong teams’ events during the Games. He particularly supported Vivian Kong Man-wai and Edgar Cheung Ka-long, admiring their composure in overcoming setbacks during matches — fighting point by point to ultimately claim gold. He called it a perfect embodiment of the "Hong Kong spirit" and was thrilled by their victories.

Watching the regional flag rise and hearing the national anthem moved him deeply, even bringing him to tears. He said he hopes to learn from the athletes’ resilience and their determination to bring glory to the nation.

Meanwhile, Yan Yan, a soon-to-be fifth grader, is a huge fan of diving champion Quan Hongchan. She marveled at how Quan, at just 14 years old, represented China at the Tokyo Olympics and won gold, honoring the country. She pledged her full support for the young star.

Former HK athlete calls medal victories rare and thrilling experience

Though the Paris Olympics have concluded, many citizens remain deeply impressed by the determined performances of both the national team and Hong Kong team athletes. Sing Tao Probe interviewed Alex Fong Lik-sun, who represented Hong Kong in swimming at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Although he did not win a medal then, his later career in entertainment allowed him to cover the Games as a reporter, witnessing Hong Kong athletes' golden moments firsthand. Seeing the regional flag rise and the national anthem played at the Olympics, he described it as an incredibly rare and moving experience—both as a born and raised Hongkonger and a former athlete.

Fong recalled watching Siobhan Haughey claim two silver medals at Tokyo 2020 and two bronzes in Paris. He emphasized how grueling it is for swimmers to reach the podium at the Olympics, calling it a "near-unattainable dream." Haughey's success, he said, not only fulfilled his own unrealized aspirations but also inspired young athletes training tirelessly today. 

He expressed hope for Hong Kong's sports development—whether in swimming, other disciplines, or systemic improvements in training and resources—to nurture more elite athletes who can bring glory to the city.

Sports as soft power symbol: Scholars, lawmakers urge gov’t to strengthen sports policies

Lobo Louie Hung-tak, senior lecturer in the Department of Health and Physical Education at the Education University of Hong Kong, stated that Hong Kong's two gold and two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics have sparked enthusiastic public reactions, bringing joy and support to society.

He emphasized that the team's success was not achieved overnight but through long-term training and development.

Louie highlighted the social value of sports in uniting communities, nations, and even fostering a sense of ethnic identity. He described sports as a symbol of a country's soft power, uniquely capable of touching hearts. When people witness national athletes winning medals, it prompts reflection on their identity as Chinese and creates a shared sense of pride in the athletes' dedication.

He urged the government to recognize sports' influence, noting its critical role in Hong Kong's achievements, national team success, and the broader rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

Lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, who attended the Paris Games in person, shared that the event showcased the hard work and growth of both the national and Hong Kong teams, reinforcing a sense of national identity.

Fellow lawmaker Adrian Petro Ho King-hong added that regardless of medals, the Olympics inspired excitement and unity among citizens.

He encouraged the SAR government to host more international competitions, allowing the local audience to witness elite athletes compete on home soil—an experience that significantly boosts pride in one's identity, nation, and heritage.