Elite athletes triumph in 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games

Hong Kong delegations performed outstandingly at the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, which took place in September and October 2023. At the Asian Games, Hong Kong athletes won eight gold medals out of a total of 53 medals, while at the Asian Para Games, they took home another eight gold medals out of a total of 47 medals. At the Asian Games in particular, Hong Kong’s team set a record for the greatest number of medals earned in a single Games event.

Held every four years, the Asian Games and Asian Para Games are the largest multi-sport competitions on the continent. Among the athletes who represented Hong Kong at the two Games held in Hangzhou, 50 were EdUHK undergraduates or graduates. Apart from winning Hong Kong’s first gold medal for a rowing event, the EdUHK team also achieved outstanding results with two silver and six bronze medals in various sports including cycling, wushu, rowing and squash — accounting for a total of nine medals for Hong Kong. All EdUHK medalists hail from the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) at FLASS.

In a recognition ceremony held on 30 October 2023, EdUHK Council Chairman Dr David Wong Yau-kar, together with President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, presented the elite athletes a Letter of Appreciation to honour their impressive performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games. Additionally, scholarships were presented to the medalists as a token of appreciation.

In congratulating the athletes, Dr Wong said, “We are proud of and inspired by the unwavering determination and inspiring spirit you have demonstrated in your sports. Your positive attitude and wholehearted dedication to competing serve as an example for each and every one of us. EdUHK is delighted to be your supporter and partner, and to provide opportunities for your dual career development.”

Professor Lee was delighted by the exceptional performance of the EdUHK athletes. He said, “By dedicating your utmost effort to competing and training, you have demonstrated a relentless quest for excellence that serves as a great inspiration to us all. EdUHK will continue to support you while you explore diverse pathways and carry over the indomitable spirit you have shown in your sporting activities.”

Professor Li Wai-keung, Dean of FLASS, appreciated the great efforts elite athletes have put in their training and learning. He said, “Pursuing university studies and undergoing intensive training to prepare for top competitions like the Games at the same time is not easy at all. As an ‘Elite Athlete Friendly University’, our colleagues at HPE will continue to provide our elite athletes with all-rounded learning support and accommodate their needs for more flexible study arrangements. We will make every effort to help them achieve their dual careers in academic pursuits and athletic development.”

In its pledge as an “Elite Athlete Friendly University”, EdUHK is committed to fostering elite athletes’ dual career development. It was the first UGC-funded institution to sign a collaborative agreement with the Hong Kong Sports Institute, providing elite athletes with an opportunity to receive university education through a flexible admissions mechanism. Since 2010, EdUHK has admitted close to 130 elite athletes to its various academic programmes.

EdUHK’s 19th Hangzhou Asian Games medalists (in alphabetical order of surname):

Notes:

1. BHE stands for Bachelor of Health Education (Honours)
2. MSocSc(SCM) stands for Master of Social Sciences in Sports Coaching and Management