Hong Kong leader John Lee congratulates Asian Games delegation on record 54 medals
In short
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on October 4 congratulated the Hong Kong, China delegation on its results at the 20th Asian Games, saying its roughly 580 athletes won 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze medals — 54 in total, a record tally and the most golds the delegation has taken. Lee praised the athletes’ “perseverance and outstanding showing” and said they had brought honour to the country and to Hong Kong. China News Service reported that he also set out government sports support measures and said he looked forward to congratulating the athletes in person at a commendation ceremony.
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Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on October 4 congratulated the Hong Kong, China delegation on its performance at the 20th Asian Games, praising its athletes for what he described as their willpower and outstanding showing. Both Jiemian and China News Service reported the congratulations the same day. [ 1 , 2 ]
The delegation sent about 580 athletes to compete in 38 sports and won 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze medals, 54 in total, according to both reports. Lee said the tally broke the delegation’s previous record for total medals and was its highest gold-medal count, and that the athletes had brought honour to the country and to Hong Kong. [ 1 , 2 ]
Jiemian reported that the gold medals came in wushu, swimming, rowing, squash, sailing, tennis, windsurfing and rugby sevens, and that the squash, sailing and tennis teams recorded historic results. Lee said the athletes’ efforts on the field were “the best embodiment of the Hong Kong spirit”, the report said. [ 1 ]
China News Service reported that Lee said he was “immensely encouraged and proud” and looked forward to congratulating the athletes in person at a commendation ceremony. The report also quoted Lee on government measures to promote sports, including full support for the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s facilities, training resources, sports medicine and sports science research, a higher subsidy ratio for athletes taking part in competitions, and a three-year “sports administrative personnel training scheme” proposed in the new policy address. Lee said the government would keep supporting athletes in different ways, safeguard the development of serving and retired athletes and continue upgrading training and competition venues. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The result is a record medal haul for Hong Kong at an Asian Games, which the territory’s leader cited as evidence of its sporting progress. Lee tied the performance to government funding for training, sports medicine and science, and to support for athletes’ development after retirement, indicating that sports spending will continue. Beyond Hong Kong, the event is mainly of interest as a regional sports result.
Key facts
- Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee congratulated the Hong Kong, China delegation on its 20th Asian Games results on October 4. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The delegation sent about 580 athletes who competed in 38 sports. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The delegation won 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze medals, 54 in total, breaking its previous medal and gold-medal records. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Lee praised the athletes’ willpower and performance, saying they brought honour to the country and to Hong Kong. [ 1 , 2 ]
- According to Jiemian, gold medals came in wushu, swimming, rowing, squash, sailing, tennis, windsurfing and rugby sevens, with the squash, sailing and tennis teams posting historic results. [ 1 ]
- Lee said he was “immensely encouraged and proud” and looked forward to congratulating the athletes personally at a commendation ceremony, China News Service reported. [ 2 ]
- Lee cited government measures including support for the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s facilities, training resources, sports medicine and sports science research, a higher subsidy ratio for athletes entering competitions, and a three-year sports administrative personnel training scheme in the new policy address. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- John Lee congratulated the Hong Kong, China delegation on its Asian Games results on October 4. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The delegation comprised about 580 athletes competing in 38 sports. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The delegation won 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze medals, 54 in total, a record for the delegation and its highest gold count. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Lee praised the athletes’ willpower and performance and said they brought honour to the country and Hong Kong. [ 1 , 2 ]
Still unclear
- The sports in which the delegation won its gold medals — wushu, swimming, rowing, squash, sailing, tennis, windsurfing and rugby sevens — and the historic results of the squash, sailing and tennis teams. Only Jiemian lists these sports; China News Service does not mention them.
- Where and when the 20th Asian Games were held. Neither document names the host city or dates of the Games.
- When the commendation ceremony for the athletes will take place. China News Service says only that Lee looks forward to attending it.