National Games success is ‘missing piece’ for Hong Kong fencing boss
But coach Zheng Kangzhao won’t reveal how many medals he wants to win, urging star fencers Cheung Ka-long and Ryan Choi to enjoy the Games
The man overseeing the development of fencing in Hong Kong has said he is targeting gold medals for some of his charges at this month’s National Games – but refused to reveal the number he has in mind.
Zheng Kangzhao, the city’s head coach, said the current crop of fencers in all three weapon categories – foil, épée and sabre – were better placed to triumph than their predecessors.
Spearheading the challenge will be two-time Olympic champion Cheung Ka-long and his fellow foilist Ryan Choi Chun-yin, the reigning world champion.
And they will take to the piste in familiar surroundings, with Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Arena staging the fencing events from November 15 to 20 as the city co-hosts the Games alongside Guangdong and Macau.
“It’s on my wish list [to win golds], and we are playing at home,” said Zheng, who has been in charge for 14½ years. “It’s a grand slam [opportunity] for us … we have won everything we could internationally. The China Games was the only missing piece, so that’s my wish.”