Hong Kong will send its largest-ever delegation of 74 athletes to the 2025 Asian Winter Games, which will be held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, in February.
Scheduled for Feb 7 to 14, this will be the third time the nation hosts the Games, with over 1,500 athletes participating, a record high.
Hong Kong’s athletes will compete in figure skating, short track speed skating, alpine skiing, speed skating, ice hockey, and for the first time, curling — a sort of bowls on ice.
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During a flag presentation ceremony on Wednesday, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui promised that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will continue to provide resources for training elite athletes, offering them direct funding and comprehensive support services.
This includes physical fitness training, sports science, sports medicine, support for synchronous development in their chosen discipline and education, insurance, meals, and accommodation.
She wished the athletes a successful and enjoyable competition, and conveyed the support of all Hong Kong residents.
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During the ceremony, Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, president of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), noted the progressive enhancement of the nation’s winter sports facilities and highlighted how athletes, despite environmental constraints, have trained diligently.
This has resulted in the steady growth of winter sports in Hong Kong in recent years, he said, adding that he eagerly anticipates Hong Kong athletes seizing opportunities on larger stages to refine and demonstrate their abilities.
SF&OC Vice-President Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, who is leading the delegation, mentioned that the Hong Kong team comprises over 100 members, with the youngest being just 15 years old.
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Vice-President Fok, who is also the lawmaker representing sports sector, highlighted the challenges faced by the Hong Kong team in preparing for winter sports events. Due to weather conditions and venue limitations, athletes often undergo training abroad or on the Chinese mainland.
He expressed appreciation for the resources and support extended by different provinces and cities on the mainland.
