Asian Games 2023: can Hong Kong deliver medals? That is HK$1 million question as city reveals cash bonus for gold
- Cyclist Sarah Lee, gymnast Shek Wai-hung and squash siblings Annie and Leo Au among past Games champions missing from Hong Kong’s biggest ever squad of 681
- But chef de mission Kenneth Fok says the athletes can enjoy ‘something like home ground advantage’ in mainland Chinese city of Hangzhou
Hong Kong’s athletes have been handed a HK$1 million incentive to strike gold at the Asian Games – and the delegation leader backed them to maximise “home advantage” despite the absence of several big names from the last edition.
The financial bonuses on offer at September’s multisport event in the mainland Chinese city of Hangzhou, announced at Hong Kong’s flag presentation ceremony on Tuesday, were up 25 per cent on those last time around in Jakarta five years ago.
And the 681-strong squad’s chef de mission Kenneth Fok Kai-kong insisted he was optimistic about the Games, even if rivalling the 2018 medal haul may be a tall order when some who contributed to it have retired or opted against competing this year.
“We know some Jakarta gold medallists will not be in Hangzhou, but are still confident of some good results,” Fok said at the ceremony at Kowloon Park Sports Centre.
“Firstly, we are sending our largest ever squad to Hangzhou, so that means a better chance for more medals. Secondly, Hong Kong athletes can enjoy something like home ground advantage in Hangzhou – remember, we did a very good job at the 2010 Games in Guangzhou.