Editorial | Hong Kong must ensure the momentum from the National Games is maintained
The team’s performance is a milestone in the city’s development as not only a host of elite international sporting events but also as a strong competitor
Hong Kong went into the National Games with high hopes, fortified by the success it has enjoyed in international sports events in recent years. The city, a co-host for the first time along with Guangdong and Macau, has made good use of home advantage, with cheering fans spurring its athletes on.
There are still a few days to go, but Hong Kong already has a record haul of gold medals, following impressive showings in the Summer Olympics in Paris last year and the Asian Games in 2023.
The performance is another milestone in the city’s development as not only a host of elite international sporting events but also a strong competitor in them. The number of “firsts” recorded by Hong Kong athletes demonstrate progress.
Swimming star Siobhan Haughey won two gold medals in 48 hours. She was the first Hong Kong athlete to win two events at a National Games. The feat was soon matched by cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing, who won the women’s road race and then, with Chloe Leung Wing-yee, secured victory at the velodrome in the Madison.
Ian Ho Yentou became the city’s first National Games gold medal winner in men’s swimming, a big achievement.
The men’s rugby sevens players, meanwhile, won the final, the city’s first team gold at a National Games. Nicholas Halliday started the gold rush with a triumph in the sailing last month. But there have been other notable achievements. Fencer Aaron Ho Sze-long took silver in the men’s sabre, the first Hong Kong medallist in the event at a National Games.