News

The Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) announced today that, after a worldwide search for the best candidate, it has appointed He Yiming as its Head Badminton Coach (HBC) with effect from 1 July 2010.

Coach He Yiming has been the acting HBC since the retirement of the HKSI’s former HBC, Chan Chi-choi, in April this year. Originally a member of China’s national badminton team, Coach He joined the HKSI in 1993 as a badminton coach in charge of the women and youth teams. Under Coach He’s guidance for the last 17 years, Hong Kong’s badminton teams have returned with many honours from various international competitions. These high-profile victories include Wang Chen’s gold and Yip Pui-yin’s silver medals at the Doha 2006 Asian Games.

Dr Trisha Leahy, Chief Executive of the HKSI, said, “I’m very pleased that Coach He has accepted this offer to lead the badminton team. His expertise in the sport, and his high-level coaching experience, passion and commitment to Hong Kong badminton all make him the perfect choice for this position. We believe that, under his leadership, the accomplishments of the Hong Kong badminton team will reach new heights.”  Coach He’s appointment is also welcomed by the Hong Kong Badminton Association (HKBA).

“I would like to thank the HKSI, the HKBA and all the athletes for their trust and support in me,” remarked Coach He as he accepted the appointment. “The post of HBC represents an exciting new challenge for me. Drawing on my years of experience with the Hong Kong team and the mutual understanding I enjoy with the other coaches and players, I am confident that I can do this job well. In everything I do, I will strive to manage the coaching team in such a way that I can contribute all my knowledge and experience to the sport, and lead the Hong Kong badminton team to even greater success.”