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Hong Kong achieved remarkable success at the 19^th Asian Games Hangzhou by bringing home 53 medals – 8 gold, 16 silver and 29 bronze medals. To celebrate this historic result, the Jockey Club Sports PLUS Elite Athletes Community Programme, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by the HKSI, held a two-day “Meet the Asian Games Medallists” event on 24 and 25 November at the HKSI. Medallists shared their “Road to Asian Games” stories and interacted with the public. Medallists on day one included equestrian Samantha Chan, fencers Chan Wai-ling and Choi Chun-yin, rugby player Li Nim-yan; while medallists on day two included long jumper Yue Nga-yan, fencers Choi Chun-yin and Kong Man-wai, and rowers Lam San-tung and Chiu Hin-chun. More than 500 participants enjoyed the chance to connect with the home-grown athletes in person, increasing their understanding of local elite sports development.

In line with the theme of this year’s programme, “Discover More”, the event included an athlete sharing session. Athletes shared their personal sporting journeys, inspiring the public to set goals and strive for improvement in their lives. Athletes also encouraged visitors to participate actively in sports and appreciate their holistic value beyond just health benefits, such as developing resilience and courage, which are vital for facing challenges. Furthermore, a team of the HKSI sports science experts revealed the all-round support provided to the athletes as they prepared for and participated in the Asian Games.

Equestrian Samantha Chan, who has made her Asian Games debut and won the first-ever Asian Games medal in the dressage team event for Hong Kong, said: “Winning the team bronze in Dressage in my first Asian Games still feels like the greatest miracle, but in reality it is the culmination of all the hard work from everyone around us, the support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China, and of course the efforts from my teammates Jacqueline Siu and Annie Ho who I have looked up to since I was a young athlete.”

During the sharing session, rower Lam San-tung, who won the first gold medal for Hong Kong at this year’s Asian Games and only the second ever Asian Games rowing gold medal for Hong Kong, said: “For me personally, this gold medal is the result of many years of hard work and recognition of my sporting career. I am glad to see that the public's interest in rowing has increased since the Games, and I believe more people will be attracted to the sport. In fact, I believe that sports can help young people to learn self-discipline and build their confidence, and I hope more young people will pursue a sports career in the future."

Choi Chun-yin, who won his first men’s foil individual bronze as well as a bronze medal in the men's foil team event, said: "I am very honoured to have met with audiences of different ages at the two-day event. I am happy to encourage others by sharing my own experience, as my athletic journey has been filled with many ups and downs, and I have faced many setbacks along the way. But I gradually realised that failure is just the key to success, and I also began to understand the importance of adjusting my mindset. I hope that my sharing can help people cope with their stress, and bring inspiration to anyone suffering from overwhelming negative energy to overcome with a positive attitude."

Bringing home the first-ever Asian Games medal in a field event, long jumper Yue Nga-yan said: “This medal is a proof of all the hard work I have put in, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the supporting teams who always have my back. I am truly grateful for the support from my coaches and the sports science team, as they have been the strongest support on my path to the podium. I am so thankful to be invited by the programme to share with the youth and their parents. This gives me an opportunity to introduce the anonymous heroes behind each medal, who also deserve our attention apart from supporting Hong Kong athletes.”

Apart from medallists, four sports science experts from the HKSI’s Scientific Conditioning Centre, Sport Biomechanics and Technology Centre, Sport Nutrition Monitoring Centre and Sport Psychology Centre were also invited to explain the various ways in which the HKSI helped the athletes prepare for the Asian Games. The Elite Training Science & Technology Division of the HKSI provides services in talent identification, fitness training, sport nutrition, sport psychology, sport biomechanics and sports medicine. It formulates training plans, sets goals and strategies according to individual needs during daily training, pre-game preparations, and during the competition, which allow the athletes to perform in their best shape. For the Asian Games, the team conducted a series of data analyses before the competition to learn more about the training models, reward mechanisms and overall analysis of different sports of various countries.

At the event, the medallists also played interactive games with audience members to test their coordination and reaction. The athletes teamed up with teenagers and parents for competitions, demonstrating the value of team spirit and sportsmanship.

After the games, two dance groups – the Chinese dance team from the HKBU Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School and local break dance crew Good Job Brother – performed for the audiences. Their acts entertained but were also a reminder that one must make great efforts to achieve goals with perseverance and an unyielding spirit.

About the Programme

Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by the HKSI, the Jockey Club Sports PLUS Elite Athletes Community Programme sets to share the added values of sport with the wider community. The three-year programme (2023-26) is also designed to increase awareness and raise support for Hong Kong’s elite athletes as they participate in major national, regional and international competitions in the coming three years. The holistic campaign targets every sector of the community and features sustained outreach through a varied programme of school visits, sports club outreach, hosted tours of the HKSI, exhibitions and other community engagement initiatives across Hong Kong.