Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (front row, sixth from left) joins the Hong Kong delegation to the Hangzhou Asian Games for a photo in the Games’ village on Sept 22, 2023 to show his support for the athletes. Lee will attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Zhejiang province’s capital on Saturday. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

HANGZHOU – Hong Kong and Macao athletes who are in Hangzhou to compete in the 19th Asian Games said they are determined to put on their best performances at the games, and that the host city’s proximity to their home regions, as well as its cultural similarities, will help them to optimize their performances.

They made their remarks on Friday while attending a welcoming ceremony in the athletes’ village to welcome the competing teams.

During the ceremony, the teams were welcomed by administrative staff from the Hangzhou Asian Games Village, who exchanged gifts with them.

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Although the ceremony took place in the rain, the bad weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the locals, who warmly welcomed the athletes.

During the ceremony, Li Huolin, mayor of the Hangzhou Asian Games Village, said that the village staff are committed to providing athletes with a home away from home, and will do their utmost to keep the athletes safe and comfortable and to ensure they have a memorable experience during their time in Hangzhou.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (first left) interacts with a Hong Kong athlete in Hangzhou on Sept 22, 2023. Lee led a delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou on Saturday. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Following the ceremony, Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, head of the Hong Kong delegation and a leading figure in Hong Kong’s sports and arts sector, said that having the Asian Games in Hangzhou provides the Hong Kong team members with certain advantages, as the cultural similarities create a sense of familiarity and comfort. This may help with their performances in the games, Fok said. In prior competitions in Hangzhou, local people have loudly cheered for the Hong Kong athletes, providing them with a source of support and boosting athletes’ confidence, Fok said.

Fok said that he will meet with friends from many places over the coming days to share ideas and strengthen cultural bonds through sports. “Friendship always comes before competition,” Fok said.

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Yeung Hoi-ching, a Hong Kong swimmer competing in the women’s butterfly event, said the Hangzhou Asian Games Village staff are enthusiastic, and have created a warm atmosphere for the athletes.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (third right) listens to cyclist Wong Kam-po (third left) on his experience and feelings as a torch bearer of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Sept 22, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

She added that the Asian Games offer a platform for athletes to communicate and learn from each other.

Men’s squash player Henry Leung Chi-hin pointed out that Hong Kong are regular competitors at this level, and said that the team is confident of getting a medal. “I can’t wait to get out there on the big stage,” he said, adding that the Asian Games is a good opportunity for athletes to showcase their abilities.

(L-R) Chief Executive John Lee; Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Asian Games, Kenneth Fok; and Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, interact with a Hong Kong athlete in Hangzhou, Sept 22, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

Hong Kong’s woman skateboarding star, Lui Yi-ting, said that competing at the Asian Games has been her dream for a long time. Determined to seize her moment, Lui said she would perform to her best abilities.

Pierre Mione, a fencing coach from France for the Hong Kong saber event, said that his journey to Hangzhou for the Asian Games had been a novel experience. He hopes to find time to explore the city after the games.

Tang Lai-man, a 29-year-old Macao woman judo competitor, said she has devoted the past five years to preparing for the Asian Games. As her competition draws nearer, she said she is feeling nervous but is eager to demonstrate her skills.

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From page 1 Tang also said coming to Hangzhou to participate in the Asian Games felt like a homecoming.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (first row, seventh left); Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung (first row, sixth left); Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Carol Yip (first row, sixth right); and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises are seen on Sept 22, 2023 in Zhejiang to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou on Saturday. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

She appreciates the city’s clean environment, excellent facilities, and the convenience of being able to communicate in Mandarin, and finds the atmosphere comfortable and supportive.

Chan Man-man, a 23-year-old woman boxer from Macao, said she had felt enthralled by the sheer magnitude of the Asian Games and the beauty of Hangzhou throughout the entire day.

Participating in the welcoming ceremony proved to be an enriching experience for Chan, as she was able to enjoy listening to national anthems from different countries and to immerse herself in diverse cultures, she said.

She is determined to try her best and deliver an impressive performance in her event, she added.

For this year’s games, Hong Kong has sent a delegation of approximately 940 members, ncluding around 660 athletes, creating a new record in terms of its scale; Macao has assembled a delegation totaling 273 members, with 183 athletes competing across 21 sporting events, including basketball, badminton, and martial arts.

Contact the writer at oasishu@chinadailyhk.com